Bondi Sands recall: Popular sunscreen pulled over SPF fears

Another Australian sunscreen brand is reeling after its products were flagged for urgent recall by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

The government-run regulator signaled that products from major sunscreen maker Bondi Sands had been determined to potentially fail to provide the declared protection, and the company began removing the products from shelves.

Earlier this year consumer advocacy group Choice published results identifying 16 Australian sunscreen products that did not meet the SPF claim on their labels.

At least 20 products sharing a base formulation produced by Perth-based manufacturer Wild Child Laboratories have been removed from circulation, but Bondi Sands products that do not use the same formulation were the first to be recalled.

“Products may appear to have an uneven texture and visible water may appear to separate from the product,” the TGA statement says.

“If this occurs, the ingredients are no longer properly mixed. This can affect the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating and the overall performance of sunscreens, resulting in inadequate sun protection.”

The recall includes:

• Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face Lotion 60ml. Batch GC032084 with an expiration date of July 2027 and batch 4843 with an expiration date of November 26.
• Bondi Sands Zinc Mineral Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection Sunscreen SPF 50+ Body Lotion 120ml. Batch GC032114 with an expiration date of July 2027, batch GC063314 with an expiration date of November 2026, and batch 4844 with an expiration date of November 2026.

The company released a statement confirming the recall, saying “the safety and quality of our products is our top priority.”

“We are committed to providing sun protection that consumers can trust, and we work with our manufacturers to test and verify the effectiveness of our products.

“This recall is unrelated to these reports. We are recalling our Zinc Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ Face and Body Lotions due to potential product discrimination. No other Bondi Sands products are affected by this recall.”

The TGA said consumers should contact the company for refunds or queries.

“If you have purchased any of the above products, do not use them. Return the product to the place of purchase or contact info@bondisands.com.au to arrange the return of the product for an exchange or refund,” the TGA said.