Concerns over sun protection claims have led to the recall or suspension of ten additional sunscreen products in Australia. This brings the total number of affected sunscreens to 18. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) announced the latest actions on Tuesday, following the earlier recall of Ultra Violette's SPF 50+ Lean Screen product in August.

The TGA stated that Wild Child Laboratories Pty Ltd, the manufacturer of the base formulation used in the Ultra Violette sunscreen, conducted new efficacy tests. Preliminary results indicated that the base formulation is unlikely to provide an SPF greater than 21. Furthermore, testing of other products using the same base formula suggested that some may have an SPF as low as 4.

This announcement came after an investigation revealed that five sunscreens previously paused from sale shared the same base formula as Ultra Violette's Lean Screen. The TGA expressed significant concerns regarding the reliability of SPF testing conducted by Princeton Consumer Research Corp (PCR Corp), a UK-based laboratory. An earlier investigation highlighted that at least eight sunscreens that failed a recent review by the consumer group CHOICE were tested by PCR for their certification in the Australian market.

The TGA noted that many companies producing sunscreens with the problematic base formulation relied on PCR Corp's testing to substantiate their SPF claims. These companies obtained their testing results before the TGA raised its concerns. The TGA has communicated its issues with PCR Corp's testing to all companies involved and has reached out to PCR Corp for clarification but has yet to receive a response.

Wild Child Laboratories has halted production of the questionable formulation. The TGA is now considering regulatory actions against sunscreens that utilized the problematic base formula and were tested by PCR for the Australian market. The agency stated, "Each company is provided with an opportunity to respond to any proposed regulatory action before the TGA makes a decision."

In its announcement, the TGA listed 21 sunscreens that either have been recalled, paused, or are currently under review. The affected products include: - Aspect Sun SPF50+ Physical Sun Protection - Aspect Sun SPF50+ Tinted Physical Sun Protection - Aesthetics Rx Ultra Protection Sunscreen Cream - New Day Skin Good Vibes Sunscreen SPF50+ - New Day Skin Happy Days Sunscreen SPF50+ - Allganics Light Sunscreen SPF50+ - Beauti-FLTRLustre Mineral SPF50+ - Found My Skin SPF 50+ Tinted Face/Body Cream - Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Light Sunscreen - Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Dark) - Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen (Light) - Endota Mineral Protect SPF50 Sunscreen - We are Feel Good Inc Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ - Glinda Wand The Fountain of Youth Environmental Defence Cream SPF50+

Consumers are advised to stay informed about the safety and efficacy of sunscreen products as the TGA continues its review and regulatory processes.