Skcin proactively support calls on Government to reclassify SPF 30+ sunscreen as an essential healthcare item and to address the need for supportive education. A dual approach to reduced taxation and education will help reduce the rising incidence of skin cancer and the significant annual burden it places on our NHS.
SKCIN are proactive supporters of the VAT Burn campaign as a lead charity that represents the fight against both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Whilst we strongly believe that sunscreen is an essential healthcare item that should not be classified as a luxury, and therefore subject to VAT – it’s clear that a dual approach to reduced taxation and education is required to tackle this national public health concern. Let’s take a look at the compelling evidence that defines the need for immediate government action.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and is more commonly diagnosed than all other malignancies combined.
Over 265,000 annual cases affect around 25% of the UK population who will be treated for skin cancer at least once in their lifetime, resulting in over 3,500 largely preventable deaths.
Skin cancer is indiscriminate and affecting a growing number of young adults, with melanoma (the most serious form of skin cancer) now one of the biggest killing cancers in the 15-34 age group.
The annual cost of diagnosing and treating skin cancer is estimated to be in excess of £500 million, placing a significant financial and resourcing burden on our NHS.
With rates of the disease rising faster than any other cancer and the rising incidence further fuelled by ozone depletion – sadly these statistics provide only a snapshot of what the future holds.
90% of skin cancer cases are preventable by adopting simple sun safe measures which includes the regular use of high factor sunscreen. However, affordability is a barrier to its use as independent research undertaken on behalf of Tesco, in partnership with SKCIN in 2021 revealed:
These statistics highlight rising concerns – that are deepening with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Aside from the evident need to make sunscreen more affordable, the research conducted on behalf of Tesco further revealed the importance of education as 36% of people surveyed said they don’t wear sun protection even when its sunny! This equates to a staggering 19m UK adults – based ONS data stating there are a total 52.6m UK adults (2019).
As cases of skin cancer reach epidemic proportions, the facts highlight a powerful case for government intervention, specifically to: (a) make sunscreen more affordable by removing VAT from high factor sunscreen, and (b) educate the public on the importance of sun protection to drive positive behavioural change.
A dual approach to reduced taxation and education has been proven to work in Australia where the reduction of skin cancer cases is globally recognised as one of their greatest health achievements.
Despite the concerted efforts of SKCIN, fellow patient lead charity Melanoma Focus and support from a number of other charities, medical professionals, patients and cross-party politicians – to date, Government has “no plans” to support these calls, stating:
“VAT brings in vital public funds and any decisions to change this for individual products involve a “trade-off”. Sunscreen is available to some via doctors’ prescriptions, which are exempt from VAT”.
Government also passed the buck to retailers, encouraging supermarkets to lower the price of their own-brand sunscreens to absorb the cost of VAT – noting that Tesco had already done this.
Several large retailers have reduced the price of certain sun protection products to absorb the VAT, making sunscreen more affordable for consumers. Tesco were the first to commit to this before the VAT Burn began, since then others have followed suit:
In 2021, prior to the VAT Burn campaign and in partnership with SKCIN – Tesco announced its commitment toward tackling the rising incidence of skin cancer by PERMANENTLY reducing the price of their own brand Tesco Soleil sun care range by 20% – to cover the VAT. The commitment from the retailer came as research conducted by Tesco revealed the compelling statistics stated above and the evident need to not only make sunscreen more affordable for consumers, but to educate the nation on the importance of sun protection.
Oonagh Turnbull, Head of Health Campaigns, Tesco said: “We are proud to be working with SKCIN to raise awareness of sun-safety in the UK. We believe the safety of the nation’s skin should not be down to affordability, which is why we have permanently reduced the price of the sun protection products in our Soleil range by 20% to cover the cost of VAT”.
In 2023 and 2024 high Street retailer Superdrug cut the cost of their own brand Solait sun care products in recognition of protection being a healthcare essential.
Superdrug’s Own Brand Director, Jamie Archer, said: “We believe that everyone should have access to the products that protect their health and well-being and at an affordable price. Sunscreen is currently classed as a cosmetic product and therefore carries the VAT associated with it, making it unaffordable for some people. Through our work with Beauty Banks, we know that requests for donations of sun care products have gone up, with some people even having to forego it altogether, which is concerning to hear. We hope that by reducing the price of our Solait range we can help make sun protection more affordable and allow families to stay safe in the sun”.
