Beauty industry unites for nationwide UV safety campaign

The British Beauty Council is uniting beauty businesses through a new initiative aimed at raising awareness about the importance of UV safety while promoting consumer education and improving access to SPF products.

With melanoma cases projected to reach approximately 26,500 by 2038, according to Cancer Research UK, growing evidence reveals that many consumers remain unaware of the dangers of UV damage and how to effectively prevent it.

As a result, with initial backing from the likes of Lookfantastic, Debenhams, Boots, Face The Future, Byoma, Hello Sunday, No7 Beauty Company, and L'Oréal Group, the new initiative marks the first cross-industry collaboration focused on enhancing and amplifying UV safety messaging.

It will also provide evidence on the subject to policymakers and industry leaders to help drive "meaningful" change.

The initiative aligns with the launch of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty & Wellbeing's inaugural inquiry into UV safety in Westminster.

Chaired by industry advocate Carolyn Harris MP, the cross-party inquiry will explore UV safety and exposure, offering recommendations to both the industry and the Government.

It will launch with a year-long campaign, culminating in the creation of the British Beauty Council UV Safety Coalition.

Following this, the coalition will seek to take forward the findings and recommendations of the APPG inquiry when the findings are released via a report in Spring 2026.

Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council said: "Brands and businesses across the beauty industry have long been doing great work when it comes to increasing UV safety and access to SPF, however we can only drive real change when we collaborate to achieve a shared vision.

"The council is thrilled to have support from this initial group of retailers and brands and is excited to accelerate cross- industry participation over the coming years."

The organisation is inviting more beauty brands and businesses to join the UV Safety Initiative, with the goal of expanding the coalition and maximising its impact.