The CHOICE sunscreen study — what this means for your sunscreen
In 2025, Australian consumer organisation CHOICE independently tested a range of popular SPF 50 and SPF 50+ sunscreens sold in Australia. 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, and what Dr Chris recommends to patients right now.
By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA
Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · 7 min read · Editorial policy
Why are we talking about the CHOICE sunscreen study?
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.
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?”
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.
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 and reapplied regularly.
The issue is labelling accuracy, not that most of these sunscreens are ineffective.
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.
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
What do I recommend to patients right now?
These are general recommendations, not a substitute for individual advice.
If you’re 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 actinic keratoses
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 this was a zinc-only formulation, tested at approximately SPF 38 — the highest-testing zinc sunscreen in the study. For patients who prefer mineral filters due to sensitivity, pregnancy, or personal preference, this is currently a reasonable and transparent option.
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
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.
Related
By Dr Christopher Irwin, MBChB, FRACGP, MMed (Skin Cancer), FACAM, MSCCA
Last reviewed 2026-06-06 · Editorial policy