Himanshu Saini July 24, 2025
Sunscreen is no longer just for summer or beach days. In 2025, it has become an important part of everyday skincare. People are looking for sunscreens that do more, i.e., protect their skin, keep it healthy, and fit into their daily routine.
For private label and cosmetic brands, this is a great opportunity. By following the latest sunscreen trends, you can create products that customers love and trust.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top sunscreen trends of 2025 that are shaping the skincare market and helping brands grow.
1. Hybrid Sunscreens: Skincare + Sun Protection
Consumers no longer want to apply multiple layers of skincare and SPF. In 2025, hybrid products that combine sunscreen with active skincare ingredients are booming. There is also a rising trend in the sunscreen manufacturing industry where brands use the hybrid formulation of mineral and chemical sunscreens.
Popular combinations include:
- SPF + niacinamide (for brightening)
- SPF + hyaluronic acid (for hydration)
- SPF + peptides or ceramides (for anti-aging)
What this means for brands:
Private label companies should focus on creating multifunctional sunscreens that do more than just protect. Think of sunscreens as part of the morning skincare routine, not just a separate step.
2. Mineral-Forward, Gentle Formulas
The demand for mineral (physical) sunscreens continues to rise in 2025, especially among people with sensitive skin and children. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are preferred over chemical filters like oxybenzone, which can cause irritation and raise environmental concerns.
Trending:
- Non-nano zinc oxide for safer reef-safe protection
- Tinted mineral sunscreens to avoid white cast
Brand insight:
Formulating gentle, mineral-based white label sunscreen options, especially with a variety of skin tone tints, can help you appeal to sensitive skin users and those looking for clean beauty alternatives.
3. Sunscreens for All Skin Tones
Gone are the days of chalky, white residue. Consumers, especially those with darker skin tones, are demanding inclusive sunscreens that blend seamlessly into their complexion.
Top features to offer:
- Sheer or tinted formulations in multiple shades
- Dewy, non-greasy finish
- Absorbs quickly without leaving residue
For private label brands:
Offer diverse shade options and test across different skin tones by using private label sunscreen manufacturers to ensure universal wearability. Transparency and inclusivity are key selling points in 2025.
4. Blue Light & Pollution Protection
As screen time continues to increase and urban living exposes skin to pollutants, consumers are seeking sunscreens that offer more than just UV protection.
What’s hot:
- SPF products that protect against blue light (HEV)
- Ingredients like antioxidants, algae extract, and vitamin C to neutralize pollution damage
Why it matters:
Private label sunscreen brands should market these advanced benefits to attract urban and tech-savvy consumers who care about long-term skin health, not just sunburn.
5. Waterless & Solid Sunscreens
Sustainability has become a requirement these days. Waterless formulations are gaining attention for being eco-conscious, travel-friendly, and highly concentrated.
Popular formats:
- Stick sunscreens
- Balm-to-oil SPF bars
- Solid moisturizers with SPF
Good for brands:
Waterless SPF options reduce plastic packaging and shipping weight, making them attractive to environmentally conscious consumers. They’re also ideal for on-the-go lifestyles.
6. Sunscreen in Makeup
2025 sunscreen industry trends blur the line between skincare and makeup. Products like foundation, BB creams, and setting sprays now come with SPF built in.
What consumers want:
- SPF-infused primers and setting powders
- Lip balms and blushes with sun protection
- Seamless finish with added glow or matte effect
Tip for private labels:
Create sunscreen cosmetic formulas that don’t just offer SPF as a bonus but position it as a core benefit. Marketing SPF makeup for daily wear boosts usage and brand value.
7. Sustainable & Recyclable Packaging
Eco-conscious buyers expect more than good ingredients in sunscreen manufacturing; they want ethical and eco-friendly packaging too.
Big trends:
- Biodegradable tubes and paper sticks
- Refillable SPF jars or compacts
- Recycled plastic packaging
Action for brands:
Use custom packaging to include eco-friendly materials and highlight them in your branding. Include clear disposal instructions in sunscreen cosmetics to educate consumers and align with global sustainability goals.
H2: 8. Transparent Labelling & Reef-Safe Claims
More consumers are doing their homework. They want clear information about what’s in their products and what effect they have on the planet.
Must-haves in 2025:
- “Reef-safe” or “ocean-friendly” labels
- Free-from lists (no oxybenzone, octinoxate, etc.)
- Certifications (like EWG Verified or COSMOS Organic)
Brand takeaway:
Transparency builds trust. So, choose the right sunscreen contract manufacturer and be upfront about your ingredients, testing methods, and sourcing practices.
9. SPF for Men and Children
The personal care market for men and kids is expanding fast. In 2025, more brands are developing SPF products designed specifically for these groups.
Men’s SPF features:
- Lightweight, matte, fragrance-free
- All-in-one moisturiser and sunscreen
Children’s SPF features:
- Tear-free, hypoallergenic
- Easy-apply formats (spray, roll-on, stick)
Tip for private label brands:
Expand your product line to include gender-neutral or targeted formulations to reach new market segments.
10. Tech-Driven SPF: Smart Sunscreens
This is where innovation meets skincare. In 2025, technology is enhancing how consumers use and trust their SPF products.
Tech trends include:
- UV-sensitive packaging that changes colour under sun exposure
- Apps that remind users to reapply
- Wearable SPF patches that detect UV exposure
What this means for brands:
Partner with tech companies or invest in innovative packaging and wearable accessories to offer added value and interactivity.
Final Thoughts
As demand for high-quality, multitasking, and eco-conscious sunscreens grows, private label brands are in a great position to lead the charge. Consumers want products that not only protect but also nourish, align with their values, and integrate into their daily routines.
So, if you’re planning to launch your own sunscreen line, you need to stay ahead of sunscreen trends like hybrid skincare formulas, inclusive mineral sunscreens, sustainable packaging, and innovative formats so you can easily build customer trust and stand out in a crowded market.
FAQs
Q. What are the most in-demand sunscreen ingredients in 2025?
Ans. Some of the most popular ingredients include zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and antioxidant-rich extracts like green tea and vitamin C.
Q. What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
Ans. Mineral sunscreens (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat. Mineral formulas are often gentler and considered reef-safe.
Q. Why is hybrid skincare-sunscreen so popular now?
Ans. Consumers want fewer steps in their routine. Hybrid products that combine SPF with hydration, anti-ageing, or brightening benefits save time and money while protecting the skin.
Q. What does “reef-safe” sunscreen mean?
Ans. Reef-safe sunscreens do not contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to harm coral reefs. These products are better for the ocean and often preferred by eco-conscious consumers.
Q. Are SPF makeup products effective for sun protection?
Ans. Yes, but they should be used with a base layer of sunscreen for full protection. SPF makeup is a great way to add extra coverage during the day but may not be enough on its own.
