Sunscreen maker Wild Child sued for deceptive SPF claims amid liquidation

Federal Court actions have been launched against Wild Child Laboratories for allegedly deceptive conduct after 20 sunscreens failed to meet advertised SPF levels, prompting a large recall. Ultra Violette seeks millions, citing its Lean Screen SPF50+ product tested at SPF as low as four, while Advanced Skin Technology claims losses from two recalled Aspect Skincare sunscreens. Wild Child entered voluntary liquidation in August and transferred its assets to Heliora, a company sharing the same CEO, Tom Curnow, and major shareholder, Paul Waldren.

Heliora asserts it did not acquire Wild Child to avoid debts and that no shareholder received payment. Liquidators have not responded, and creditors, including the Australian Taxation Office, are owed about $20 million. The lawsuits argue Wild Child failed to ensure product compliance, though the manufacturer points to the brands' responsibility and questions the reliability of third-party testing labs.