Australia has been rocked by fresh sunscreen scandals, with multiple brands facing recalls after failing to meet their own SPF label claims. According to CHOICE testing (June 2025), 16 out of 20 sunscreens didn’t deliver the level of SPF promised. Some were found to be as low as SPF15 — and in shocking cases, SPF4.

The TGA has since confirmed that several products using the same “base formulation” have been pulled from shelves. The problem? Limited approved UV filters and excipients mean too many brands rely on cookie-cutter formulas.

The Rise (and Challenges) of Mineral Cosmetic Sunscreens

Cosmetic sunscreens are also regulated by the TGA under Australian cosmetic regulations. Their rise comes from consumer demand for cleaner, gentler formulations that avoid harsh chemical filters. This has led to a surge in mineral UV filter sunscreens.

The challenge? True mineral formulations often leave a white cast. To offset this, tinted versions were developed. But many consumers apply tinted sunscreen more like makeup — not the full 1 teaspoon per area required for true label protection.

The SPF50 Problem: When “Therapeutic” Doesn’t Mean Real Protection

Some mineral tinted sunscreens on the market are listed as SPF50 therapeutic goods and marketed heavily on their high protection factor. But here’s the truth: these formulas are often made with heavy, oily, comedogenic bases. That makes it nearly impossible for people to apply the full 1 teaspoon per area needed for label protection.

Instead, users smear them lightly like makeup — achieving only a fraction of the protection promised. The result is false security: an SPF50 claim on paper, but far less coverage on skin.

Sunny or Cloudy™ SPF30 was designed differently. Our cosmetic sunscreen is fully compliant with Australian cosmetic regulations and created for real-world application. Lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic, it can be worn comfortably at the full teaspoon rule — delivering actual SPF30 protection every day.

Why Sunny or Cloudy™ is Different

• In-house formula – not a generic SPF base.
• Independent testing – proven to sustain SPF30 label claims.
• True mineral protection – powered by non-nano zinc oxide.
• Designed for the teaspoon rule – comfortable even at 1 tsp.
• Australian compliant – classified as a cosmetic sunscreen, fully compliant with Australian cosmetic regulations.
• Safer alternative – unlike many therapeutic sunscreens on the market made with greasy, comedogenic oils, Sunny or Cloudy™ can be applied at the full 1 tsp without heaviness. This makes it a better option for people who want to wear sunscreen correctly for real protection, rather than smearing it like makeup for a false sense of coverage.
• Award-winning – Silver & Editor’s Choice, Clean + Conscious Awards 2024.

See our recognition here: Clean + Conscious Awards

The Teaspoon Rule Explained

To achieve the SPF protection on the label, sunscreen must be applied at the same density used in lab testing: 2 mg/cm². For an adult body this equals ~35 mL, or:

• 1 tsp for face, neck & ears
• 1 tsp for each arm
• 1 tsp for each leg
• 1 tsp for front of body
• 1 tsp for back of body

Final Week of Our Awards Celebration Sale

Since August, we’ve been celebrating Jessica Wellness’ Clean + Conscious Awards win — with our C-Complex Essence taking home Gold + Editor’s Choice, and Sunny or Cloudy™ proudly winning Silver + Editor’s Choice last year.

This is the last week of our celebration sale. After this week, prices return to normal — so now is the time to experience award-winning, compliant, and truly wearable mineral sun care that delivers real protection.