Tesco slashes 20% VAT off the price of skincare brand – saving customers £1million

WE all know we should be applying sunscreen liberally and regularly during the summer months – but the price of a bottle can see many of us eking out our SPF supply. 

Using sun protection sparingly though can leave us vulnerable to sunburn, which can in turn expose us to skin damage and melanoma skin cancer.

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Don’t eke out the sunscreen – Tesco is making it more affordable[/caption]

There are around 16,700 cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK every year and more than 2,300 deaths from the disease.

But according to Cancer Research UK, 86 per cent of cases are preventable.

It’s all about taking care of your skin and protecting yourself against the sun’s harmful UV rays. 

However, bottles of SPF – opt for at least an SPF of 30 but preferably 50, and check for at least a UVA rating of four – don’t often come cheap.

In a survey of 2,000 adults, Tesco found that over half (57 per cent) of Brits think sun cream is expensive.

While 29 per cent said they would wear sun protection every day if it wasn’t so painful on the wallet. 

What’s more, ONS data has found that a whopping 36 per cent of us – that’s around 19m people – don’t wear sun protection even on sunny days. 

Saving a few pennies could sway people to pick up the sun block more often though, which is why Tesco covers VAT on its Soleil sun care range. 

The supermarket has done so since 2021, saving customers more than £1million so far. 

With VAT at 20% on products, it means Tesco Soleil Kids Sun Lotion Spf 50, 75Ml is currently £2.40, but would have cost £3 with VAT included.

While Tesco Soleil Sun Spray Spf 50, 200Ml, is £3.60, when it would have been £4.50.

And Tesco Soleil Sensitive Sun Spray Spf 50 200Ml, £4 would be £5.

Alessandra Bellini, Chief Customer Officer, Tesco, said: “At Tesco, we believe sun protection is essential, and know that the cost of using it can add up. 

“With the current squeeze on household budgets, money may be tighter than ever for many families.

“We believe the safety of the nation’s skin should not be treated as a luxury, which is why we are helping customers save on the sun protection products in our Tesco Soleil range.”

The range also offers a UVA five-star rating.