For the most up-to-date suncare market research, take a look at Mintel’s newly published US Suncare Market Report 2025
This US suncare market report includes market size and share data, with analysis, for sunscreen, sunless tanner, and sun tan lotion products. Alongside this, you’ll gain access to a comprehensive review of the suncare and skin protection consumer, drawing upon Mintel’s independent surveys, statistics, and research.
Below, we outline some of the key areas covered, and offer handpicked insights from the report itself.
The suncare and skin protection market is expected to grow by over 7% in 2022, surpassing $1.8 billion in retail sales. Despite this growth, the market is expected to rebalance with sluggish growth through 2027 due to the rise of multifunctional beauty and personal care products that include SPF. To stand out in a competitive market, sunscreen players must look to incorporate additional skin beautifying and health benefits beyond sun protection.
Below, we provide fresh insight into the suncare consumer with statistics and analysis.
Overall, sunscreen product usage in the US has stayed the same in the last 12 months, with over 60% of adults using at least one type. Meanwhile, almost 40% of consumers use sunscreen on a regular basis throughout the year, whereas the majority are using it when necessary or during certain seasons. In this report, our analyst delves further into how usage varies seasonally and by occasion, and how this likely impacts choice in sunscreen format types.
The number one cited factor influencing sunscreen purchases is the level of sun protection, as expected. Notably, though, in our survey “Ingredients” was placed at #4 in the ranking of top-cited factors. As found in our Ingredient Trends in BPC Report and discussed in our 2023 facial skincare report, consumers are more regularly researching and checking ingredients in skincare products, indicating a need for brands to consider the evolving skincare consumer.
As discussed, ingredients play a role in suncare product purchases. Suncare brands have an opportunity here to differentiate themselves by leading with active ingredient inclusions and educating consumers on the differences between types of sun protection. Consumers have shown a clear preference for sunscreens that include zinc, indicating the potential for brands to capitalise on its “safer for the body, safer for the planet” positioning.
In the full report, find a complete breakdown of the available positioning strategies and opportunities for suncare brands in the current market. You can also browse our extensive BPC market research to find exactly what you’re looking for.
Products: Sunscreen, sunless tanners, and suntan lotion and oil are covered extensively in this report. While after-sun products are included in the market size file, these are otherwise excluded from this report.
Companies/brands: Johnson & Johnson, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Edgwell Personal Care, Banana Boat, Eucerin, L’Oreal USA (ie CeraVe, La Roche Posay), Kao (ie Jergens), Bondi Sands, Cay Skin, Zitsticka, Mad Hippie, Starface, Humanrace, Native, Cetaphil, Coppertone, Everyday Humans, and more.
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This report, written by Carson Kitzmiller, a leading BPC analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the US suncare market and add expert context to the numbers.
After a short-term hit in 2020, sunscreen and skin protection products saw explosive growth in 2021-22 retail sales thanks to a focus on skin health and total-body wellness routines. While usage of sunscreen products remains stable from years past, daily usage of personal care products with SPF may limit market growth of traditional sunscreen products as consumers lean toward convenient and multifunctional options for daily regimens. Sunscreen brands should look to incorporate ingredients, benefits and claims traditionally seen in the facial skincare space to offer benefits beyond sun protection and prove value in daily routines.
Carson Kitzmiller
Senior Beauty and Personal Care Analyst
Mintel is the world’s leading market intelligence agency. We show you how consumers think today and tomorrow. As a trusted partner to industry leaders, we deliver game-changing insights to businesses across the globe, fuelling their marketing and innovation strategies that will shape the future.
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