L'Oréal leads fragmented sun care market as multifunctional SPF gains ground

The Business Research Company says L'Oréal SA led global sun care sales in 2024 with a 4% share, in a market where the top 10 players held 21% of revenue. The report points to growing demand for multifunctional, mineral and dermatologically tested products as brands compete for daily-use skincare space.

Why it matters: - The sun care products market is still highly fragmented, so no single company controls the category. - Demand is shifting toward daily-use products that combine UV protection with skincare, which is changing product development and retail competition. - Sustainability, mineral formulas and reef-safe positioning are becoming part of brand differentiation.

What happened: - The Business Research Company said L'Oréal SA led global sun care sales in 2024 with a 4% market share. - The report said the top 10 players accounted for 21% of total market revenue in 2024. - The report covers sun care market players, suppliers, distributors and end users across the category. - The report also included a free sample request link for readers: Request a free sample.

The details: - L'Oréal’s consumer products and dermatological beauty divisions offer sunscreens, UV protection lotions, facial sun care products and after-sun formulations. - Beiersdorf AG and Procter & Gamble Co. each held 3% of the market. - Unilever plc, Shiseido Company Ltd., Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., and several others each held 2% or less. - The report said major sun care companies also include Kao Corp, Natura & Co Holding SA, Coty Inc., Oriflame Cosmetics AG, Mary Kay Inc., Edgewell Personal Care Co., Groupe Clarins, Bayer AG, Amorepacific Corp, Weleda AG, Burt's Bees Inc., Revlon Inc., Supergoop!, Coola Suncare, Sun Bum LLC, La Roche-Posay, Bioderma Laboratories, Banana Boat Ltd., Hawaiian Tropic, Avon Products Inc. and Vichy Laboratories. - Major raw material suppliers listed in the report include BASF SE, Evonik Industries AG, Symrise AG, Croda International Plc, Ashland Inc., Clariant AG, DSM-Firmenich AG, Syensqo, Lubrizol Corporation, Givaudan SA, Sensient Technologies Corporation, Kobo Products Inc., Hallstar Beauty, Merck KGaA, Wacker Chemie AG, Eastman Chemical Company, Adeka Corporation, BioSpectrum Inc., Galaxy Surfactants Ltd. and Grant Industries Inc. - Major wholesalers and distributors include McKesson Corporation, Cencora Inc., Cardinal Health Inc., DKSH Holding Ltd., Brenntag SE, IMCD N.V., Univar Solutions Inc., Ravago Group, Azelis Group NV, Marubeni Corporation, Mitsui & Co. Ltd., Sumitomo Corporation, KeHE Distributors LLC, United Natural Foods Inc., Core-Mark Holding Company Inc., Caldic B.V., Barentz International B.V., Safic-Alcan Group, Biesterfeld AG and Palmer Holland Inc. - Major end users include Marriott International Inc., Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hyatt Hotels Corporation, InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Accor SA, Four Seasons Hotels Limited, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Inc., Club Med SAS, Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group, SkinSpirit, Oliva Skin & Hair Clinic, Kaya Skin Clinic Middle East, David Lloyd Leisure Group, Virgin Active and LA Fitness International LLC. - The report said market leaders are focusing on broad-spectrum formulas, multifunctional skincare benefits, lightweight textures, long-lasting protection, premium product development and regulatory compliance. - A highlighted trend is multifunctional sun protection, which is expanding daily sunscreen adoption and convenience-focused use. - In April 2026, Papatui launched SPF 30 Facial Moisturizer with a mineral sunscreen formulation and daily moisturizing benefits. - The report said Papatui’s product combines lightweight texture, dual-purpose moisturizing functionality and UV protection, supporting the men’s grooming and sun care segment. - Other strategies named in the report include mineral-based formulations, multifunctional SPF products, water-resistant innovations, premium dermatological protection and lightweight invisible UV protection technologies. - The report also included a detailed market report link: Access the report.

Between the lines: - A 21% share for the top 10 companies suggests room for smaller brands and niche positioning. - The emphasis on mineral, clean-label and dermatologically tested products shows consumers are weighing skin safety and ingredient choices more heavily. - The report’s focus on men’s grooming and daily moisturizers suggests sun care is moving beyond seasonal use.

What's next: - The report expects product innovation, strategic collaborations and geographic expansion to strengthen leading brands. - Companies are likely to keep investing in multifunctional products and better textures as daily sun protection becomes more mainstream. - Competitive pressure should remain high as brands try to win share in a fragmented market.