Choosing a sunscreen for your family shouldn't feel like a guessing game. With so much in the news lately about whether sunscreens really deliver the protection they promise, it's fair to want more than a number on the front of the bottle. Here is how we think about it, and why we had our SPF independently verified.
Why the SPF number alone isn't enough
The SPF number on any sunscreen is a claim made by the manufacturer. It tells you what protection level the product is designed to deliver. But the number itself is only meaningful if it has been tested and confirmed by someone independent of the brand.
Without that verification, you are relying entirely on the brand's word. That's a bigger ask than most of us realise when we're standing in a pharmacy aisle trying to make a quick decision.
The good news is that there are clear, reliable things to check. Here is what they are.
What "independently tested" actually means
Independent testing means a separate, accredited laboratory has measured the sunscreen's actual protection level, rather than the brand testing its own product in-house.
We had our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen independently verified by Eurofins Dermatest, one of the world's leading testing organisations for cosmetics and personal care products. The result: mean SPF 61.0 (95% CI 57.8–64.1), tested to ISO 24444 and AS/NZS 2604:2012, the international and Australian standards for SPF measurement.
In plain terms: an independent lab confirmed our sunscreen delivers the protection we say it does, and then some.
What TGA-registered tells you
In Australia, sunscreens rated SPF4 and above are regulated as therapeutic goods. Before they can be sold, they must be listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and manufactured under strict TGA guidelines.
Our sunscreen is TGA-registered (ARTG AUST L 391791). For you, that means every bottle is produced to defined quality and safety standards, and the product has met the TGA's requirements for registration. It's a regulated standard, not a marketing badge.
What to look for on any sunscreen label
Whether you're choosing Lullaby or another brand, here is a practical checklist you can use at the shelf:
- SPF50+ broad spectrum: the highest widely available protection, covering both UVA and UVB.
- Water resistance: look for a stated duration so you know how long it holds in water.
- A clear ingredient list: easy enough to scan for anything you know your family reacts to.
- Evidence of independent testing: a named testing laboratory, standards references, or a testing page you can actually find and read.
- TGA registration: an ARTG number confirms the product is regulated in Australia.
If a brand can't answer the question "who tested this and to what standard?", that's worth noting. The brands that can answer it clearly are the ones worth trusting.
How we approach it at Lullaby
Our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen is designed for sensitive and reactive skin from the start. It's infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, and is free from Oxybenzone, Parabens, Phthalates, Sulphates, Petroleum, Triclosan, BPA, Essential Oils, and Fragrance.
It's Australian made, and independently verified by a named laboratory using named international standards. Gentle enough for babies, made for the whole family. You can read the full testing details on our SPF testing page.
We think that's what trust looks like: not a promise, but a paper trail.
Frequently asked questions
Has Lullaby's SPF been independently tested?
Yes. Our sunscreen was independently verified by Eurofins Dermatest, an accredited testing laboratory. The result was a mean SPF of 61.0 (95% CI 57.8–64.1), measured to ISO 24444 and AS/NZS 2604:2012. Full details are available on our SPF testing page.
What does TGA-registered mean?
It means the product is listed on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) and must be manufactured to the TGA's quality and safety standards. Our registration number is ARTG AUST L 391791. This is a regulated requirement, not a marketing term.
What should I look for on a sunscreen label?
Look for SPF50+ broad spectrum, a stated water resistance duration, a clear ingredient list, evidence of independent testing from a named laboratory, and an ARTG registration number if you're buying in Australia.
This post is for general information only. For personalised sun protection advice, speak with your healthcare provider.
