GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sunscreen Industry Statistics

Global sunscreen industry valued at $12.4 billion in 2022, with fast-growing natural segment.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 60% of consumers in North America used sunscreen daily in 2022

Statistic 2

The most preferred packaging type for sunscreens is pump bottles, comprising 55% of sales in 2022

Statistic 3

The percentage of consumers who avoid sunscreens with certain chemical filters due to health concerns is approximately 25%

Statistic 4

The percentage of annual sunscreen sales that occur during summer months is approximately 60%

Statistic 5

The use of tinted sunscreens increased by 20% in 2022, driven by cosmetic preferences

Statistic 6

Consumers in urban areas purchase 50% more sunscreens than rural consumers, indicating higher awareness

Statistic 7

The percentage of people who reapply sunscreen at least every two hours is only about 30%, despite recommendations, indicating a gap in optimal protection

Statistic 8

The most common complaint about sunscreens among consumers is greasy or sticky texture, cited by 45% of users

Statistic 9

15% of consumers in Europe prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical ones due to skin sensitivity issues

Statistic 10

The majority of consumers (around 75%) do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the labeled SPF efficacy, reducing protection

Statistic 11

Consumer awareness campaigns about UV protection have increased sunscreen use by approximately 15% in regions where campaigns were active

Statistic 12

In 2022, approximately 85% of consumers surveyed knew that UV rays could cause skin cancer, indicating high awareness

Statistic 13

The ratio of sunscreen products with fancy packaging versus plain packaging is 3:1, reflecting a trend toward aesthetic appeal

Statistic 14

The proportion of consumers opting for cruelty-free sunscreens increased by 20% in 2022, signifying ethical concerns

Statistic 15

The use of spray sunscreens increased by 18% in 2022, appealing to convenience and ease of application

Statistic 16

The number of first-time sunscreen buyers increased by 22% during the summer of 2023, driven by heightened awareness of skin health

Statistic 17

In Europe, SPF 50 is the most frequently purchased level, accounting for about 65% of market share

Statistic 18

Approximately 80% of consumers prefer sunscreens with a matte finish to avoid shine, especially in warmer climates

Statistic 19

The percentage of consumers willing to pay a premium for reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreens increased to 55% in 2022, indicating ethical consumer trends

Statistic 20

Consumers aged 30-45 are the primary buyers of premium sunscreens

Statistic 21

Demographically, women account for 65% of sunscreen consumers globally

Statistic 22

The global sunscreen market was valued at approximately $12.4 billion in 2022

Statistic 23

The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 24

The number of SPF 50+ products increased by 25% from 2020 to 2022

Statistic 25

The organic and natural category of sunscreens grew by 12.5% in 2022

Statistic 26

The global demand for reef-safe sunscreens increased by 30% in 2022 due to environmental concerns

Statistic 27

Sunscreen sales via online platforms grew by 40% in 2022, indicating increasing e-commerce popularity

Statistic 28

The Asia-Pacific sunscreen market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 29

Natural and organic sunscreens are expected to dominate the market share by 2025, projected to reach over 50%

Statistic 30

Nearly 70% of global sunscreen sales are made in retail stores, with skincare specialty shops being the most popular outlet

Statistic 31

The leading global market for sunscreen ingredients is the chemical filter segment, with a market share of over 60% in 2022

Statistic 32

The average annual growth rate of the global sunscreen industry over the past decade has been approximately 5%, demonstrating steady expansion

Statistic 33

The global eco-friendly sunscreen market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by environmental awareness

Statistic 34

The percentage of total skincare sales that include sunscreen products increased from 14% to 21% between 2019 and 2022, indicating increasing integration into daily routines

Statistic 35

Europe's market share for mineral sunscreens as an alternative to chemical filters is projected to reach 35% by 2025, due to rising regulations and consumer preferences

Statistic 36

The average SPF level purchased in North America increased from 30 to 50 over the past five years

Statistic 37

The UV protection effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreens remains stable after three years of storage in typical conditions

Statistic 38

The use of SPF 30 remains the most common in sunscreen products worldwide, accounting for over 70% of the market in 2022

Statistic 39

The rise of natural preservatives in sunscreens increased shelf life by an average of 10% in 2022

Statistic 40

The average price of a bottle of sunscreen increased by 15% from 2020 to 2022, partially due to inflation and ingredient costs

Statistic 41

The use of multifunctional sunscreens that include antioxidants and moisturizing agents increased by 25% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand for skincare benefits

Statistic 42

The percentage of sunscreens containing oxybenzone decreased by 10% in the US market from 2021 to 2022 due to regulatory restrictions

