A study of 166 pregnant women in Iran detected oxybenzone and related benzophenone UV filters in nearly all urine samples. Researchers reported that these chemicals may cross the placenta and found several associations with newborn measurements. However, the cross-sectional design cannot prove cause and effect. The findings are best understood as an early precautionary signal, not evidence that sunscreen causes harm during pregnancy, and the authors say larger studies are sti

About the Author Dr. Abhinandan "Rocky" Chowdhury Toxicologist | Risk Assessment Specialist | Expert in Topical Product Safety Dr. Rocky Chowdhury is the Toxicologist for the Australian Sunscreen Council, specialising in topical product safety, risk assessment, and regulatory toxicology. His work supports evidence-based sunscreen safety, ingredient transparency, and public education.

The Australian Sunscreen Council has obtained ten documents from the Therapeutic Goods Administration under Freedom of Information. We are making them publicly accessible here, as released. About this release In July 2026 the Australian Sunscreen Council received ten documents from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) under the Freedom of Information Act 1982 (Cth), released under FOI reference 26-3100. They relate to the TGA's consideration of proposed poison-schedulin

The organic chemical filters in roughly two thirds of Australian sunscreens were never proven to prevent skin cancer, a 2021 review argues. Octocrylene appears in 600 of 924 Australian sunscreen products (64.9%), and the authors say none of the long-approved organic filters has the human evidence to back the cancer-prevention promise on the label. DiNardo JC, Downs CA (2021) Failure to Protect: Do Sunscreens Prevent Skin Cancer in Humans? Toxicology: Open Access 7: 1000157. I

About the Author Dr. Abhinandan "Rocky" Chowdhury Toxicologist | Risk Assessment Specialist | Expert in Topical Product Safety Dr. Rocky Chowdhury is the Toxicologist for the Australian Sunscreen Council, specialising in topical product safety, risk assessment, and regulatory toxicology. His work supports evidence-based sunscreen safety, ingredient transparency, and public education.

The Australian Sunscreen Council welcomes Dr Leslie Laquieze, PharmD, PhD, MBA, and Mgr. Mehrdad Mirzaei as new expert members, strengthening the Council’s scientific expertise in sunscreen testing, photoprotection, skin barrier science, organic UV filters, dermocosmetic claim substantiation and evidence-based sunscreen safety education.

Australian consumers often ask what ingredients are commonly used in Australian sunscreens. This guide explains active UV filters, including mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and organic UV filters such as avobenzone and octocrylene. It helps readers check labels, understand SPF and broad-spectrum claims, and assess terms such as “natural”, “non-toxic” and “reef friendly” without brand recommendations.

Australian Sunscreen Council is proud to support Noosa Concours d’Elegance as an Event Partner, helping volunteers, stewards and visitors enjoy one of Queensland’s leading outdoor motoring and lifestyle events with practical sun safety advice. From hats, sunglasses and shade to SPF50 broad-spectrum sunscreen, the message is simple: plan ahead, reapply regularly, protect exposed skin and enjoy the day safely under the Queensland sun while celebrating classic cars, community an

Australian Sunscreen Council has received international, national, trade and broadcast media coverage for its advocacy on sunscreen safety, UV-filter transparency, testing standards, children’s sunscreen marketing and regulatory accountability.

A new peer-reviewed study has identified 4-MBC, a sunscreen UV filter already banned in major overseas markets, as one of several environmental pollutants associated with higher fasting blood glucose in healthy adults.

The Australian Sunscreen Council’s complaint about Woolworths Kids SPF50+ sunscreen has drawn reporting from Inside FMCG and Retail World, and enquiries from Nine News, the Australian Financial Review and the Courier Mail. ASC says parents deserve clear evidence when a sunscreen marketed for children contains 4-MBC, a UV filter subject to bans, restrictions, removals or non-approval across 78 nations and overseas territories.

Australia’s environmental regulator DCCEEW has listed UV-328 under IChEMS Schedule 6. We break down what this means for phenolic benzotriazole UV filters like Tinosorb M, the PFAS precedent, therapeutic goods exemptions, and the future direction of sunscreen regulation in Australia.

With 4-MBC legally prohibited across Europe and systematically erased from major export markets, 98 distinct geographic jurisdictions worldwide have now restricted this endocrine-disrupting UV filter leaving Australia's TGA behind the curve.

The Australian Sunscreen Council recaps the explosive 9News investigation into the TGA, revealing how known hormone-disrupting chemicals like 4-MBC and Homosalate are still legally allowed in Australian children's sunscreens. Read the full breakdown and see which trusted brands are affected.

Australian Sunscreen Council calls for urgent TGA action after 9News highlighted safety concerns over 4-MBC and Homosalate in Australian sunscreens, including children’s products. ASC says regulatory transparency is needed where chemicals remain permitted in Australia despite bans or restrictions overseas.

Environmental health scientist Dr Laura Vandenberg says concerns about chemical sunscreen ingredients should not be dismissed. The Australian Sunscreen Council calls for safer, evidence-led sunscreen regulation.

Australian Sunscreen Council member Joseph Mizikovsky attended a reception hosted by the U.S. Consul General in honour of Registrar Corp’s Chief Revenue Officer, Tim Rourk, engaging with key industry leaders on regulatory alignment, compliance, and international market access.

The Australian Sunscreen Council (ASC) continues to play a central role in informing public debate on sunscreen safety, regulation, and innovation in Australia. Over the past six months, ASC has been the go-to industry body for the country's leading newsrooms — including the ABC, The Courier-Mail, the Herald Sun, and Nine News — while also extending Australia's voice into international regulatory and scientific forums.

A peer-reviewed study found chemical UV filters including BP-3 and octinoxate in 69–74% of human breast tissue samples. What the research shows — and its limits.

A 2020 FDA clinical trial in JAMA showed all six tested chemical sunscreen ingredients exceeded plasma safety thresholds after a single application. Here's what it means.