// Holland & Barrett is the first major UK retailer to make its entire suncream range reef safe
// The retailer will now only be offering 100% mineral formulas
Holland & Barrett has become the first major retailer in the UK to ban all chemical sunscreens from their stores, making the retailer’s entire suncare range ‘reef safe’.
The health and beauty player now offers only 100% mineral sun care products across its full range, from brands including Ultrasun, Sukin, Moogoo, Jason and Green People.
A 2008 European study found that over 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen end up in our oceans every year, causing pollution that harms wildlife and habitats.
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The chemical sunscreens which end up in the oceans include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate and octinoxate – carbon-containing compounds which work by absorbing UV radiation
Jo Cooke, Beauty Trading Director at Holland & Barrett told The Industry: “As a business that cares about the wellness of people and our planet, we’re constantly looking at ways to help make beauty shopping more sustainable. When countries started banning chemical suncare ingredients we felt we had to act too. This move gives our beauty customers a range where they do not have to make a choice between being environment safe or skin safe in the sun.”
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