Innovating Sun Care – The Future of Beauty in 2025

Discover What’s Next in Sun Protection

In this episode of the Global Cosmetics News Podcast, host Siobhan Murphy explores the rapidly evolving suncare landscape. With global temperatures rising and consumer demand shifting, the category is on track to grow from €20 billion to a projected €177 billion globally. But is the industry ready?

Joining Siobhan to discuss the innovations, challenges, and opportunities in suncare are:

• Jennifer O’Hara, Technical Marketing Manager at INOLEX
• Sarah Dudley, CEO of The Sunscreen Company
• Sandra Browne, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Browne & Associates Consulting

Key Highlights

Skinification Meets Sun Protection Consumers increasingly want SPF that looks, feels, and functions like skincare. Brands are now bridging skincare and suncare, with hybrid products offering lightweight textures, long-term skin benefits, and protection against UV and environmental aggressors.

The Innovation Push While Gen Z and indie brands drive aesthetic-led demand, real breakthroughs are coming from behind the scenes. INOLEX has launched a new dispersing agent to improve the sensory profile of mineral sunscreens. Biotech-powered ingredients like tarula oil are also reshaping how we think about sustainability and efficacy.

Regulatory Flux Sandra Browne highlights the regulatory complexities facing UV filters and green claims. While new in vitro testing methods offer better reproducibility, shifting standards and consumer confusion continue to challenge brands and regulators alike.

Sustainability Gets Serious From feedstock transparency to carbon footprint measurement, sustainability is becoming central to innovation. INOLEX’s farm visits and efforts in biodegradable ingredient design point to the growing demand for more ethical sourcing.

Education: The Next Frontier All panelists agree: better consumer education—especially for Gen Z and Gen Alpha—is critical. Sunscreens must be easy to use and appealing, but users need to understand the value of daily protection beyond aesthetics.

Standout Quotes

“Aesthetics are the sugar that makes the medicine go down—but sunscreen is medicine.” – Sarah Dudley

“We predict the next wave of sustainability will be about measuring carbon footprint and feedstock transparency.” – Jennifer O’Hara

“Consumers aren’t using enough sunscreen. Education, not just claims, is key.” – Sandra Browne

Listen and Learn

This episode offers a comprehensive look at the state of suncare today—and where it’s headed next. Tune in for:

• Ingredient innovation that enhances performance and feel
• How to navigate evolving regulatory frameworks
• Sustainability strategies that actually work
• Insights into Gen Z behavior and SPF education