00:00Australia's high skin cancer rates mean sunscreen is crucial under the Australian sun.
00:08But Choice has tested 20 popular sunscreens labelled as SPF 50 and found 16 fell short.
00:16I find that really disturbing. I would just trust that what it says on the package is what it should be.
00:22Especially if you're planning like me to lay in the sun all day, it's definitely a bit more of a concern.
00:27Australia has a reputation for having the best sunscreens in the world.
00:31And to come back with this kind of result is alarming and disappointing.
00:37The worst performer was also the most expensive, an ultraviolet product which returned an SPF of just 4.
00:43The company disputes that and says its own testing shows an SPF of above 60.
00:48Several others had SPF ratings in the 20s, including two sold by the Cancer Council.
00:54Some products by Bondi Sands and Banana Boat had an SPF of around 30.
00:58While Nivea and Coles creams were among those in the 40s.
01:01Only four sunscreens came in over 50.
01:04Based on the results that we've seen, we would expect that there would be other products out there that would be similar if we tested them.
01:11But Choice says Australians shouldn't panic about their sunscreens not working.
01:16I should emphasise that it doesn't mean that you throw away your sunscreen.
01:20Any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen.
01:23The Melanoma Institute says lower SPF sunscreens can still provide significant protection.
01:28And how much you put on is as important.
01:31We know that most people apply less than a quarter of the amount of sunscreen which is used in testing.
01:36All the brands tested have rejected the findings and say they have test results showing their products are compliant.
01:43Choice now wants the Therapeutic Goods Administration which regulates sunscreen to do its own testing.
01:48In a statement to the ABC the TGA said SPF test results can vary between labs.
01:53But it is investigating the Choice findings and will take regulatory action as required.
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