Our mission is to preserve and enhance Australia’s global leadership in sunscreen safety and efficacy by working in partnership with government, unions, industry, health experts, and community organisations.
Public Policy for Sunscreen and Sustainability
As the peak industry body for Australia's $500 million sunscreen and SPF cosmetics sector, the Australian Sunscreen Council (ASC) leads policy engagement to promote science-based regulations, environmental stewardship, and public trust in Australian-made sun protection products.
Our advocacy is grounded in a deep commitment to public health, marine sustainability, and ethical industry practices. We collaborate with federal and state governments, health regulators, unions, industry stakeholders, and community organisations to shape policies that safeguard consumers and ecosystems alike.
Our Policy Priorities
Sunscreen Active Ingredient Safety
We advocate for the approval and continued review of UV filters based on the latest global safety data. ASC works to ensure that all active ingredients permitted for use in Australia meet the highest standards for human health and environmental safety. We support transparent, science-led toxicological assessments that protect consumers without stifling innovation or local manufacturing.
Zero Tolerance for Carcinogenic Contaminants
ASC is committed to eliminating contamination of Australian sunscreens with harmful substances such as benzene and benzophenone, which can enter formulations through poor-quality raw materials or degraded actives. We work with regulators and manufacturers to improve testing, traceability, and accountability across the supply chain — ensuring Australian sunscreens remain among the safest in the world.
Marine Protection & Reef-Safe Policy Zones
We partner with environmental agencies, marine scientists, and local governments to promote reef-safe sunscreen standards and advocate for the introduction of designated Reef-Safe Zones in ecologically sensitive areas. Our goal is to educate the public and reduce the use of harmful chemical UV filters that contribute to coral bleaching and marine toxicity.
Our Approach
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Evidence-Based Advocacy: Grounded in toxicology, dermatology, and environmental science.
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Government Engagement: Working with the TGA, NICNAS, APVMA, and relevant state departments.
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Industry Integrity: Promoting best practices in manufacturing, testing, and claims substantiation.
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Sustainability Leadership: Driving the transition to marine-safe, cruelty-free, and plastic-neutral sunscreen products.
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