The CHOICE sunscreen study
What This Means for Your Sunscreen
By Dr Chris Irwin
In 2025, Australian consumer organisation CHOICE independently tested a range of popular SPF 50 and SPF 50+ sunscreens sold in Australia. The results raised understandable concern among patients and clinicians alike.
This article explains:
- what CHOICE actually found
- why some sunscreens tested lower than their label
- what SPF numbers really mean in real life
- whether you should still trust sunscreen
what I recommend to patients right now
The CHOICE sunscreen study
Why Are We Talking About the CHOICE Sunscreen Study?
CHOICE tested 20 popular SPF 50 / 50+ sunscreens.
Only 4 of the 20 met or exceeded their labelled SPF.
Most of the remaining products tested below the label claim, but many still provided moderate to high protection.
One zinc-based product — Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+ Mattifying Zinc Skinscreen — was an extreme outlier, testing around SPF 4–5 in two separate laboratory assessments. This product was subsequently recalled, and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) initiated a broader review.
Understandably, many patients asked:
“If some sunscreens don’t match the label, can I still trust sunscreen?”
The CHOICE sunscreen study
What Did CHOICE Actually Find?
From the CHOICE testing:
- 4 products met or exceeded SPF 50/50+
- 16 products tested below their label claim
- Most “failed” products still tested in the SPF 20–40 range
- One product tested dramatically lower (SPF ~4–5)
Sunscreens That Met or Exceeded SPF 50+
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin SPF 50+ (≈ SPF 72)
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50 (≈ SPF 56)
- Cancer Council Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+ (≈ SPF 52)
- Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+ (≈ SPF 51)
Sunscreens Testing Below Label Claims
Many well-known brands tested between SPF 24 and 40.
While this is lower than the label, it still represents meaningful UV protection when applied correctly.
The CHOICE sunscreen study
How Can a Sunscreen “Fail” a Test but Still Work?
What SPF Really Means
SPF measures protection against UVB (burning) radiation, not UVA.
According to the TGA:
- SPF 20 ≈ 95% UVB blocked
- SPF 30 ≈ 97% UVB blocked
- SPF 50 ≈ 98% UVB blocked
This means the difference between SPF 35–40 and SPF 50 is less than 2% absolute UVB protection.
So a sunscreen testing at SPF 38 still offers high protection, particularly if:
- applied generously
- reapplied regularly
The issue is labelling accuracy, not that most of these sunscreens are ineffective.
The CHOICE sunscreen study
Why Do Different Tests Get Different SPF Numbers?
SPF testing (ISO 24444) is performed on human volunteers, which introduces variability:
- natural differences in skin response
- slight variation in application thickness
- subjective assessment of redness
Because of this, the TGA has acknowledged variability and is reviewing testing standards, including laboratory-based (in-vitro) methods.
The CHOICE sunscreen study
Should You Still Use Sunscreen?
Yes — absolutely.
Both CHOICE and the TGA strongly advise continuing sunscreen use.
Key points:
- SPF 30+ products are still classified as high protection
- No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV
- Sunscreen remains a core pillar of skin cancer prevention
In our clinic, we advise:
- Use sunscreen daily when the UV index is 3 or higher
- Apply enough:
- 1 teaspoon for face and neck
- 1 teaspoon per arm
- 2 teaspoons per leg
- 2 teaspoons front torso + 2 for back
- Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating
- Combine with hats, clothing, sunglasses and shade
- If a product is under investigation or recalled, switch products
The CHOICE sunscreen study
What Do I Recommend to Patients Right Now?
These are general recommendations, not a substitute for individual advice.
If You Are Comfortable With Chemical Sunscreens
La Roche-Posay Anthelios range (e.g. Anthelios XL SPF 50+)
Reasons:
- modern, stable chemical filters
- strong UVA and UVB protection
- cosmetically elegant (people actually use it)
- one Anthelios product exceeded SPF claims in CHOICE testing
For most average-risk adults, this is a reliable daily sunscreen.
If You Have Significant Sun Damage or
La Roche-Posay Anthelios KA+ SPF 50+
This formulation is designed for chronically sun-damaged skin and may help reduce future keratoses when used regularly as part of a broader management plan.
If You Prefer Mineral (Zinc-Based) Sunscreens
Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
In CHOICE testing:
- zinc-only formulation
- tested at approximately SPF 38
- highest-testing zinc sunscreen in the study
While SPF 38 is lower than the label, it still provides high UVB protection when applied correctly.
For patients who prefer mineral filters due to sensitivity, pregnancy, or personal preference, this is currently a reasonable and transparent option.
The CHOICE sunscreen study
Summary of the CHOICE 2025 Sunscreen Results
- Most sunscreens tested lower than the label
- Most still provided moderate to high protection
- One zinc sunscreen performed extremely poorly and was recalled
- Sunscreen remains effective and essential
Application and reapplication matter more than small SPF differences
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I trust sunscreen after the CHOICE study?
Yes. Most sunscreens still provide meaningful protection. The issue is label accuracy, not complete failure.
Is SPF 30 enough?
For most people, SPF 30+ applied correctly offers high protection. SPF 50 provides slightly more, but correct use matters more than the number.
Should I switch sunscreens?
Only if your product has been recalled or if you’re uncomfortable continuing it. Otherwise, focus on correct application.
Are zinc sunscreens safer?
Zinc sunscreens can be a good option, but some perform poorly. Independent testing helps guide safer choices.
Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer?
Sunscreen significantly reduces UV damage, but works best alongside protective clothing, shade and regular skin checks.
The CHOICE sunscreen study
References
- CHOICE consumer summary — We tested the SPF claims of 20 sunscreens. 16 failed. (2025)
- CHOICE media release — 16 of 20 sunscreens didn’t meet SPF claims (2025)
- TGA — Updated statement on CHOICE SPF findings (June 2025)
- TGA — Sunscreen SPF testing information for consumers (September 2025)
- TGA — SPF percentage explanations
- TGA — Original statement on CHOICE findings
- La Roche-Posay product information — Anthelios KA+ SPF 50+
CHOICE SPF table data (as per reference 2)
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