Sunscreen makes big splash in color cosmetic

Taking a look at Mintel's Global New Products Database, there has been a wide range of color cosmetics launched on the US market in recent months that incorporate sunscreens, including products as diverse as lip color, foundation, lip balm and make-up. With beauty experts increasingly warning that prevention against excessive sun exposure is one of the most important ways to fight signs of facial aging, manufacturers have jumped on the opportunity to incorporate sunscreens in to just about any personal care product applied to the face. Big leaps in sunscreen formulation have enabled this to happen, in turn allowing various grades of sunscreen to be incorporated into just about any type of sunscreen product. Indeed, California-based Aquea Scientific has just formulated a wash 'on' SPF formulation, which allows long-lasting sunscreen to be incorporated into facial and body wash products. Turning to the launches on the database, Lancome's Le Rouge Absolu Desir features a multi UV SPF15 sunscreen in its lip color range, claimed to reshape and replenish lips, as well as protecting against sunburn that can lead to dryness. The product line is marketed on the strength of its extensive color range, which comes in ten different shades, including Berry Noir, Coral Rapture, Red Haute and Violent Radiance. Likewise, the product also claims to provide 6-hours of continuous moisturizing once applied. It was launched across the United States at the beginning of this year and retails at $25. Also from Lancome is the Color Ideal Perfecting Make-up. Incorporating the same kind of SPF 15 sunscreen, it is said to blend seamlessly with the skin, while providing protection from the sun that combines with a natural radiant finish. It comes in a 1fl.oz bottle priced at $35 and was also launched throughout the United States at the beginning of this year. Moving away from the prestige market, Almay is targeting the mass market with a newly launched lip color that also included an SPF 15. The range is available in 32 shades, using a formulation that is said to be hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists, and has a retail price of $5.39 for a 0.06oz tube. Neutrogena has been increasing its footprint in the color cosmetics category, too, and in line with this has launched Health Skin Glow Sheers foundation, which features a SPF 30 and is also an oil free formulation. It is priced at $12.49 and has been specifically formulated for individuals with fairer skin, which is why it has a higher SPF than the other products included here. Finally, Nars Cosmetics is launching a Make-up Primer with SPF 20, alongside a PA++ that helps to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, primarily aimed at fighting damage that can cause skin aging. It also contains phytoseed complex, which has antioxidant properties said to maintain general skin health and retails at $33 for a $1.70fl. oz plastic tube. This range of products is from a selection contained on Mintel's Global New Products Database.