Style-ish Podcast Summary

Episode: Sunscreen scandal: Unpacking the Ultra Violette saga
Date: August 26, 2025
Host: Joanna Fleming with Annika Joshi Smith & Rhiannon Joyce
Produced by: Shameless Media

Overview

This episode dives deep into the ongoing Ultra Violette sunscreen controversy, exploring new developments around the brand’s Lean Screen SPF, industry-wide sunscreen testing issues, and the broader ramifications for sun safety messaging and consumer trust. The panel also explores influencer wedding monetization in the social media age and closes with a lively discussion about Australian fashion’s global challenges, spurred by outspoken designer Alex Perry.

Key Topics & Discussion Points

1. Product Swaps and Fashion Trends

[01:27 - 10:20]
The episode begins with the regular “swaps” segment, where each host shares their latest favorite product or trend:

• Rhiannon’s Swap:

  • Predicts the return of “XL wedges” and flat platform thongs, referencing Kylie Jenner’s ERL platforms and affordable dupes at Cotton On.
  • Notable quote [02:09]: "She looks like such a baddie...I feel like XL size wedges are gonna be everywhere this spring summer." – Rhiannon Joyce

• Joanna’s Swap:

  • Shares fascination with “Yale Cleaners” TikTok account, specializing in dramatic wedding dress restorations.
  • Conversation pivots to the high cost of dry cleaning wedding dresses in Australia.
  • Notable quote [05:41]: “Yale Cleaners is my swap. Go and watch it if you love cleaning content.” – Joanna Fleming

• Annika’s Swap:

  • Champions Canva Print, describing its ease and cost efficiency for wedding and event stationery.
  • Hosts express surprise and delight at the feature.
  • Notable quote [09:39]: “Canva, we're printing 50 thank you cards...and it cost me about $70.” – Annika Joshi Smith

2. Sunscreen Scandal: Ultra Violette’s Lean Screen

[10:40 – 27:32]

Background & Unfolding Events

• The issue began with consumer watchdog Choice’s shocking results: Ultra Violette's Lean Screen, sold as SPF 50+, tested at SPF 4.
• Ultra Violette at first rejected the findings, then initiated their own testing. The TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration) also began investigations.
• TGA Statement [12:00]: TGA acknowledges variability in SPF testing and is reviewing its requirements, exploring more reliable test methods.

Ultra Violette’s Response

• Ultraviolet commissioned 8 independent tests: results varied wildly from SPF 4 to 60, signaling grave issues in test reliability.

• Lean Screen was withdrawn and officially recalled; customers eligible for refunds and product vouchers.

• Extra measures:

  • Ceased work with accountable manufacturer/lab
  • All new SPF products to be double-tested at independent labs
  • Increased retesting frequency

• Notable Quote [13:39]: “Lean Screen has now returned SPF data of 4, 10, 21, 26, 33, 60. That wasn't good enough for us and it isn't good enough for you.” – Ultra Violette Statement, read by Joanna Fleming

Public & Social Media Sentiment

• Initial reactions from the brand’s community were supportive.

• Tone became dramatically more negative as mainstream and international outlets amplified the story, with Estee Laundry and others critiquing the situation.

• Notable Quote [16:19]: "It's such a tough topic. And I guess when people's health is at stake, it's like, what type of apology is ever gonna be enough?" – Rhiannon Joyce

Broader Industry Fallout

• Mecca and Naked Sundays proactively removed related mineral sunscreens while awaiting further testing. More brands with similar or the same manufacturers may be impacted.

• Highlights regulatory loopholes:

  • Brands rely on manufacturers and labs, which can fail them.
  • TGA’s oversight and testing protocols are questioned.

• Notable Quote [20:39]: "Is the onus on the brands? Or should they feel like they can trust their manufacturer?" – Joanna Fleming

Impact on Public Trust & Sun Safety

• Panel fears erosion of trust in sunscreen, especially among young consumers—increasing risk of tanning and complacency.

