Latest news with #BritishBeautyCouncil
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
MPs to target online personalities spouting anti-suncream misinformation as 'dangerous' movement grips TikTok
Social media influencers who spout anti-suncream messages and plug potentially dangerous tanning products are set to face a crackdown by MPs. A parliamentary inquiry will target TikTok and Instagram personalities who do paid promotions for oils and lotions without including their health risks. It will also call for greater regulator powers to curb influencers peddling sun protection factor (SPF) conspiracy theories, push for health warnings on oils and sunbeds, and look at the affordability of SPF products and advocate for them to be exempt from VAT. It comes as an anti-suncream movement has gained traction on TikTok, with viral posts claiming sun protection is the same as 'rubbing cancer into your skin'. Some TikTok stars have even posted recipes for 'DIY suncream', which experts warn may not properly protect against damaging UV light. MPs are calling for the Advertising Standards Authority to be empowered to tackle the messages put out by 'dangerous' social media influencers, saying that the current regulations have not kept up with the modern world. The British Beauty Council, which is backing the campaign and is set to give its recommendations to the Government and industry next year, said: 'Misinformation and disinformation are rife across media platforms with little challenge or recourse.' Labour MP Carolyn Harris, who chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Beauty and Wellbeing, said: 'It is vital that the public understands the dangers of UV, and the risks that they are taking to get a tan.' She added the inquiry will look at the risk and 'impact of over-exposure' to sunlight as well as how to educate people on the subject to 'prevent a public health crisis'.
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Danger of nasal tanning sprays that can cause skin cancer
Experts have warned about Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer. The unregulated sprays - which claim to accelerate tanning - may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine, they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit $990million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavored nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavors such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviors, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Atkin used the product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. Almost nine in ten people diagnosed with melanoma survive ten years or more. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
Daily Mail
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Urgent cancer warning over popular tanning product: 'It's dangerous', say experts
Nasal tanning sprays that have been linked to deadly skin cancer are being widely sold across social media platforms, experts have warned. The unregulated sprays–which claim to accelerate tanning–may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and high blood pressure according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI). The CTSI is now urging the public to avoid any tanning product that is 'inhaled or ingested'. The sprays claim to work by delivering a substance known as Melanotan 2, a chemical that darkens skin pigmentation and which is banned in the UK. While this creates a tan it 'may also encourage abnormal skin cell changes in response to UV exposure', according to the Melanoma Fund. It's these changes that can potentially lead to melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. However, as the sprays are marketed as a cosmetic product rather than a medicine they are not as tightly regulated and have surged in popularity. According to the British Beauty Council, the self-tan market is set to hit £746.3 million by 2027. The CTSI also raised the alarm on the growing trend of people using flavoured nasal tanning sprays, drops and gummies. They warned that 'unscrupulous' sellers on Facebook and TikTok were posting pictures of the products available in child-friendly flavours such as peach, bubblegum, grape, strawberry and lime. The regulator said it feared they could become the latest 'must have' products among young people 'leading to a youth epidemic as we saw with disposable vapes'. Susanna Daniels, chief executive of the skin-cancer charity Melanoma Focus, said: 'We're becoming increasingly concerned about the use of both nasal tanning sprays and tanning injections and their potential links with melanoma skin cancer. 'These unregulated and illegal products not only pose serious health risks but also encourage harmful behaviours, particularly among young consumers. 'We urge the public to consider the long-term impacts on their health and avoid using these substances altogether.' Gary Lipman, chairman at the Sunbed Association, added: 'Nasal sprays have absolutely no place in a professional tanning salon. 'We fully support CTSI's campaign to heighten awareness of the dangers of using them.' Some British patients have already been harmed by the products. Jen Atkin, a former Miss Great Britain winner from Grimsby, Lincolnshire, said she has been permanently scarred after using a nasal tanning spray she bought on Instagram. 'Unfortunately, I decided to go to extra lengths and fell into the trend of nasal tan,' she said. Ms Atkin used the £25 product twice and a dark brown mark appeared 'out of absolutely nowhere' on her forehead. She added: 'It scared the life out of me. It made me feel so nauseous and weird.' Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells found in the upper layer of skin that produce melanin, which gives skin its colour. While less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage. Around 17,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, according to the latest figures published on the Cancer Research UK website. There is an annual average of 2,300 deaths from the skin cancer, according to the charity, with it accounting for around 1 per cent of cancer deaths.
