The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty and Wellbeing – a UK-based cross-party group of MPs – has launched an inquiry into UV safety in a bid to give the public more protection from UV damage.
The group is issuing a call for written evidence from stakeholders across the beauty and healthcare sectors, as incidences of skin cancer continue to rise in the country.
21,000 new melanoma cases each year
According to charity Melanoma Fund, there are 21,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK and over the past decade cases have increased by 31%.
Meanwhile, according to the British Beauty Council, 57% of UK consumers say that sunscreen is too expensive and 29% say that they would wear sunscreen daily if it were cheaper.
Statistics on Melanoma UK also reported that melanoma is the UK’s fifth most common cancer but that 86% of these cases are preventable
The inquiry aims to provide recommendations to the Government following the launch of findings in Spring 2026 and key areas of focus are: that UV safety is a basic need; that UV safety is a year-round issue; the affordability and accessibility of UV safety; if a change in approach can help to relieve the burden on the NHS; and the effectiveness of education on UV safety.
MP Carolyn Harris who is chairing the inquiry said that the beauty industry and healthcare professionals have been working for many years to increase awareness of the damaging effects of exposure to UV without adequate protections and now the APPG on Beauty and Wellbeing will “push this forward in a collaborative effort and provide recommendations to the Government via its new inquiry.”
“According to a recent consumer survey, only 35% of people know what the term ‘SPF’ means, and cases of melanoma are expected to rise to 26,500 by 2038,” said Harris. “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 public.”
The written call for evidence is open to any individuals or groups with expertise and experience relating to UV safety and submissions will form a crucial part of the APPG’s wider inquiry, which will also include oral evidence sessions scheduled for later this year.
CTPA is putting more focus on sun care
The news comes as earlier this month, the UK cosmetics industry trade body Cosmetics Toiletries and Perfumery Association (CTPA) announced that it would put more focus on sun protection, as part of its annual Sun Protection Campaign.
The CTPA said its recent research had shown that “88% of UK adults think sun cream is important for the health of their and their family’s skin in providing protection from the sun.”
The CTPA’s consumer website thefactsabout.co.uk has a dedicated section: All About Sunscreens which includes commonly asked consumer questions on sun protection, as well as a deeper insight into sunscreen topics with infographics and video advice from dermatologists.
Director-general of CTPA Dr Emma Meredith OBE said the industry is committed to educating its consumers on how to best use sunscreen and how to protect children from the sun.
“As an industry, we are also driven by science and improving industry practices,” she said. “The two new internationally approved and validated test methods for determining SPF (Sun Protection Factor) are examples of this innovation, ensuring that consumers can continue to have confidence in the efficacy of their sun protection products.”
People prioritise acne & wrinkles over sun damage
Meanwhile, UK retailers are also getting involved in the topic. The ecommerce retailer Lookfantastic recently launched a sun awareness campaign and is offering a 20% reduction across its core SPF face and body products (factor 30 or above).
In March, the business commissioned an independent survey of over 5,000 people across the UK with key findings revealing:
- A widespread misunderstanding of SPF, with only 35% of respondents correctly understanding the meaning of SPF 30.
- Higher confusion among younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials) with a 70% incorrect response rate.
- 67% of respondents aware of sun damage but do not understand how to properly protect themselves.
- Respondents prioritised skin issues relevant to their age group over sun damage. For instance, Gen Z was more concerned about acne, while Gen X and Baby Boomers focused on wrinkles.
- 9 in 10 stated felt the government should do more to educate the public about SPF and sun protection.
- 84% thought sunscreen should be exempt from VAT in the UK.
MD at Lookfantastic Keely Gough said the survey revealed “a shocking misunderstanding of sun protection, particularly among younger generations, with 70% incorrectly interpreting SPF 30.”
She continued to say that the research “highlights a clear public need for accessible and understandable information.”
Meanwhile CEO at the British Beauty Council Millie Kendall OBE said the data proves that “although people are more likely to be wearing SPF more regularly, there is much work needed in the realms of education and accessibility to ensure that first, more people are able to purchase SPF products and second, they are using and reapplying in the most beneficial ways.”