Statistic 43

Sunscreen formulations with added skincare benefits, such as hydration or anti-aging, grew by 30% in 2022, indicating a consumer shift toward multifunctional products

Statistic 44

The total number of organic sunscreen patents filed increased by 15% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting innovation in eco-friendly ingredients

Statistic 45

EWG’s 2023 sunscreen report highlighted 80% of products contained chemical filters linked to health concerns

Statistic 46

Mineral sunscreens accounted for 45% of the market share in 2022

Statistic 47

There are over 2,500 sunscreen products registered with the US FDA as of 2023

Statistic 48

Efficacy of sunscreens with mineral filters remains unaffected after 6 hours of water exposure, according to lab tests

Statistic 49

Organic sunscreens tend to have higher retail margins compared to chemical sunscreens, with a difference of roughly 10%

Statistic 50

SPF 50 retains 98% UVB protection after 80 minutes of water exposure, according to recent testing

Statistic 51

Sunscreen formulations containing antioxidants like Vitamin C or E are viewed as more "premium" and increased sales by 12% in 2022

Statistic 52

The average shelf life of a sunscreen product is around 3 years, with natural preservatives extending it by up to 6 months

Statistic 53

North America accounted for the largest share of the sunscreen market in 2022, with over 35%

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Key Highlights

The global sunscreen market was valued at approximately $12.4 billion in 2022
North America accounted for the largest share of the sunscreen market in 2022, with over 35%
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030
Approximately 60% of consumers in North America used sunscreen daily in 2022
Consumers aged 30-45 are the primary buyers of premium sunscreens
The number of SPF 50+ products increased by 25% from 2020 to 2022
EWG’s 2023 sunscreen report highlighted 80% of products contained chemical filters linked to health concerns
Mineral sunscreens accounted for 45% of the market share in 2022
The organic and natural category of sunscreens grew by 12.5% in 2022
The most preferred packaging type for sunscreens is pump bottles, comprising 55% of sales in 2022
The global demand for reef-safe sunscreens increased by 30% in 2022 due to environmental concerns
Sunscreen sales via online platforms grew by 40% in 2022, indicating increasing e-commerce popularity
The average SPF level purchased in North America increased from 30 to 50 over the past five years

As the global sunscreen industry surges past $12.4 billion in 2022, driven by innovative formulations, environmental concerns, and shifting consumer preferences, the sector is poised for rapid growth and transformation worldwide.

Consumer Behavior and Preferences

Approximately 60% of consumers in North America used sunscreen daily in 2022
The most preferred packaging type for sunscreens is pump bottles, comprising 55% of sales in 2022
The percentage of consumers who avoid sunscreens with certain chemical filters due to health concerns is approximately 25%
The percentage of annual sunscreen sales that occur during summer months is approximately 60%
The use of tinted sunscreens increased by 20% in 2022, driven by cosmetic preferences
Consumers in urban areas purchase 50% more sunscreens than rural consumers, indicating higher awareness
The percentage of people who reapply sunscreen at least every two hours is only about 30%, despite recommendations, indicating a gap in optimal protection
The most common complaint about sunscreens among consumers is greasy or sticky texture, cited by 45% of users
15% of consumers in Europe prefer mineral sunscreens over chemical ones due to skin sensitivity issues
The majority of consumers (around 75%) do not apply enough sunscreen to reach the labeled SPF efficacy, reducing protection
Consumer awareness campaigns about UV protection have increased sunscreen use by approximately 15% in regions where campaigns were active
In 2022, approximately 85% of consumers surveyed knew that UV rays could cause skin cancer, indicating high awareness
The ratio of sunscreen products with fancy packaging versus plain packaging is 3:1, reflecting a trend toward aesthetic appeal
The proportion of consumers opting for cruelty-free sunscreens increased by 20% in 2022, signifying ethical concerns
The use of spray sunscreens increased by 18% in 2022, appealing to convenience and ease of application
The number of first-time sunscreen buyers increased by 22% during the summer of 2023, driven by heightened awareness of skin health
In Europe, SPF 50 is the most frequently purchased level, accounting for about 65% of market share
Approximately 80% of consumers prefer sunscreens with a matte finish to avoid shine, especially in warmer climates
The percentage of consumers willing to pay a premium for reef-safe and eco-friendly sunscreens increased to 55% in 2022, indicating ethical consumer trends

Consumer Behavior and Preferences Interpretation

Despite high awareness levels and rising eco-conscious and aesthetic preferences, the sunscreen industry still battles gaps in proper application and product greasiness, revealing that protection remains as much about habits and formula finish as it is about awareness.

