Sydney: Australia’s sunscreen regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), has proposed sweeping reforms to the industry following a major controversy that led to dozens of popular sunscreen brands being removed from shelves.
The proposed overhaul comes after testing conducted last year by consumer advocacy group Choice found that many sunscreens were not delivering the level of protection stated on their labels. The findings sparked widespread public outrage in Australia, a country considered a global hotspot for skin cancer.
An additional investigation by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation raised concerns about a leading laboratory responsible for testing sunscreen efficacy, as well as a manufacturer that produced a commonly used base formula for several products.
We have opened an 8-week public consultation to seek feedback on a range of options to improve the regulation of sunscreens in Australia, including options to improve reliability and transparency of SPF testing. The consultation is open until 23 May 2026: https://t.co/ZJPq2Hknt6 pic.twitter.com/fwLIZ0ZGzO
— TGA Australia (@TGAgovau) March 26, 2026
In response, the TGA has announced plans to simplify sunscreen labelling and introduce stricter oversight of testing laboratories. The proposed measures include expanding testing requirements, mandating accreditation for testing facilities, and improving transparency to help rebuild consumer confidence in SPF claims.
Andy Kelly from Choice stated that enhancing testing standards and transparency is critical to restoring trust, stressing that consumers must be able to rely on SPF ratings when choosing products to protect themselves from Australia’s harsh sun.
Skin cancer remains a serious public health issue in the country, with around 2,000 deaths from skin cancer and melanoma each year. It is estimated that two out of every three Australians will have at least one skin cancer removed during their lifetime.
In Australia, sunscreens are classified as medicines and are monitored after they enter the market, rather than being assessed by regulators beforehand. Despite already having some of the strictest sunscreen regulations globally, the TGA said that the current situation highlights the need for further reform.
The proposed changes will focus on improving the reliability and consistency of SPF testing, as well as ensuring the quality and effectiveness of ingredients and formulations, particularly for cosmetic sunscreens that claim high levels of sun protection.
One notable proposal involves revising labelling requirements by replacing numerical SPF ratings with simpler categories such as low, medium, high, and very high. However, this suggestion has faced criticism.
Choice has opposed removing SPF numbers, arguing that the current system is widely recognised globally and that the priority should be ensuring accuracy rather than changing the format. Importantly, the review will not cover the safety of sunscreen ingredients or products specifically designed for children.
The reform push follows a June report by Choice, which found that 16 out of 20 sunscreens tested, including several premium brands, failed to meet their advertised SPF levels. In one high-profile case, a product by Ultra Violette labelled SPF 50+ was found to have an actual SPF of just four, prompting a voluntary recall.
A separate investigation by the TGA identified ‘significant concerns’ regarding SPF testing for nearly two dozen products that shared the same base formula as Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen, suggesting they may not provide the level of protection stated on their labels.
Experts have also pointed out that sunscreen testing and ratings can vary. Cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong previously noted that SPF testing has, at times, become more of a marketing exercise than a precise measure of effectiveness.
However, Wong added that most sunscreens tested still offer sufficient protection to significantly reduce the risk of skin cancer, with many capable of cutting incidence rates by more than half.
The proposed reforms aim to strengthen trust in sunscreen products, improve regulatory oversight, and ensure Australians can confidently rely on sun protection products in a country with one of the highest UV exposure risks in the world.
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