Exposure to sunlight is an important means of receiving Vitamin D, however, excessive exposure is harmful. The ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the sunlight, when overexposed to, causes painful sunburn and may lead to more serious health problems, including premature aging of skin, eye damage, immune system suppression, and skin cancer. This in turn, creates an increasing demand for sun care products.

Sun care products are made up of several ingredients such as avobenzone and benzophenone, which prevent the sun’s ultraviolet radiation from affecting the skin. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the measure of how sunscreen protects the skin from UVB rays, which causes sunburn, skin damage, and can contribute to skin cancer. The various factors of sunscreen are associated with different properties. For example, SPF 15 allows one to stay sunlight without burning for around 150 minutes.

Sun Care Products Market Taxonomy

On the basis of product type, the sun care products market is segmented into:

Sun Protection Products

After Sun Products

Self-tanning Care Products

On the basis of gender, the sun care products market segmented into:

Female

Male

Child

On the basis of form, the sun care products market is segmented into:

Cream

Gel

Lotion

Powder

Liquid

Wipes

Spray

Others

On the basis of distribution channel, the sun care products market is segmented into:

Hypermarkets

Supermarkets

Specialty Stores

Convenient Stores

Online Markets

Sun care product with SPF 15 or higher are efficient in providing protection against UVB. In terms of percentage, SPF 15 can filter around 92% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 filters 97% and SPF 50 filters 98% UVB rays.

Products containing para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) or oxybenzone as well as those containing preservatives or fragrances can cause allergy-prone skin or conditions such as acne or rosacea, which pose as restrains to growth of the sun care market.

Growing prevalence of actinic keratosis, a painful condition which has 15% chances of causing skin cancer, is also boosting demand for sun care products. For instance, according to NCB, in Europe, the U.S., and Australia, prevalence of actinic ketosis was recorded to be 4·5-60%.

Changes in external environment, depletion of ozone layer, increasing pollution and skin disorders are increasing the demand for sun care products. Furthermore, increasing awareness about the harmful effects of UV rays among the populace is increasing the demand sun care products. Rising demand for SPF and anti-aging products is also driving demand for sun care products. North America holds the largest market due to high presence of manufacturers in the region and Europe. North America is the largest market in sun care products followed by Europe.

Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing market during the forecast period. According to International Agency of Research on cancer (IARC) of WHO, estimated that around 163 million units of sun care products are sold in the U.S., every year.

Key Developments

In January 2019, Emami Ltd acquired Crème 21 (German personal care brand). Crème 21 has strong presence in Germany, Middle East and North Africa. Crème 21 offers skin care & body care products including shower gels, creams & lotions, and sun care products among others. The acquisition will help Emami to expand its presence in Middle East and African region.

In May 2019, Beiersdorf AG acquired Bayer AG’s sun care business segment marketed under brand name Coppertone. The acquisition will help Beiersdorf to enter U.S. sun care market and strengthen its presence in North America.

In July 2019, Bolton Group (Italy based consumer goods company) acquired Omia Laboratories (Italy based personal care brand offering organic & natural products). Personal care products offered by Omia include bubble baths, shampoo, sun care products, hair care products, face & body creams. The acquisition will help Bolton Group to strengthen its position in organic & natural personal care segment.

In January 2019, Unilever plc in partnership with Bio-on S.p.A. (Italy based intellectual property company) launched new line of sun protection products made using 100 % natural & biodegradable bio plastic. The new products are developed by Bio-on and will be sold by Unilever under brand My Kai.

Key Players in the Global Sun Care Products Market

Some of the key market players operating in the global sun care products market include OLAY(US), L'OREAL(France), Avene(France), NIVEA(Germany), Mentholatum(US), Pechoin(China), Neutrogena(US), ANESSA(Japan), Biore(Japan), LANCOME(France), Hanhoo(China), SOFINA(Japan), SHISEIDO(Japan), MeiFuBao(China), CHANDO(China), MARUBI(China), LANEIGE(Korea), KANS(China), Clinique(US), and Kiehl's(US).