Aussie nurse explains why your sunscreen isn't really working

Has your sunscreen not been as effective as you'd like it to be? You might want to check those labels. 

It’s no secret that some sunscreens are better than others. But, what if the sunscreen you’re using isn’t a sunscreen at all?

An Aussie nurse has taken to TikTok to debunk a common misconception about allegedly sun protective products - and you might want to double check your favourites.

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Image: TikTok / @j_stokesparish.

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“Is your sunscreen actually a sunscreen?”

Aussie nurse and TikTok creator Dr Jess has taken to the app to share a little known fact about sunscreens - or what you think are sunscreens.

“Is your sunscreen actually a sunscreen?” she began in the video.

“There are a few Australian small businesses that are trying to evade regulations by not calling a ‘sunscreen’ product sunscreen.

“They use things like ‘sun stick’ or ‘sun balm’ or ‘Tallow Balm with SPF’ and things like that. And, the thing is, that they then go on to make claims in their comments or on social media or on their website that they’re sun protective, which means that they’re claiming that it’s a sunscreen.”

Given that sunscreens are very highly regulated in Australia, there is an easy way to find out if your favourite products are registered.

“Go onto the ARTG, which is the TGA’s Therapeutic Goods database, and search for the brand name or the product name,” Dr Jess recommended in the video.

“If it comes up with no results, then this product is not a sunscreen, and the company likely doesn’t have the necessary testing to make sure that it is doing what it says that it’s doing.”

In the comments, Dr Jess also noted that if the product has an ‘L’ number on the bottle or tube, that’s also an indication that it’s all good for use.

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“How is this allowed?”

Initially, many commenters on the video were fuming that this was even possible in Australia - considered the skin cancer capital of the world.

“seriously, how is this allowed in Australia!” one commenter said.

“Wild! And deceptive,” said another.

“How is that even legal wow,” a third agreed.

@j_stokesparish

Is your sunscreen actually a sunscreen? There’s a growing market of ‘sunscreens’ that are sold using sunscreen adjacent language to evade regulatory attention. Buyer beware! #sunscreen #sunscreenviral #fyp #australia #summertime

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Others said they’ve even seen these businesses online themselves, advertising that their products provide adequate sun protection without meeting the proper regulations to be able to do so.

“So frusting that I report sunscreen frauds on this platform as “harmful misinformation” but TikTok doesn’t seem to agree 😡” one commenter said.

“I get in arguments with Aus Brands in particular about marketing things as sunscreen but calling them something else quite regularly in comment sections of their ads, get blocked most of the time 🙄” said another.

However, many had no idea this was happening, thanking Dr Jess for her informative content.

“Wow, thanks for this! I put in the one I use on my baby thinking it was great and it’s not listed!” one commenter said.

“Thank you for this piece of information,” said another.

“Wow I had no idea! Thank you for this!” a third said.

So… what can I use?

If you’re sitting here worried about whether your sunscreen is okay to use, the good news is that most major brands pass the test, like Mecca Cosmetica, Bondi Sands, Neutrogena, and, of course, the Cancer Council.

Lots of our favourite smaller businesses are also on the list - and commenters couldn’t be more relieved.

“Phew, just checked and Skinnies is on there. It’s so quickly become my favourite sunscreen, non-greasy and, most importantly, doesn’t sting eyes. 😂 As a redhead from NZ, I need it every single day,” one commenter said.

“Little urchins for my sensitive skin family is 👏🏻👏🏻 50spf for the whole family and a sunscreen zinc stick,” said another.

“Naked Sundays is all good guys 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻” assured a third.

“I’m soo happy moogoo is on there it’s the only one that works for my skin,” another said.

“So happy I found Go-to (nifty fifty) on there, cause that stuff is lovely!” said another.

Originally published as Aussie nurse explains why your sunscreen isn't really working