A recent Courier Mail report has put homosalate in children’s sunscreen back in the spotlight, following Channel 9 coverage raising similar questions for Australian families.
At FUCA, this conversation matters. We created our Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 with sensitive skin and families in mind, and from the beginning chose mineral zinc oxide as our UV filter avoiding chemical UV filters such as homosalate and oxybenzone.
So what are regulators looking at, and what does it mean for your family?
What is homosalate?
Homosalate is a UV filter, commonly referred to as a chemical sunscreen ingredient. It absorbs UV radiation to help protect skin from sun damage.
In 2025, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration reviewed seven sunscreen active ingredients. Five were considered low risk at their permitted concentrations. Homosalate and oxybenzone were different, with the TGA recommending additional regulatory controls around their permitted concentrations and use.
Why are regulators concerned about homosalate?
The TGA has considered evidence that homosalate can penetrate the skin and enter the body, particularly when sunscreen is used frequently, at higher concentrations and across large areas. Potential endocrine effects have also been investigated.
The recent Courier Mail report added another layer to the conversation. Research involving approximately 18,700 people, predominantly from Queensland, reportedly detected homosalate metabolites in more than 80% of children tested, compared with around 6% of adults.
Importantly, detecting a substance or its metabolites in the body does not mean it is causing harm. The TGA has reinforced that exposure needs to be considered alongside dose, toxicological evidence and potential adverse effects.
For us at FUCA, however, it raises a simple question: if we can provide effective sun protection without homosalate, why wouldn't we?
Australia versus Europe
Europ is usually ahead of Australia in terms of ingredient regulations and they have already tightened its rules. In the EU, homosalate is now restricted to certain face products at a maximum concentration of 7.34%.
Oxybenzone, listed as Benzophenone 3, is also restricted, with maximum concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 6% depending on the type of product and how it is used.
In Australia, the regulatory process is continuing. The TGA has consulted on tighter controls for homosalate and oxybenzone, with further regulatory decisions and consultation expected.
Why FUCA chooses mineral zinc
At FUCA, we are absolutely not suggesting families stop using sunscreen. Sun protection in Australia is essential.
We simply believe families should have a choice about what they put on their skin every day.
That’s why FUCA has always chosen a 100% mineral approach, using zinc oxide as our UV filter with no homosalate or oxybenzone.
Zinc oxide provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and aligns with our approach to formulation: effective, considered and sensitive skin first.
You don't have to wait for regulations to change to choose mineral.
✨ Shop Fuca SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen here.
References
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Sunscreen Ingredients, updated September 2026.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Safety Review of Seven Active Sunscreen Ingredients, July 2025.
- Therapeutic Goods Administration, Improvements to the Regulation of Sunscreens in Australia, March 2026.
- Courier Mail, Qld Kids’ Sunscreen Chemical Exposure Sparks Health Concerns, September 2026.
- Channel 9, Are There Dangerous Chemicals in Your Child’s Sunscreen?, May 2026.
- European Commission, Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2195, Homosalate.
- European Commission, Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1176, Benzophenone 3.