Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to common questions, from Australia’s sunscreen industry body.

Last reviewed 30 October 2026.

 

Sunscreen Hub / Frequently Asked Questions

All questions

Choosing and reading a sunscreen

What is the best sunscreen?

This is a matter of opinion. Our view? The best sunscreen is the one you like and will use regularly. Choose the product you prefer, because you're more likely to use it often. Look for broad spectrum on the label. Pick an SPF that suits how you'll use it, and water resistant if you'll be swimming or sweating. Then use it with shade, a hat, sunglasses and clothing. Our sunscreen roadmap explains why we think sunscreens people enjoy wearing matter for skin cancer prevention.

Sources: Accord Australasia, Sunscreen in Australia: a roadmap (March 2026); Cancer Council, Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen.

What does the SPF number on my sunscreen mean?

SPF tells you how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of the UV rays that cause sunburn. SPF 50 blocks about 98%. A higher SPF gives a little more protection, not extra time in the sun. Which SPF suits you depends on how you'll use it. The Nambour Trials show that daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen makes a statistically significant difference to cancer risk. For long days outdoors, at the beach or playing sport, a higher SPF such as 50+ is worth considering. Our SPF explainer shows how the numbers work.

Sources: QIMR Berghofer, Sunscreen can prevent melanoma (Nambour trial); Accord Australasia, Solving sunscreen: a thought starter (March 2026); Cancer Council, How sunscreens are tested and regulated.

What's the difference between SPF 50 and SPF 50+?

SPF 50 means that the sunscreen tested between SPF 50 and 59 and SPF 50+ means the sunscreen tested at SPF 60 or above. Australian labels can't show a number higher than 50+.

Sources: TGA, Understanding the regulation of therapeutic sunscreens; Accord Australasia, Solving sunscreen: a thought starter (March 2026).

What does broad spectrum mean on sunscreen?

Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. Due to different wavelengths, UVA and UVB penetrate the skin to different depths. Both age the skin and both add to skin cancer risk. A sunscreen has to have the right ratio of UVA/UVB protection before it can be labelled broad spectrum. In Australia, all primary sunscreens and moisturisers with added SPF protection must be broad spectrum.

Sources: TGA, Therapeutic sunscreens; TGA, Understanding the regulation of therapeutic sunscreens; AS/NZS 2604:2021 Sunscreen products - Evaluation and classification, Table 1.

What does water resistant mean on sunscreen?

Water resistant means the sunscreen still protects you for a while in water, but not forever. In Australia, a sunscreen must test above SPF 15 to claim water resistance of up to 2 hours, and SPF 30 or higher to claim up to 4 hours. The protection is tested after time in water matching the claim on the label. Still, it is good practice to reapply at least every two hours, and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel.

Sources: TGA, Understanding the regulation of therapeutic sunscreens; Accord Australasia, Solving sunscreen: a thought starter (March 2026); Cancer Council, All about sunscreen: 101 basics; AS/NZS 2604:2021 Sunscreen products - Evaluation and classification, Table 2.

Is sunscreen regulated in Australia?

Yes. A product sold in Australia as a sunscreen is a therapeutic good, regulated by the TGA. It has to be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods and meet the Australian sunscreen standard. Look for an AUST L number on the pack. Moisturisers and makeup with a low SPF are generally treated as cosmetics instead. They also have to meet the Australian sunscreen standard and comply with a range of regulations at state and federal level, including the provisions of the Australian Consumer Law, the ingredient risk management through the Poisons Standard and regulations in states and territories referencing the Poisons Standard, and industrial chemicals introduction regulations.

Sources: TGA, Therapeutic sunscreens; TGA, Sunscreens; Accord Australasia, Solving sunscreen: a thought starter (March 2026).

Can I trust the SPF on Australian sunscreens?

There's been a lot of debate about this since the 2025 testing results, and views differ. Our view? Yes, but treat the SPF number as a guide, not an exact measure. Sunscreens sold in Australia are regulated by the TGA. They generally have to be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods, and the supplier must certify that the product meets the requirements. SPF is measured on human volunteers, and results can vary between laboratories, especially at higher SPFs. Our SPF explainer shows the error margin that can exist for these tests. In 2025, consumer testing found some sunscreens scored well below their label. The TGA investigated, some products were recalled or taken off sale, and changes to how sunscreens are tested are now being considered. Keep using sunscreen, apply enough and reapply every two hours, and use shade, a hat and clothing too. You can check the TGA website for recalls, and report a problem to the TGA. You can read our response to the 2025 testing news, and how we think SPF testing and labelling should improve, in our roadmap and thought starter.

