How skincare trends are shaping our latest suncare innovations
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Demand for skincare that helps provide sun protection is rising. New innovations from our brands are delivering on this growing trend in Indonesia, Thailand, India and the Philippines, combining beauty benefits with sun-shielding functionality.
Demand for suncare is soaring in many of our key skincare markets, with Euromonitor 2022 figures showing a 30% increase in sales in India, a 45% increase in Indonesia and a 22% surge in the Philippines. And the potential for further growth is enormous.
The global suncare market is currently valued at €20 billion, yet according to Euromonitor the total addressable market (the potential value of this market around the world) is €177 billion.
Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing brands are acting on consumer insights to tap into this opportunity. And while a reliable SPF (sun protection factor) is the most sought-after functional feature among sunscreen users around the world, our data shows consumers are increasingly seeking more than just sun protection.
We’ve seen a significant uptick in demand for skincare products that also hydrate the skin, and those suitable for sensitive complexions.
This also varies by geography, with brightening, even tone, anti-pollution and anti-ageing benefits plus lightweight formulas among the key preferences for consumers in Asia, and moisturising SPF skincare driving demand in the US and Europe.
Unilever brands including Vaseline, POND’S SKIN INSTITUTE and Lakmé have all responded quickly to these insights with innovative new products that combine science-led beauty benefits with functional sun protection.
Vaseline’s non-sticky sun protection
Vaseline’s Gluta-Hya range has helped power the brand to growth in recent years, thanks to its exclusive Gluta-Glow technology which is ten times more powerful than vitamin C in helping to boost skin’s natural radiance.
Vaseline has extended the range with the launch of its Healthy Bright Gluta-Hya Serum Burst Lotion with SPF 50 in Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. The product is enriched with the brand’s unique combination of brightening and hydrating skincare ingredients to illuminate skin and helps to provide protection against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Acting on insights which show consumers in its key markets find ‘stickiness’ the barrier which prevents them from using sun protection, the product has a light, hydrating formula which bursts into refreshing water droplets when applied.
Products vary by market (across Indonesia, the Philippines and India) with different sun protection offerings (SPF 35, SPF 50, SPF 55 with PA+++/PA++++) and comes in creams, gels and serums. All products are enriched with active skincare ingredients including niacinamide to naturally brighten the complexion.
Beautifying suncare from Lakmé
India’s No.1 make-up brand Lakmé launched a range of new suncare products this summer, recognising that the key barrier preventing consumers from trialling regular sunscreens was the way they feel or look on skin – oily, dull, sticky, sweaty or leaving a white cast.
To address this, Lakmé Sun Expert 1% Hyaluronic Complex Aqua Sun Gel uses hydro-gel technology for a lightweight formula that feels like water on the skin.
Lakmé Sun Expert Invisible SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick is 100% invisible on skin and can be applied over make-up, unlike traditional sunscreens which often leave a cast. The brand’s Sun Tinted Spray provides sun filters and skin emollients in a water-based solution.
Lakmé Sun Expert 1% Nia-C Complex Aqua Sun Gel is also available, and contains UV filters and active levels of Nia-C (a combination of niacinamide and vitamin C) to help provide sun protection and radiance.
Tremendous opportunity for growth
We’re increasingly acting on consumer insights to bring sophisticated skincare science to our brands across Unilever’s Beauty & Wellbeing portfolio. Beauty products with sun protection benefits is a space where we see a tremendous opportunity for growth.
Richard McManus, Senior Director R&D Skincare
“As more and more consumers understand the benefits of protecting their skin every day and seek hybrid suncare that also acts as radiance-boosting, hydrating or beautifying skincare, we hope they will be choosing these new products all year round. Suncare certainly isn’t just for summer,” he adds.
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