Summer is here, and sunscreen sales are soaring, emphasizing the importance of year-round skin protection.
A recent analysis by Spate and Symrise uncovered the latest trends and top brands capturing consumer attention and spending.
Spate scans 20 billion search signals and 60 million TikTok videos. The software compares how search behaviors on Google and TikTok intersect and predicts trends. By examining the average number of searches for various brands, they assessed the competitive landscape within the industry.
The findings
Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the most popular choice, despite facing tough competition. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen ingredients categorized as safe and effective by the FDA in their proposed sunscreen regulations.
Tinted and chemical sunscreen options closely follow, indicating a preference for filters suitable for sensitive skin.
However, consumers remain curious about the safety and effectiveness of mineral versus chemical formulas.
Customers are seeking water-based sunscreens and balm formulas. This indicates a preference for light products that feel good on the skin. More people are choosing these types of products.
Stick sunscreens, ideal for on-the-go reapplication, saw a growth of over 25%.
Additionally, there’s a demand for products that combine sun protection with skincare benefits. People show interest in SPF 30 and SPF 50-containing moisturizers.
Notably, Alastin, with a focus on anti-aging, experienced substantial year-over-year growth.
Multifunctional cosmetics and personal care products
The trend towards multifunctional sun care products is evident, with the rise of SPF-tinted moisturizers and hair sunscreen.
Brands are incorporating vitamin C and niacinamide into sun care formulations to offer comprehensive solutions in single products. These formats include primers, bronzers, and serums with SPF.
Top sun care brands
People prefer Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay for mineral and chemical sunscreens, showing loyalty to dermatologist-recommended brands. Laura Mercier is the top choice for makeup with SPF, beating Clinique. K-beauty brands like Beauty of Joseon and Innisfree are popular for chemical sunscreen.
What it says about consumer preferences
Consumers are focusing more on mineral and chemical sunscreens. They are considering factors such as effectiveness, safety, and whether they leave a white cast. This interest underscores the importance of sunscreen for skin care and health reasons. The need for skin protection and cancer prevention is becoming more evident among consumers.
Changes in sun care rules, like protecting reefs or consumers, will keep impacting the market for sun care products. The future of sun care anticipates a shift. This is because there aren’t many different sunscreens available in the US and there are more regulations.
The need for SPF boosters to improve the effectiveness of sun protection is on the rise. There’s also a widespread understanding of the significance of comprehensive protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This progress signifies a dedication to offering extensive sun protection for improved skin health. Brands aiming to cater to US customers should monitor various boosters as rules keep evolving.
The report wraps up with a summary of forecasts for the forthcoming year, encompassing:
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A better-informed and more selective consumer
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Growing curiosity in diverse sunscreen forms such as sticks, tinted moisturizers, and powders
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Combined formulations
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The ongoing growth of K-beauty brands