Skin care January 12, 2026

Sunscreen Recall Australia: Every Brand Affected in 2025

By zenyucom

Sunscreen isn’t optional; it’s a daily essential, especially under the Aussie sun. With some of the highest UV levels in the world and one of the highest rates of skin cancer, most of us grow up being told to “slip, slop, slap” and trust that the SPF on the bottle will do what it says. That’s why the sunscreen recall in Australia in 2025 has caused so much concern.

Late last year, Australia’s medicines and health regulator, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), confirmed that several popular sunscreens sold in Australia were found or suspected to have lower SPF protection than what was claimed on their labels. In simple terms, some products labelled SPF 50+ may not actually be giving Australians the level of sun protection they thought they were getting.

Many people are wondering whether their daily SPF is affected and what this means for their skin health. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what the sunscreen recall in Australia means, which brands and products are involved, and how to stay protected going forward, without panic or misinformation.

Which Sunscreens Have Been Recalled in Australia?

Australia’s sunscreen recalls began after independent laboratory testing suggested that some products labelled SPF 50+ were not meeting that level of protection when tested. After reviewing the data, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) worked with brands and manufacturers to take action. This has included:

Formal recalls of certain products
Brands pulled these products from sale while they carry out more testing.
Ongoing investigations into products that may not meet SPF requirements

Importantly, these recalls were not due to the sunscreens being toxic or dangerous to use. The issue was about effectiveness, whether the sunscreen provided the level of UV protection it claimed on the label.

Most of the affected products were marketed as SPF 50 or 50+, which is the highest category of sun protection in Australia. If a sunscreen does not meet the strict testing threshold for SPF 50+, it must legally be reclassified to a lower SPF or removed from sale.

List of sunscreens recalled in Australia

Below is a compiled list of sunscreens that have officially been recalled, had sales paused, or are under regulatory review in Australia as part of the ongoing SPF investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Ultra Violette Lean Screen SPF 50+
Aspect Sun Physical Sun Protection SPF50+
Aspect Sun Tinted Physical SPF50+
Aesthetics Rx Ultra Protection Sunscreen SPF50+
people4ocean SPF50+ Mineral Bioactive Shield Lightly Tinted Cream – 10g and 45g
BEAUTI-FLTR Lustre Mineral SPF 50+ Illuminating Facial Sunscreen
SPF 50+ MINERAL MATTIFYING SUNSCREEN
SPF 50+ Mineral Primer
Salus SPF 50+ Daily Facial Sunscreen
Happy Days SPF 50+ Daily Face Cream
Good Vibes SPF 50+ Daily Face Cream
Found My Skin SPF50+ Tinted Face/Body Cream
We are Feel Good Inc Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ 100g Cream
The Fountain of Youth Environmental Defence Cream SPF50+
Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Light Sunscreen SPF50+
Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Light) and Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Dark)
Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen
Allganic Light Sunscreen SPF50+ 70g – Baby & Kid Sunscreen
Naked Sundays Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+

How This List Is Evolving

The TGA’s investigation is ongoing, with some products being recalled early, others are under review, and new actions may be announced as more testing is completed. These recalls follow an independent report that found multiple sunscreens did not meet their claimed SPF levels when tested outside industry labs, prompting regulators to reassess SPF compliance.

Is It Dangerous to Use a Recalled Sunscreen?

No, these sunscreens are not toxic or harmful to your health.

The issue behind the recalls is about how well they protect your skin from UV, not about the ingredients being unsafe.

When the TGA steps in for something like this, it’s because a product may not be delivering the SPF level printed on the label. That matters because SPF tells you how much UVB protection you’re getting. If a sunscreen labelled SPF 50+ is actually closer to SPF 15 or SPF 20, you could burn faster than you expect, especially under the harsh Australian sun.

What this doesn’t mean:

The sunscreen is poisonous
It causes rashes, cancer, or internal harm
It’s dangerous to have on your skin

What it does mean:

You might not be as protected as you think
Your skin may be more prone to sunburn
Long-term UV exposure may be higher than intended

For most people, using a lower-SPF sunscreen is still better than wearing no sunscreen at all, but it’s not ideal if you’re relying on it for full sun protection during beach days, outdoor sports, or long periods outside.

That’s why health authorities and brands have moved quickly.

What To Do If You Own a Recalled Sunscreen

If you’ve discovered that one of your sunscreens is on the recall or pause list, don’t panic; there are clear steps you can take.

1. Stop relying on it as your main sun protection

You don’t need to rush to wash it off immediately, but you shouldn’t keep using it as your primary SPF, especially for long periods outdoors. If the product isn’t delivering the protection printed on the label, it may leave your skin more exposed to UV than you realise.

2. Check the brand’s instructions

Most brands affected by the recall or investigation have issued their own guidance. In many cases, they are:

Offering refunds or replacements
Providing batch-specific information
Advising whether you should return or discard the product.

These details are usually available on the brand’s website or customer service channels.

3. Switch to a sunscreen that regulators have approved for sale.

Australia has some of the strictest sunscreen regulations in the world, and many products on the market are not affected by this recall. Look for sunscreens that:

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) continues to list these products as approved.
Clearly state Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher
Come from brands that provide up-to-date compliance information

Here at Zenyu, we have a selection of SPF products that meet all the strict Australian regulations and are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). These sunscreens feature Broad Spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher, so you can enjoy your time outdoors without worry.

If you’re looking for recommendations, here are a few of our favorites:

4. Take extra care with sun protection while the review process continues.

Until you’ve replaced your sunscreen, it’s smart to be extra cautious:

Reapply more often
Wear a hat and sunglasses
Seek shade during peak UV hours
Cover up with clothing where possible

This helps reduce UV exposure even if your sunscreen isn’t performing exactly as expected.

The goal of this recall process isn’t to scare people away from sunscreen; it’s to make sure Australians can trust that when they buy an SPF 50+, it actually delivers that level of protection.

Can You Still Trust SPF Labels in Australia?

Yes, but with a bit more awareness.

Australia has one of the toughest sunscreen regulatory systems in the world. Any product sold as a sunscreen here must meet strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), including evidence to support its SPF claim. The current recall process shows the system is working: regulators investigated concerns and removed or paused products while they reviewed the data.

So while it’s frustrating to see popular brands caught up in this, it doesn’t mean sunscreen can’t be trusted; it means regulators are making sure the numbers on the bottle actually match what’s inside.

Moving Forward With Smarter Sun Care

The sunscreen recall has been unsettling, but it’s also a reminder of how important it is to use products you can truly trust, especially when it comes to protecting your skin from Australia’s harsh UV.

At Zenyu, we believe sun care should be simple, transparent, and backed by science, not just bold claims. If you’re rethinking your SPF and want options that put skin health first, you’re always welcome to explore our carefully selected range.

Browse Zenyu’s skincare and SPF collection and find a sunscreen you can feel confident wearing every day.