• Source:JND
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Australia’s outdoor lifestyle and culture often idolise bronzed skin, yet Australia also carries the unwanted title of the world’s skin cancer capital. Two out of three Australians are expected to have at least one skin cancer surgically removed in their lifetime. Against this backdrop, sunscreen is considered a daily necessity. But a recent consumer watchdog report has shaken public trust in the very products designed to protect them.

In June, Choice Australia tested 20 widely used sunscreens in accredited laboratories. 16 of them failed to meet the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) ratings advertised on their labels. Among the worst offenders was Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Sunscreen, which returned an SPF reading of just 4. A second test in Germany confirmed the result, forcing the brand to recall the product and issue a public apology.

Other well-known brands, including Neutrogena, Banana Boat, Bondi Sands, and even the Cancer Council, also failed to meet SPF claims, though many disputed Choice’s findings.

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Public Health And Consumer Outrage

The revelations have sparked outrage in a nation where applying sunscreen is second nature. Customers vented on social media, questioning whether refunds could ever compensate for years of potential sun damage. “People have been relying on your sunscreen and trusting it. A simple refund isn’t good enough,” one user posted in response to Ultra Violette’s recall statement.

Public figures have also weighed in. Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke, who has battled recurring skin cancer since 2006, reminded followers: “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today.”

A Debate Over SPF Standards

SPF measures how effectively a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. While SPF 50 products are marketed as blocking 98 per cent of UV rays, SPF 30 still blocks about 96.7 per cent. Experts stress that proper and frequent application is key.

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Still, Choice’s report has exposed weaknesses in Australia’s sunscreen testing and regulation. “It is clear that there is a serious issue in the Australian sunscreen industry that urgently needs to be addressed,” said Rosie Thomas, Choice’s campaigns director.