Global Sun Care Products Market Focused Insights 2025-2030

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET SIZE & SHARE

The global sun care products market was valued at USD 14.30 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18.91 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of 4.77% throughout the forecast period. Market growth is being strongly supported by increasing skin health awareness, the growing influence of influencer marketing, a rising focus on anti-aging and beauty, and the surging demand for multi-functional and hybrid formulations.

Key trends shaping the global sun care products market include rising skin health consciousness, the increasing impact of influencer marketing, escalating focus on anti-aging and beauty, and the surging demand for multi-functional & hybrid formulations.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET NEWS

• In 2023, Beiersdorf AG’s brand NIVEA developed a customized cosmetic sun protection product for a girl named Charlotte, who suffers from a rare light condition known as EPP.
• In 2025, Clarins launched UV Plus SPF50, a multi-functional UV protection cream.
• In 2023, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc.’s brand Neutrogena collaborated with WWE superstar John Cena in a campaign to promote its new Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, aimed at raising awareness in the U.S. market.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET TRENDS

AI Integration & Smart Beauty

AI integration and smart beauty are emerging as major factors driving the growth of the sun care market. Companies adopting smart features are gaining a notable competitive edge within the industry. AI-powered tools provide an effective way to educate consumers both scientifically and visually about sun safety. This advancement is opening significant opportunities for new business models, including in-app premium features and subscription services, which are further fueling demand in the sun care market.

Rising Demand for Clean & Natural Formulations

The rising preference for clean and natural formulations is a key trend shaping the global sun care market. The industry is witnessing a noticeable transition from chemical-based sunscreens to hybrid and mineral-based alternatives. Across several regions, regulatory authorities are implementing ingredient bans and enforcing stricter guidelines. With the surge in new product launches, companies are positioning their offerings with labels such as clean, mineral-only, non-toxic, reef-safe, organic, and natural. This shift is expected to accelerate the growth of the sun care market over the forecast period.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET DRIVERS

Heightened Skin Health Awareness

Rising awareness of skin health is a major factor driving the growth of sun care products. Global consumer consciousness about the harmful effects of UV radiation on the skin is steadily increasing. Consumers are actively seeking natural ways to prevent skin-related concerns. With this growing awareness, demand is shifting toward scientifically validated, multi-functional, and aesthetically appealing sun protection solutions that support both beauty goals and long-term skin health. This trend is expected to propel the demand for sun care products in the global market throughout the forecast period.

Increased Popularity of Influencer Marketing

The rising popularity of influencer marketing is a key driver of growth in the global sun care market. Younger consumers tend to place stronger trust in influencers, who share personal experiences and create relatable narratives. This fosters trust through a perceived sense of authenticity and connection. Nano and micro-influencers, in particular, are effective in targeting niche audiences. Many brands are increasingly leveraging influencer marketing to showcase their products in real-life contexts, moving beyond traditional studio shots and aspirational campaigns.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET SEGMENTATION INSIGHTS

Insights By Product: The sun protection category accounts for the largest share of the global sun care products market, representing over 77%. Growth is being supported by factors such as the integration of sunscreen into daily skincare routines, rising emphasis on skin health, expansion of outdoor and travel activities, increasing awareness of skin cancer, demand for aesthetic enhancement, preference for multi-functional and hybrid products, and evolving regulatory standards.

SPF-based sun protection products safeguard the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Growing recognition of the link between UV exposure and skin cancer is driving the demand for sunscreens, further supported by public health initiatives. Beyond seasonal use, demand for year-round sun protection is rising across all age groups. Additionally, the introduction of reef-safe formulations and sustainable packaging solutions is anticipated to propel market growth during the forecast period further.

Insights By Form: The creams and lotions segment dominates the global sun care products market, holding the largest share. Several factors support this segment’s growth, including moisturization benefits, availability of high SPF variants, strong consumer trust and familiarity, versatility, precise application, and the increasing need for effective sun protection.

As consumers are already accustomed to using creams and lotions in their skincare routines, they find them more convenient and comfortable to apply as sun care solutions. Being the most traditional and widely trusted format, these products continue to generate strong demand in the global market throughout the forecast period.

Creams and lotions offer broad-spectrum protection and can be formulated across different SPF levels. They also leave a visible layer, ensuring better coverage. Moreover, many formulations combine hydration with sun protection, attracting consumers who prefer multi-functional skincare, thereby further boosting demand for this segment in the coming years.

INSIGHTS BY SPF RANGE

Within the SPF range, the above SPF 50 segment is experiencing notable growth, registering the fastest CAGR of 5.02% during the forecast period. This growth is fueled by factors such as medical recommendations, demand for maximum protection, perceived safety benefits, rising emphasis on anti-aging, an active outdoor lifestyle, heightened awareness of UV index levels in tropical and equatorial regions, and the increasing popularity of sports activities.

