Sunscreens

Sunscreens help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays which can cause skin cancer. They contain substances that either absorb or reflect most UV rays.

Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer and melanoma in the world. As well as using sunscreen, you should seek shade and wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses.

If you follow the label instructions and experience an adverse event such as sunburn or a skin reaction, report it to us. Your report helps us identify products that may need investigation.

Report a problem

For more advice on protecting yourself from the sun, visit Sun Safety on the Cancer Council website. 

For health advice or to speak to a registered nurse, visit Healthdirect Australia. 

For general enquiries about sunscreens, you can contact us.

We regulate therapeutic sunscreens for safety, quality and effectiveness (efficacy) when they make claims for sun protection. The majority are listed medicines with an 'AUST L' identification number.

We actively monitor therapeutic sunscreens in the market through both compliance reviews and laboratory testing of things like active ingredient amounts and broad spectrum activity.

If we identify a potential safety or performance concern, we investigate it and take action if appropriate. This may include publishing safety alerts and recalling products that do not provide the SPF advertised on the label. 

Learn more about sunscreen regulation in Australia.