Kids’ sunscreen, sold at major chemists, urgently recalled after ‘splitting’

A popular kids’ sunscreen sold online and at major pharmacies and chemists has been urgently recalled due to “splitting”.

Pharmaceutical company Mentholatum Australasia Pty Ltd announced the recall on July 6 after the problem was identified in two batches of Natural Instinct Kids SPF50+ Clean Sunscreen.

The company received reports that both the 200mL topical cream and the 50mL rollerball products sunscreen fluid were splitting into layers.

“When this happens, the medicinal ingredients that prevent sunburn are not properly mixed, so when it is applied, it may not offer the same protection,” the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) said.

“(Splitting can mean) the SPF of the medicine changes and may not offer any protection at all.”

The Topical Cream 200mL with batch no. 98519 (exp Nov 2025) and the Roll-on 50mL with batch no. 98518 (exp Nov 2025) have both been affected.

The TGA said anyone in possession of the products with the above batch numbers should not use it.

Instead, consumers are advised to return the product to where they bought it and to contact info@naturalinstinct.com.au for a refund or to ask further questions.

The TGA has also used the opportunity to remind Australians to report problems with medicines or vaccines to the Administration.