In 2024, prestige outperformed, as sun protection continued to be integrated into anti-ageing skincare routines. Social media users consistently embed suncare into their online content, with this driving consumers to trade up, boosting value sales within the UK suncare market.
In the 12 months to September 2023, 31% of UK adults used makeup or skincare with SPF, but this fell to 27% in the same period in 2024. A decline in usage suggests consumers are turning to specialist products in search of efficacy. However, continued use of these formats points to an underlying demand for convenience, multifunctional products and streamlined beauty and grooming routines.
A lack of understanding regarding the relevance of the UV index and suncare application poses a threat to the UK suncare market. The misconception that sun protection is only needed when the weather is sunny and warm means the segment is exposed to turbulent weather patterns, which significantly impact sales. Education could therefore reduce the segment’s vulnerability to the weather.
The primary opportunities in the UK suncare market are to increase product repertoires and boost usage/purchase frequencies. For example, there are opportunities to promote the use of specialist sun protection products post-cosmetic procedures or during gel manicure appointments. Meanwhile, in self-tan, a heightened focus on both speed of application and express results could drive usage frequencies in the UK suncare market.
For the purposes of this Report, Mintel has used the following definitions:
Excluded from market sizing but discussed in the context of the Report are:
Sam has almost ten years of experience producing engaging and insightful, data-led beauty and retail content, whilst also bringing research to life through media work, client collaborations and industry events. She is skilled at identifying emerging trends, changes in consumer behaviour and business opportunities.
Despite the category’s exposure to weather and travel pressures, value sales have continued to grow, as consumers spent more money on fewer products in 2024.
Samantha Dover
Global Beauty Analyst
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