This article was originally published in the Sun Care Trend Report. Receive your copy here
Sun protection has come a long way since the white and pasty lotions and potions that were once only pulled out of the cupboards during summer holidays. For years, mineral sunscreens couldn’t achieve both high protection and an elegant texture, but now there is a new generation of serum-SPF formulas that promise lightweight wear and skin care-like finishes that are also suitable for sensitive or post-procedure skin.
New technologies in micronised zinc oxide are finally solving the ‘white cast’ problem, allowing for truly invisible mineral formulas that work on all skin tones. And with a global market size of US$4.9bn in 2025, strong growth is projected for mineral sunscreens to $15.4bn by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period according to Fortune Business Insights.
Shifting to serums
Ilia's Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
When it comes to format, the lines between sunscreen and serum are blurring and consumers are no longer satisfied with basic protection; they expect their SPF to work harder. According to Spate’s Sun Care and Tanning Landscape for 2026 report, consumers are no longer compromising finish for protection. Formulas that disappear on skin, layer seamlessly and respect undertones are an entry requirement. The competitive advantage lies in how seamlessly SPF slips into real routines.
Kimberley Medd, Clinic Lead at beauty e-tailer Face the Future tells Cosmetics Business that “there is a consumer demand for products that make daily SPF use feel effortless, luxurious and compatible with modern skin care routines. The opportunity brands recognise is that sunscreen remains one of the most dermatologist-recommended skin care steps.
“By reimagining SPF in more desirable formats, brands can increase daily usage while tapping into the higher-value skin care market. They offer protection, hydration, complexion benefits and often anti-ageing claims in a single product,” she adds.
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