It’s been a big year for sunscreen, and not necessarily in a good way. A wave of headlines has spotlighted numerous sunscreens being pulled from shelves after independent labs couldn’t replicate their SPF claims. It's sparked a wave of concern, confusion, and even fear for some consumers. But amidst the noise, we’ve got some reassuring news: our Everyday Easy Glide SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen has been re-tested, and it passed with flying colours.
Still, we’re not here to brag. At Sol Goods, we know this moment is bigger than one brand. It’s about trust, transparency, and a crucial reminder: don’t ditch your sunscreen.
In the face of scary headlines, it can be tempting to stop using sunscreen altogether. But doing so could have serious consequences. Sunscreen is one of the most effective tools we have in preventing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. And that’s not all, it also helps defend against premature ageing caused by sun damage, like wrinkles, pigmentation, and loss of skin elasticity.
Paired with other sun-safe habits, like seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours, sunscreen is your skin’s best friend. So even as SPF testing controversy swirls, abandoning sunscreen is not the answer.
What’s the deal with SPF testing?
So, what’s going on behind the scenes? A lot of the recent failed SPF claims come down to one key issue: the way sunscreen is tested.
Most SPF testing follows what's called the SPF 10-subject protocol. This method involves testing sunscreen on just 10 human volunteers. And while that might sound like a fair sample, there’s a catch. Human skin is complex. A person’s skin tone, diet, medications, and even immune health can all impact how quickly they burn. So, when you're relying on such a small and highly variable group, results can swing wildly.
In short? The testing system itself has flaws. It can make sunscreens seem less effective than they really are, not because the formulas don’t work, but because the protocol can’t always capture their true protective power. The industry is aware of this issue, and it is only a matter of time before improved testing standards will be introduced across Australia and New Zealand.
Keep wearing sunscreen
We understand the confusion. But walking away from sunscreen isn’t the solution, it’s a risk we can’t afford to take. Especially when melanoma rates are rising globally.
If there’s one thing to take away from this SPF saga, it’s that the system may need improvement, but sunscreen still works. So don’t ditch your sun protection, just be a little smarter about it. Read the label. Ask questions. Support brands that are transparent and proactive. And above all, keep applying that SPF.