Our SPF Survey Results Revealed
With temperatures continually on the rise and cases of skin cancer growing, a thorough understanding of SPF appears to be needed now more than ever.
That’s where LOOKFANTASTIC comes in. This year, we launched the SPF Consumer Survey 2025, made to underpin the public’s knowledge of sun care.
And the results are in! We learned that while 62% of people expressed worry about developing melanoma, 63% admitted to not using SPF daily.
So, there is some work yet to do. Ever your source of beauty wisdom, we’ve compiled the results into this handy guide to help you become sun care savvy.
To Tan or Not to Tan?
That is the question!
It’s also the age-old misconception that continues to plague sun worshippers: the idea that you can’t tan if you’re wearing an SPF. What if we told you that the pair go hand in hand?
It’s indeed possible to achieve a natural, radiant tan when wearing SPF. It may just take longer to achieve the colour you’re after.
According to our survey, 52% of people felt having a tan was important or extremely important. So, while it’s clear that a sun-kissed complexion is a must for many, the same can’t be said for SPF; our survey also revealed it didn’t rank in the top 3 most important features of a skincare product, signalling that maybe keeping an eye out for SPF-infused products should be more of a priority.
So, how are our respondents achieving their tans?
Luckily, our survey revealed that 82% of people opt for a gradual tanning moisturiser or other self-tanning products. As convenient, nourishing and sun-free ways of enjoying a golden glow, it’s easy to understand why they are such a popular method.
To help you make the switch from sun-worshipping to a bottled glow, we’ve listed our top 12 most searched gradual tanners on LOOKFANTASTIC:
Our survey also found that respondents in Scotland were significantly more likely to use a tanning bed to achieve their desired tan.
As a country where sunny days are more limited, the lure of a tanning bed is understandable: after all, it offers a quick and hassle-free way of achieving a sun-kissed appearance. However, when balanced against the potential risks, gradual tanners come out top – you can explore our range to discover one that works for you.
SPF Knowledge
Our survey then attempted to gauge the public’s general understanding of SPFs, and it’s fair to say that a few gaps were revealed.
For example, only 42% of people who claimed to have excellent SPF knowledge knew what it meant, and only 35% knew what the number meant. And 3 in 4 respondents admit they are neglecting to address sun damage concerns in their skincare routines.
So, let’s address that right off the bat. The number essentially informs you as to how long you can stay in the sun, compared to having no protection.
An SPF30 product means you can sit in direct sunlight 30 times longer than you would without any sun care at all.
What is SPF?
Bust SPF myths and common misconceptions with our 101 guide to sun protection, with expert advice from Melanie Grant.
Our survey then addressed Gen Z respondents. As self-proclaimed skincare prodigies, the results were surprising.
While Gen Z was significantly more likely to opt for the darkest colour of tan possible, they were also much less likely to have a high level of SPF knowledge. However, more of them knew that the minimum SPF is 30 in the UK.
So, What Action Can We Take?
Shockingly, SPF is not considered an essential product by UK regulations, which means that, as a cosmetic product, it’s subjected to 20% VAT. 8 out of 10 respondents believe it should be exempt, as do we here at LOOKFANTASTIC.
9 out of 10 respondents also believe that the government should do more to educate the public about SPF and sun protection.
This year, we launched our ‘Wear Your Stripes’ event, which aimed to raise awareness of sun damage and how avoidable it is. But we didn’t stop there.
We also visited Parliament to observe the launch of the Sun Safety inquiry to flag the increase in the rates of UV-related skin cancers to government officials. So, while there remains work to be done, the first steps are being made.
And there you have it: our SPF survey results wrapped up. You can shop our assortment of SPFs here - it's as simple as that.