In 2024 and again in 2025, online beauty retailer Face the Future backed the VAT Burn campaign and removed the cost of VAT on their core SPF brands. Brands include La Roche-Posay, Heliocare, Ultrasun, Avene and Skinceuticals amongst others.
Face the Future commented: “ We hope the rest of the beauty industry joins us in supporting the VAT Burn campaign so that sunscreen can be recognised as a healthcare essential in the future”.
In 2024 and again in 2025, online beauty retailer LOOKFANTASTIC backed the VAT Burn campaign announcing a 20% saving across their core face and body suncare lines of factor 30 or above.
LOOKFANTASTIC says: “We believe protecting your skin is essential and building SPF into your daily routine should be non-negotiable. With cases of melanoma on the rise, we believe it’s more important than ever to make sun protection accessible for everyone. The move helps to reinforce the importance of sun safety, making it easier for you to incorporate SPF into your everyday routine – whatever your budget!”
In 2025 as part of Hello Sunday’s commitment to promoting simple, daily, SPF skincare routines, they removed VAT on product selections available on their website – aiming to make high-quality SPF products more accessible to individuals across the UK.
Amy Ford, Founder of Hello Sunday says: “Until we see a change in policy in the UK, we are launching a year round VAT FREE section on our website where we are reducing our pricing and paying the VAT across the Hello Sunday range. We want to make it easier for consumers to build SPF into their daily routine with products that are easy to use and re-apply on the go. We hope this can generate awareness and conversation for positive change.”
SKCIN have worked closely with key organisations that represent the UK beauty industry since 2018, educating professionals working across this vast sector on the prevention and early detection of skin cancer – with our award winning MASCED training programmes. SKCIN believe these organisations are powerfully placed to support calls, helping to keep the campaign on the political agenda and are pleased to gain their valuable support:
“The British Beauty Council supports calls for better education around sun safety and the removal of VAT for SPF30+ sunscreen. Challenging misconceptions around the necessity of sun protection and its role in preventing cancer and reducing the burden on our health service is paramount. However, making products accessible and most importantly affordable for all is absolutely key to this. Sun safety is a basic need and should be treated as such by Government, industry and the public alike.”
Victoria Brownlie, Chief Policy Officer
“The rapid rate at which skin cancer is growing is a concern that requires urgent attention. Given the cost of living crisis it is understandable how sunscreen may be considered a luxury item by many instead of an essential purchase. That said, the fact skin cancer is so often preventable indicates strongly why Government should be considering every option available to assist. This includes making reputable & effective sunscreens more affordable while educating the nation on their vital importance in the fight against cancer.”
Lesley Blair MBE, CEO of BABTAC & CIBTAC
“Skin cancer is a growing public health concern and we must take all the necessary precautions to ensure that we educate people on the dangers of not using sun protection. We are very happy to be supporting the VAT Burn campaign with SKCIN, removing VAT from SPF30+ sunscreen will make it more affordable to adults in the UK who find it too expensive to purchase.”
Caroline Larissey, Chief Executive of NHBF
“Habia fully supports SKCIN and the VAT Burn Campaign that calls for the removal of VAT on SPF30+ sunscreen combined with nationwide education. Quality sun protection is an essential health item not a luxury and should be made more affordable for individuals and families. A dual approach with supportive education is critical in ensuring positive outcomes and SKCIN are specialists in this field.”
Joan Scott, CEO of Habia
“The skin is the body’s largest organ and is often overlooked when maintaining overall health. At the British Skin Foundation, we know that protecting your skin from harmful UV rays can minimise the risk of potentially deadly skin cancers later in life. Sunscreen, used alongside other sun safe behaviours is a vital tool when it comes to protecting the skin and should not be considered a ‘luxury’ item. Removing the VAT will go a long way to making sunscreen more accessible for all and help to improve the skin health of the nation alongside education.”
Lisa Bickerstaffe, British Skin Foundation
The VAT Burn hasn’t gone away. Watch this space for updates and to see how you can get involved to support the campaign.
