suncare

Blog Post 8-5/27/2020

A Place in the Sun ☀️

This week we kicked off the start of summer with Memorial Day, but before we make it to June, Wednesday, May 27 is #NationalSunscreenDay. I’ve been thinking a lot about the future of sunscreen and suncare and with this #NationalHoliday. I’m interested in where the suncare industry is heading, new need-spaces, formulas, textures and ways to apply the product to protect ourselves. I want to highlight some innovative products that go beyond the expected SPF moisturizer, foundation, etc. and look at some brands that are moving the category forward.   

Chemical vs. Mineral

One of the most recent battles in the sunscreen category is chemical vs. mineral formulas. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and break them apart while mineral sunscreens deflect the UV rays. The trend is leaning towards mineral-based formulas with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide being the two main UV-fighting ingredients the FDA has approved as broad spectrum blockers. This trend is actually not new, but a blast from the past. Remember the image of a white-nosed lifeguard or someone’s out-of-date dad? That’s actually mineral sunscreen! This trend was re-ignited in 2018 when Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens with the ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate as evidence shows that these sun-blocking chemicals may be damaging and bleaching the corals. Now, some sunscreens are using the phrase “reef safe” to show that they’re compliant and non-threatening to the ocean and marine life. With this new issue to take into consideration, mineral sunscreens are becoming the preferred formula.    

Coola Refreshing Water Mist

As I mentioned, in my blue light blog post, I think Coola is one of the most trend-forward brands. They’re taking the suncare category and revitalizing it with innovation and appeal. No one enjoys applying sunscreen (or maybe that’s just me) but the idea of a water mist with SPF is both intriguing and purposeful. In one of the trend forecasts I worked on around Protection, we predicted the idea of a SPF makeup setting spray and I think this Coola Refreshing Water Mist is in-line with our forecast. This mist is SPF 18 and while I don’t think it should be the main source of your facial SPF, it seems like a quick and painless way to get an extra boost of hydration with your SPF. I think the future of sunscreen is something that hopefully becomes thoughtless, and we don’t even have to think about it. I think a facial mist embodies the ease and second nature of applying sunscreen.

SACHAJUAN Protective Hair Perfume

Sachajuan’s Protective Hair Perfume is designed not only as a fine fragrance for the hair but the formula performs double duty and treats the hair by moisturizing, reducing static, imparting shine and adding UV-Protection. The elegant, Swedish haircare brand is minimalist in aesthetic and their product line gives the sense of what we do, we do well. The brand also has two other unique products called Hair in the Sun and Hair After the Sun, designed to protect hair and hair color from UV rays and restore hair after being exposed to UV rays. I’m intrigued by the idea of a protective spray, and one specifically designed for hair is all the more interesting. I think the idea of cloaking and protecting ourselves from our environment will become more important (as we’ve already seen with COVID) in the future beauty and wellness realm.  

Megababe Beach Paint  

Megababe is cornering one of the niches in the suncare space with Beach Paint, a product that targets melasma. The product description reads, “Ever looked in the mirror after a beach day to see a mustache staring back at you? This type of hyperpigmentation of the skin is called melasma. The best way to prevent it is with a physical blocker — SPF alone likely will not do the trick!” I really like the product idea and how it’s not simply SPF, but it’s targeting another outcome of UV exposure and offering a unique solution to this unmet need-space. The product comes in two colors: light blue and pale coral.

Supergoop Poof 100% Mineral Part and Scalp Powder SPF 45

If you’ve ever burnt your hair part, you know enough to NEVER do it again. This Supergoop Mineral Part and Scalp Powder is a smart and necessary addition to suncare. The formula is described as a powder spray that’s translucent, designed to blend into your hair without becoming greasy or depositing any white residue. This product is basically like a dry shampoo, that sprays out SPF. Supergoop is another innovative brand in the suncare space that’s dedicated to bringing sunscreen options that fit into your routine without sacrificing the efficacy of formula. Right now one of their most buzzed-about, cult-favorite products is the Unseen Sunscreen, but what piques my interest is some of their niche products that are a little unexpected like Shimmershade, an eyeshadow with SPF and Handscreen, a hydrating hand cream that’s SPF 40.   

Bare Republic Shimmer Collection

So you want that Fenty Body Lava glow with a side of SPF? Bare Republic has a collection of sunscreen lotions and sticks that contain light-reflecting mica which leaves your skin shimmery with a subtle glow. This product seems like it would be perfect for music festivals (if they ever happen again). I can see the Coachella crowd using this SPF to highlight their arms and legs along the lines of body contouring. This line is brilliant and adds a small but mighty added benefit to the SPF in the form of shimmer. The sunscreen lotions are SPF 30 and available in shades like Diamond Dust and Golden Daze, while the sticks are SPF 50 and come in 2 additional shades. 

Lumasol UV Protection

New and emerging brand Lumasol seeks to revolutionize the way we see healthcare. Their first product is their UV Protection. Tapping into the subscription model, Lumasol offers their UV Protection as a starter kit with the option to subscribe to refills. The UV Protection comes in a sleek atomizer to spray your face and neck, after makeup application, with an odorless SPF 50 mist. It recently made headlines as Kim Kardashian revealed she uses the product on her Instagram Stories. It looks like Caitlyn Jenner is also a fan, as she was featured on the brand’s Instagram feed.