Several sunscreens have been pulled or recalled recently due to concerns that their SPF levels are lower than claimed, and some due to contamination issues:
- In New Zealand, several batches of Aspect Sun's Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+ sunscreens were recalled because independent tests showed the SPF level was unlikely to meet the labeled SPF 50+ rating. Consumers were urged to return these products for a refund.
- In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has recalled or paused sale of 21 sunscreens that share the same base formulation as the previously recalled Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+. Preliminary testing showed this formulation had an SPF as low as 4, far below the labeled SPF 50+. Of these 21 products, eight have been recalled or production ceased, 10 have paused sale, and two are under review. This includes products from multiple brands using that base formula, with concerns also raised about testing reliability by a UK laboratory involved in SPF certification.
- Separately, in the US and elsewhere, some sunscreens including brands like Neutrogena, Banana Boat, and Coppertone have issued recalls due to benzene contamination, a known carcinogen, prompting warnings and product pulls.
In summary, there are ongoing sunscreen recalls primarily related to inaccurate SPF claims for certain formulations in Australia and New Zealand and benzene contamination in some international brands.
