2026
10
A Year of Innovation in Suncare 2026
2026-03-18T12:01:02+00:00
REPC956646A_512B_48B5_9664_6A512B18B589
2195
192077
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Report
en_GB
Innovation focuses on sensorial formulations, advanced repairing ingredients and targeted anti-ageing solutions. Mihaela Suhalitca, Senior Research Analyst - Beauty and Personal Care…
Global
Suncare
simple

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

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.

Collapse All
    • 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
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
    • Graph 7: self-tanning product launches carrying select skin-related claims, 2021-26
    • Self-tan brands stand out with gentle care claims
    • 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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