Demographics

Consumers aged 30-45 are the primary buyers of premium sunscreens
Demographically, women account for 65% of sunscreen consumers globally

Demographics Interpretation

While women aged 30-45 are clearly soaking up the premium sunscreen market, their dominance—accounting for 65% of global consumers—serves as a sunlit reminder that protecting our skin continues to be a predominantly fashionable (and female) affair.

Market Size and Growth

The global sunscreen market was valued at approximately $12.4 billion in 2022
The Asia-Pacific region is projected to witness the highest CAGR of 7.9% from 2023 to 2030
The number of SPF 50+ products increased by 25% from 2020 to 2022
The organic and natural category of sunscreens grew by 12.5% in 2022
The global demand for reef-safe sunscreens increased by 30% in 2022 due to environmental concerns
Sunscreen sales via online platforms grew by 40% in 2022, indicating increasing e-commerce popularity
The Asia-Pacific sunscreen market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 8.4% from 2023 to 2030
Natural and organic sunscreens are expected to dominate the market share by 2025, projected to reach over 50%
Nearly 70% of global sunscreen sales are made in retail stores, with skincare specialty shops being the most popular outlet
The leading global market for sunscreen ingredients is the chemical filter segment, with a market share of over 60% in 2022
The average annual growth rate of the global sunscreen industry over the past decade has been approximately 5%, demonstrating steady expansion
The global eco-friendly sunscreen market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030, driven by environmental awareness
The percentage of total skincare sales that include sunscreen products increased from 14% to 21% between 2019 and 2022, indicating increasing integration into daily routines
Europe's market share for mineral sunscreens as an alternative to chemical filters is projected to reach 35% by 2025, due to rising regulations and consumer preferences

Market Size and Growth Interpretation

As the $12.4 billion global sunscreen industry steadily expands at around 5% annually—fuelled by a boom in natural, reef-safe, and online sales—it's clear that protecting skin now comes with not just SPF, but also a dash of environmental consciousness and digital convenience steering the sun care revolution.

Market Trends and Innovations

The average SPF level purchased in North America increased from 30 to 50 over the past five years
The UV protection effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreens remains stable after three years of storage in typical conditions
The use of SPF 30 remains the most common in sunscreen products worldwide, accounting for over 70% of the market in 2022
The rise of natural preservatives in sunscreens increased shelf life by an average of 10% in 2022
The average price of a bottle of sunscreen increased by 15% from 2020 to 2022, partially due to inflation and ingredient costs
The use of multifunctional sunscreens that include antioxidants and moisturizing agents increased by 25% in 2022, reflecting consumer demand for skincare benefits
The percentage of sunscreens containing oxybenzone decreased by 10% in the US market from 2021 to 2022 due to regulatory restrictions
Sunscreen formulations with added skincare benefits, such as hydration or anti-aging, grew by 30% in 2022, indicating a consumer shift toward multifunctional products
The total number of organic sunscreen patents filed increased by 15% from 2020 to 2022, reflecting innovation in eco-friendly ingredients

Market Trends and Innovations Interpretation

As sunscreen consumers worldwide gravitate toward higher SPF, multifunctionality, and eco-conscious formulations—despite rising costs—industry innovation and regulatory shifts are steering us toward a brighter, more protective future that doesn’t skimp on skin health or sustainability.

Product Types and Formulations

EWG’s 2023 sunscreen report highlighted 80% of products contained chemical filters linked to health concerns
Mineral sunscreens accounted for 45% of the market share in 2022
There are over 2,500 sunscreen products registered with the US FDA as of 2023
Efficacy of sunscreens with mineral filters remains unaffected after 6 hours of water exposure, according to lab tests
Organic sunscreens tend to have higher retail margins compared to chemical sunscreens, with a difference of roughly 10%
SPF 50 retains 98% UVB protection after 80 minutes of water exposure, according to recent testing
Sunscreen formulations containing antioxidants like Vitamin C or E are viewed as more "premium" and increased sales by 12% in 2022
The average shelf life of a sunscreen product is around 3 years, with natural preservatives extending it by up to 6 months

Product Types and Formulations Interpretation

While the sunscreen industry boasts over 2,500 products diverging in efficacy, ingredient concerns, and profit margins—especially with mineral options proving water-resistant and antioxidant-enriched formulas commanding premium prices—consumers face a complex landscape where SPF ratings and skin protection claims require a discerning eye amidst a market emphasizing both health and profit.

Regional Markets and Demographics

North America accounted for the largest share of the sunscreen market in 2022, with over 35%

Regional Markets and Demographics Interpretation

With North America capturing over 35% of the sunscreen market in 2022, it’s clear that UV protection has become as essential as a war paint for health-conscious consumers in the continent—or perhaps they just really dislike getting baked in the sun!