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Sunscreens are proven to protect against the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation
The benefits of sunscreen continue to far outweigh any risks. Australians are urged to continue using sunscreens, alongside seeking shade and wearing and protective clothing, hats and sunglasses
Sunscreens that we regulate (therapeutic sunscreens) are generally included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) via the low risk, listed medicine pathway. They also have an AUST L number on the label.
Listed therapeutic sunscreens are included in the ARTG without a pre-market evaluation. These sunscreens can only contain ingredients from our pre-approved list of permitted ingredients. We call this list the Permissible Ingredients Determination. You can search the list to see all approved sunscreen ingredients and any restrictions that apply to the use of these ingredients.
A number of the ingredients that can be included in therapeutic sunscreens were included in therapeutic goods supplied in Australia before the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989 came into operation. These ingredients were assessed to have an established safety profile based on prior regulatory oversight and a long history of safe human use. Since then, all new ingredients have undergone a safety assessment by us. If a person wishes to include an ingredient that is not currently approved for use in listed medicines, the substance must be evaluated by us before such use is permitted.
We review ingredients used in sunscreens to maintain the highest standards of quality, safety and efficacy for sunscreens in the Australian market.
We monitor international developments in sunscreen safety and prioritise our ingredient reviews by considering the use of the ingredient in sunscreen products marketed in Australia.
In July 2025 we published:
No changes to the rules for 5 ingredients are required.
We are proposing changes to the rules around 3 ingredients to reduce the quantities permitted in sunscreens:
We consulted with the public on proposed scheduling changes to lower the permitted level of these ingredients.
The proposal to restrict the quantities of these ingredients in sunscreens is a precautionary measure based on potential signals from animal data studies, not human studies, when animals were exposed to these chemicals in high doses and for long periods of time, which is far beyond the amount that humans would be exposed to.
The interim decision on these ingredients will be published and subject to public consultation in early 2026. If these proposals go ahead, the quantities of these ingredients in sunscreen products will need to be reduced within a certain period of time.
We are currently reviewing the safety of the active ingredient 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) but are yet to make a recommendation. We will publish the outcome of this review when it is finalised, as per previous reviews, in the interest of providing transparency for Australian consumers.
We are aware of several social media and other marketing campaigns that promote zinc-based sunscreens over chemical-based sunscreens. These campaigns often present incomplete and alarmist narratives about sunscreen ingredients. We have concerns regarding the potential for misinformation which can cause unwarranted fear in consumers around using chemical-based sunscreens.
All sunscreens are made from chemicals, but they work in different ways depending on their active ingredients:
Both mineral and chemical sunscreen ingredients protect against the harmful effects of UV radiation and offer advantages and disadvantages. For example, mineral sunscreens may be gentler on the skin but can feel thicker and heavier. Chemical sunscreens are generally more lightweight and non-greasy.
We recommend that consumers choose the product that they prefer, as you are likely to use it more frequently.
Nanoparticles are tiny particles that are so small you need a specialised microscope to see them. Some sunscreens use nanoparticles of the mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Some people worry that nanoparticles might be absorbed into the body and be harmful, but research shows they are safe when used as directed. In 2017, we reviewed studies on the safety of nanoparticles in sunscreens. The evidence shows they don’t go deep into your skin. Even if a small amount does get through, it’s so tiny that it’s very unlikely to cause harm.
Get tips on how to use sunscreen or how to choose a sunscreen.
Find detailed information on our safety review process, findings, and recommendations for sunscreen ingredients.
Find details of our previous public consultations on sunscreen ingredients.
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia, and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures, and to all Elders both past and present.
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