Several sunscreens have been recalled in 2025 primarily due to concerns that their sun protection factor (SPF) levels do not meet the claims on their labels. Many of these products share the same base formulation, notably involving Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ which was found to have an SPF as low as 4, significantly below the advertised SPF 50+.
Sunscreens Recalled or Paused
- The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has announced actions involving 21 sunscreens using the same base formulation as Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+, either recalling, pausing sales, or reviewing them.
- Among these, eight products have been recalled or had their manufacture stopped completely, and another ten have been paused from sale.
- Brands involved include Aspect Sun SPF50+ Physical and Tinted Physical Sun Protection, Aesthetics Rx Ultra Protection Sunscreen Cream, New Day Skin Good Vibes and Happy Days Sunscreens, Allganics Light Sunscreen, and several others, including Ethical Zinc and Ultra Violette products.
- The recall and sales pause aim to protect consumers from sunscreens that offer substantially lower SPF protection than declared, which could increase risks of sunburn and skin cancer.
Recall Details in New Zealand
- Two sunscreens sold widely in New Zealand, Aspect Sun's Physical Sun Protection SPF50+ and Tinted Physical SPF50+, have also been recalled with specific batch numbers identified, following similar concerns about SPF levels.
Additional Concerns
- Testing reliability issues have been flagged concerning a UK-based laboratory (Princeton Consumer Research Corp) that tested many of these products.
- Separately, there have been other sunscreen recalls due to contamination with benzene, a known carcinogen, highlighting another significant safety risk with certain sunscreen products.
These recalls reflect serious regulatory actions in response to consumer safety concerns about sunscreen efficacy and safety, especially in countries with high skin cancer rates like Australia and New Zealand.
