Sunscreen Testing in Australia: What You Need to Know (and Where We Sit)

Sunscreens have been in the spotlight recently, with independent testing by CHOICE highlighting that some products have failed to match the SPF protection claimed on their labels. For many, this has created confusion about how sunscreens are tested in Australia, what the regulations actually require, and how to know which products to rely on.

The truth is, the rules aren’t the same for every product. There are nuances to how a product is classified, and the way these categories are defined can feel anything but straightforward for the everyday consumer.

That’s why we wanted to take a moment to explain exactly how sunscreen testing works in Australia, what 'secondary sunscreens' are, and where our new Daily Moisturiser with Sunscreen sits in that framework. Because when you understand the process, the numbers on the label start to make a lot more sense.

Sunscreen in Australia: Primary vs. Secondary

In Australia, sunscreens are divided into two categories:

• Primary sunscreens – products where the main purpose is UV protection (think beach sunscreens, SPF sprays). These are considered therapeutic goods/medicines. They must be entered on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) with an AUST-L or AUST-R number.

• Secondary sunscreens – products where sun protection is an added benefit, not the main function. This includes moisturisers, BB creams, and tinted bases that contain SPF. These are regulated differently, depending on their formulation, SPF rating, and how they’re marketed.

Where our Daily Moisturiser with Sunscreen Sits

Our Daily Moisturiser with Sunscreen Solar Veil is, first and foremost, a daily moisturiser – formulated to hydrate, nourish, and support your skin barrier – with the added benefit of SPF30 mineral protection.

Because its primary function is moisturising, Solar Veil is classed as a secondary sunscreen under Australian regulations. That means it’s regulated differently from a beach sunscreen, but still required to be tested to the same gold-standard methods (AS/NZS 2604:2021, ISO 24444) that verify its SPF30 rating.

An important part of our formulation process was ensuring that the formula left no white cast upon application. To do so, Solar Veil is created with a tinted base that offsets the heavy white cast zinc oxide is known for. It’s important to note that this tint is functional, not cosmetic – it blends seamlessly into the skin for a sheer, invisible finish, without providing a makeup-like coverage.

Crucially, this tinted base is also what enables us to deliver a verified SPF30 rating in a daily moisturiser that feels elegant on the skin.

How It Has Been Tested

Even though our Daily Moisturiser Solar Veil is a secondary sunscreen (and not required to be listed on the ARTG), we’ve held it to the same gold-standard testing as primary sunscreens.

It has been:

• Independently tested by a third-party laboratory

• Assessed to ISO 24444:2020 protocol and verified SPF30

• Stability tested to ensure its protection holds true throughout its shelf life

In addition to rigorous SPF testing, Solar Veil is also COSMOS certified organic, meaning it meets strict international standards for ingredient sourcing, safety, and environmental responsibility. This dual certification, for both sun protection and ingredient integrity, makes it a truly unique daily moisturiser with SPF.

A Few Common Questions

Is Solar Veil TGA-approved?
No – because it’s classed as a secondary sunscreen (a moisturiser with SPF) with a tinted base, it doesn’t require an AUST-L number. But rest assured it has been tested to the same strict standards with the SPF claim verified.

Does Solar Veil provide tinted coverage?
No. The tint is functional only – it applies as a sheer, invisible finish. You won’t see colour or coverage, just comfortable daily hydration and SPF30 support.

Can I use Solar Veil instead of sunscreen?
Solar Veil is perfect for everyday wear – at work, under make-up, or running errands. For extended outdoor activities, swimming, or long sun exposure, we recommend pairing it with a primary sunscreen and other sun-safe practices for maximum protection.

At Mukti Organics, we’ve always gone beyond what regulations require. With our new Daily Moisturiser Solar Veil, that means creating a certified organic daily moisturiser that feels beautiful on the skin, while still meeting the most rigorous SPF testing standards.

References:
https://www.tga.gov.au/sites/default/files/australian-regulatory-guidelines-for-sunscreens.pdf