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.
