Compact and portable, TaikiUSA's sunscreen dispensers are designed for on-the-go sun protection, with metered dosing options ensuring precise application every time.
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Compact and portable, TaikiUSA's sunscreen dispensers are designed for on-the-go sun protection, with metered dosing options ensuring precise application every time.
The growing adoption of SPF defense presents an opportunity to premiumize. Per a recent Mintel reportc on Canadian shoppers, “74% of consumers who use skin protection agree that it’s worth spending more for sunscreen with facial skincare ingredients or benefits. This strong acknowledgement of the value of skin care highlights a key factor in the sun care market today.”
This holistic approach is clearly evident at the R&D and product manufacturing level.
"Solésence is widely recognized for our innovations in zinc oxide-based UV protection," says the company's president and CEO, Kevin Cureton, "but what we’re increasingly focused on, and what we believe the market is responding to, is the long-term skin health benefits that come from these products—the longevity benefits that come from comprehensive protection from UV, pollution and other environmental aggressors. This is where multi-aggressor defense becomes essential."
So, if the consumer is finally getting the message that multifunctional SPF protection year-round—and away from the beach—is the best practice, how can brands respond?
Sunscreen's Sneaky Makeover: Setting Sprays & Lip Gloss
In June, Spate noted that the SPF setting spray category grew “117.5% compared to last year across platforms,” including TikTok and Google. Anna Neubauer at Adobe Stock
In June, Spate notedd that the SPF setting spray category grew “117.5% compared to last year across platforms,” including TikTok and Google. The trend is being driven by the format’s convenience, as well rising interest in products that combine skin care and makeup benefits.
Per Spate, U.S. consumers interested in the sector are most often searching for Supergoop!, maker of (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40, as well as e.l.f., manufacturer of the Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45, and Coola, the brand behind the Makeup Setting Spray SPF 30.
That said, “most top queries remain unbranded,” per Spate, meaning there is no single “owner” of the category. Other SKUs in the category include One/Size by Patrick Starrr’s Mini On 'Til Dawn Mattifying Sunscreen Makeup Setting Spray SPF 28, Cay Skin’s Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50 with Sea Moss and Hyaluronic Acid, and Australian favorite Ultra Violette’s Preen Screen SPF 50 Facial Sunscreen Mist With Niacinamide. As can be seen from these examples, SPF setting sprays often feature additional skin-friendly ingredients.
Another makeup hybrid, SPF lip gloss, is gaining popularity, with interest across platforms increasing 155.9% over the last year, per Spate. e.l.f. Sun Boss Gloss SPF 25 is a leader in branded searches, though top hashtags on TikTok include Supergoop!, maker of the Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm with Peptides and Shea Butter.
In addition to SPF defense and a pop of color, consumers searching for these products are seeking hydration, as evidenced by the prominence of hashtags like #hydratedlips. Examples of SKUs leaning into this include Caliray’s Lipguard SPF 31 Hydrating Lip Gloss Balm, Ultra Violette’s Sheen Screen SPF 50 Hydrating Sunscreen Lip Balm and SPF50 Glow + Go Lip Oil in Coconut.
While there are opportunities for brands to take market share in these popular categories, savvy marketers and R&D teams will surely target other color cosmetic sectors that can bring the mix of convenience and defense that consumers are seeking.
The K-Beauty Factor
The K-beauty frenzy has reached a fever pitch in the United States in 2025, but as recently as last year Spate data unearthed its growing influence on sun care.
Powered by interest in Korean beauty, top growing sun care brands on search and TikTok last year included K-beauty stars such as Innisfree and Beauty of Joseon, as well as Tocobo and Thank You Farmer.
Tapping into this interest, CTK has developed a range of sun defense concept products, including a Solar Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 formulation, featuring avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and octocrylene, featuring a fast-absorbing, non-sticky gel texture appropriate for sensitive skin and inspired by Korean skin care rituals.
Tapping into this interest, CTK has developed a range of sun defense concept products, including a Solar Barrier Sun Lotion SPF 50 formulation.CTK
The company has also developed the 16.5 g Sun Shield Stick SPF 50, featuring avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and octocrylene. The stick offers a silky, transfer-proof experience inspired by K-beauty.
CTK's 16.5 g Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 features avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate and octocrylene, and offers a silky, transfer-proof experience inspired by K-beauty.CTK
The company's Second Skin Serum SPF 50 features zing oxide and a serum-like, lightweight texture housed in a 30 ml tottle.
CTK's Second Skin Serum SPF 50 features zing oxide and a serum-like, lightweight texture housed in a 30 ml tottle.CTK
Solving Consumers’ SPF Beauty Pain Points
In addition to expanding SPF-focused product categories, beauty brands have a significant opportunity to promote year-round SPF use by addressing the category's legacy of inconvenient formats and unappealing textures.
“Tacky or visible formulas remain categorical pain points for consumers,” a recent Mintel sunscreen trend reporte notes, adding that “emerging formats make it easier for even the most active individuals to protect their skin for long periods.”
