Beauty media platform Cosmetics Business has revealed the top five SPF and sun care trends shaping the category in 2026, as the $17.2bn global sun care market continues to boom - driven by a significant shift from seasonal SPF use to daily use.

• The sun care market is seeing double-digit growth in countries like the UK, Spain and Italy, with UK sales jumping by 34% in the year to May 2026, according to Circana.
• Only one in six British people (16%) currently wear SPF daily, according to a 2026 survey by Face the Future - highlighting the significant opportunity that remains for brands to drive adoption.

What are the top five SPF & sun care trends of 2026?

• Tanmaxxing - A TikTok-driven trend in which users pursue extreme tans via unsafe practices, including skipping SPF during peak UV hours and using unregulated Melanotan injections. Dermatologists have raised serious concerns, and the industry is working to counter misinformation through education initiatives.
• Mineral SPF serums - A new generation of lightweight, serum-style mineral sunscreens that offer high protection without the white cast or heavy texture of traditional formulas, making them suitable for daily use and sensitive or post-procedure skin.
• The skinification of self-tan - Self-tan is being repositioned as a skin care step rather than a seasonal product, with brands developing multi-benefit, ingredient-led formulas that sit within everyday beauty and wellness routines.
• Milky sunscreens - Tapping into beauty's broader milk texture trend, milky sunscreens are growing in demand as consumers seek out soothing, skin-improving formulas that are enjoyable to apply. Searches for "milk sunscreen" increased by 849.5% year-on-year, according to Spate.
• Cooling SPF - An emerging sub-category attracting attention from major brands, including Garnier and Nivea. Searches for "cooling sunscreen" surged by 30% in the UK in May 2026, according to Google Trends.

For more information, visit cosmeticsbusiness.com.