Ultra Violette Pulls Lean Screen Sunscreen Following SPF Testing Issues

Inconsistencies in SPF Ratings Lead to Recall

Ultra Violette has made headlines as it pulls its Lean Screen SPF 50+ sunscreen from Australian shelves due to shocking inconsistencies in SPF testing results. This decision comes on the heels of a report from the consumer advocacy group Choice, which earlier identified that many sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims.

Key Findings from Choice Report

• Testing Discrepancies: Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen performed the worst among the tested sunscreens, yielding a disappointing SPF rating as low as 4 compared to its advertised SPF 50+.
• Consumer Trust at Stake: Choice reported that 16 out of 20 popular Australian sunscreen brands did not meet their claimed SPF ratings, raising concerns over consumer safety.

Ultra Violette’s Response

In a public statement, Ultra Violette expressed deep regret that one of its products fell short of expectations. The co-founders underscored their commitment to resolving these issues, stating:

“This week, we received results from those tests that demonstrated significant and, candidly, atypical variability. Across eight different tests, Lean Screen has now returned SPF data of 4, 10, 21, 26, 33, 60, 61, and 64.”

Actions Taken

Given the magnitude of the inconsistencies, Ultra Violette has announced a series of proactive steps:

• Immediate Product Recall: Lean Screen has been pulled from shelves effective immediately.
• Termination of Third-Party Manufacturing: The brand will no longer collaborate with the third-party manufacturer responsible for Lean Screen.
• Enhanced Testing Protocols: Moving forward, Ultra Violette plans to conduct more thorough testing by engaging a wider network of testing facilities and increasing the frequency of SPF evaluations.

Regulatory Oversight and Consumer Safety

Ashley de Silva, CEO of Choice, remarked on the broader implications of these findings:

"Today’s announcement from Ultra Violette confirms there is a clear problem with how sunscreen is regulated and tested in Australia."

The urgent need for better regulation was echoed as de Silva called on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) to expedite its ongoing review of sunscreen testing procedures.

Current Status of TGA Investigation

As of Thursday, the TGA stated:

• It is conducting a comprehensive review of the data submitted by sunscreen manufacturers.
• The complexity of the testing methods currently in use is a known issue, particularly because they rely on human subjects and subjective visual estimations.
• The TGA is considering whether to implement alternative testing methods for more reliable SPF evaluations.

Consumer Trust and Future Steps

Ultra Violette is taking accountability by offering refunds to consumers who purchased Lean Screen. The brand has also committed to a rigorous testing regime to restore confidence in its product line.

Key Takeaways for Consumers

• Refunds Available: Consumers can request refunds for Lean Screen.
• Stay Informed: It’s essential to be informed about the products you use. For detailed information on SPF testing, check out resources provided by Choice.

Conclusion

The recall of Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen highlights the critical need for transparency and reliability in sunscreen testing. As the TGA continues its review, consumers are urged to stay vigilant about the products they use for sun protection. Enhanced regulatory frameworks are vital for ensuring that marketed claims align with actual product performance, safeguarding public health against potential risks.