Rising cases in Melanoma mean that skin cancer is now the UK’s 5th most common cancer, with 17,500 new cases annually, according to Cancer Research UK. Yet, 86% of melanoma cases are preventable through simple measures like using SPF30+, making it one of the UK’s most pressing public health challenges.
With no national strategy on UV safety and NHS data suggesting skin cancer treatment is costing the Health Service approximately £720 million every year, the All Party Parliamentary Group for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing (APPG), supported by the British Beauty Council in its role as Secretariat, launched the UV Safety Inquiry in May 2025.
The UV Safety Inquiry
Chaired by Carolyn Harris MP, this cross-party inquiry investigated the root causes of UV damage in Britain. Gathering evidence from manufacturers, academics, industry, health experts and those with lived experience of the effects of UV damage, with the aim is to provide a strategic roadmap for government and industry alike.
On the launch of the inquiry, Carolyn Harris MP Chair of the APPG for Beauty, Hair & Wellbeing said: “According to a recent consumer survey, only 35% of people actually know what the term ‘SPF’ means, and cases of melanoma are expected to rise to 26,500 by 2038. What’s more, 65% of people said they stay in the sun for prolonged periods of time for a tan and 11% of people use sun beds. That’s why, this inquiry into UV Safety is increasingly vital and will push for much needed government and industry action to protect the general public.”
Focus areas for the inquiry include sunbed regulation, combatting misinformation and improving school-based education, as well as the potential impact of cutting the 20% VAT on sunscreen to no longer classify sun protection as a ‘luxury’ item, making it more affordable for all.
A National Strategy for UV Safety
A year on from the start of the Inquiry, the APPG launched its report ‘A Preventable Crisis: The Case for a National UV Safety Strategy’ in Parliament with recommendations for government and industry for a national UV Strategy.
The report identified key barriers as misinformation online, a lack of education and understanding of the risks of over-exposure, alongside the public not being adequately informed about the importance of UV safety.
Access to affordable sun protection is also a factor. 84% of LOOKFANTASTIC consumers surveyed last summer felt sunscreen should be VAT exempt like essential health products, with a consumer study by Melanoma Focus presented at the inquiry also finding that 57% of people felt sunscreen is too expensive, and 1 in 10 do not use it at all due to cost. Overall, this supports the need for UV protection to be recognised as a basic healthcare need, and not a holiday luxury.
The recommendations of the report include:
- Public Awareness
A sustained and fully inclusive cross-party national health campaign, supported by government and industry, alongside the integration of UV exposure into routine healthcare discussions.
- Education
Mandatory, standardised UV safety education at both primary and secondary school levels, supported by resources from industry and charities.
- Cost and Accessibility
Proposals to remove VAT completely from high-factor children’s sunscreen products and for SPF30+ sunscreen to be classified as a preventative health item (alongside products such as nicotine patches) and therefore subject to a lower rated VAT of 5%. This should accompany a commitment from industry that such a VAT reduction will be passed on to consumers.
- Protection for Outdoor Workers
Recognition of sun protection as essential PPE, including mandatory provision of sunscreen, shaded areas, and UV risk assessments in workplaces.
- Artificial UV Regulation
Stronger controls on sunbeds, including banning unstaffed units, introducing mandatory health warnings, and implementing a national licensing scheme.
- Tackling Misinformation
Greater accountability for social media platforms and stricter advertising regulations to prevent misleading claims about tanning and UV exposure.
To read the full report and more about the inquiry, visit Official APPG Website.
Bridging The Industry Gap – The UV Safety Coalition
The beauty industry has long spearheaded the need for better awareness of the importance of UV Safety, as well as driving consumer education and access to SPF. However, this has often been in silo.
To bridge the gap between industry expertise and government policy, the British Beauty Council formed the UV Safety Coalition to bring the sector together and support collective action to tackle one of the UK’s most pressing health challenges.
With founding support for the UV Safety Coalition from brands and retailers LOOKFANTASTIC, Debenhams, Boots and Face The Future, brands including BYOMA, Hello Sunday, No7 Beauty Company, Solésence and L’Oreal Groupe, the initiative is the first cross-industry collaboration of its kind. These brands are setting out to improve messaging and communication around UV safety to achieve long-term behavioural change, supported by the Council.
If you would like to get involved in supporting the coalition, get in touch here.
