Holland & Barrett becomes first major retailer to ban chemical suncream

Holland & Barrett is the first major UK retailer to make its entire suncream range reef safe, removing all suncare products containing ocean-damaging ingredients.

Over 14,000 tonnes of suncream washes into the ocean each year causing pollution that harms wildlife and habitats. Chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, both often found in suncream, have been linked to this damage.

The health and beauty brand will now only offer 100% mineral suncare products for customers to choose environmentally-friendly sun protection ahead of the warmer weather and holiday season.

Holland & Barrett has launched its own suncream range, covering SPFs 15, 30 and 50. It will also stock a wider range of safe suncream from brands including Ultrasun, Sukin, Moogoo, Jason and Green People.

Jo Cooke, Beauty Trading Director at Holland & Barrett, said: “As a business that cares about the wellness of people and our planet, we’re constantly looking at ways to help make beauty shopping more sustainable. When countries started banning chemical suncare ingredients we felt we had to act too. This move gives our beauty customers a range where they do not have to make a choice between being environment safe or skin safe in the sun.”

Nicola Bridge, Head of Ocean Advocacy & Engagement at the Ocean Conservation Trust, said: “We are really excited to hear that Holland & Barrett is taking this huge step to support a thriving Ocean. Everyone can make simple changes in their daily lives to help protect our Ocean and we recommend using sustainable sunscreen as a great way to keep yourself and the Ocean safe. Hopefully other retailers will be inspired to do the same for the health of our Ocean.”