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Sun care trends - What's on the horizon

Published by

  • Helene Hine Global Marketing Manager, Photoprotection
Published on:
Thursday 9th February 2023
As 2023 begins, let's look ahead to the sun care, sunscreen and photoprotection trends that are on the horizon. As well-being and healthy skin remain at the core of beauty care, science backed claims will be of particular importance in the growth of this vibrant market. At Croda, we’re here to help you with what’s trending and in the development of your skin care and sun care products.
palm tree in sun

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 sun care 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. We also see the converse, sunscreen brands are starting to add more skin care actives to their formulas, and to create tinted formulas, so the lines between all these categories are becoming blurred. This has given rise to the emergence of hybrid formats.