What’s Trending in Photoprotection

With a rising interest in sun protection, the Sun Care segment is projected to increase between 2023 and 2028 by 2.7 billion U.S. dollars, representing a 25 % growth in just five years. 

Photoprotection is no longer limited to summer beach holidays but extends to all exposed areas throughout the year. As public awareness grows - fueled by scientific publications highlighting the harmful effects of sun exposure - more people are seeking effective, easy-to-use solutions for photoprotection against skin ageing and skin cancer. 

In response, the demand for photoprotection has evolved, moving beyond occasional use to become a key part of beauty routines. This has led to the rise of hybrid suncare products as they offer smooth application and skincare benefits with sun protection. Global leaders in the dermocosmetics suncare industry are responding to this trend by offering anti-ageing, mattifying or even tinted sunscreens that provide multiple skin benefits. 

Hybrid products have also emerged from other categories, as sunscreens are no longer standalone items but are seamlessly integrated into skincare, make-up, body care or even haircare, offering multifunctional benefits while remaining in line with their category - meaning having a similar usage as a regular product with no change in texture, gesture, or application. Foundation now offers SPF factors and skin moisturiser, including sunscreen that melts easily into the face. South Korean brands, for instance, have been pioneers in this space, incorporating sun protection into their products for years and excelling in creating sensorial, lightweight formulas. 

Makeup is already embracing added sun protection: “The growing awareness of the importance of sun protection is boosting interest in reapplying SPF through makeup products - after having applied SPF with the moisturizing step of the skincare routine – as consumers desire more convenient, multi-functional products that can simplify skincare routines” explains Vogue Business.[1] Adding sun protection to the makeup regimen makes a lot of sense from the consumer's perspective, as it reduces the number of beauty steps and increases potential adoption. 

With more recent studies on darker skin tone, using the Fitzpatrick scale, more knowledge is available on 4,5 and 6 skin type. Indie brands, like My Block Skin, are paving the way for a more inclusive skin and sun care approach. Dujon Smith, founder of My Block Skin, identified two significant issues within the suncare industry: “most sunscreens leave a white cast on melanin-rich skin, and there's a lack of education challenging the myth that melanin-rich individuals don't need sun protection. He established My Block Skin to provide premium products and educate an often-overlooked audience.” [2] 

Consumers are also looking for protection against hyperpigmentation with market solutions such as anti-pigmentation products including hexylresorcinol. [3] 

Suncare does not just stop at skincare benefits. It is also entering the realm of well-being, like recent perfume and skincare launches, surfing with the neuroscience trend for added mental well-being effects. As an example, BEAME, a newcomer on the market is bringing well-being benefits with sunscreen application for a mental boost, with a simple sunscreen spray: “all the mood-boosting benefits of the sun, without the harm. Non-greasy, easy to reapply - even over makeup, and white-cast free for all skin tones” expresses the brand. [4]

Further emphasising the promised growth in suncare, the development of innovations protecting against ultra-long UVA rays will allow even broader protection and product applications. Recent advancements in ultra-long UVA suncare protection show a promising outlook for suncare. These developments have demonstrated the ability to protect the skin against ultra-long UVA rays effectively, the 30% of solar rays that had so far been insufficiently filtered across all skin types and phototypes. Importantly, protecting against these ultra-long UVA rays helps prevent sun-induced deep skin damages, which remain a major public health issue, according to key players of the industry. [5] 

 

Sources: 

[1] Vogue Business. Beauty Trends Tracker

[2] MyBlockSkin

[3] Cosmetics Design

[4] Beame SPF 

[5] ultra-long UVA