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Sunscreens

Most sunscreens are regulated by the TGA.

Last updated

Using sunscreens helps protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which cause skin cancer. Sunscreens contain substances that either absorb or reflect UV rays. They prevent most UV rays from penetrating the skin and damaging skin cells however, they do not block 100% of harmful UV radiation.

Sunscreens considered to be therapeutic goods are regulated in Australia to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy. The majority are listed medicines with an 'AUST L' identification number.

For information on supplying or selling a sunscreen in Australia, see Supply a non-prescription medicine.

 

Sunscreens we regulate

Sunscreens regulated by the TGA and approved for supply in Australia can be found by searching the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG).

Primary sunscreens

Products that are used primarily to protect the skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Some secondary sunscreens

Products that contain sun screening agents but:

  • have a primary purpose other than sun protection. For example, moisturising skin care products with a SPF of over 15.
  • are considered to be therapeutic goods. For example, they are not deliberately 'excluded' from being regulated as a therapeutic good by legislation. These excluded products are outlined in the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination 2018.

Reporting sunscreen issues

You are encouraged to report a problem or side effect with a sunscreen to the TGA. 

Reports contribute to our ongoing monitoring of sunscreens.

How we monitor sunscreens on the market

We actively monitor therapeutic sunscreens in the market through both laboratory testing and compliance reviews to ensure they comply with our safety, quality and efficacy requirements.

If we identify a potential safety concern, we investigate it and take action if needed.

This may include:

  • publishing safety alerts
  • recalling products that do not meet Australian standards.

The results of these investigations are published on our website as alerts.

Latest alerts

All alerts

Latest articles

  • Sunscreen SPF testing - information for sponsors

    News articles
    The TGA is currently investigating the CHOICE report on Sunscreen SPF testing, as per our previous statement on 21 August 2025. This update outlines the steps that sunscreen sponsors should take if they identify a problem with their product.

  • Sunscreen SPF testing - information for consumers

    News articles
    As per our previous statement on 21 August 2025, the TGA is currently investigating a CHOICE report on Sunscreen SPF testing. This update provides information for consumers.
All articles

Latest publications

  • Australian Sunscreen Exposure Model

    Corporate reports
    The Australian Sunscreen Exposure Model performs sunscreen exposure calculations that reflect the unique conditions and practices in Australia.

  • Safety review of seven active sunscreen ingredients

    Corporate reports
    Based on the data considered in this safety review, we recommend regulatory controls for homosalate and oxybenzone to restrict their permitted concentrations and use in therapeutic sunscreens.

  • Safety review of benzophenone

    Corporate reports
    This updated safety review uses the Australian Sunscreen Exposure Model to assess the risk of benzophenone as a degradant in sunscreens.
All publications