Australian sunscreen brand Ultra Violette has pulled its Lean Screen Skinscreen from the market after new laboratory results revealed inconsistent SPF protection. The company confirmed customers should stop using the product and can claim refunds.
Inconsistent SPF Results
The issue first came to light in June when a consumer advocacy group raised concerns over several sunscreen products, including Ultra Violette. Independent testing suggested that Lean Screen SPF 50+ was offering far lower sun protection than advertised.
Following the initial findings, Ultra Violette conducted its own testing across multiple laboratories. The results showed a wide variation in SPF levels, ranging from as low as 4 to as high as 64. The company said the inconsistency did not meet its standards and decided to withdraw the product from stores.
Other Products Remain Unaffected
Ultra Violette stated that the recall only applies to Lean Screen. Testing on the rest of the company’s sunscreen line has reportedly shown consistent results, and those products remain available for purchase.
Regulatory Response
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has confirmed that it is investigating sunscreen testing standards in Australia. Officials noted that variability in SPF results is a known issue and said they are reviewing existing testing requirements. Alternative methods, including in vitro testing, are being considered to improve accuracy.
Consumer Impact
Lean Screen was one of Ultra Violette’s higher-end products, retailing for more than $50. The sudden withdrawal has raised concerns about reliability in sunscreen labelling and testing across the industry. For now, consumers are being advised to discontinue use of Lean Screen and follow refund instructions provided by the company.
