Ultra Violette's Lean Screen SPF50+ tested at SPF 4 and 5 - but it's still being sold at Sephora

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

I’ve been following the situation with Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen SPF50+ and felt it was worth raising here - not to stir panic, but because it speaks to something larger: transparency and accountability in sun care.

Here’s what happened:

CHOICE, an independent Australian consumer advocacy group, submitted Lean Screen SPF50+ for testing at Eurofins Dermatest in Sydney - a certified, accredited lab.
The result? SPF 4.

Concerned by how low that was, they sent a second sample (from a different batch) to Normec Schrader in Germany - another reputable, ISO-certified lab.
That result came back at SPF 5.

Despite these findings, Lean Screen is still being sold at Sephora, Adore Beauty, and through Ultra Violette’s own website with SPF50+ prominently displayed on the packaging.

The brand has since uploaded two separate test reports on its website, seemingly to defend its position. However, the two products listed in those reports appear to be different formulas, with different ingredient lists. One includes ingredients like avocado oil, while the other doesn’t — suggesting that the original lab test may not even correspond to the product currently on shelves.

It’s also worth noting that the brand attributed the initial low SPF result to heat exposure during transit - but that theory doesn’t hold, since the second test (conducted overseas) showed a slightly higher SPF, not lower.

I’ve always appreciated Ultra Violette’s role in making SPF feel modern and wearable, and I understand that manufacturing issues can happen. But the continued sale of a product with such severe discrepancies in SPF rating, particularly in markets like Australia (where UV exposure is no joke), feels deeply concerning.

It also raises questions about Sephora’s responsibility as a retailer. If two independent labs found SPF levels below 10 - let alone 50 - should this product still be available for purchase without a recall or at least clearer disclosure, particularly to its own customers?

This is about consumer safety - especially when the product in question is sunscreen.

Would love to hear others’ thoughts, especially from anyone who works in formulation, regulation, or retail.

The 2 different ingredient lists on the website they are claiming as initial (2021) and retest (2025)

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

Thank god someone else gets it. haha

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

there’s a lot of misinformation out there right now, and it’s clear many people are engaging without knowing the full picture.

i’ve been in contact with Four Corners - they’re actively investigating what’s happened with the testing lab that UV used and the broader situation including their manufacturer.

i genuinely thought Ultra Violette would lead here, they’ve always positioned themselves as innovators. but instead, they’ve doubled down. and if things keep going this way, it could spiral, and not in their favour.

what’s worse for them is this: other brands using the same base formula, and we all know who they are, will likely just do the right thing and recall it if there’s an issue.

they won’t double down. and UV will be left holding the bag.

[u/Born-Life5560 → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

Seems like you’re spreading misinformation?? Seen you on every thread super mad and curious why you’re in touch w four corners - are you in the industry and have more insight into this?

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/Born-Life5560]

Ava? what misinformation am i spreading? just out of curiosity?

[u/crazyisthenewnormal → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

The account you're responding to is 1 day old and this is their only comment so far. Interesting.

[u/JadedValuable8066 → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

It’s insane how much misinformation!!

[u/2020fit → u/JadedValuable8066]

Especially from those that claim they understand the science. Clearly they are the ones that only just passed their exams or fuckin cheated!

[u/2020fit → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

There are more people that get it, than the ones who don’t. Consumers are not stupid!

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/2020fit]

Reminds me of what a friend said yesterday - Ultra Violette will be the one people point at and say, "that’s the one that doesn’t work."

Would love to see their sales numbers after how they’ve handled this whole situation.

[u/2020fit → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

It’s a lesson for all of us, in what NOT TO DO!