Forbes
21-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How Beautyfor And Anika Leila Are Tackling Beauty's Excess Issue
It is unsurprising that the beauty industry is booming; it's been reported that UK sales reached £27.2 billion last year, nearly matching pre-pandemic levels of £28 billion, according to the British Beauty Council's Value of Beauty Report. Similarly, the US beauty market in 2023 was estimated to generate approximately $94.36 billion in cosmetics and beauty sales, a number that undoubtedly has increased since. This growth is driven by constant product launches, consumer demand, influencer marketing, and global expansion of brands, though not always in a sustainable manner. This success comes with a significant environmental cost. The Courage to Change Report by the British Beauty Council reveals that the beauty industry produces over 120 billion packaging units globally each year, much of which ends up in landfills. Even more alarming, up to 40% of all manufactured beauty products are ultimately discarded unused. Given the rapid demand for supply, t's difficult for brands to predict exactly what and how many products they will need, and often, they produce more than they can realistically sell. The problem is compounded by retail requirements that products be at least 6-12 months from expiration, leaving brands with limited options for their excess inventory. While selling to discount retailers like TJ Maxx or Marshalls in the States works for some brands, many premium companies resist this approach to protect their brand identity and pricing integrity. Donation seems like an obvious solution, but charitable organizations often have strict specifications about what products they'll accept, making this path surprisingly difficult. As a result, many brands resort to disposal which not only creates harmful CO2 emissions and greenhouse gases but wastes perfectly usable products. This environmental challenge demands innovative solutions to reduce waste across the beauty industry supply chain. New York-based nonprofit Beautyfor and British-Punjabi designer Anika Leila have come up with two separate solutions. Beautyfor, a sustainability nonprofit that launched in 2024, founded by beauty editors Gabby Shacknai and Zoë Weiner, has created an innovative solution to the beauty industry's waste problem that's focused on sustainability. The organization partners with leading and emerging brands to rescue excess inventory that would otherwise end up discarded. These products are then sold to consumers at significant discounts (ranging from 25-90% off retail prices) with all proceeds supporting charities focused on mental health, animal welfare, environmental conservation, women's issues, and racial equity. 'Invest in fewer, better products where you can. Instead of buying 10 different serums, try to find one that can address all of your skin concerns in a single bottle (they really do exist, we promise!). Commit to using products to the very last drop, and if you can't, gift them to a friend,' Shacknai states in an interview with Forbes. In less than a year, Beautyfor has already saved over 20,000 products from landfills while raising more than $50,000 for worthy causes. The organization hosts quarterly pop-up sales in New York City, that are marketed on their Instagram account, along with virtual sales and emergency relief fundraisers, giving shoppers access to quality products at reduced prices while supporting sustainability. Looking ahead, BeautyFor is expanding its offerings with custom shopping experiences that provide personalized, editor-curated product bundles for gifting, events, and corporate initiatives. In addition, they really focus on the proper recycling of products. 'There's a lot of greenwashing when it comes to sustainable packaging, but consumers can proper recycle their beauty products or alternatively, bring your empty containers to organizations like PACT Collective and Terracycle, which have bins at Ulta and Nordstrom stores across the globe and will do the work for you,' she adds. Beyond their consumer-facing work, they also collaborate directly with brands to enhance their sustainability and philanthropic efforts, creating a comprehensive approach to reducing waste in the beauty industry. British Punjabi designer Anika Leila has pioneered a solution to beauty industry waste by transforming expired makeup products into stunning wearable art. The 26-year-old London native, whose fashion journey began with sewing lessons from her grandmother and continued through prestigious training at Central Saint Martins, upcycles out of date makeup as one way to addresses the beauty industry's excess product problem. "Makeup was always an outlet for me," Leila explains. "I had a bunch of expired makeup that family members acquired. As a student unable to afford expensive paints and pens, I thought: why not just use makeup?" This practical solution has evolved into a distinctive artistic technique that gives new life to products that would otherwise end up discarded. Through extensive experimentation, Leila has mastered the behavior of various makeup formulations on fabric, discovering that deeply pigmented brands like Huda Beauty create particularly long-lasting results, though she notes that virtually all brands have proven workable in her process. To ensure durability, she applies a specialized sealant that makes the pigments smudge-proof, advising customers to hand wash or spot wash items for maximum longevity. Her consciously crafted garments (including tops and dresses) and wall artwork have attracted a growing customer base across the UK and United States. Despite this success, Leila maintains an inclusive design philosophy, creating pieces that transcend gender and demographic boundaries. This sustainable approach stems from her upbringing in a crowded household with three siblings. "All four of us have grown to be minimalistic and don't care for overconsumption. We don't follow trends," she reflects. 'That's how I have been raised, thinking about my career in a wider lens and working as sustainably as possible.' Beyond her own creations, Leila encourages broader participation in her waste-reduction mission by accepting donated expired makeup products and responsibly recycling all packaging and empty containers, demonstrating how creative innovation can transform a beauty industry problem into artistic opportunity. The beauty industry's waste problem has reached a critical point, but meaningful solutions are emerging that allow everyone to participate in positive change. Whether you're a consumer with expired products languishing in your bathroom drawer or someone who shops for discounted items that would otherwise never reach store shelves, you now have opportunities to make a difference.
