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The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) welcomes the launch of the Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) report on UV Safety today, in particular its recommendations to strengthen public understanding of UV risks, the focus on protecting children, outdoor workers and, very importantly, to combat online misinformation which puts the public at risk. CTPA was very pleased to have had the opportunity to provide oral and written evidence during the Inquiry.
Dr. Emma Meredith OBE, Director-General of CTPA, said: “CTPA was delighted to contribute to the Inquiry from the Beauty, Hair and Wellbeing APPG on UV Safety. I would like to thank Carolyn Harris MP, Chair of the APPG, for championing this topic. UV safety is extremely important and a shared responsibility. There is a worrying amount of misinformation and dangerous trends circulating currently, which puts people at risk. The APPG report contains excellent recommendations to ensure no part of the population is left behind when it comes to sun awareness and safety.
With the report containing the worrying incidence of skin cancers but also that the vast majority are preventable1, CTPA particularly welcomes the call for a long‑term, cross‑party public health campaign on UV safety, developed with industry and all relevant stakeholders, that will have longevity. CTPA is keen to support this and I hope many stakeholders can join the collective effort. CTPA will certainly continue to play its part in providing clear sun safety messaging, alongside existing and future partners.”
Highlighted recommendations
- CTPA supports the approach to make the importance of UV protection a sustained, year-round campaign rather than a seasonal one.
- The Association welcomes strengthening sun safety education in schools to embed healthy sun protection habits for life.
- CTPA welcomes calls for inclusive education that reflects all skin tones and improves awareness of the dangers of UV exposure for a diverse population and how skin cancer can affect everyone and can present differently.
- CTPA welcomes recommendations to recognise UV exposure as a serious occupational health risk and the associated recommendations to protect workers.
- CTPA agrees with the report that “one of the most significant challenges to UV safety is the widespread dissemination of myths and misinformation via social media, which contributes to public uncertainty and potentially harmful behaviours.” CTPA welcomes the set of recommendations to protect the public from online misinformation and sunscreen myths which put people’s health at risk.
CTPA was pleased that the Report acknowledged the Association’s support for a Government- and industry-backed educational campaign, starting within schools, and its willingness to be involved2. CTPA is looking forward to working with the Government and other stakeholders on implementing the Recommendations, to enhance public awareness and protection, helping to reduce the well-established risks associated with harmful UV exposure and support healthier outcomes for society.
Download the APPG Report: APPG UV Safety Report.pdf
CTPA’s sun protection material for 2026
Sun protection products are safe, effective and strictly regulated; they play an important role in helping people enjoy time outdoors more safely, as part of a wider set of measures to reduce UV exposure. CTPA encourages consumers to follow trusted guidance and to use sunscreen correctly and regularly, alongside seeking shade and covering up where possible.
Each year, CTPA contributes to the general efforts to promote sun safety and the appropriate use of sunscreen by providing a range of consumer resources and collaborating with other educational initiatives.
CTPA resources for the public include a dedicated Sun Protection hub on the website thefactsabout.co.uk, featuring infographics, videos and expert guidance on the science behind sunscreens and how to use them.
This year, a new section and social media campaign will raise awareness of harmful myths and viral sun and tanning trends such as intentional tan lines and false claims that sun protection products are harmful and other anti-SPF narratives.
Discover and share our resources:
- Sun Protection resources for the public: https://www.thefactsabout.co.uk/how-sunscreens-work
- Follow us on: Instagram @thectpa and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/ctpa/ for more content
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1 See Report, The health landscape, pp. 7-8
2 Report Excerpt, Industry Support, p. 16: “As referenced above, a number of key stakeholders within the industry, including brands, retailers, charities and medical organisations are already funding their own educational initiatives and, during the course of the inquiry, the APPG was repeatedly told that there was an appetite for a government-led campaign that the industry could get behind. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) explicitly stated that they and their members “would be happy to be involved in such a campaign.”
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About CTPA
The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association Limited (CTPA) is the UK trade association representing all types of companies involved in making, supplying and selling cosmetics and personal care products.
As the credible authority for a vibrant and innovative UK industry trusted to act responsibly for the benefit of the consumer, CTPA promotes best practices and advises companies about the strict legal framework for cosmetics and personal care products. Representing industry views to the UK Government and external stakeholders CTPA also provides information to the media on many topics relating to the safety of cosmetic products and the cosmetics industry in general.
CTPA main website: ctpa.org.uk
CTPA consumer website: thefactsabout.co.uk
Media enquiries: [email protected]
