Sun care trends – what’s on the horizon?

Before we delve into the trends, here are some key market facts and figures about this market:

How big is the global sun care market?

According to Euromonitor the global sun care market reached $10.2bn in 2021 is predicted to grow at a CAGR 8.0% to $16.1bn in 2026, largely driven by the top growth countries of China and the US.

Are mineral only sunscreens on the rise?

According to Mintel GNPD the number of sunscreen products launched containing mineral only UV filters increased 167% over a 5-year period, largely driven by the North American market.
- Ingredient penetration for titanium dioxide has increased from 8.9% in 2017 to 12.8% in 2021 
- Ingredient penetration for zinc oxide has increased from 10.0% in 2017 to 16.8% in 2021 

What are the top product formats in sun care?

Liquid/fluids are the top growth formats increasing from 39 in 2017 to 187 in 2022, though lotions, creams and sprays dominate the category according to Mintel.

What are the fastest growing claims in sun care?

Mintel also reports that the top 4 growing claims were ethical/sustainable, carbon neutral, halal and probiotic.

What is the biggest trend shaping the market?

The biggest trend for the photoprotection market is the “medicalization of beauty”. This is leading to lines between sunscreens and skin care becoming blurred. In fact, the inclusion of UV protection claims in other type of beauty care products is now commonplace. 10.2% of face/neck care launches have a UV protection claim according to Mintel and this market reached $7.8bn in 2021 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.2% to reach $11.6bn in 2026 according to Euromonitor. Similarly, 36.8% of foundation/powder launches have a UV protection claim and this market reached $5.3bn in 2021 and is predicted to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% to reach $8.1bn in 2026. This represents huge opportunity for skin care and colour cosmetics brands to enter the UV protection space.

At Croda we describe the trend for SPF claims in skin care and colour cosmetics as the SUNIFICATION of skin. Alongside this we also have the converse, sunscreens brands are starting to add more skin care actives to their formulas, and to create tinted formulas, so the lines between all these categories is becoming blurred. This has given rise to the emergence of hybrid formats.

What ingredients can I use to meet this trend?

At Croda we have the Solaveil MicNo range that offers UV and blue light protection claims, and also the Infraveil range that offers protection from IRA-ageing. These ingredients perfectly fit the trend for creating value through ingredient-led products and providing proof behind claims to add credibility to anti-ageing claims.

 

Can the skin be protected from ageing?

Whilst ageing is inevitable it is possible to protect from UV induced aging. This key concept is clear to understand when looking at the OTC (US) sunscreen label, which has both skin health (skin cancer) and a beauty (skin ageing) claim:

“if used as directed with other sun protection measures (see Directions), decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin ageing caused by the sun”. 

To read more about this claim from the FDA click here.

Where can I find out more about solar protection trends?

In our latest presentation we explore this key trend and some other trend drivers in more detail, such as disruptive natural, sun care for all, and the camping trend from China. If you would like an overview of these trends why not download our handy infographic?

Staying up to date on the latest photoprotection trends opens up a world of exciting possibilities. At Croda, our team is here to help you tap into these possibilities with innovative ingredients and formulations. To get started, reach out today.