Editors' Top Reads: News from Weleda, Sure, Face the Future and more...

Here are some of this week’s news and features highlights handpicked by TheIndustry.beauty team.

New report reveals 45% of UK do not apply SPF daily

Only 55% of the UK are applying SPF daily, a notable increase from just 22% in 2024. While this reflects a positive shift, it’s still concerning that almost half of the population isn't consistently protecting their skin.

New data from Face the Future this week revealed that only 55% are also aware that UVA rays are the leading cause of premature skin ageing. Meanwhile, more of the UK prioritise moisturiser (32%) over the use of suncream (23%) as the most important step in their skincare routine.

The report highlights that incorporating SPF into makeup and skincare products is the most effective way to encourage daily sun protection. It also stresses the importance of removing VAT from sun protection items, with 70% of people agreeing that this tax should be abolished for SPF products by the Government.

Read more insights from Face the Future report here.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.

Sure launches sniffable billboard for playful deodorant campaign

Talk about shock factor... Sure has unveiled a sniffable billboard in celebration of its Whole Body Deodorant, inviting Londoners to stop and sniff the "Bunda" and "Meatballs" on show.

The billboard, which challenges passersby to 'handle the whiff', is part of a campaign to launch Sure Whole Body Deodorant - a UK first for the category. The tongue-in-cheek visuals pay tribute to the unusual places that Brits can spray their deodorant using the new range. Those brave enough to have a smell will be pleasantly surprised by the smell of fragranced oils.

As comical as this campaign may be, Unilever may be on to something with its new whole body deodorant categories for Sure and Lynx. Did you know, 66% of Brits use underarm deodorant on other parts of their bodies? I fall into that other 34%, but come summer time I'm sure Sure's sales will reap the rewards of this new launch and its eye-catching campaign.

Chloé Burney, Senior News & Features Writer.

'The support many businesses urgently need is still missing': Retail reacts to Spring Statement

Seriously, when will Rachel Reeves throw us a bone? Even a few crumbs of comfort would help at this stage. Just as retailers are bracing to absorb the additional costs of employing people she felt fit to impose in her Autumn Statement (never will I ever understand this), she's back with a Spring Statement that fails to address any of the business needs of the high street.

As she prepares to axe thousands of public sector roles, it would surely have made sense to make sure that the private sector was in a position to pick up some of those who will be looking for jobs. Instead we're bracing for further job cuts in our sector as the business rates issues remains unaddressed (in fact it's going to get worse as previous relief is removed) and a stubborn refusal to re-introduce VAT-free shopping for tourists, which would not only stimulate retail, but hospitality and travel too.

I know it seems like a favourite national pastime to throw brickbats at the Chancellor and I don't underestimate the task in hand if she thinks her promise to make "only one major fiscal intervention" per year (by which she means one tax raid) is going to deliver the confidence we need, then she is mistaken. If taxes were imposed, along with measures designed to stimulate growth, then we might get somewhere. Yes, I know, she has big plans to build things, but from a high street perspective, filling the stores that we already have has to be a priority.

Anyway, you can read how leading industry figures reacted to her Spring Statement here. Spoiler alert, they were no more impressed than I was.

Lauretta Roberts, Co-founder, CEO and Editor-in-Chief.

Why Weleda is refreshing its brand identity after over 100 years

Weleda has unveiled its first-ever rebrand, marking a historic transformation since the company was founded in 1921. The updated design attempts to strengthen the beauty company's connection with younger audiences while reinforcing its position in the premium segment.

As part of this, Weleda has launched a new logo and brand symbol. Its tagline has also been refreshed, focusing on the company's history and knowledge of medicinal plants.

The rebrand will be rolled out over the coming months for its natural skincare lines, as well as its pharmaceutical range, to " ensure that no packaging materials are wasted". From next month, the new logo will also appear across all customer touchpoints, including social media, its online shop, other digital platforms, and physical retail locations.

An interesting move as the company repositions itself for the modern consumer. Read more about the rebrand here.

Sophie Smith, News Editor & Senior Writer.