How sunscreens are regulated in Australia to be effective and safe

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. At least 2 out of every 3 of us will be diagnosed with skin cancer in our lifetime. Sadly, skin cancer from UV exposure kills over 2,000 Australians every year. Exposure to UV radiation can be reduced by protective behaviours. This includes wearing a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses, seeking shade and using sunscreen.

Sunscreens contain substances that either absorb or reflect the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. This prevents most of it from penetrating our skin and damaging skin cells, which can cause skin cancer. All sunscreens that have a primary purpose of protecting against UV radiation are regulated by the TGA. They must be included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) to be lawfully supplied in Australia.

There has been a lot of discussion about sunscreen recently on websites, apps or social media. There are claims some sunscreens contain dangerous ingredients and can cause health problems. 

Like many everyday products and foods, some sunscreens contain ingredients that can be harmful in high doses. However, the TGA ensures sunscreens meet the high standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. These are set by the Australian regulatory requirements for sunscreens. 

Only approved ingredients can be included in sunscreens. Each ingredient has been assessed for safety by the TGA, with some ingredients having restrictions on the amount that can be included. This ensures that all ingredients are at levels that are not harmful to our health. 

The TGA also regularly tests sunscreens to ensure ingredients stay at safe levels. The companies that make sunscreens available in Australia are also required to maintain records that show they comply with our regulations and that their products are effective and safe.

We also monitor new research and collaborate with overseas regulators to identify any emerging issues with sunscreen products. This helps ensure appropriate regulatory action is taken if any unacceptable risk is identified.

If the TGA does identify a potential safety concern, we investigate it and take decisive action if needed. This may include recalling products that do not meet Australian standards and publishing safety alerts for consumers. 

People who use sunscreens should report any adverse events or problems they experience. This helps us to monitor the safety and performance of products. 

So the best advice is Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide to stay safe in the sun this summer.