Sources: TGA, Sunscreens; TGA, Seeking feedback on improvements to the regulation of sunscreens in Australia (March 2026); Cole et al., The variability of in vivo sunscreen SPF values (2025); TGA, Report a problem; Accord Australasia, New roadmap calls for smarter regulation (media release, March 2026); Cancer Council, How sunscreens are tested and regulated.

Using sunscreen

How much sunscreen should I use?

An adult needs about 7 teaspoons (35 mL) to cover the whole body once. That's about one teaspoon for each arm, each leg, the front, the back, and the face, neck and ears. Most people put on far less than this. Our roadmap estimates the average Australian adult uses only about 115 mL of sunscreen a year. A day at the beach, with reapplying, can use around 100 mL. Over a week, it adds up fast, so use our slider to work out how much to pack if you are planning a sun-filled holiday

Sources: Cancer Council, Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen; Accord Australasia, Sunscreen in Australia: a roadmap (March 2026).

Do I need to reapply sunscreen, even if it's SPF 50+?

Yes. Put sunscreen on about 20 minutes before you go outside, then reapply at least every two hours. Reapply straight after swimming, heavy sweating or drying off with a towel. Sunscreen wears off, and sunlight breaks it down. A higher SPF doesn't change this.

The two-hour mark isn’t when sunscreen stops working. It’s a simple rule of thumb that’s easy to remember. Over a few hours, normal things like sweating, touching your face and rubbing against clothes slowly thin the layer on your skin and leave gaps. Most people also put on much less than the amount used to test SPF, so you would start with less protection than the label suggests. Reapplying tops up the layer, covers spots you missed and brings your protection closer to what the label says. There is some judgement required and we recommend you err on the side of caution.

Sources: Cancer Council, Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen; Cancer Council, All about sunscreen: 101 basics; Accord Australasia, Solving sunscreen: a thought starter (March 2026).

Do I need to wear sunscreen every day?

Use it on any day the UV index is 3 or above. In many parts of Australia, that's much of the year, not just summer. Check the UV index in the SunSmart Global UV app, a weather app or on the Bureau of Meteorology website. It's a better guide than the temperature.

Sources: Cancer Council, All about sunscreen: 101 basics; Cancer Council NSW, Finding out the UV radiation levels in your area; SunSmart, FAQs for sun protection and skin cancer.

Is a moisturiser or makeup with SPF enough?

Views can differ here. Cancer Council says cosmetics with SPF 50 or higher give good protection when first applied, but recommends a sunscreen for long periods outdoors, swimming or sweating. Our view? For a normal day indoors, or for commuting to work early morning when UV index is low, a moisturiser labelled broad spectrum and SPF 15 or higher can be enough, as long as you put on a good amount. Makeup with SPF isn’t applied the same way as a moisturiser or sunscreen and should not be the only sun protection. Most people put on a thin layer, which gives much less protection than the label says and it doesn’t have to be broad spectrum unless the SPF is 30 or higher. For a day outdoors or at the beach, use a sunscreen. Consider the position statement Balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure: A revised position statement for Australian adults, exercise common sense, and err on the side of more sun protection.

Sources: Cancer Council, Fact sheet: Sunscreen; TGA, Therapeutic sunscreens.

Can you build more protection with multiple products?

SPFs don’t add up the way you think they might. Putting SPF 15 on top of SPF 30 doesn’t give you SPF 45. The exact improvement in protection from using multiple SPF products isn’t measured, and is likely to differ depending on the formulation of each product. But every sunscreen application and reapplication protects your skin.

Is it safe to use sunscreen past its expiry date?

No. Products are only tested for their stability to their expiry date. After this date, there may be issues such as lower efficacy or microbial contamination. The product might be fine, but you are rolling the dice. Check the expiry date on the pack and throw it out when it's past that date. Heat can also break it down, so don't leave it in a hot car or in the sun.

