Major Australian sunscreen brand Bondi Sands has issued a recall for five batches of two mineral sunscreen products due to potential effectiveness concerns. The recall, announced by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), affects Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face and Body Lotions.
The TGA warned that the impacted products may show uneven texture and visible water separation, which could compromise the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating and overall performance, leading to inadequate sun protection. Bondi Sands stated the recall is unrelated to a recent Choice report that found 16 of 20 popular Australian sunscreens failed to meet their SPF claims.
Consumer advocacy group Choice's testing in June found Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Zinc Mineral Body Lotion had an actual SPF of 26. However, Bondi Sands emphasized that the recall is due to product separation issues, not the Choice findings.
The TGA is continuing its investigation into sunscreens from the Choice list, including Bondi Sands products. The recall follows previous recalls of sunscreens sharing a base formulation from Perth-based manufacturer Wild Child Laboratories, which the TGA found could have an SPF as low as 4.
Consumers who purchased the affected batches are advised not to use the products and to return them to the place of purchase or contact Bondi Sands for a replacement or refund.
