Hey Bud Blasts Tax Legislation on Sunscreens

Are You Being Taxed on Sunscreens You Actually Need?

We’re Serving some Shade at the Tax Man on your behalf but we need your help.

Why Multi-Purpose Sunscreens Need (Deserve!) to Be Tax-Free

It’s no secret that sunscreen is an essential part of any skincare routine. But there's a bigger issue that we need to make some noise about - why are multi-purpose sunscreens still subject to tax in Australia? In an ideal world, sunscreen would be something we all apply consistently without a second thought. Yet, in reality, many of us struggle to make sunscreen a daily habit.

The Tax Drama: What’s Happening?

Here’s the situation: the Australian government is making some changes to how sunscreens are taxed. Under the current draft of the tax rules, if your product is marketed as sunscreen and provides SPF protection of 15 or more, it’s generally tax-free. Simple enough, right?

But what happens if your sunscreen also moisturises and primes (AKA Hey Bud’s beloved 3-in-1 Serving Shade)? Well, that’s where things get a little murky.

In short, multi-functional products like Serving Shade - sunscreens that also hydrate, prime, and nourish your skin - could fall into a grey area. The legislation doesn’t make it clear if products that do more than just protect from the sun should still be treated the same way. Some people think that because they do more, they should get taxed and therefore cost more. But let’s be real, that doesn’t seem quite right.

The SPF Struggle: Survey Insights

In our recent survey, The SPF Struggles, we asked about your sunscreen habits, and the results were eye-opening. A massive 97% of participants knew they should be applying sunscreen throughout the day, yet less than half actually do so. For many, sunscreen can feel like a chore—uncomfortable, greasy, or just another task to tick off.

At Hey Bud, we’re all about making skincare enjoyable and effective. That’s why we spent over 12 months expertly formulating a sunscreen that will actually make you want to wear sunscreen everyday: Serving Shade SPF50 Sunscreen hydrates, primes, and protects - without the greasy, heavy feel. We’ve designed it to fit seamlessly into your daily routine, offering not just UVA + UVB protection but also skincare benefits.

Our goal? Make a product so good, we could convince the 1 in 2 people who don't wear sunscreen everyday to hit that goal, ultimately creating a more sun-smart community around us.

The Need for Consistent Sunscreen Use

The reality is that sunscreen isn’t just for hot, sunny days. It’s needed every day, even when you’re indoors. UV rays penetrate through windows, and damage occurs whether or not you’re directly in the sun. Despite this, 25% of survey participants admitted to skipping sunscreen on days when they weren't outside. This reveals a major gap in consumer habits, and it’s clear that we need products that make sunscreen easier to incorporate into our daily lives.

Moreover, 80% of people admitted they don’t reapply sunscreen throughout the day. So, it’s not just about using sunscreen—it’s about ensuring that people can maintain protection throughout the day without feeling like it’s a hassle. This is where multi-purpose sunscreens shine.

Multi-Purpose Sunscreens: Time for Tax Reform

Despite offering all these benefits, multi-purpose sunscreens like ours are still taxed under the tax legislation in Australia. This needs to change. Sunscreens are more than just a cosmetic product; they’re a necessity. Multi-purpose formulas like Serving Shade protect the skin, hydrate, and prime—shouldn’t they be exempt from tax, just like other essential health products?

In fact, our survey showed that 40% of respondents want a sunscreen that works well under makeup. This aligns with the growing trend in the beauty industry towards multi-tasking products. So if you’re buying a product that meets the government SPF threshold for a ‘primary use sunscreen’ (which is so low at only SPF15!), shouldn’t it be more accessible?

Yet, you are being taxed for choosing a sunscreen that fits your lifestyle better, works for your routine and ultimately hopefully has you wearing your SPF more often!

Hey Bud's Approach: Simplifying Your Routine

At Hey Bud, we believe in simplifying skincare routines without sacrificing effectiveness. That’s why our Serving Shade SPF50 Sunscreen is designed to be more than just sunscreen. It’s a 3-in-1 product that provides broad-spectrum protection, hydrates, and primes your skin—no extra steps required.

We also know that breaking habits is difficult, which is why we’ve worked tirelessly to make sunscreen a product you want to use. But it’s not enough to simply create an amazing product; we need to push for systemic changes that make sunscreen more affordable for everyone. That includes advocating for multi-purpose sunscreens to be exempt from tax.

Why Tax-Free Sunscreens Are a Must

It’s time for a fairer approach. Multi-purpose sunscreens shouldn’t be taxed as luxuries. Instead, they should be recognised as everyday essentials that protect our skin and make our lives easier. Sunscreens with multiple benefits should not come with the added burden of tax, especially when they help prevent long-term skin damage and contribute to overall skin health.

As we move into the warmer months, it’s the perfect time to make the switch to a sunscreen that works harder for you. But we also need your voice in the conversation. Join us in advocating for a system that doesn’t punish consumers for choosing the healthier, more protective option. Let’s make sunscreen something that everyone can easily access and use every day.

We’re here to make the noise

We’re committed to providing you with skincare products that keep your skin protected all year round. But we also believe that we’re stronger together in making a bigger change. If you agree that multi-purpose sunscreens should be tax-free, join us in calling for a fairer tax system. Let’s make this change together.