Sunscreen brands like Bondi Sands and Ultra Violette are on the hot seat, defending their products after a Choice report revealed that some popular sunscreens may not be providing the level of sun protection they claim. The stakes are high as consumers rely on these products to keep themselves and their families safe from harmful UV rays.
In a recent investigation, Choice tested 20 sunscreens sold in Australia, only to find that 16 of them did not meet their advertised SPF levels. This has sparked a wave of concern among customers who trust these brands to shield them from the sun’s damaging effects.
According to Choice, several well-known brands such as The Cancer Council, Nivea, Neutrogena, Sun Bum, Invisible Zinc, Banana Boat, as well as major supermarkets’ own labels were among those failing to live up to their SPF promises alongside Bondi Sands and Ultra Violette. One product that stood out was Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen which was reported to have an actual SPF of just 4.
Mark Serrels from Choice expressed deep concern over these findings stating that
“We believe Australians should be able to expect that SPF 50-rated sunscreen will provide that level of protection.”
In response to the report, Choice submitted its results for review by regulatory bodies including the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and the Australian Consumer and Competition Commission (ACCC).
Interestingly, only four out of the tested sunscreens exceeded their SPF claims according to Choice. These included La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50, Cancer Council Kid Sunscreen 50+, and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen.
The backlash from this report has put sunscreen companies in defense mode with Ultra Violette vehemently standing by its product. The brand declared it scientifically impossible for their zinc-based sunscreen with an alleged SPF of 4 based on Choice’s testing methods. Similarly, Bondi Sands refuted the findings claiming they do not align with their own test results conducted within regulatory guidelines.
Industry experts like Sally Branson emphasize how crucial it is for sunscreen brands to maintain consumer trust especially when it comes to health-related products like sunscreens. Branson highlighted the importance of reassuring customers about the efficacy of these products given Australia’s high awareness around skin cancer prevention.
She noted how risky it can be for brands to challenge reputable consumer advocates like Choice but also acknowledged opportunities for brands like Ultra Violette to leverage social media platforms in addressing concerns raised by consumers. By proactively engaging with customers through transparent communication about testing procedures and quality control measures, companies can potentially mitigate negative perceptions stemming from such reports.
In conclusion, this episode serves as a reminder of the critical role sunscreen plays in protecting our skin from sun damage and underscores the need for transparency and accountability within the industry. Consumers are encouraged to stay informed about product performance while companies strive to uphold stringent standards in delivering reliable sun protection solutions.
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