In the widespread concept of year-round sun protection, sunscreen products are no longer seasonal items but have become a fundamental category in skincare. With the increasing popularity of the sun protection market, almost all beauty brands have begun to pay attention to and increase investment in sunscreen products. The sun protection track is booming.
So, what are the noteworthy trends in the sun protection track? How can the market meet the diverse sun protection needs of consumers? At the recent 2024 Scientific Sun Protection Symposium hosted by CHAILEEDO, Kang Bingxia, the director of COSMAX, a leading global beauty OEM factory, was invited to provide a comprehensive overview of the current situation and trends in the international and Chinese sun protection markets. He shared the products and related technologies developed by COSMAX in response to sun protection trends, aiming to serve as a “consultant” for beauty brands in the field of sun protection.
The sun protection market is showing a trend towards sustainability and diversified demands.
In his speech, Kang Bingxia quoted data from Euromonitor International, stating that the current international sun protection market is continuously expanding, with an estimated value of 124 billion yuan by 2028. Multiple markets, including China, Japan, France, and the United States, have a compound growth rate in the sun protection market exceeding 4%. Among them, the United States is currently the country with the highest market share in sun protection, followed by China.
Kang Bingxia further stated, “However, China’s compound growth rate in the sun protection market has reached 7.6%, indicating significant growth potential in the future. Additionally, although the sun protection markets in countries such as Thailand and Indonesia currently have relatively small market sizes, their compound growth rates are generally high, so their future development prospects should not be underestimated.”
Regarding the overall trend of sun protection products, Kang Bingxia expressed that with the increasing public awareness of environmental protection and concerns about health issues, there is a significant growth trend in the market’s demand for sustainable sun protection products. Specifically, consumers not only focus on the effectiveness of sun protection products but also pay more attention to the safety and environmental friendliness of product ingredients, as well as the deep-seated desire to promote healthy skin.
“In terms of international trends, personalized sun protection solutions for different skin tones and types have become one of the focal points for consumers, especially in the context of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Sun protection products that cater to the needs of different skin tones have received significant attention,” said Kang Bingxia. At the same time, with the increase in outdoor activities, time-saving and portable sun protection sprays, sticks, and mousses have also gained popularity.
Kang Bingxia believes that the current sun protection market exhibits four major characteristics: First, consumers tend to prefer physical sunscreen products and pursue higher sun protection factors. Second, consumers have segmented demands for sun protection, focusing not only on the basic requirements of texture and feel but also on product efficacy, integration with makeup, and suitability for different skin types. Third, non-traditional forms of sun protection products are gaining popularity. Fourth, low-irritation and safer sun protection products are becoming a market trend, and consumers have a higher level of interest in mild and friendly sun protection products.
Five Sun Protection Solutions to Meet Consumer Demand Changes
Notably, based on insights into the trends of the sun protection market, COSMAX has summarized five categories of sun protection products: skincare and sun protection, sensitive skin-friendly sun protection, makeup with sun protection, portable sun protection, and sustainable sun protection. They have also provided sun protection technology solutions behind each category.
Firstly, in the skincare and sun protection category, COSMAX has developed sun protection products that combine multiple effects such as whitening, anti-aging, and acne treatment, achieving comprehensive defense against light damage. “For example, we use cationic liposome technology to enhance the whitening effect, or tea extracts produced through dual fermentation technology to improve mature skin. We also have exclusive ingredients targeting acne-causing bacteria, which can be incorporated into sun protection products, achieving the fusion of skincare and sun protection,” explained Kang Bingxia.
Sensitive skin-friendly sun protection refers to the development of sun protection products suitable for sensitive skin. Kang Bingxia mentioned that on one hand, large molecule sunscreens are used to prevent the penetration of sunscreens into the skin, “reducing the use of irritating ingredients is a crucial point.” On the other hand, sun protection products suitable for sensitive individuals can be designed through formulations using physical sunscreens, EWG-approved formulas, or non-emulsifying formulas.
Moreover, focusing on diverse demands, COSMAX has utilized exclusive technology applications and materials to develop various types of makeup with sun protection products. They have created high-SPF powders, compacts, and cushion foundations, among others. In terms of portable sun protection, COSMAX has developed a range of portable sun protection products based on technologies such as sun protection sticks and non-aerosol spray techniques, catering to consumer needs in different scenarios.
