These best selling SPFs have had the VAT cut to promote better sun safety
Concerned with the growing number of melanoma cases in the UK, and the fact that new research has found that Brits are more concerned with seeking a sun tan over the worry of getting skin cancer, SPF brands and retailers are cutting the VAT to suncare products in the hope it will encourage a better attitude to towards sun and skin safety.
The research is part of the 366 Days of SPF campaign by UK retailer Face The Future, who have partnered with the British Skin Foundation. The campaign also found that the fear of getting sunburn is also greater than that of skin cancer and that almost half of the UK population say they do not follow medical advice on wearing SPF on a daily basis, with 55% only applying it when the sun is out and 40% only buying for use on holiday. Around one in seven people never apply SPF.
To encourage more people to wear SPF, Face the Future has cut the VAT across its SPF offering until 31 May 2024. Brands include La Roche-Posay, Heliocare and Ultrasun, Avene and Skinceuticals amongst others.
In the UK, sunscreen is currently classified as a cosmetic product, instead of an essential item so is subject to VAT at the 20% standard rate.
Julia Barcoe-Thompson, Director and Co-owner of Face the Future, said: 'We believe that everyone in the UK has the right to sun safety and skin health. At Face the Future, we have suncare products at all price points to ensure that we remain accessible to everyone. However, to further support consumers in their choices, as part of the 366 Days of SPF campaign, we will be cutting VAT on all SPF products.
Elsewhere and Hello Sunday, the British SPF brand, are building on the #VATBURN initiative which saw a petition for the UK government to remove VAT on SPF products in 2023. They too are removing VAT on their product in a bid to promoting simple, daily, SPF skincare routines that provide protection, all year round.
The initiative comes at a time when there are 16,000 new cases of melanoma skin cancer each year in the UK, with 2,300 people dying from the disease and when 64% of the UK say SPF is expensive.
The campaign has also received backing by SNP member Amy Callaghan MP, whose calls on the UK Government to remove VAT from suncream products that have a health benefit.
Speaking on the Face The Future's IG account, she said; 'I'm delighted to be partnering with Face the Future to support its 366 Days of SPF campaign. Too many people still don't protect their skin from the sun, as their research has found, putting them at risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.'
'It's high time the Government took note of these stats and enacted meaningful action to reduce deaths from melanoma and other skin cancers.'
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