Most people in Britain haven't bought sunscreen in 2026 - Cancer Research UK

Fewer than 4 in 10 adults in Great Britain have bought sunscreen so far this year, despite the high UV levels throughout the hot summer.*

Ultraviolet radiation (UV) from the sun and sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer, which is a growing problem in the UK. Cases of melanoma, one of the most serious forms of skin cancer, are already at record highs across the country, with more than 20,000 people diagnosed in 2022. Projections suggest the number could exceed 26,000 by 2040.

Encouragingly, a survey of 30,000 people across England, Scotland and Wales has shown that 8.5% more people bought sunscreen this year than in 2025. This is the highest percentage in five years, equivalent to 1.6 million people nationwide. And nearly 3 in 10 adults across Britain are now buying SPF50, more than double the proportion buying any other SPF level.

However, despite the increases, it’s clear too few adults are buying and using sunscreen. Sunscreen expires, so reusing old tubes and bottles can mean people aren’t getting the protection they need. The survey, from Cancer Research UK’s partner NIVEA SUN and Worldpanel by Numerator, showed that fewer than 6 in 10 adults bought any sunscreen in the last two years.

“Sunscreen lasts forever” is one of many misconceptions around sun safety. Our mythbusting article sets the record straight.

To find out when a sunscreen expires, look for the open-lid symbol featuring the letter M and a number, which shows how many months it will last once open.

“With temperatures skyrocketing across the UK this summer, it’s easy to focus on the heat and forget about UV,” said Caroline Geraghty, a cancer information nurse at Cancer Research UK. “But it’s UV radiation, not temperature, that causes sun damage.”

In the UK, the sun can be strong enough to burn from mid-March to mid-October, whether there’s a heatwave or not.

To lower your risk of skin cancer, it’s important to combine sunscreen with other measures to protect your skin, such as sticking to the shade and wearing clothes that cover your shoulders, along with a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.

“Sunscreen isn’t a suit of armour. Seeking shade and covering up with clothing are some of the most effective and affordable ways to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays,” said Geraghty.

“Checking the UV index on your weather app can help you plan ahead and know when it’s time to take extra precautions.”

A graphic showing a scientist in a lab coat and sunhat looking at the sea with a microscope.

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Dive into sun safety

People are more likely to head outside when the UV index is moderate or high (UV index 3 and above), which means the sun is strong enough to damage skin. That’s why we’ve partnered with NIVEA Sun to share advice and tips on how people can enjoy the sun safely:

Seek shade – Especially between 11am and 3pm in the UK. Take a break under trees, umbrellas, and canopies, or go indoors.
Cover up – With clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and UV protection sunglasses. Clothing should cover your shoulders. The more skin that’s covered by your clothing, the better the protection. 
Apply sunscreen – With at least SPF 30 and four or five stars. Make sure to reapply it regularly and generously, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling.

It’s important to use all three steps together, even if it’s cloudy or cool outside. The sun can be strong enough in the UK to damage your skin from mid-March to mid-October, and over 90% of UV rays can pass through cloud and cause sunburn.

* Source: Worldpanel by Numerator | GB Take Home Panel | n=30,000 households | Sun Protection | January 2026 – 12th July 2026 versus previous four years. Excludes travel sales at airports & stations.