• Cites bans on creator content about sunscreen as counterproductive; calls for TGA to enable more educational content creation.

• Notable Quote [22:39]: “If you can't even regulate the product yourself, at least let us talk about how important it is to use it.” – Joanna Fleming

International Fallout & Business Ramifications

• Ultra Violette’s recent US expansion to 592 Sephora stores potentially threatened; unclear how much US market will react.
• Calls for transparency: panel urges public disclosure of all SPF testing results for brand trust.

3. Influencer Weddings: Monetization & Transparency

[28:50 – 40:54]

• Discusses Olivia Torber’s article in The Cut on influencer engagement/wedding content as huge business, citing Jazz Smith as a prime example with 20+ TikToks on her ceremony.

• Explores boundaries, authenticity, and commercial pressure:

  • Some hosts respect creators' transparency and acknowledge the financial rewards.
  • Others are uncomfortable with loss of intimacy and potential for unrealistic expectations among followers.

• Notable Exchange [31:02]:
  Joanna: "I actually respect that creator Jaz...for being really transparent..."
  Annika: "...there is not a world where I could have done what these creators have done..."

• Panel members share their own wedding boundary strategies regarding sponsorship and content.

• Discussion on whether elaborate documented weddings set unrealistic standards and breed comparison culture.

4. Alex Perry vs. Australian Fashion

[41:35 – 53:01]

• Alex Perry laments "lack of support" from the local industry despite international success ("I'm hanging up in Bergdorf Goodman and in Harrods and it's like, suck that.")

• Discussion on why elite Australian designers, e.g., Zimmerman, Realisation Par, leave for greener overseas pastures:

  • Small local market, shrinking price tolerance, rise of fast fashion, rental platforms, editorial pay-to-play for fashion mags.

• Touches on “tall poppy syndrome”—Australian cultural trait of cutting down those who succeed and “have their moment.”

• Panel notes local magazines now heavily driven by advertisers, limiting unpaid exposure.

• Internationalization is often a necessity, not a choice; local PPE design demand limited (few event/red carpet occasions).

• Notable Quote [51:10]: “That’s Australian culture. It doesn’t matter what you do, what industry you’re in, if you’re successful, people aren’t going to want to see it.” – Joanna Fleming

Notable Quotes & Moments

• [02:28] Rhiannon Joyce: "It's giving Polly Pocket...and it's giving Bratz Doll. We're going way back."
• [12:00] Joanna Fleming (reading TGA): "...this process will take time. Variability in sun protection factor testing results is a known issue."
• [22:39] Joanna Fleming: "If you can't even regulate the product yourself, at least let us talk about how important it is to use it."
• [36:42] Joanna Fleming: "No way would I take on a piece of sponsored content for my wedding day."
• [47:09] Rhiannon Joyce: "...I would actually consider Alex Perry more of a luxury brand. His price points are high..."

Timestamps of Key Segments

• Swaps (Product/Fashion Trends): [01:27 – 10:20]
• Ultra Violette Sunscreen Scandal: [10:40 – 27:32]
• Influencer Wedding Monetization: [28:50 – 40:54]
• Alex Perry & Australian Fashion: [41:35 – 53:01]

Tone & Language

The conversation is candid, knowledgeable, occasionally irreverent, and peppered with personal anecdotes and expert industry insight. The hosts maintain a balance of empathy for brands/creators and critical awareness of broader consumer and cultural issues, all in a conversational, inclusive style.

Summary Takeaway

This episode of Style-ish offers a detailed, nuanced exploration of the Ultra Violette sunscreen testing debacle, revealing far-reaching implications for product integrity, public health messaging, and trust in regulatory systems. The hosts also offer sharp, contemporary perspectives on influencer culture’s effect on major life events and the persistent frustrations of homegrown fashion brands striving for recognition both in Australia and abroad.