Tejal SomvanshiAustralian skincare brand Naked Sundays has temporarily pulled its SPF50+ Collagen Glow Mineral Sunscreen from shelves while awaiting new test results to verify the product’s sun protection claims. The precautionary pause comes just days after rival Australian brand Ultra Violette recalled its Lean Screen product following inconsistent SPF testing results.
In a statement published Monday on their website, Naked Sundays explained they’ve received “a large number of customer inquiries” about their Collagen Glow Mineral sunscreen specifically. The brand confirmed preliminary results from a new independent lab for the US-made version supported the SPF50 claim and it has notified the TGA about making that version available locally while awaiting final independent results.
“Till then we’ve paused the mineral from sale in Australia out of precaution, while we await new, complete independent SPF results, and subsequent guidance from the TGA on their investigation into SPF testing,” Naked Sundays stated.
Beauty retailer Mecca, which stocks Naked Sundays products, confirmed they’re removing all sizes of the SPF50+ Collagen Glow 100% Mineral Perfecting Priming Lotion from sale immediately. Mecca is offering customers a full refund on the product.
Industry-Wide SPF Testing Under Scrutiny
The sunscreen industry in Australia has faced increased scrutiny since June when consumer advocacy group CHOICE published testing results showing 16 out of 20 popular sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims.
The most dramatic failure in CHOICE’s testing was Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF50+, which returned a result of just SPF4. After initially disputing the findings, Ultra Violette conducted its own additional testing, which showed wildly inconsistent results ranging from SPF4 to SPF64. The brand announced last Friday it would withdraw the product immediately.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which regulates sunscreens in Australia, is currently investigating the CHOICE findings. In a recent statement, the TGA acknowledged the known variability in SPF testing across laboratories and mentioned they are “exploring alternative test methods that may be more reliable.”
Manufacturing Questions
While Naked Sundays hasn’t disclosed its manufacturing partners due to confidentiality agreements, they confirmed the product is made by “multiple manufacturers both in Australia and in the USA” using different combinations of sources, manufacturing methods, and ingredients.
The pause only affects the Collagen Glow Mineral produced by one Australian manufacturer, with no other products in their range impacted.
In the case of Ultra Violette, their recalled Lean Screen was manufactured by Perth-based Wild Child Laboratories. Last month, reports indicated that the same base formula used in Lean Screen may be used by other sunscreen companies. Following Ultra Violette’s recall, Wild Child confirmed it has ceased using Princeton Consumer Research (the testing lab) and initiated confirmatory testing with alternative accredited laboratories.
What Consumers Should Do
The Melanoma Institute Australia and other health organizations recommend using SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen as just one part of sun protection. The Melanoma Institute Australia advises:
- Continue using sunscreen, including products you already own
- Apply generously (about a teaspoon for face/neck and a shot glass amount for the body)
- Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating
- Combine sunscreen with protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and seeking shade
- Remember that even SPF50+ sunscreens let some UV rays through
For those specifically using the Naked Sundays Collagen Glow Mineral product, Mecca is providing full refunds.
Testing Variability Issues
The inconsistent SPF results highlight a known issue with sunscreen testing methodologies. Currently, the internationally accepted method for testing SPF involves human subjects, which can produce variable results.
The TGA noted in its statement that “there is variability in SPF testing results across laboratories because testing on humans can be highly subjective and the response to a test can differ dramatically from one individual to another.”
As part of its ongoing investigation, the TGA is exploring alternative testing methods that may provide more consistent results, including in-vitro options that don’t require human subjects.
The Bigger Picture
Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally, making effective sunscreen crucial for public health. The TGA emphasizes that using sunscreen remains an important measure to prevent harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.
Consumer advocates like CHOICE are calling for the TGA to conduct its own compliance testing rather than relying solely on reports from manufacturers. They’ve also requested the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) investigate whether consumers are being misled by SPF claims.
For now, Naked Sundays customers will need to wait until the brand receives new independent SPF test results and guidance from the TGA before the Collagen Glow Mineral sunscreen returns to Australian shelves.
Proper sun protection is essential not only for preventing skin cancer but also for reducing premature aging caused by UV exposure.
