India Sun Care Market Assessment, By Type, By Category, By Form, By SPF Range, By Consumer Orientation, By Packaging, By Distribution Channel, By Region, Opportunities, and Forecast, FY2018-FY2032F

India Sun Care Market is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.71% for the forecast period between FY2025 and FY2032 and will grow to USD 1,041.05 million by FY2032 from USD 496.02 million in FY2024. The market is rapidly growing driven by factors such as increasing awareness about the harmful effects of UV radiation coupled with a rise in outdoor activities. Increasing use of sunscreen as a protection against blue light also adds to the growth of the market.

Moreover, sun care products are a nascent category in India but is rapidly growing for the next couple of years. The damage of the UV rays has become more prominent and a significant increase in the number of people suffering from adverse skin conditions owing to changing external environment, higher pollution level, weakening of the ozone layer. Dermatologists recommend the use of sunscreens as an essential product rather than a luxury product in order maintain the health of the skin.

Sun care products are classified as cosmetics in India, so it is legal to sell them without a prescription. This is the main reason of the market share that India holds. Furthermore, the retail market for sunscreens in sun care goods holds the largest market share in both the over the counter and prescription sun care sectors. The market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international players vying for market share. As the market continues to grow, it is likely that there will be increasing opportunities for both existing and new players to enter the market.

Rising Beauty and Anti-aging Trends Acting as a Driver for India Sun Care Market

Rising beauty and anti-aging trends, along with increasing awareness about the damaging effects of UV radiation, are major drivers for the Indian sun care market. Consumers are integrating sun protection into their daily skincare routines to maintain youthful, radiant skin. This is driven by the growing popularity of anti-aging products that combine sun protection with other skin benefits, such as hydration and brightening. However, increased public awareness of health organizations' campaigns and endorsements from dermatologists over the years has spoken to the importance of sun care as a means of reducing any form of skin damage and diseases such as skin cancer. Demand is therefore picking up from people for better innovative sun care products that resonate with wellness and aesthetic preferences.

For instance, in April 2024, NIVEA SUN a prominent global sun care brand, has expanded its range in India by launching marquee products targeting different skin types. Their new lineup includes the Shine Control SPF 50 for normal and combination skin, the Sensitive SPF 50 for sensitive skin, the UV Protect & Dry Touch SPF 50 spray for on-the-go application, and the UV Kids Protect & Care SPF 50+. This move highlights the increasing awareness and importance of sun protection in daily skincare routines in India. It reflects a growing trend towards beauty and anti-aging, with consumers prioritizing products that offer comprehensive sun care.

Using Sun Protection Products as Prevention against Blue Light

Sunscreen creams and lotions are widely used to prevent skin form environmental pollutants such as UV rays. Moreover, these sun care products also act a prevention layer to protect the skin from Blue light, which is derived not only from sunlight, also from electronic devices such as Smartphone's, tablets, and computers. When blue light enters deep into the skin, it can cause lethal effects on skin layers and may cause dark spots, early ageing, and irritation.

Indian residents spend an average of 7.5 hours in front of digital device in a day and blue light can invade the skin far deeper that UV light which more 60% people are unaware of. Using BB creams, sunscreens help prevent skin from screen blues.

Influence of Western Culture

The influence of western culture refers to the impact of cultural values, practices, and norms from western societies on non-western cultures. In the context of the India Sun Care Market, the influence of western culture has led to a rise in demand for beauty and personal care products, including sun care products. With the rise of globalization, Indian consumers are increasingly exposed to western brands and lifestyles through media, entertainment, and travel. This has led to a shift in consumer preferences towards western beauty and personal care products that are perceived to be of higher quality and offer better results.

Furthermore, the influence of western culture has also led to changes in consumer behaviour, with consumers becoming more brand-conscious and willing to experiment with new products and trends. This has created a competitive environment in the India Sun Care Market, with domestic and international players vying for market share by offering innovative products and marketing campaigns that appeal to Indian consumers.

Impact of COVID-19 on the India Sun Care Market

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the India Sun Care Market. The pandemic has led to a shift in consumer behaviour, with consumers prioritizing essential items such as food, medicines, and personal hygiene products. As a result, the demand for non-essential items such as sun care products has been impacted. During the initial stages of the pandemic, the India Sun Care Market witnessed a decline in demand, as consumers were reluctant to purchase non-essential items due to economic uncertainty and concerns about the spread of the virus.

However, as the situation improved, the market started to recover, with consumers resuming their normal purchasing behaviour. In addition, the pandemic has also led to an increase in online sales of sun care products, as consumers prefer to shop from the safety and convenience of their homes. This has created opportunities for both domestic and international players in the India Sun Care Market to leverage e-commerce platforms to reach a wider audience and increase their market share.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The India Sun Care Market is highly competitive, with the presence of both domestic and international players. Some of the key players operating in the market include L'Oreal India Pvt Ltd, Lotus Herbals Pvt Ltd, Himalaya Wellness Company, and VLCC Health Care Limited. The outlook for the India Sun Care Market remains positive where domestic players are also expected to play a key role in the market, leveraging their knowledge of local preferences and introducing new and innovative products that cater to the needs of Indian consumers. Few players are coming up with newer forms of sun care products. For example, mCaffeine, largest single-ingredient personal care brand owned by PEP Technologies Pvt Ltd, launched India's first sunscreen which is in powder form which offers up to 8 hours of protection from UVA and UVB rays. The product currently comes in two variants namely SPF 30 PA+++ and SPF 50 PA +++. Moreover, the range of sunscreen by mcaffeine is PETA certified and 100% vegan.