Investigation · SPF Testing · 2026

Which Sunscreens Passed (and Failed) Australia's 2026 SPF Tests

When consumer group CHOICE independently tested 20 popular SPF50/50+ sunscreens in 2025, 16 fell short of their labelled SPF - one measured SPF 4. Four met their claim. Below: the pass/fail list, what a “fail” really means, and how to choose one you can trust. GLOW didn't run these tests - we report CHOICE's and the TGA's published results, linked at the end.

Met their claim

The sunscreens that passed.

Four of the twenty matched or beat their labelled SPF in CHOICE's independent testing. If you want a tested-and-confirmed pick, start here.

1SPF 72

La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF 50+

Tested at ~SPF 72 by CHOICE - comfortably above its labelled 50+.

Met its SPF claim

2SPF 56

Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50

Met its SPF 50 claim, measuring ~56 in independent testing.

Met its SPF claim

3SPF 52

Cancer Council

Kids Sunscreen SPF 50+

Held up at ~SPF 52 - one of only four to meet its claim.

Met its SPF claim

4SPF 51

Mecca Cosmetica

To Save Body SPF 50+ Hydrating Sunscreen

Matched its label at ~SPF 51 in CHOICE's testing.

Met its SPF claim

Fell short in testing

The sunscreens that fell short.

These returned a lower SPF than their label in CHOICE's 2025 testing. A “fail” means under-labelled, not unsafe - and where a brand has contested or retested, we note it.

Biggest discrepancy

Ultra Violette - Lean Screen SPF 50+

CHOICE measured ~SPF 4 (retested ~5 at a second lab). Ultra Violette contested the result, then withdrew the product from sale in August 2025.

Product	CHOICE result	Brand response
Banana Boat Baby Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+	~SPF 28	Disputes result; says it meets TGA requirements
Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	Disputes result; stands by its testing
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion	Below labelled SPF	Says its own retest met SPF 50+
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Sunscreen	Below labelled SPF	Says its own retest met SPF 50+
Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	“Very concerned”; stands by its own results
Cancer Council Everyday Value Sunscreen SPF 50	Below labelled SPF	Stands by its own results
Cancer Council Kids Clear Zinc SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	Stands by its own results
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Lotion SPF 50	Below labelled SPF	-
Aldi (Ombra) Everyday Sunscreen Lotion 50+	Below labelled SPF	-
Woolworths Everyday Tube SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	-
Coles SPF 50+ Sunscreen Ultra Tube	Below labelled SPF	-
Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50	Below labelled SPF	-
Sun Bum Premium Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	-
Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Lock SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	-
Nivea Sun Kids Ultra Protect & Play Lotion SPF 50+	Below labelled SPF	-

Source: CHOICE, June 2025. Results attributed to CHOICE; brand responses summarised from public statements. Specific figures shown only where a measured value was reported.

How SPF is tested.

SPF isn't read off a machine - it's measured on people, which is partly why two labs can disagree.

What a “fail” actually means.

A failed product is not dangerous - it just delivers less than the number on the front. Even an under-performer blocks most UV; the gap adds up over a long Australian day.

If you bought one

What to do now.

Keep using sun protection - stopping is far riskier than a lower-than-labelled SPF.
Apply more, reapply often. Use 7 teaspoons for the body and top up every 2 hours.
Layer up: hat, shade, sunglasses and clothing do what sunscreen alone can't.
Follow the UV3+ rule: whenever the UV index hits 3 or above, protection is worth it.
Prefer certainty? The four products above met their claim in independent testing.

Frequently asked

Common questions.

Are the sunscreens that failed the SPF test dangerous?

No - a ‘fail’ means a product delivered lower SPF than its label says, not that it's harmful. You're still protected, just less than the number suggests, so reapply more often and don't rely on one thin layer.

Which sunscreen brands passed Australia's SPF test?

In CHOICE's 2025 testing, four met or beat their labelled SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin SPF 50+, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Lotion SPF 50, Cancer Council Kids SPF 50+ and Mecca Cosmetica To Save Body SPF 50+.

Can I trust SPF 50+ labels in Australia?

Most do, but independent 2025 testing showed several popular ones under-delivered - and some brands dispute those results. Until the TGA's review concludes, apply generously and reapply every two hours.

Did GLOW run these SPF tests?

No. SPF testing requires accredited labs and human-panel trials. This reports the results published by CHOICE (June 2025) and the TGA's response, linked below.

Keep reading

Related SPF guides.

The regulationIs Australia scrapping the SPF number?What the TGA's 2026 label overhaul actually proposes. The ranking Best SPF in Australia, 2026 Our tested-and-ranked pick of everyday sunscreens that hold up. How-to How to apply SPF properly Most people use a quarter of what they need - here's the fix. By skin type Best SPF for oily skin Lightweight, non-greasy formulas that won't clog or shine.

Sources & method

Where this comes from.

GLOW did not conduct SPF testing. This reports independently published results and regulatory guidance:

General information, not medical advice. SPF results vary between labs and several findings are contested; the TGA's review is ongoing. Do not stop using sun protection. Related: best SPF for oily skin · all skincare guides.