Australian vs. American Sunscreen: What’s the Difference? NBC

The gap between Australian and U.S. sunscreens comes down to two core factors: the ingredients allowed and the regulations governing them. Australian formulas have access to a broader range of modern UV filters that remain unavailable to American consumers. As Dr. Green explained to NBC Select, “FDA approval is very slow in the U.S., so much so that the last UV filter approved by the FDA was in 1999.”

So will an Australian brand sell you the same formula here? Not necessarily. When Australian sunscreen brands enter the U.S. market, they typically have to rework their formulas to comply with FDA rules. “The Australian brands sold in the U.S. often reformulate using the U.S. FDA-approved filters,” says Green. That means even if you order directly from an Australian brand’s website, any cutting-edge filters not yet sanctioned by the FDA simply won’t appear in the product you receive.

What should shoppers keep in mind regardless? A few universal truths apply no matter where your sunscreen comes from. “Unfortunately, it is impossible to tell how much SPF is actually in a sunscreen product,” says Green. “The best way people can protect themselves is to research their sunscreen product and ensure that it has undergone independent testing. They can also layer two different sunscreens on for maximum protection.” Beyond that, sunscreen alone shouldn’t be your only line of defense — pairing it with sun-protective clothing, a hat, sunglasses, and shade-seeking habits gives you the most complete protection.

Australian sunscreens have earned a strong global reputation for effective UV coverage, rigorous safety standards, and skin-friendly textures. Standout brands in the category include Ultra Violette, Bondi Sands, Cancer Council, and Australian Gold, find out more at https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-australian-sunscreens-rcna341534