Sunscreen Shock: Popular Australian Brands Fail SPF Tests

Australians are urged to check their sunscreen's SPF rating after a consumer group's investigation revealed that several popular brands provided far less protection than advertised. The Choice investigation tested sunscreens labeled SPF 50+, finding that some offered as little as SPF 4. Brands like Ultra Violette, whose SPF 50+ sunscreen scored only an SPF of 4, have been named. Neutrogena, Banana Boat, and Cancer Council products also scored poorly, with ratings in the 20s. Other brands, including Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, and Invisible Zinc, fared slightly better, with SPF ratings in the 30s. "Australians are buying sunscreens they think are SPF 50+ but are actually getting products with alarmingly low levels of protection," said Isabella Pesch of The Courier-Mail. Ultra Violette disputed the findings, while Cancer Council stated they would conduct an independent review. This highlights the importance of independent testing and verifying sunscreen claims to ensure adequate sun protection.