Australian Gold SPF15 Spray Gel Sunscreen
Skip until Australian Gold discloses whether waterproof formulas use PFAS.
This waterproof spray gel falls into a category where PFAS has historically enhanced durability. Australian Gold makes no public statement about PFAS.
The safe swap
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Plastic Free Sunscreen Pack SPF 30
100/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned Excellent.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
spray gel sunscreen with water-resistant/waterproof formulation
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
Water-repellent treatments have historically contained PFAS chemicals.
No PFAS disclosure
The company has not publicly discussed PFAS in this product.
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
Inhalation risk from spray propellant
Aerosol sunscreens deliver fine mist particles and hydrocarbon/alcohol propellants that can be inhaled if sprayed near face or in enclosed spaces. No acute toxicity is typical at recommended use levels, but cumulative or heavy use in poorly ventilated settings poses low respiratory irritation risk.
PFAS
Australian Gold's waterproof claim likely relies on water-repellent chemistry; industry prevalence of PFAS in waterproof sunscreens (pre-2020s regulations) and the brand's silence on fluorinated compounds suggests possible PFAS presence, though not confirmed by label or third-party test on record.
Source: ATSDR ↗Chemical UV filter concerns (organic absorbers)
Spray sunscreens typically use organic UV absorbers (avobenzone, octinoxate) rather than mineral filters. Avobenzone is photounstable and requires stabilizers; systemic absorption of organic UV filters has been detected in user studies, though regulatory agencies (FDA, TGA) consider approved sunscreen levels safe at normal use.
Low SPF efficacy
SPF15 filters only 93% of UVB rays, compared to SPF30 (97%) and SPF50+ (98%+). This product offers minimal protection for prolonged sun exposure and falls below current dermatological recommendations for daily outdoor use.
Fragrance and preservative allergens
Spray gel sunscreens commonly include fragrance compounds and preservatives (parabens, methylisothiazolinone) to extend shelf life and improve sensory appeal. No specific allergen alerts are on record for this product, but sensitive skin users may experience contact irritation from these additives.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Australian Gold SPF15 Spray Gel is a water-resistant sunscreen in aerosol spray form, typically formulated with UV filters (likely avobenzone or similar organic absorbers), silicone polymers for slip and spreadability, and a hydrocarbon or alcohol propellant base. The 'waterproof' claim on spray sunscreens often requires surfactant or silicone-based water-repellent agents; in some formulations, especially older waterproof sunscreens, these include fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to achieve water resistance. The spray delivery method itself poses inhalation risk if misted near the face, though this is a general category concern, not brand-specific.
The brand's record and disclosure
Australian Gold (owned by Hawaiki Brands) has not publicly disclosed whether its waterproof formulas use PFAS or fluorinated water-repellent agents. The brand maintains general ingredient transparency but has not responded to industry pressure regarding PFAS in sunscreens. No significant safety recalls, contamination incidents, or third-party certifications (EWG, MADE SAFE, etc.) are documented for this product line as of available records.
How it compares in its category
SPF15 offers minimal UV protection compared to modern SPF30+ standards, limiting its utility for daily outdoor use. Many competitors (Coppertone, Banana Boat, Blue Lizard) offer higher SPF spray formulations; PFAS-free spray sunscreens remain rare industry-wide, but mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) sprays and stick formats avoid some waterproofing chemistry concerns. Australian Gold's spray format is convenient but less precise in application than lotion or stick formats, which carry lower inhalation risk.
If you buy it
Apply in a well-ventilated area to minimize inhalation of spray propellant; do not spray directly on face, spray into hands first. Reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating, as SPF15 degradation is faster than higher SPF products. Store below 120F (49C) to prevent propellant pressure buildup. Given the PFAS uncertainty, consider this a temporary measure only until Australian Gold provides waterproof formula ingredient disclosure; do not rely on this as primary sun protection for extended outdoor activity.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 45% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Australian Gold has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Sunscreen
Goddess Garden
Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 6 oz
mineral-based UV filters, plant-derived waxes
Fragrance allergens and undisclosed fragrance components
Limited concern
Skin irritation or photosensitivity from plant oils
Limited concern
Lower-concern mineral sunscreen backed by credible PFAS-exclusion certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Eco Formula SPF 30 Sunscreen
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Heavy metals
Limited concern
Photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide in sunlight
Limited concern
Skin irritation or sensitivity to mineral film
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral sunscreen backed by third-party verification, no fluorochemical history.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Raw Elements
Face & Body Sunscreen Tin SPF 30
mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), tin packaging
Epoxy resin coating in tin lining
Limited concern
Fragrance allergens
Limited concern
Nano particle inhalation from loose powder form
Limited concern
Low risk. Mineral formula plus explicit PFAS-free stance and certs lower concern.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
More sunscreen grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.