In fact, the global sun care market is expected to be worth $24.91 billion USD by 2024. In addition to growing consumer concerns about skin protection, there are three more hot trends pushing the global sunscreen and sun care market nearly as high as Old Sol himself.

What are they? More demand for multifunctional sun care products, the sustained desire for natural claims on sun care products, and a growing consumer demand and interest in private label brands.

One of the hottest current trends for sun care, and a huge driver for the market’s growth, is the surging popularity of multifunctional products combining the powers of SPF with a host of other claims. In addition to offering protection from the potentially damaging effects of the sun, the hottest sun care products now include additions like anti-aging ingredients, intensive moisturizing properties, or cosmetic enhancements like makeup primer and tinting agents.

Additionally, sunscreen designed for specific, targeted skincare woes are becoming increasingly popular. Think: oil free, hypoallergenic, or sunscreen for acne sufferers.

This burst of multifunctional, specialized sun care products should come as no surprise, as the personalized, bespoke trend continues to storm the makeup, skin care, and personal care worlds. With a multitude of products now available to help consumers customize any and all personal care routines, it’s no wonder the trend trickled down to sun care.

Whether a consumer is looking for wrinkle-proofing facial sunscreen or a waterproof spray to protect the skin during sweaty athletics, the increased demand for multifunctional products will drive the sun care market upwards in the coming years.

The booming natural and organic personal care markets are also contributing to the overall growth of the sun care market. As more and more consumers demand natural claims on everything from shampoo to shaving cream, this demand has also shifted onto their new sun care purchases. Specifically with natural sun care products, consumers are hunting down products that are physical sunscreens (mineral-based sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) and products free from chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate.

This demand for natural sun care products isn’t new. In fact, the natural sun care trend has been happily humming along for many years:

• In 2016, nearly half of the 1,000 sunscreen users surveyed said they seek a “natural” product when shopping for sunscreen, according to a report by Consumer Reports National Research Center.
• A 2017 study found consumers not only consider ingredients when evaluating personal care products, but also that 68% surveyed believe it is important or extremely important to consider the ingredients when deciding on a product purchase.

Today, with lists on “The 10 Best Mineral and Natural Sunscreens” and “The Best Natural Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists” abounding everywhere from trend-focused beauty websites to AARP, the natural sunscreen market shows no signs of slowing down. Indeed, it’s this increased demand for natural claims sun care products that will continue to push the overall sun care market growth upwards over the next few years.

A final trend driving the ever-expanding sun care market is the increased consumer purchasing of private label products. Private labels, or a product manufactured for a specific store or retailer, are increasingly being perceived as cheaper and just as effective as brand name products amongst consumers. In fact, 51% of Millennials said they had no real preference between private-label and national brands, according to a study by Cadent Consulting Group.

Additionally, with the recent onslaught of online shopping options, purchasing private label sun care items has become easier and more popular than ever before. Not to mention, private label sun care items recently had a true moment in the spotlight. Consumer Reports revealed their list of top sunscreens to buy in 2018, and one of their best picks was private label sunscreen Trader Joe’s Spray SPF 50+, the second (and only other) sunscreen to score a coveted perfect 100 score.

A booming sun care market is good news for both consumers and manufacturers. As the demand for multifunctional sun care products, natural claims sun care items, and the burgeoning uptick of private sun care labels drive the market upwards, expect seriously scorching growth, and seriously protected skin!

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