SPF testing: What GPs should know about sunscreen controversies

When media reports suggest that sunscreens “fail” SPF testing, GPs are often the first to field patients' concerns. In this episode of Life by a Thousand Cuts, A/Prof Tony Dicker takes a closer look at recent media controversies and applies a clinical lens to discuss whether sunscreens work and are safe to use. In the episode, he discusses SPF testing and how it is not absolute; small variations in testing conditions or sample batches can change results, even among regulated products. Despite this, Australia’s regulatory standards remain among the most stringent globally; unlike in many other countries, sunscreens are classed as therapeutic goods and regulated by the TGA.

A “failed” SPF test result doesn’t necessarily mean a product is unsafe or ineffective. It often reflects marginal variation rather than complete loss of protection. Affected manufacturers have acted responsibly by voluntarily withdrawing products to investigate further, which is an important sign of quality control, not negligence.

A/Prof Dicker reiterates that GPs play a vital role in patient reassurance and countering misinformation, since sunscreen remains a key element of skin cancer prevention, alongside other sun safety measures like shade and clothing.

“Some sun protection is better than none. The world isn’t black and white — it’s grey. Understanding that nuance helps us guide patients confidently.” - A/Prof Tony Dicker

Listen to the podcast

Prefer a visual format? Watch this podcast on the HealthCert Education YouTube channel.

Life by a Thousand Cuts 

This podcast series is designed to help you enhance your clinical decision-making, procedural skills, and confidence in skin cancer management. Focus on real-world cases, surgical techniques and tips, journal article reviews, diagnostic and management insights, and guest interviews with GPs and specialists.

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Micro-Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore short, bite-sized CPD modules in focused topics in skin cancer. Complete in less than 10 hours from only $95.
➡️ Browse Micro-Courses >

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathway to elevate your knowledge in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.
➡️ Explore full program >

🎓 HealthCert 365 subscription
Prefer flexible learning across many topics? Access 4,000+ CPD hours on-demand with HealthCert 365 — anytime, any topic, one flat annual fee.
➡️ Discover HealthCert 365 >

Or explore more educational content in Skin Cancer Surgery.

About A/Prof Tony Dicker

Associate Professor (Skin Cancer) & Course Coordinator MMed (Skin Cancer), The University of Queensland

Tony Dicker has practised full-time Skin Cancer Medicine in Melbourne since 2004, and previously practised in Brisbane. He obtained his PhD from The University of Queensland in molecular biology of skin cancer with Professor Ian Frazer's group at Princess Alexandra Hospital. He then spent three years as a dermatology registrar at the Royal Brisbane and Princess Alexandra Hospitals.

CPD self-submission

You can self-record CPD for this podcast. If you consume educational content on this blog, you can Quick Log CPD hours with the RACGP/ACRRM via the usual self-submission process. You will be asked to reflect on what you have learned, and you will require supporting evidence such as a screenshot. For more information, view the: RACGP CPD guide | ACRRM CPD guide