The Cancer Council has issued a recall for its clear zinc kids SPF50+ sunscreen due to a problem with the product’s consistency, potentially compromising its effectiveness. The issue arises from the sunscreen’s ingredients failing to remain properly mixed, leading to an uneven texture.

This separation problem can result in a reduced SPF, diminishing the sunscreen’s ability to protect skin adequately, as stated by the company. The recall specifically targets three batches of the 110g bottle: batch number 1143730, expiring in August 2027; batch number 1141313, expiring in June 2027; and batch number 1146857, expiring in November 2026.

Consumers who have purchased sunscreen from these affected batches are advised to stop using the product immediately and return it to the place of purchase for a refund or exchange.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has clarified that this recall is not related to its ongoing investigation into SPF levels in sunscreens. This investigation began after tests revealed that Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ sunscreen had varying SPF levels, with some readings alarmingly low at just SPF 4.

Anyone who purchased the affected sunscreen is advised not to use it and return it to the place of purchase.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration said the recall is unrelated to its investigation into SPF levels in sunscreens, which was prompted after testing confirmed Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF 50+ sunscreen had inconsistent SPF levels, with some as low as four.

Twenty-one other sunscreens from popular brands like Naked Sundays, Aspect Sun and McoBeauty used the same base formula and were recalled.