March is a month of many joys, not only because of the arrival of good weather and spring, but also because it is a month that brings with it many new products in the cosmetics sector. Traditionally, it is the month when the shelves of pharmacies, perfumeries, supermarkets... are filled with all the new sun protection products. What will they surprise us with this year?

Among the cosmetic trends of 2024, we were told a few months ago about minimalism, multifunctionality, sustainability, holistic approach, transparency, rigour and science applied to communication... The key question is, how can we apply these trends to the field of sun protection?

Minimalism is becoming a desired characteristic in all aspects of life, and cosmetics is no exception. Consumers are looking for simple and effective products, with high quality ingredients and a minimal list of ingredients. In the case of sunscreens, this could translate into cleaner, lighter formulas.

Multifunctionality is another important trend that is gaining ground in the world of beauty and skincare. Consumers are looking for products that not only protect from the sun, but also offer additional benefits, such as hydration, antioxidants, glow effect or even anti-ageing properties. Sunscreens with added active ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, collagen or botanical extracts, are an answer to this demand.

Sustainability is an increasingly important concern for consumers. This is reflected in the growing demand for products that are environmentally friendly at all stages of their life cycle, from the choice of ingredients to production and packaging. In the case of sunscreens, we are talking about the use of biodegradable ingredients, recyclable packaging or formulations that do not harm aquatic ecosystems. There are already many tourist destinations, such as destinations with protected coral reefs, where sunscreen products with specific certifications are required to ensure the protection of the ecosystem that is their main tourist attraction.

Another trend that cannot go unnoticed, and encompasses all of the above, is the holistic approach. More and more people are recognising the connection between the health of the skin and the overall wellbeing of the individual and the direct environment. Every cosmetic we consume has an effect on our mood and routine, and vice versa. As a consequence, consumers are looking for products that address not only sun protection, but also aspects of skin care such as moisturising, repairing, spot prevention, and others such as protection against environmental damage (pollution, radiation, stress, ...). Sunscreens that offer additional benefits, such as protection against pollution or blue light, could be an attractive option for those looking for a comprehensive solution.

Transparency, rigour and science applied to communication are indispensable aspects today to generate engagement and build consumer trust in a brand. Brands must rely on scientific communicators and subject matter experts for truthful communication that reaches consumers without false insinuations and without misleading or prohibited claims. In the case of sunscreens, this means providing clear and accurate information about the product's ingredients, efficacy and benefits, backed by solid scientific evidence studies. Consumers want to be confident that they are using safe and effective products to protect their skin from the sun, which support the sun protection factor and UVA protection they claim.

And let's not forget the most important thing, one of the biggest challenges for R&D teams: finding the perfect balance between a high sun protection factor and the best sensoriality. Because let's face it, if a sunscreen product is not pleasant to use, few of us apply it as often as we should. Light textures, fast absorption, matte finish and invisible technology are some of the features that can make a sunscreen more pleasant to use. At Zschimmer & Schwarz we have different emollients that will allow us to achieve unique sensorialities in sunscreen products and make the job of our fellow formulators a little easier.

And in addition to all this complexity, there are regulatory restrictions that increasingly force us to dispense with sunscreens that have always worked well, with good performance and a good spf/sensory ratio.

Blessed are our fellow formulators and the challenge they have in this category.

As a consumer, I'm looking forward to seeing all this good work materialised in the products that will be the stars of the upcoming summer season.

All these trends are shaping the way we think about and use sunscreens. From minimalism to sustainability, multi-functionality, sensoriality and a holistic approach, there are many opportunities to innovate and meet the changing needs of today's consumers.