The Hard Truth When It Comes To SPF!
I recently came across alarming news about "fake" SPFs being withdrawn in Spain, exposing the widespread issue of misleading sunscreen labels. This was not the first time I have been informed of misleading labelling in the sunscreen manufacturing industry. Unfortunately, this isn’t an isolated problem - it’s a global phenomenon, and Australia is no exception.
In the USA, labs have been investigated by the FBI for falsifying SPF tests, certifying products as SPF 50 when, in reality, they were often no higher than SPF 10. This puts users at significant risk, dramatically increasing their chances of sun damage and skin cancer. Shockingly, Australia only has one remaining SPF testing facility, but it upholds the most rigorous, ethical, and compliant SPF testing standards in the world.
Why would anyone choose offshore testing when the highest standard is right here in Australia?
The Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS), says there is confusion over labelling, and it could be a skin cancer risk.
They have requested that 14 sunscreens currently sold on the Spanish market be taken off the shelves because of incorrect labelling.
Over half of sunscreen products tested did not live up to the SPF claim on their bottles, according to the study.
Researchers at AEMPS independently evaluated the Sun Protection Factor value of 19 sunscreen products - including lotions, sprays and sticks - and found that 14 of them had less SPF than the label promised.
Any reduction would block fewer UVB rays from sunlight, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
In Australia, living in one of the harshest environments in the word, we cannot afford to use ineffective skincare let alone ineffective SPF!
In an ever-increasing deceptive world the beauty industry and pharma are some of the worst culprits when it comes to misleading and fraudulent behavior.
At dr.NC, I’ve made it my mission to produce and formulate 100% Australian-made skincare, and I ensure all our SPF products are tested exclusively at this facility. Having personally tested many products that claimed SPF 50 but didn’t meet the mark, I was driven to create a sunscreen that offers TRUE protection.
This commitment led to the creation of FaceShield SPF True 50 - a mineral-only, chemical filter-free sunscreen boosted with antioxidants, hydrating, and completely invisible (no white cast).
After 15 years of dedication to formulating, I’m proud to offer a product that delivers the protection it promises!
Sunscreens recalled for having less than 50 SPF:
– ‘Les Cosmetiques sun ultimate sensitive SPF 50+ sun spray for sensitive skin’, by Carrefour Shopping Centers
– ‘Belle & Sun invisible solar mist SPF 50’, by Perseida Belleza
– 'Fotoprotector fusion water SPF 50+', by ISDIN
– ‘Farline solar spray SPF 50+ 200 mL Very high protection’, by Farline Comercializadora de Productos Farmacéuticos SA
– ‘Babaria solar protective mist SPF 50’, by Berioska
– ‘Seesee transparent sun spray SPF 50+’, by Cosmetrade
– ‘Piz Buin hydro infusion gel sunscreen SPF 50 High Protection’, by Johnson & Johnson Santé Beauté
– 'Adival sensitive skin SPF 50+’, by STADA Arzneimittel AG
– ‘Lancaster sun sensitive luminous tan comfort cream SPF 50+’, by Coty.
Sunscreens recalled for having less than 29.9 SPF:
In these cases, the AEMPS has urged companies to voluntarily withdraw them, which are:
– ‘Abelay Sunscreen SPF50’, by Ab7 cosmetic
– ‘Mussvital fotoprotector spray aerosol ultra light 50+’, by Peroxfarma
– ‘Eucerin sun protection sensitive protect sun spray transparent dry touch SPF 50 high’, by Beiersdorf AG
– ‘Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Solar Mist air soft SPF 50+ (High)’, by Wilkinson Sword
– ‘Australian gold SPF Botanical SPF 50 continuous spray’, by Biorius
Read the full article here.
