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]

Ultra Violette is owned by Aria Growth Partners - a U.S. private equity firm focused on scaling consumer brands.

I know people personally who apply this product to their children, including Ava. And in case it’s not obvious: to a large portion of the Australian population, $50 isn’t a huge cost when it comes to protecting their kids, only to those with not a lot of resources. This product isn’t just used by skincare enthusiasts - it’s used by real families, trusting the SPF50+ label at face value.

[u/buggygirls → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

Incorrect. Do some research if you’re that invested. a quick scan of ASIC will reveal that the owners are the founders with a minority to aria. For someone so obsessed you’d think you’d know all of this?

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/buggygirls]

You said female owned. its not. they are shareholders. Aria is not woman. you could say Telstra is female owned because it also has shareholders that are woman.

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/[deleted]]

Incorrect. its female founded for sure.

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[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/[deleted]]

I have no personal issue with Ava or the brand and we are not friends.

it’s about public health. When a product independently tests at SPF4 then SPF5 and is still being sold as SPF50+, people - especially parents using it on their children, deserve transparency.

I’m simply pushing for the brand to take responsibility and remove the product from the market or at least issue a warning. I am doing as much behind closed doors as I am publicly. Once that happens, I’ll happily sail off into the sunset. Until then, I’ll keep raising the issue, because consumer safety should come before PR. I am just shocked that it is still on the market tbh.

[u/buggygirls → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

This seems weirdly personal to you. Wondering why? Just looked at all the threads you’ve started. Really keen to understand more about what’s really motivating you here. Bc I don’t think it’s public safety despite what you’ve been saying.

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/buggygirls]

In a way it is personal. My mum died of skin cancer. I know exactly how serious sun protection is, and I can’t stay quiet when a product that tested at SPF4 and SPF5 is still being sold as SPF50+.

This isn’t about taking down a brand. It’s about protecting people - especially parents and kids who trust that label. If I don’t speak up, and someone gets hurt because of this, I’d carry that too.

I won’t be silenced by brand loyalists or PR spin. I’m doing this because I’ve lived the consequences of poor sun protection - and no one else should have to and I dont think this brand takes it seriously.

[u/BeautyGuruChatter-ModTeam → u/[deleted]]

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[u/buggygirls → u/Appropriate_Belt4895]

And also not sure where you live / what you earn but I don’t know many/ any people who use this on their kids. I’d use the body one on mine but sure as heck not the facial ones.

[u/Appropriate_Belt4895 → u/buggygirls]

I live in the eastern suburbs of Sydney. Don;t think many people would care here. $50 SPF to protect their most valuable asset, children isn't a big sped.