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Report
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Innovation focuses on sensorial formulations, advanced repairing ingredients and targeted anti-ageing solutions. Mihaela Suhalitca, Senior Research Analyst - Beauty and Personal Care…
Global
Suncare
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A Year of Innovation in Suncare 2026
"Innovation focuses on sensorial formulations, advanced repairing ingredients and targeted anti-ageing solutions."
Mihaela Suhalitca, Senior Research Analyst - Beauty and Personal Care
Explore the latest innovation in suncare in 2026 with Mintel’s global innovation report. The report identifies the major launch activities, pivotal consumer attitudes and most important product development of the year across regions EMEA, APAC, and the Americas.
Key innovation trends in the suncare market are analysed and succinctly presented alongside Mintel’s consumer data and insights. So you can understand changing consumer demands and identify future growth opportunities.
This report also presents Mintel’s analysts’ pick of the most innovative launches in the global suncare market. Understanding innovation in suncare has never been so easy.
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What we have seen
Our pick of the most innovative launches in this review
Other innovative launches
Suncare launches shift towards skin-friendly and fast-acting claims
Graph 1: top 10 claims in suncare launches*, 2021-26
The Future of Suncare
EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA (EMEA)
Europe: sensorial appeal gains new weight in shaping suncare choices
Engage consumers by appealing to all their senses
Alternative formats and textures offer sensorial benefits
Graph 2: suncare launches, by format, 2021-26
Comfortable finishes elevate the sun protection segment
Brand innovation: Zure Solaris looks to premiumise the aftersun segment with a cellular-repair line
Europe: consumers look for sensitive care options in sun protection
Irritation-free targeted solutions appeal to shoppers
Product-tested claims have room to expand in the sun protection segment
Sun protection launches support demand for gentle care
The Middle East & Africa (MEA)
Beauty-enhancing claims increasingly shape NPD
Graph 3: sun protection and aftersun launches carrying anti-ageing claims, 2021-26
Innovation focuses on specialised care for specific needs
ASIA PACIFIC (APAC)
Asia: barrier-related care emerges in sun protection
Consumers look for both protection and care in their suncare routines
Launches with barrier-related claims see substantial growth
Graph 4: distribution of sun protection launches with barrier claims*, 2022-26
Brands leverage ingredient-led narratives in sun protection with barrier care
Brand innovation: INGU puts Thai soothing ingredients in the spotlight
Asia: advancements in the anti-ageing narrative
Consumers have a plethora of ageing concerns
Offerings with targeted ageing-related claims stand out in a crowded market
Graph 5: sun protection launches carrying select beauty-enhancing claims, 2021-26
Brand address anti-ageing needs from different angles
Brand innovation: Shiseido has launched a medical aesthetics brand in China
Australia & New Zealand
Sun protection NPD addresses skin concerns, while spotlighting local ingredients and convenience
Brand innovation: Evil Ray launched with a visually bold campaign
AMERICAS
North America: moving beyond sun protection with advanced repairing formulations
Sun protection users want multifunctional skin solutions
Repair claims are increasing in the sun protection segment
Graph 6: distribution of sun protection launches with repair claims*, 2021-26
Advanced skin-repairing mechanisms stand out in sun protection
Brand innovation: Latina-founded, sun-first skincare brand Damastíque launched in 2025
North America: skin health is a priority in the self-tan segment
Balancing skin health expectations versus concerns among users
Skincare-related claims can grow in the self-tan segment
Latin America: ethical and environmental claims are revisited in the aftersun segment
Environmentally friendly options meet consumer demand in the aftersun segment
Graph 8: aftersun launches carrying an ethical or environmental claim, 2021-26
NPD supports ethical and environmental priorities
What is 'A Year of Innovation' Report?
To truly understand a market, it’s essential to look at the products that are shaping it. Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports provide a detailed review of specific categories, focusing on the most notable product launches from the past 12 months. These reports are designed to give you a clear and comprehensive picture of recent innovation and its impact.
How We Analyse a Year of Innovation
By deconstructing the past year’s activity, we can provide valuable context for your current and future strategies. Here’s how we do it.
A Deep Dive into Product Launches
The core of these reports is a thorough examination of new products. We go beyond simply listing what’s new. Our analysis delves into the “why” behind each product launch, exploring the strategies, ingredients, and marketing claims that are driving innovation. This helps you understand what’s working, what’s not, and where the market is headed.
Powered by the Global New Products Database (GNPD)
Our insights are built on a foundation of robust data from Mintel’s Global New Products Database (GNPD). This powerful tool tracks and catalogues new product launches from around the world. By leveraging the GNPD, we offer a complete exploration of innovative activity within your category, ensuring our analysis is comprehensive, accurate, and relevant.
Uncovering Trends and Consumer Shifts
Our ‘A Year of Innovation’ reports are designed to equip you with actionable insights into how to lead innovation in your category. By studying recent product launches, we can identify shifting consumer habits and preferences. These reports help you connect the dots between what consumers want and how companies are responding. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of emerging trends, allowing you to refine your own product development and marketing strategies with confidence.
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