Campaign Updates

Latest Updates

Follow the campaign, from breaking research and regulatory developments to milestones in our push for a National Sunscreen Program. This page is updated as new information emerges.

Key Development
Sunscreen ScandalJune 2025

CHOICE investigation: 16 of 20 sunscreens fail SPF testing

Consumer advocacy group CHOICE independently tested 20 popular Australian sunscreens at a TGA-approved laboratory. The results were alarming: 16 out of 20 failed to deliver the SPF protection stated on their labels. One product labelled SPF 50+ returned an SPF of just 4 in testing, confirmed by a second independent laboratory in Germany.

Products from Ultra Violette, Banana Boat, Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, Aldi, Naked Sundays, Mecca, Wotnot, Belo, and Sunsense were among those tested. The investigation raised serious questions about Australia's regulatory framework, which relies on manufacturers to self-certify their products rather than requiring independent pre-market testing.

Read the CHOICE report CHOICE media release
TGA ResponseJune–July 2025

TGA raises concerns over 20 sunscreens, but no public explanation

Following CHOICE's investigation, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) raised concerns over 20 sunscreen products. Several brands recalled or paused sale of their products. However, the TGA has not provided a public explanation for why so many products failed, how long they were on shelves, or what systemic changes have been made to prevent recurrence.

The absence of a transparent public response from the TGA remains a significant concern. Australians deserve to know what went wrong, who is accountable, and what has changed. UVI3 continues to call for mandatory independent pre-market testing and transparent public reporting of sunscreen test results.

Research2024

International study identifies Australia as global outlier for UV-related cancer

An international study associated with the World Health Organization, published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature, identified Australia as the only country where ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the leading preventable cause of cancer in men, underscoring the unique and urgent nature of Australia's skin cancer crisis.

The study reinforces what Australian health authorities have long known: Australia's UV environment is uniquely dangerous, and system-level prevention, not just individual behaviour change, is required to address the skin cancer burden.

CampaignOngoing

UVI3 launches petition for a National Sunscreen Program

UVI3 has launched a petition calling on the Australian Government to establish a National Sunscreen Program, making broad-spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen freely available in schools, workplaces, sporting facilities, and public spaces across Australia.

The campaign draws on international precedent (including France's successful national sunscreen program), the economic case for prevention, and the equity argument that sun protection should not be a privilege of those who can afford it. Sign the petition and help build the movement for change.

Sign the petition

Have a tip or media enquiry?

If you have information about sunscreen testing, TGA regulatory decisions, or media coverage relevant to the campaign, we want to hear from you. UVI3 also welcomes media enquiries and collaboration with journalists covering skin cancer prevention.

Policymakers & Media
Share this page:
PostShareShare

Be part of the change.

Sign the petition for a National Sunscreen Program and help make prevention the norm for every Australian.

Sign the Petition