The sun directly on our skin can feel energizing on that first warm day of the year, and we all need sun exposure to a certain extent for our physical and mental health. While our bodies do crave sun exposure for Vitamin D, too much sun exposure causes skin damage, eye damage, and in some cases, skin cancer.
Roughly 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by sun exposure. Sun care and UVA/UVB protection should be a critical component of anyone’s skincare routine, regardless of age, gender, or race. So, we used our White Space AI tool to analyze 224 luxury sun care ingredients to forecast trends in 2022.
The sun care ingredient outlook is bright, and it’s not just because the sun is shining.
Today’s forecast? Sunny skies for sun care
The graphic below breaks down eight luxury sun care ingredients we believe possess the highest potential for growth in 2022. Sun care ingredient opportunity scores are determined by looking at both share of voice (a leading indicator of market share) and year-over-year growth rate.
Oil-Free
According to the AI Internet of Things, Oil-Free Sun Care products have the highest potential for growth in 2022. This ingredient’s 0.45 percent share of voice won’t be a barrier to its massive 1,152.17 percent growth potential. We all know that greasy feeling right after applying sunscreen, so it’s no surprise to see this ingredient take the number one spot on our predicted winner’s list, especially as we head towards the summer months.
Oil-Free sun care is a no-brainer because it absorbs faster, which hydrates the skin without clogging pores — an excellent option for those battling breakouts. Oil-Free sun care products, like this Glossier Invisible Shield, are great “for people who hate wearing sunscreen.” Brands will win over consumers in 2022 by offering more ingredients people do want and less of the stuff they don’t want.
Niacinamide
We predict Niacinamide (0.33 percent share of voice), a form of vitamin B-3 (an essential nutrient), holds a 602.17 percent growth outlook for 2022. Topical Niacinimice helps prevent the inflammation caused by UV light penetrating the skin.
It also retains moisture and regulates skin oils, which keeps all skin types healthy. It’s also great for frequent breakouts because it helps minimize redness and blotchiness.
Niacinimide is the ultimate protect-and-repair ingredient, so it would serve brands well to incorporate it within their sun care product lineups. Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty is already capitalizing on this trend with its SPF 30 Sunscreen with Niacinamide, so brands should follow suit to stay competitive in 2022.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic Acid (1.01 percent share of voice) will be a consumer favorite in 2022, predicted to grow 277.17 percent in 2022. This ingredient holds moisture in the skin, making it the perfect option to save any skin type from year-round sun exposure.
Products, like this one from La Roche Posay, with Hyaluronic Acid, will help prevent damaging effects of sun exposure like dark spots, uneven skin tone, dry skin, and wrinkles. To capture consumer attention and improve sales, make sure your brand’s sun care products promote this ingredient.
Soy Extract
We forecast Soy Extract (1.02 percent share of voice) holds a 262.17 year-over-year growth potential. This natural antioxidant fights sun damage and protects against other environmental irritants like dry wind and air pollution.
As consumers incorporate fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients, Soy Extract will be a win-win for brands, consumers, and the planet.
Rich Emollients
The team here at Simporter predicts a 352.17 percent growth outlook for sun care products with Rich Emollients like those in this sunscreen soothe and hydrate the skin. Rich Emollients add a protective layer that traps moisture, reducing dry, itchy, or scaly skin caused by sun exposure.
Cedar Wood
While Cedar Wood might come as a surprise, this ingredient has incredible natural anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. We predict this naturally-derived ingredient holds a 137.88 growth potential for 2022, likely putting it at the top of consumer shopping lists.
Take advantage of this up-and-coming ingredient, and your brand is sure to capitalize on its upward trajectory before it becomes mainstream.
Shea Butter
While it doesn’t replace sunscreen altogether, Shea Butter is an all-natural UV protectant, making it a perfect addition to any sun care product. We’re not shocked to see this ingredient, which has a 0.65 percent share of voice, make our predicted winner’s list with a 92.17 percent 2022 growth potential.
Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen will be a fierce competitor in the sun care market because it combines the powerful effects of shea butter and SPF.
Pea Extract
Pea extract, which is rich in essential amino acids that help brighten skin, minimizes damage caused by UV exposure. It’s the perfect addition to sun care creams and lotions, so we predict this ingredient will grow 85.50 percent in the new year. Leveraging a unique, differentiated ingredient like Pea Extract could set some brands apart from the competition.
Our recommendation for 2022
Pack your SPF products with powerful ingredients that fight the harmful effects of sun exposure. Make sure your SPF product lineup focuses on trending ingredients consumers are looking for and less of the unnecessary ingredients consumers are excited about. When possible, try to incorporate naturally-derived ingredients that make consumers feel good on the inside and the outside.
For more insights on luxury cosmetics trends, check out our recent webinar here. If you’re ready to see Simporter AI in action and learn what it can do for you, request a demo on our website.