UK beauty industry & MPs announce initiatives to improve UV safety
By Rebecca Hitchon | 22 May 2025 | Movers & Shakers, News
With new UK melanoma skin cancer cases projected to rise to around 26,500 each year by 2038, the beauty industry is uniting to spearhead positive change.
The British Beauty Council has coordinated the UV Safety Initiative to increase knowledge of suncare, SPF and the risks of UV radiation. It is supported by companies including LOOKFANTASTIC, Debenhams, Boots, No7 Beauty Company and L’Oreal Groupe, which aim to improve and increase messaging surrounding UV safety. The Council invites other beauty brands and businesses to get involved.
The UV Safety Initiative is set to embark on a year-long campaign, resulting in the formation of the British Beauty Council UV Safety Coalition.
Meribeth Parker: chair of the BBCo, Millie Kendall OBE: CEO of the BBCo, and Carolyn Harris MP.
Millie Kendall OBE, CEO of the British Beauty Council, comments: “Brands and businesses across the beauty industry have long been doing great work to increase 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 an initial group of retailers and brands, and is excited to accelerate cross-industry participation over the coming years.
“With rates of melanoma increasing and statistics showing that 3 in 4 neglect to address sun damage, now’s the time to kickstart this vital work.”
The initiative comes as the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Beauty & Wellbeing launched its first inquiry into UV safety. At an event attended by MPs, beauty pros and business leaders on 21 May, the cross-party group of MPs shared its intention to drive increased protection from UV damage for consumers. The inquiry will provide UV safety recommendations to the UK government following the launch of findings in spring 2026.
Skincare expert & brand founder, Caroline Hirons, speaking at the launch of the APPG inquiry.
The APPG inquiry is chaired by Carolyn Harris MP and has issued a call for written evidence from the public, organisations, industry bodies and academics by 31 October 2025. This includes individuals or groups with expertise and experience relating to UV safety, including those impacted by UV damage and working within the beauty and healthcare sectors. To submit evidence, email beautyappg@britishbeautycouncil.com for full terms of reference.
The inquiry seeks to collate evidence on how UV safety is a basic need and year-round issue; its affordability and accessibility; if a change in approach can help to relieve burden on the NHS, and the effectiveness of UV safety education.
Carolyn Harris MP comments: “It is fantastic to launch the Beauty and Wellbeing APPG UV safety inquiry in parliament, with colleagues, healthcare professionals, industry representatives and beauty influencers.
“The damage of overexposure to UV and need for education is clear. The horrifying rise in cases of melanoma, coupled with the fact that more than 85% of those cases are avoidable with the right protection, highlights how vital this inquiry is.”
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