With summer well underway and UV levels soaring across Australia, many people are feeling uncertain about sunscreen after the recent recalls and testing failures. When something we rely on for protection comes under scrutiny, it’s natural to wonder which products are actually safe and effective.

The truth is: sunscreen remains one of the most important tools we have to reduce UV damage but it shouldn’t be the only tool. As any Skin Cancer Screening Practitioner will remind you, shade, protective clothing and routine skin checks all play a critical role. Sunscreen is simply one piece of your sun-safety plan.

Here’s a clear, practical guide to help you navigate sunscreen confidently this summer.

Why sunscreen still matters

Despite the headlines, the evidence supporting sunscreen is overwhelmingly positive. There’s very little evidence that sunscreen causes harm, and a significant amount showing that regular use reduces the risk of skin cancer.

A well-known Queensland study followed more than 1,600 people over several years. Those who applied sunscreen every day had 40% fewer squamous cell carcinomas, and ten years later, they had 73% fewer invasive melanomas than those who used it only occasionally. Remarkably, they were using SPF16 far lower than the SPF30+ and SPF50+ formulas we use today.

So even if a sunscreen doesn’t quite reach its labelled SPF during testing, consistent daily use still provides meaningful protection. The problem is not whether sunscreen works, it’s ensuring the product you choose performs the way it claims.

What caused the recalls this year?

This year, consumer testing by Choice sparked concern when 16 out of 20 sunscreens failed to meet their labelled SPF level. Further investigations suggested two main issues:

• A poor-quality base formulation supplied to multiple brands
• Potentially unreliable SPF testing results submitted by a testing laboratory

In response, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) advised consumers to avoid certain products and launched a broader review of sunscreen ingredients and manufacturing quality.

Are the chemical ingredients safe?

Two commonly used UV filters homosalate and oxybenzone have been under review. Research suggests these chemicals may cause hormonal effects in animals, but only when consumed at doses far higher than what humans would ever receive through sunscreen.

Even with high daily use, absorption remains well below the threshold considered risky. Still, the TGA has recommended lowering the maximum allowable levels not because they’re unsafe now, but to widen the margin of safety.

You don’t need to throw out sunscreens containing these ingredients, but if it puts your mind at ease, choose formulas without them. There are plenty of options.

What to look for when buying sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, four things are non-negotiable:

• SPF30+ or SPF50+
• Broad-spectrum protection
• Water-resistant formulation
• TGA listing (“AUST L”)

Beyond that, choose a product you like using. If it feels greasy or heavily scented, you’re less likely to apply it regularly. Many people prefer a dedicated face sunscreen and a more affordable one for the rest of the body.

Avoid spray sunscreens; they’re too easy to under-apply.

How to apply sunscreen properly

To get the labelled protection, you need:

• 1 teaspoon for the face and neck
• 1 teaspoon for each arm
• 2 teaspoons each for the front and back of the torso
• 2 teaspoons for each leg

Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every two hours or sooner after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Don’t forget ears, hands, feet, and the back of the neck.

Sunscreen is essential but it’s not armour

If you’re outdoors for more than a few minutes, you still need:

• Long-sleeved clothing
• A broad-brimmed hat
• Sunglasses
• Shade where possible

And importantly, regular skin checks. If you’re concerned about your skin or want reassurance, book a visit with a Skin Cancer Screening Practitioner at Skin ChX. Early detection saves lives.

The bottom line

Sunscreen recalls can be unsettling, but instead of abandoning sunscreen, choose wisely, apply correctly, and combine it with other protective measures. With the right habits and guidance, you can enjoy the Australian summer safely.

Skin ChX is here to help keep you sun-safe.