Future of suncare lies in convenience and multifunctional products, says Mintel
One in ten new cosmetic and skin care launches in the last year contained sun-blocking ingredients, according to the market research company.
“Sunscreen faces tough competiion from skincare and make-up enhanced with UV protection,” said Taya Tomasello analyst for Mintel Beauty Innovation, which tracks new beauty and personal care launches globally.
Furthermore, in times when personal budgets are feeling the strain, multifunctional products win out, she said.
“Manufacturers need to show that their sunscreens provide the best UV protection, while being fun to use, convenient and good for the skin,” she added.
Convenience is one of the keys to success of the new launches and according to Mintel figures nearly one in five sunscreen products launched in the past year came in an aerosol can.
In addition, a number of sun protection products were launched in powder form during the last year, promising to provide convenient and lightweight protection, including offerings from brands such as Bare Escentuals and Peter Thomas Roth.
“Let’s face it: No one loved the texture and grease of older sunscreens, but people used them because they needed to protect their skin,” Tomasello said.
Suncare that is good for the skin
In addition to the convenience of application, Mintel’s database has highlighted an increasing number of products that boast skin benefits.
Claims such as anti-aging and moisturising are beginning to appear on new launches, illustrating that manufacturers are beginning to recognise the consumer desire for multifunctional products.
Furthermore, Mintel’s figures suggest the natural trend is hitting the sunscreen sector.
Nearly one in three new sunscreen launches in 2009 have claims related to natural or botanical ingredients, with a number claiming to contain certified organic ingredients for example products from John Masters Organics.
