How is sunscreen tested in Australia?

Regulatory: How SPF is Tested and Why It Matters

In Australia, sunscreen isn’t just a cosmetic, it’s considered a therapeutic good, which means it’s held to some of the strictest standards in the world.

That’s because sunscreen plays a crucial role in preventing sunburn, skin damage, and  skin cancer, so every claim made on a label needs to be backed by robust, scientific evidence.

Who Regulates Sunscreen in Australia?

Sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) the same body that oversees medicines and medical devices. Before a sunscreen product can legally be sold in Australia, it must comply with:

• Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021,
  which sets strict protocols for SPF testing and water resistance.

• The international SPF testing method known as ISO 24444:2019.

What Is ISO 24444:2019?

ISO stands for the International Organisation for Standardisation, a global body that brings together experts from around the world to create consistent, science-backed standards.

ISO 24444:2019 is the gold standard for in vivo SPF testing, which means it’s conducted on real people, 10 human volunteers to be exact. It’s designed to ensure that sunscreen products are tested fairly, consistently, and under tightly controlled conditions.

Can Brands Test SPF In-House?

Absolutely not.

In Australia, SPF testing must be carried out by independent, accredited laboratories, not by brands themselves. These labs follow highly specific protocols and are audited to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Below is an example report of our sunscreen testing for our face SPF, we use an external laboratory based in Australia, which is accredited to test sunscreens in line with the Australian/New Zealand Sunscreen Standard.

The report highlights on the first page that our formulation is tested according to the ISO 24444:2019 and also complied with the Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2604:2021. This standard sets strict methods for testing SPF and water resistance, ensuring your sunscreen does exactly what it promises.

This blog is part of our ongoing SPF series, where we’re unpacking the facts behind sunscreen, from what SPF actually means, to how it’s tested, and how to choose and use it correctly.

Stay tuned for the next instalments.