Tracking the Trends Transforming Suncare

Check out our insights into what’s driving SPF evolution in 2025

In 2025, suncare is evolving far beyond basic UV protection. Consumers are seeking products that align with broader wellness goals—supporting skin longevity, enhancing daily routines, and delivering sensorial pleasure. From microbiome-friendly emulsifiers to radiant mineral formulas and scalp-protecting actives, innovation is driving a new era of multifunctional, feel-good SPF. Explore the trends shaping modern suncare and discover how Gattefossé ingredients and formulations are helping brands meet these new expectations.

Trend 1: SPF as a Beauty Staple, Not Just a Shield

SPF is no longer just a functional product—it’s now a beauty essential. Consumers expect their sunscreen to feel luxurious, look invisible on all skin tones, and integrate seamlessly into their daily skincare and makeup routines [1]. This shift is driving demand for hybrid products that combine sun protection with skin-enhancing benefits like glow, tint, or mattifying effects.

Solastemis®: Helps reinforce the skin’s natural defenses against UV-induced oxidative stress while supporting epidermal stem cell renewal for long-term skin vitality. Perfect for hybrid SPF-beauty products, it enhances radiance and resilience, making sun protection a true part of the daily beauty ritual.

Daily Shield SPF 20: This comfortable yet fluid texture penetrates quickly and leaves a soft film on the skin, while Solastemis® protects the skin from the harmful effects of UVA and photo-aging.

Trend 2: Tinted & Inclusive SPF

Tinted sunscreens are booming, especially those that cater to a wide range of skin tones. These products are now seen as makeup-adjacent, offering coverage, tone correction, and a natural finish while protecting the skin [2]. This trend is especially important for BIPOC consumers, who have historically been underserved by traditional SPF formats.

Emulium® Illustro: a versatile W/O emulsifier that enables stable, elegant tinted SPF formulations across a wide range of skin tones. Its unique texture and pigment dispersion capabilities support natural coverage, making it ideal for inclusive suncare that doubles as complexion-enhancing skincare.

You Dew You: Get your glow on with our tinted, W/O mineral sunscreen that hydrates, protects against UVA-induced damage, and leaves a radiant, dewy finish. *Sampling available for US only

Trend 3: Microbiome-Friendly Formulations

Consumers are becoming more aware of how sun exposure affects the skin microbiome. New SPF products are being formulated with prebiotics, probiotics, and ferments to support barrier health and reduce inflammation—especially important for sensitive or acne-prone skin [2][3]. Microbiome-supportive SPF helps maintain the balance of beneficial skin bacteria, supporting a strong barrier, reduced sensitivity, and better resilience to environmental stressors.

Emulium® Mellifera MB: Gattefossé’s microbiome-friendly emulsifier that moisturizes, protects against pollution, and is suitable for sensitive or hyperreactive skin. Not only does it support microbiome balance, but adapts to climate bringing delight upon application to consumers worldwide.

Dry Touch Lotion SPF 50: Perfectly suited for beach or daily use, this microbiome-friendly SPF 50 lotion formulated with Emulium® Mellifera MB spreads effortlessly, absorbs quickly, and leaves a barely-there, dry-touch finish. *Not compliant with US suncare regulations

Trend 4: Innovative Textures & Formats

Gone are the days of sticky, chalky sunscreens. Consumers are gravitating toward cloud-like textures (mousses, foams), water-light gels, and SPF lip oils that offer a sensorial experience and encourage reapplication [1]. These formats make SPF more enjoyable and accessible for all ages—including Gen Alpha, who are entering the beauty space early.

Emulium® Dermolea MB: specifically designed for sensitive skin, helping to calm discomfort and reduce visible signs of reactivity. Its biomimetic composition makes it ideal for creating light, glossy textures with excellent spreadability, ideal for modern SPF formats like sprays and milks.

Glaze 'n Guard Gloss SPF 30: Protect your pout with our pigmented SPF lip gloss. The berry shade compliments various skin tones while firming, plumping, and protecting lips from sun damage. *Sampling available for US only

Trend 5: Skinimalism & Multifunctionality

The rise of skinimalism means consumers want fewer products that do more. SPF products are now expected to offer hydration, antioxidant properties, and even anti-aging benefits with blue light defense, all in one step [3]. This aligns perfectly with the longevity trend, as users seek streamlined routines that support long-term skin health.

Gatuline® Radiance: delivers visible skin-brightening and smoothing effects, making it a powerful ally in streamlined SPF formulas. By boosting microcirculation and protecting against external aggressors, Gatuline® Radiance shows proven efficacy to reduce redness, improve luminosity, and tighten pores, leading to more healthy and radiant skin.

Invisible Radiant Shield SPF 50: Skin is radiant and moisturized with this highly protective sunscreen that contains Gatuline® RC Bio and Gatuline® Radiance, two clinically evaluated actives. The emulsifier, Emulium® Dermolea MB, provides ideal lightness upon application, despite the high UV protection, and is perfect for sensitive skin. *Not compliant with US suncare regulations

As suncare continues to evolve, Gattefossé remains at the forefront, offering the ingredients, textures, and science to meet tomorrow’s expectations. Whether you're formulating for function, feel, or future-forward beauty, we’re here to help you make it happen.

References

[1] Cosmetics Business reveals the top 5 sun care trends of 2025 in new report

[2] 2025/26 Skincare Trends: Suncare Evolution & Personalized Innovation

[3] 2025 Skincare Trends: Personalization, Minimalism, and Microbiome Care