What the CHOICE Investigation Revealed About SPF Testing

February 22, 2026

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer globally. Sunscreen is not a discretionary product—it is a regulated therapeutic good and a frontline public health intervention. Consumers deserve confidence in the products designed to protect them.

In June 2025, the sunscreen investigation published by CHOICE renewed national attention on the sunscreen testing that Australia relies on. However, the investigation also highlighted an important scientific reality: SPF testing carries inherent variability. Understanding that variability is essential to interpreting results responsibly.

How In Vivo SPF Testing Works

The internationally recognised method for sunscreen efficacy testing is ISO 24444. This method involves several biological factors:

Human volunteers: The test relies on live subjects to determine real-world effectiveness.
Controlled UV radiation: Precise application of UV light to the skin.
MED Measurement: Measures the minimal erythemal dose (MED), which is the first perceptible redness.
Ratio calculation: Calculates SPF as a ratio of protected to unprotected skin response.

Because the test relies on biological response and visual assessment, some degree of variability is unavoidable. This reflects the nature of biological testing, not necessarily a failure of product formulation or manufacturing quality.

Why Variability Between Laboratories Can Occur

Inter-laboratory variability is well documented and acknowledged by regulators like the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Sources of variability include:

Volunteer panels: Natural differences in skin response between different individuals.
Calibration tolerances: Slight differences in UV source output and equipment settings.
Compressed ranges: At SPF 50+, small shifts in erythema detection produce larger numerical swings in reported SPF.
Environmental conditions: Subtle differences in temperature or humidity during the test.

Product Safety vs. Numerical Precision

A key distinction often lost in public discussion is the difference between product safety and exact numerical SPF precision. A sunscreen may still provide high UVB filtration even if laboratory-reported SPF values differ numerically.

Australian regulatory safeguards remain robust, including TGA licensing, GMP compliance, and strict ingredient safety controls. At Wild Child, we ensure that while numbers may shift due to testing limitations, the underlying safety and UV filtration performance remain uncompromising.

Protecting Fairness as Regulation Evolves

Maintaining fairness and regulatory stability is essential to preserving confidence in Australia’s sunscreen framework. As testing modernises, Wild Child Laboratories remains committed to helping brand partners navigate these scientific complexities with transparency and expertise. Contact us to learn more about our testing and manufacturing standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, our minimum order quantities (MOQs) are a function of the calibrated weights of our mixing vessel and the capacity of our filling lines. Depending on the unit size of the final product the MOQ will typically be around 10,000 units.

We do not have a product catalogue. Products will be suggested by our Product Development team based on the information you provide through the new product enquiry form.

Yes, with a better understanding of your product requirements we will develop a lab sample(s) for your review and ultimate approval. Depending on level of customisation or development required, this service may incur a fee.

Typically, 12 – 14 weeks from the placement of purchase order and payment of the deposit. Please note, the manufacturing lead time is dependent on the availability of the raw materials and packaging components, which can be confirmed prior to the placement of your order.

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Upon placement of purchase order, a 50% deposit is required, and balance is due prior to the release of the finished goods.

Yes, we can provide packaging options based on formulation compatibility and compliance standards. Alternatively, clients can provide their own packaging with the understanding that it must be compatible with our equipment and meet compliance standards.