Recent sunscreen patents prioritise safer UV-filter alternatives, formulations for sensitive skin, improved water resistance and enhanced aesthetics.
Neha Srivastava, Senior Patent Analyst – Food & Drink and Beauty & Personal Care
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- What you need to know
- Why consider next-generation sunscreen products?
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WHAT CONSUMERS WANT AND WHY
- Consumers seek products that protect their skin from the sun
- Gen Z and Millennial consumers are interested in a broad range of novel sun protection solutions
- Graph 1: consumer interest in suncare products, by generation, 2023
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PRODUCT INNOVATION TRENDS
- The use of potentially harmful UV filters like octocrylene, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and homosalate has decreased in suncare launches
- Graph 2: top 10 UV protection agents in sun/sunbed exposure sub-category launches, 2019-24
- Recent sunscreen launches aim to cater to a diverse population
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THE PATENT LANDSCAPE
- Patent publications linked to sunscreen have increased over the last decade
- Graph 3: patents related to sunscreen, published each year, 2014-24
- Asian countries lead in securing the majority of patent grants for sunscreen products
- L'Oréal S.A. dominates sunscreen-related patent families
- Graph 4: top 10 organisations with granted patents related to sunscreen, 2024
- Consider environmentally friendly ingredients
- Consumers are environmentally conscious when selecting sunscreen products
- Environmentally friendly claims have noticeably increased within sunscreen launches
- Graph 5: percentage of sun/sunbed exposure sub-category launches with selected ethical and environmental claims, 2019-24
- Recent sunscreen launches prioritise non-toxic and environmentally friendly ingredients
- Recent sunscreen patent innovations encompass environmentally friendly ingredients
- Incorporate SPF boosters that offer UV protection while supporting the environment
- Explore SPF boosters that do not compromise safety or the environment
- Consider ocean- and coral-reef-friendly sunscreen products
- Ocean- and coral-reef-safe sunscreen launches often use natural ingredients
- Recent innovations in sunscreen prioritise ocean and coral reef conservation
- Explore kid- and sensitive-skin-friendly sunscreens
- Parents seek sunscreen that is both effective and gentle for children's delicate skin
- Sunscreens that are specially designed for children's sensitive skin will appeal to parents
- Recent children's sunscreen innovations focus on effective UV protection and gentleness
- Formulate sunscreen specifically for sensitive skin
- Recent sunscreens for sensitive skin are free of harmful ingredients and soothe skin
- Revamp sunscreen by minimising chemicals and introducing skin-soothing elements for sensitive skin
- Look for improved water resistance and aesthetics
- Consider water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen to withstand outdoor activities
- Innovate water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen formulations that help to improve skin health
- Look for sand-repellent sunscreen that shields skin without attracting sand
- Sunscreen without white residue will appeal to consumers
- Enhance the sensory profile of suncare products
- Emphasise non-greasy and oil-free aspects of sunscreen as key features
- Use cutting-edge technologies to improve the aesthetics of suncare products
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Key takeaways
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APPENDIX
- Research methodology
- Key patent examples for sunscreen products
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