Sources: Cancer Council, Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen.

What should I do if I react to a sunscreen?

Stop using it and wash the area with water. Mild redness or itching often settles once you stop. See a doctor if the reaction is severe, spreads, or doesn't settle. A pharmacist can help you find a sunscreen with different ingredients. Don't give up on sun protection, since hats, clothes and shade still make a real difference. To test a new sunscreen, dab a little on your inner forearm and watch it for a few days before you use it more widely. Some people only react after using a product a few times. You can report a reaction to the TGA.

Sources: TGA, Report a problem; Cancer Council, Advice on how to choose, apply and store sunscreen.

Myths and misinformation

For longer answers to common myths about sunscreen and other everyday products, visit our Furphies website.

Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen?

You'll hear strong views on both sides of this one. Our view? Products sold as sunscreens in Australia, mineral or chemical, must meet the same standard for efficacy, safety and quality, and both protect you when applied properly. Which one suits you often comes down to how it feels, how it looks on your skin, and whether you react to certain ingredients. Our Furphies site breaks down some of the common myths and misinformation around sunscreen ingredients.

Sources: TGA, Sunscreen ingredients; Accord Australasia, Furphies: Sunscreens - more harm than good?; Accord Australasia, Response to calls for a Queensland schools sunscreen ban (2026); Cancer Council, The science behind sunscreen and SPF.

Can sunscreen cause cancer?

There's no good evidence that it does. Long-term Australian research shows regular sunscreen use reduces skin cancer, including melanoma. More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation. Read more in our response to sunscreen scare tactics.

Sources: QIMR Berghofer, Sunscreen can prevent melanoma (Nambour trial); Cancer Council, The science behind sunscreen and SPF; Cancer Council, Skin cancer cause, symptoms and risks; Accord Australasia, Australian Sunscreen Association alarmed at sunscreen scare tactics (2026).

Does wearing sunscreen every day cause vitamin D deficiency?

Not for most people. Sunscreen reduces how much vitamin D your skin makes, but it doesn’t stop it. Large studies of people using sunscreen daily didn’t find lower vitamin D levels. Most people also don’t put on enough sunscreen to block all UV. There can be individual differences that can impact this consideration. If you’re worried about your vitamin D, talk to your doctor. If you are interested in learning more, this position statement may be of interest: Balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure: A revised position statement for Australian adults

Sources: Neale et al., Balancing the risks and benefits of sun exposure (2024); Cancer Council, Fact sheet: Sunscreen.

Do I need sunscreen on a cloudy day?

Yes. Clouds block some UV, but not all of it. A cool, overcast day can have UV as high as a warm, sunny one. If the UV index is 3 or above, you need sun protection, whatever the weather looks like.

Sources: Cancer Council, Skin cancer cause, symptoms and risks; SunSmart, FAQs for sun protection and skin cancer.

Do people with darker skin need sunscreen?

Yes, but skin cancer risk varies for different skin tones. Everyone should still protect their skin durin

Sources

 

Accord Australasia
Sunscreen

About Accord

Accord Australasia is the peak industry body for the companies that make and supply sunscreen in Australia. We unite the industry, build consensus and give it a strong voice with regulators, government and the community. In sunscreen, that means advocating for testing, labelling and regulation that is robust, workable and backed by science, and supporting policies that encourage innovation, safety and consumer confidence. We equip our members with the knowledge and connections to meet Australia’s high standards, and we help Australians get accurate information about one of the most important health products they use.

Accord is the business owner of, and may trade under, other business names, including: Australian Sunscreen Council and Australian Sunscreen Association. We are aware of another organisation claiming to be the Australian Sunscreen Council and Accord has no affiliation with them. 

Important information

The information on these pages is general in nature and isn’t medical advice. For advice about your own skin, sun exposure or a reaction to a product, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and always read and follow the directions on your sunscreen’s label. As an industry body, we don’t recommend or endorse any particular brand or product.

We review this content regularly, and each page shows when it was last reviewed. Regulations and scientific evidence can change, so check the date before relying on the information. Links to external websites are provided for convenience, and we aren’t responsible for their content.

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