Fortunately, new ingredient and packaging supplier innovations offer tools to solve consumers’ biggest complaints—without sacrificing on performance or safety.
Problem Solved: High-SPF Sun & Skin Care
Symrise AG’s Neo Heliopan 310 is a crystalline organic UVB filter designed to support high-SPF formulations across various applications, including sunscreens, serums, lotions and anti-aging products. verona_studio at Adobe Stock
According to the company, the ingredient reaches an absorption peak of 310 nm thanks to its three chromophore groups.
With its high absorption efficiency and strong photostability, the ingredient is approved for use at concentrations up to 10% in sun care and skin care products in the EU, Mercosur, ASEAN and China.
Julio Bombonati, global category director for sun protection at Symrise, noted, "[Neo Heliopan 310] is giving answers to regulatory requirements known from traditional UV filters, and it also provides strong UV protection and photoaging prevention. Thus, our offering fulfills the needs of customers and consumers alike."
Problem Solved: Balancing Safety and Efficacy for Multifunctional Defense
"Regarding the popularity of zinc oxide, I believe this is part of a broader market desire for safe and effective skin care," says Solésence's Cureton. "Zinc oxide stands out because it is uniquely capable of providing both of those benefits—being both safe and effective—without controversy or regulatory concern."
He adds, "Consumer preference continues to favor mineral-based SPF products, with the most recent data we have seen from Mintel noting that 71% of consumers prefer mineral-based sunscreens. We knew that if we could solve for the challenging aesthetic experience that came with zinc oxide historically, we would be able to expand the base of consumers able to achieve skin health on their own terms. We are excited to see this continue even more."
Cureton concludes, "The market continues to move toward multi-aggressor protection, and zinc oxide is increasingly preferred not just because it’s effective, but because it enables clean, safe and multifunctional claims—all of which align with evolving consumer and regulatory expectations."
Problem Solved: Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreens
Inolex’s LexFeel SunLight MB is a multifunctional ingredient designed to support the formulation of lighter, less whitening mineral sunscreens.Krakenimages.com at Adobe Stock
Per the company, the solution offers flexibility in formulation by supporting a wide range of emollients, oils and preservatives without negatively impacting skin feel. Key features of the ingredient include: ultra-light, fast-spreading dispersions; reduced whitening effect in mineral sunscreens; stable performance with high pigment loads; smooth, silky finish with a natural feel; and compatibility with uncoated, non-nano metal oxides.
The ingredient is said to support formulators aiming to meet clean and natural formulation goals while improving the sensory and visual profile of mineral-based sun care products.
Problem Solved: High Performance Without Sacrificing Sensory
Parsol SLX can deliver enhanced hair color protection and fiber UV defense, while leaving hair soft and smooth.Luis Fernandes at Pexels
Parsol SLX is a lightweight film-forming polymeric UVB filter that allows products to avoid heaviness and harm to the microbiome. Parsol SLX's SPF boosting capabilities can reportedly support the creation of lighter, non-greasy sun protection products that offer an "invisible, uniform shield," per DSM-Firmenich.
This combination of factors makes the technology ideal for daily care routines to prevent premature aging associated with sun exposure. Parsol SLX's polymeric structure enables its film formation, broad compatibility and high efficiency, according to the company.
"Today’s consumers are increasingly seeking sun protection solutions that minimize chemical load without compromising on performance," said Tina Vogt, director, global marketing, sun care. "With Parsol SLX, we’re proud to offer a future-proven UVB filter that meets this demand—delivering high SPF efficacy with a lightweight, elegant skin feel. Its unique polymeric structure allows for reduced ingredient concentration while maintaining superior protection, making it a smart and sensorially pleasing choice for modern sun care formulations."
Parsol SLX can also deliver enhanced hair color protection and fiber UV defense, while leaving hair soft and smooth.
"In hair care, Parsol SLX protects hair from photodamage, prevents color fading and provides a lightweight, luxurious feel," said Melanie Waeckel, global senior marketing manager, hair care. "Instrumental tests demonstrate up to 32% color retention of red permanent hair. Leveraging the smart film-forming technology, it delivers UV performance, leaving hair soft and smooth."
Problem Solved: Improving Texture & Pigment Dispersion
Vantage Personal Care’s Distinctive Sunbooster (INCI: Butyloctyl Salicylate) is a lightweight emollient that reportedly boosts SPF performance while improving texture and pigment dispersion.
Ideal for use across sun care, skin care and color formulations, it “helps to stabilize and maintain the effectiveness of UV filters such as avobenzone,” per the company, while minimizing white cast and enhancing spreadability.
Problem Solved: Sensitive Skin
Chemyunion’s Physavie 250 MB (INCI: Physalis Angulata Extract (and) Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride) is recommended for sensitive or reactive skin. It has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties comparable to corticosteroids, per the company, and can be incorporated into sun care products to enhance protection without affecting SPF performance.