It is worth mentioning that COSMAX’s research and development team is dedicated to developing ocean-friendly sun protection formulas to minimize environmental impact. This includes the use of biodegradable materials, reducing the amount of synthetic ingredients, and exploring the balance between the effectiveness and environmental friendliness of physical sunscreens. Kang Bingxia specifically mentioned that “the company utilizes proprietary patented technologies and materials to ensure sun protection efficacy while making maximum efforts to reduce negative impacts on the environment.”
From Kang Bingxia’s speech, it is evident that COSMAX, through continuous technological innovation and rapid response to changing consumer demands, is leading the sun protection market towards a healthier, more personalized, and more sustainable future.
COSMAX can help products complete sunscreen registration in as fast as six months
As we all know, COSMAX Group was founded in South Korea in 1992. It is a global beauty and health comprehensive service group and a leading group in cosmetics research, development, and production worldwide. COSMAX’s profound insights into the sunscreen category are closely related to its strong R&D background.
It is understood that COSMAX Group allocates 5% of its annual revenue to research and development, highlighting its emphasis on R&D. The group currently has over 1,100 researchers and develops approximately 6,000 new products each year. It provides one-stop services from the planning, research, and development of cosmetics and health functional foods to production control and marketing resources.
Notably, during the 28th Shanghai CBE held last month, COSMAX showcased its sunscreen products under the theme of “Gift of Light.” For example, COSMAX’s proprietary physical sunscreen treatment technology, PR-SUNWAL®, improves uneven application and whitening by using high-speed shear dispersion on physical sunscreens. This technology, combined with chemical sunscreens, forms a dense sun protection barrier, providing lightweight and high-level protection.
Furthermore, CHAILEEDO has learned that COSMAX has already accumulated a large number of relevant formulas and comprehensive experimental results. Customers only need to provide product requirements, allowing them to save time in the development and registration processes, shorten the product launch cycle, and complete the registration of a new sunscreen product in as fast as six months.
As we all know, sunscreen products are considered special cosmetics, and most companies require at least one and a half to two years from formula development to registration application. However, COSMAX’s accumulation and preparations in sunscreen development undoubtedly help brands gain a competitive advantage in the market.
What’s worth noting is that COSMAX can not only provide product production for the domestic sunscreen market but also engage in global sunscreen development. It has established a “global service network” covering more than 10 countries and regions, including China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia. With 19 global factories capable of producing over 8,000 new products annually, COSMAX can collaborate with over 2,000 customers worldwide.
Under this “global service network,” domestic brands with overseas demands can gain knowledge of local cosmetics regulations, market trends, consumer preferences, and more without leaving the country. Moreover, in China, they can efficiently connect with COSMAX factories in overseas markets to achieve local production. In an interview with CHAILEEDO, a representative from COSMAX mentioned that the company shares internal formulas and resource trends. Customers only need to collaborate with local COSMAX, allowing them to develop and produce according to international standards. For example, COSMAX can facilitate the rapid launch of sunscreen products through cooperation between overseas subsidiaries and Chinese subsidiaries, using cross-border purchase methods to shorten the time to market. “Similarly, overseas brands interested in entering the Chinese market can quickly understand the Chinese market and produce products through us.”
It is evident that COSMAX’s “global service network” provides great convenience for both brands going abroad and those entering the market. It can quickly help brands establish local market awareness and reduce market expansion costs.
Furthermore, COSMAX has established professional OTC laboratories in South Korea and the United States to produce various sunscreen products, including oils, lotions, creams, and sticks, to meet global customers’ needs in entering the U.S. sunscreen market.
In the current sunscreen market, it is no longer limited to traditional sunscreen creams. It has become a comprehensive issue that encompasses technology research and development, market insights, consumer experiences, and environmental protection. In this field, COSMAX plays the role of a “strategist” and a guiding compass with its in-depth market insights and innovative research and development capabilities. The ability to tightly integrate technological innovation with market demands is the confidence that makes COSMAX an important strategic partner for beauty brands.