Forbes
19-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Glow With Purpose: How Self-Tan Became Skincare's Sophisticated Power Player
Self Tan Success: The global market—projected to reach over $2.3 billion by 2030—is riding a wave of ... More consumer insight, driven by a generation that prizes glow, but demands more from their products. In an era where SPF awareness has skyrocketed and the aesthetic of wellness trumps the pursuit of sun damage, self-tan has become more than cosmetic. It's a statement of self-care, sophistication, and subtle control. Once dismissed as a streaky shortcut to summer, self-tan has emerged from the shadows of the beauty aisle to become one of skincare's most dynamic and strategic categories. No longer the reserve of teenage experimentation or seasonal indulgence, self-tan is now defined by formulation innovation, health-conscious consumer behaviour, and a rising demand for functional luxury. The global market—projected to reach over $2.3 billion by 2030—is riding a wave of consumer insight, driven by a generation that prizes glow, but demands more from their products. In an era where SPF awareness has skyrocketed and the aesthetic of wellness trumps the pursuit of sun damage, self-tan has become more than cosmetic. It's a statement of self-care, sophistication, and subtle control. Brands like Tan-Luxe, whose Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion won a top score of 83% from Which? ... More for its natural results and hydrating feel, demonstrate the level of formulation that consumers now expect. The numbers speak volumes. The global self-tanning market is expected to grow from $1.2 billion in 2025 to nearly $2 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of over 7%, according to Fortune Business Insights. In Europe—where the UK leads in market maturity—self-tan is a category to watch, with British consumers embracing products that merge performance, skincare, and self-expression. This isn't driven by vanity alone. What's powering the shift is consumer caution—a deepened understanding of sun damage, rising skin cancer awareness, and an industry-wide emphasis on prevention over repair. In the words of one British Beauty Council report: 'Consumers no longer see tanning as a guilty pleasure, but as part of a healthy-looking routine.' Add in the rise of online shopping, user-generated reviews, and the visual economy of social media, and self-tan finds itself ideally placed. It delivers a visible result, a moment of personal transformation, and highly Instagrammable packaging—all in one category. Sisley Paris has positioned its Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care product not only as a bronzer, ... More but as a luxury moisturiser in its own right. What once was a pre-holiday panic buy has become a year-round routine. Consumers no longer apply self-tan to fake a fortnight in the sun. They use it to even skin tone, enhance radiance, and bridge the gap between wellness and aesthetic. This shift mirrors wider beauty trends. Hybridisation—the blending of cosmetic and skincare function—is a key driver. The best-performing self-tan products today are not just bronzers; they hydrate, exfoliate, smooth, and often incorporate ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, or botanical oils. Where tanning used to sit outside the core skincare conversation, it is now integrated into routines and measured in quality, not colour depth. The goal? Glow, not gimmick. The self-tan category is enjoying a quiet revolution—one led by texture, tone, and technology. Gone are the days of overpowering scent, unpredictable colour, and dreaded transfer. Today's bestsellers are sheer, buildable, and effortless to apply—reflecting the consumer demand for beauty that fits into their lives, not the other way around. Brands like Tan-Luxe, whose Gradual Illuminating Tanning Lotion won a top score of 83% from Which? for its natural results and hydrating feel, demonstrate the level of formulation that consumers now expect. Meanwhile, Sisley Paris has positioned its Self Tanning Hydrating Body Skin Care product not only as a bronzer, but as a luxury moisturiser in its own right. And then there's Brunae Body—a rising disruptor with a modern, minimalist brand voice and inclusive ... More marketing. Their clean formulations and high aesthetic have tapped into a Gen Z consumer who wants efficacy, ethics, and elegance in equal measure. And then there's Brunae Body—a rising disruptor with a modern, minimalist brand voice and inclusive marketing. Their clean formulations and high aesthetic have tapped into a Gen Z consumer who wants efficacy, ethics, and elegance in equal measure. Bridging the gap between fun and functional, Isle of Paradise is loved for inclusive tones and ... More colour-correcting formulations. Each brand reflects a different consumer mindset—from entry-level convenience to prestige pampering. But all are unified by one thing: a focus on experience over excess. As health consciousness rises, self-tan is becoming a strategic growth lever—particularly in grocery, pharmacy, and beauty retail. In the UK, the category has helped boost grocery beauty sales as seasonal sun cream sales fell, highlighting its role in maintaining footfall and basket size across unpredictable climates. What makes self-tan commercially powerful is its repeat-purchase potential, cross-category reach (from body to face, skincare to cosmetics), and seasonal resilience. It sells in January, June, and October alike—adapting not to the weather, but to the consumer's mood and lifestyle. Self-tan has shaken off its legacy reputation. It has moved from the margins of beauty into the centre of self-care—and it's done so by embracing nuance, technology, and subtlety. Today's products meet consumers where they are: busy, informed, and image-aware. Deeper than beauty—the shift is behavioural. Self-tan is succeeding because it answers a modern desire: to look better, feel healthier, and control appearance in a way that's sustainable, achievable, and emotionally rewarding.
