UK Suncare Market Report 2021

The UK Suncare market report identifies consumer attitudes towards sun protection, suncare market value aftersun and sunless tanning, purchasing sun protection, and usage of self tanning products in the UK. This market report covers the market size, market forecast, market segmentation and industry trends for the Suncare market in the UK. 

Current Market Landscape

Suncare is estimated to see significant recovery in 2021 after a challenging year in 2020; boosted by the return of international travel, social occasions, a surge in staycations and renewed wellness priorities. The category is expected to recover to pre-pandemic levels by 2024, should there be no further disruption.

• 61% of users claim it is difficult to know the difference between a chemical and mineral suncare product
• The category is predicted to grow by an estimated 21.1% in value to £228.5 million
• Capital spending declined by a cumulative 23% between 2017 and 2019.

Chemical sun protection is hindered by negative perceptions within the category. However, consumers claiming that it’s difficult to tell the difference between chemical and mineral suncare products. This indicates that whilst users may wish to avoid chemical sun protection, they are struggling to do so through challenges around differentiation, indicating the need for greater support in shopping in the category.

Future Market Trends in Suncare 

A threat within the category remains its dependence on international travel and domestic weather conditions, with a mixed weather picture in the UK in summer 2021 hindering recovery. If misconceptions persist that suncare is not necessary during cooler months, or more generally when in the UK, long-term growth within the category will be limited.

Education around specifications, such as UV or SPF rating, within suncare as well as the need for everyday use of sun protection presents a real opportunity for the category. As consumers become more aware of when to apply products and what to look out for in terms of rating measurements on suncare products, they are more likely to understand the benefits of usage and become more engaged with the category.

Read on to discover more details or take a look at all of our UK Suncare market research.

Quickly understand

• The impact of COVID-19 on sun protection, aftersun and sunless tanning
• Usage and purchase of sun protection and aftersun the last 12 months
• Interest in sun protection innovation, and attitudes towards sun protection products
• Usage of sunless tanning products in the last 12 months and barriers to usage.

Covered in this report

Products: Sun protection products (UVA/UVB Protection), aftersun products, sunless and self tanning products.

Brands: NIVEA, Garnier, Riemann, Hawaiian Tropic, Childs Farm, Bondi Sands, St Moriz, Rimmel, Dove, Tanologist, Boots, ASDA, Wilko, John Lewis & Partners, Caudalie, SeaScreen, Jane Iredale, La Roche-Posay, Clarins, Skin79, Cosmosun, L’Oréal, Kosé, Beiersdorf, Coty, Grace & Fire, Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Crea Costmetics, Walgreens Boots Alliance, Soleil Toujours, Janssen Cosmetics, Scientia, James Read, Morphe Faux Show, Green People Cha Vøhtz, Rodial, We Are Luxe, UBeauty Global, Sculpted by Animee Connolly Cosmetics, Australian Glow, Skinny Tan, PZ Cussons, Isle of Paradise

Expert analysis from a specialist in the field

This report, written by Maddie Malone, a leading analyst in the Beauty and Personal Care sector, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends and add expert context to the numbers.

The easing of international travel restrictions and surge in staycations have supported the recovery of suncare in 2021. However, the pandemic has highlighted the category’s dependence on overseas holidays and domestic weather conditions. As consumers simplify their BPC routines, the category also faces threats from adjacent categories where NPD in facial skincare and makeup containing SPF offer consumers an alternative. Brands have blurred the lines with other categories in 2021, calling out active ingredients with skincare benefits, as well as innovating in format. As consumers increasingly think about eco-ethical credentials when buying, suncare brands can focus such claims, especially ocean-friendly claims which are the highest interest area for consumers.

Maddie Malone
Beauty and Personal Care Analyst