SPF 50+ products are commonly used in high-altitude conditions, during water-based activities, tropical holidays, extended outdoor sports, post-laser care, and by individuals with sensitive skin or specific dermatological concerns. While many regulatory authorities across countries impose limits on SPF claims above 50, consumers often perceive SPF 50+ formulations as providing superior security. Dermatologists also recommend them for people with higher sensitivity or particular medical requirements.

The demand for SPF 50+ products is rising sharply as consumers seek the strongest protection against UV damage and its connection to skin aging. Growing awareness of the link between UV exposure and premature aging is further accelerating the adoption of maximum-prevention solutions, strengthening the growth outlook for the SPF 50+ segment throughout the forecast period.

Insights By Gender

By gender, the women’s segment holds the largest share of the global sun care products market. Growth in this segment is supported by factors such as the influence of social media and beauty trends, rising demand for multi-functional solutions, increasing anti-aging concerns, specific skin issues, greater focus on aesthetics and beauty, higher spending on self-care, and stronger awareness of skincare routines. Women are highly conscious of the effects of UV radiation on premature aging, including sagging skin, dark spots, and wrinkles. Gen Z and Millennial women, in particular, are showing heightened concern about aging. With sun protection becoming an integral part of daily skincare, the demand for products offering combined anti-aging, hydration, and protection benefits continues to expand during the forecast period.

Additionally, women are more likely to opt for anti-aging treatments and skin therapies, reinforcing the role of preventive skincare. As the emphasis on long-term skin health grows, women are playing a pivotal role in driving global adoption of sun care products.

Insights By Distribution Channel: The online segment is witnessing rapid expansion, recording the fastest-growing CAGR over the forecast period. This distribution channel comprises major e-commerce platforms, manufacturers’ direct websites, and online beauty retailers. Growth is fueled by factors such as broader product availability, customer reviews and social proof, 24/7 convenience, competitive pricing and discounts, social commerce, personalized recommendations, and targeted digital marketing strategies.

E-commerce platforms not only provide a wide range of sun care products but also attract consumers with frequent discounts and competitive prices. Flexible delivery options further enhance the overall shopping experience. In the coming years, online retailing is expected to play a pivotal role in driving global sun care product sales, supported by increasing consumer preference for digital purchases. Platforms including Amazon, Flipkart, Shopee, Lazada, Ulta Beauty, and Walmart are among the most influential players in this space. This accelerated shift toward digital commerce is set to substantially boost demand for sun care products throughout the forecast period.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET GEOGRAPHICAL ANALYSIS

NORTH AMERICA SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET

North America dominates the global sun care products market, holding the largest share of over 35%. Market growth is supported by factors such as an active outdoor lifestyle, strong awareness of skin cancer risks, rising demand for multifunctional products, increasing focus on anti-aging, preference for mineral and clean beauty solutions, and the growing adoption of daily SPF routines.

Tourism, sports, and outdoor recreational activities further strengthen demand across the region. Consumers are particularly interested in sun care products that combine UV protection with anti-aging benefits. Parents in North America are also seeking convenient, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic options for children, while demand for after-sun care continues to rise in both the U.S. and Canada due to heightened awareness of skin recovery following sun exposure.

Ingredient transparency and sustainability are fueling growth in mineral-based formulations, while hybrid formats such as tinted moisturizers and SPF foundations are gaining traction. Collectively, these trends are expected to sustain strong demand for sun care products in North America throughout the forecast period.

MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET

The Middle East and Africa are projected to record the fastest growth in the global sun care products market, with a CAGR of 6.04% during the forecast period. This emerging market is driven by rising awareness of skin protection and the region’s hot climate, which necessitates consistent sun protection. Increasing recognition of the importance of sun care for maintaining long-term skin health is expected to accelerate adoption.

The expanding travel and tourism industry, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, is creating strong demand from both residents and international visitors. Rapidly growing disposable incomes in GCC nations are further supporting the uptake of premium and luxury sun care products, while consumers are showing preference for lightweight, non-greasy formulations suited to high temperatures.

Social media is also shaping beauty preferences and encouraging product adoption across the region. However, limited awareness of UV risks in several sub-Saharan countries presents untapped opportunities for manufacturers to broaden their market reach.

SUN CARE PRODUCTS MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

The global sun care products market report features exclusive data on 31 vendors. The market is highly competitive and fragmented, comprising a mix of small players, niche companies, and established global brands. Larger players maintain leadership through strong R&D capabilities, extensive distribution networks, and broad brand portfolios. Many companies are aligning with prevailing market trends such as the “clean beauty” movement, competing through powerful brand messaging, targeted niche positioning, and growing social media influence.

Leading players are making substantial investments in new product development to broaden their consumer base and remain competitive. Significant resources are being directed toward formulation technology, packaging innovations, and advanced ingredient science to strengthen their global presence. In addition, companies are actively acquiring emerging brands and smaller businesses to diversify their portfolios, enter specialized market segments, and access new technologies. A key strategic focus remains on building lifestyle connections and reinforcing brand identity.