Some of our most popular sunscreen brands could be forced to reformulate, after a safety review from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

The safeguards concern two active ingredients, homosalate and oxybenzone, as well as a by-product called benzophenone.

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The chemicals help block UV rays, but studies completed overseas suggest they could disrupt hormones when used in very high doses, over a long period of time.

Professor Robyn Langham, the TGA’s chief medical adviser says the risks are minor.

“The risks that have been identified in some of these studies have been demonstrated only in animals, and only with very high use of product over a prolonged period of time,” Langham said..

“They can be described as only theoretical, in terms of their risks to humans.”

Brands which have products with the active ingredient homosalate include Banana Boat, Nivea, Bondi Sands, Woolworths and Coles-branded sunscreens, and Cancer Council.

The Cancer Council says sunscreens available in Australia are safe.

“Cancer Council welcomes developments in evidence, technologies and regulations that improve the regulation of sunscreens,” it said.

“The TGA has confirmed Australians do not need to change their use of sunscreens, and Cancer Council encourages all Australians to use sunscreen as one of the five forms of sun protection when the UV Index is three or above.”

One of Brisbane’s leading dermatologists, Dr Shobhan Manoharan, expects the TGA to lower the levels of the ingredients allowed in sunscreens.

“The US and Europe have dropped their concentrations on these and I suspect that’s the trend we’ll see in our local market as well,” Manoharan said.

“If the patient has allergies or sensitive skin or really doesn’t want to expose themselves to any of these agents, there are some outstanding physical blockers with zinc or titanium in them, and they can use that as an alternative instead.”