Base formulation may be linked to 21 sunscreens falling short of SPF claims, drug regulator finds

Some Australian sunscreens may have sun protection as low as SPF 4 despite claiming a much higher level. Photograph: ArtMarie/Getty Images

The same base formulation has been identified in 21 sunscreens that Australia’s medicines regulator has warned are unlikely to have a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of more than 21, with some products as low as SPF 4.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) on Tuesday identified sunscreens sold by 17 different companies using a base formulation made by manufacturer Wild Child Laboratories as likely to fall far short of their sun protection factor claims.