COSMOS approved, the ingredient has been shown to support the extracellular matrix while offering protection against environmental stressors such as blue light and infrared radiation, per the company.
Problem Solved: Smooth, Mess-Free Application
TaikiUSA's dispensers use of cruelty-free, animal-free fiber brush heads, ensuring gentle yet effective application. TaikiUSA
In a move toward sustainability, Taiki introduces refillable options to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact. Compact and portable, these dispensers are designed for on-the-go sun protection, with metered dosing options ensuring precise application every time.
A standout feature includes the use of cruelty-free, animal-free fiber brush heads, ensuring gentle yet effective application. Taiki’s dispensers are tailored to meet diverse needs, with customizable designs and solutions for various formulations.
Among the new offerings, the 1008 Powder Dispenser (15.3 ml/5.1 g capacity) and the 1040B-2 Powder Dispenser showcase Taiki's commitment to blending innovation with user convenience.
Elsewhere, as seen in the makeup sector, stick formats are also on the rise.
ICONS America's latest panstick innovations feature a variety of monomaterial PP pansticks.x
She adds, "At ICONS America, we are seeing an increase in demand for targeted sun protection for the face, lips and body, and we have a growing range of petite, travel-sized pansticks that are particularly handy for smaller application areas like lips, nose, top of ears or under eyes."
The company's latest panstick innovations feature a variety of monomaterial PP pansticks. These come in a "chubby" shape, optimal for diverse sun care formulations and precise application.
"Our new range of short cap monomaterial pansticks are versatile options for sun care and hybrid formulations," says Sue Nichols of ICONS America. ICONS America
"Our new range of short cap monomaterial pansticks are versatile options for sun care and hybrid formulations," says Nichols, adding they are "easily recyclable in curbside recycling bins and available with PCR PP material."
She adds, "We also have several refillable stick options, push up sticks, top or bottom fill, flat and slant tip cups, various fill sizes and a new in-mold matte mini stick in a cute 2 g size, perfect for packing in pockets and purses."
ICONS America's 175 ml tube, "The Tuttle," is a squeezable container that features a cap designed for easy, one-handed use, making it ideal for lotions, creams and gels on the go.ICONS America
Nichols notes, "Another standout sun care packaging option is our tube-shaped squeezy PE tottle we call 'The Tuttle' [available in 175 ml]. It has a center-dispensing PP cap ideal for convenient, single-handed, on-the-go use for sun care lotions, creams and gels."
Problem Solved: Inclusive SPF Defense
Earlier this year, Solésence, Inc., a specialist in non-nano, mineral-based skin care, was awarded the prestigious Cosmetics & Toiletries (C&T) Allē Award for its Au Lait Face Milk SPF 50+, recognized as the Best Prestige Finished Formula.
The Au Lait Face Milk SPF 50+ stood out for its inclusive, 18-shade range designed to suit all primary skin tones and undertones. Built with Solésence Kleair technology, the product offers advanced sun protection, while providing a luxurious, nourishing, lightweight feel that encourages daily use.
A key factor in its win was the product's global compatibility, designed to meet international standards, including compliance with the latest EU regulations for microplastics.
Kevin Cureton the company’s new president and CEO, notes, "Whether a brand chooses any of our three different go-to-market options—white label, white label+ and custom development—all have access to our technology innovations, and because we strive to stay ahead of the curve in terms of textures with our white label concepts, brands are also able to offer to their community a wide range of product aesthetics and experience."
He adds, “Because speed to market is often a major driver for success, we generally see white label+ as a preferred option for indie brands all the way through to multinational brands. Generally, we are seeing playful texture innovations as an increasing driver of brands’ product design decisions, though these textures must still deliver regulatory compliance, along with multifunctional skin benefits and an experience that brings a smile to the end consumer’s face when the product is used."
As for his mission as the newly installed head of the company, Cureton says, "We like to lean in on the FranklinCovey approach to begin with the end in mind—so 18 months to two years from now, when we look back, we will see that through exclusive collaborations with our brand partners, we will have enabled access to what we believe is a broader available market for skin health products. We will achieve this through further leveraging our 90 U.S. and global patents to deliver joy by three avenues: First, by significantly broadening the number of consumers that achieve skin health through the use of UV protection products on a daily basis. Second, by addressing a broader range of skin health issues through the prevention of environmental damage, the reduction of or even reversal of the damage done by reactive oxygen species, and the improvement of cellular turnover. And third, by bringing award-winning, best-in-class product to market that enhances skin health across face, body and scalp. We expect that this will occur not just in the U.S., but on a global basis, particularly in regions where skin cancer is highly prevalent."
FOOTNOTES
bwww.circana.com/post/glow-and-protect-spf-goes-year-round-as-uk-consumers-wise-up
chttps://store.mintel.com/report/canada-suncare-and-skin-protection-market-report
