In the ever-evolving world of beauty and skincare, a new star has risen to prominence, captivating the attention of consumers and industry professionals alike: tinted sunscreen. As the lines between skincare and makeup continue to blur, #TintedSunscreen has emerged as a powerhouse trend on TikTok, signaling a shift in consumer preferences towards multifunctional products that offer both protection and coverage. This article delves into the phenomenon of tinted sunscreens, exploring their benefits, market trends, and the innovative formulations that are reshaping the beauty landscape. From analyzing TikTok’s influence to examining global market projections, we’ll uncover why tinted sunscreens are not just a passing fad, but a game-changing category poised for significant growth and innovation.

Table of Contents
● What is Tinted Sunscreen: Definition and Benefits
● The TikTok Buzz: #TintedSunscreen Trend Analysis
● Product Innovation and Formulation Trends
● Market Opportunities and Future Outlook
● What’s Next for Tinted Sunscreens?

What is Tinted Sunscreen: Definition and Benefits

Tinted sunscreen is a hybrid product that combines the protective properties of sunscreen with the coverage of a light foundation or tinted moisturizer. These formulations offer broad-spectrum UV protection while providing a sheer tint that can even out skin tone and create a natural, radiant finish.

Key Benefits:

• Sun Protection: The primary function of tinted sunscreens is to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, typically offering broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Skin Tone Enhancement: The tint helps to even out skin tone, minimize the appearance of blemishes, and provide a natural-looking coverage without the heaviness of traditional foundation.
• Multifunctional Formulas: Many tinted sunscreens incorporate additional skincare benefits, such as hydration, anti-aging properties, and protection against environmental stressors.
• No White Cast: Unlike traditional mineral sunscreens, tinted formulas eliminate the white cast often left on the skin, making them suitable for all skin tones, especially deeper complexions.
• Time-Saving: By combining sun protection and light coverage, tinted sunscreens streamline skincare and makeup routines, appealing to consumers seeking efficiency.
• Sensitive Skin Friendly: Many tinted sunscreens are formulated with mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are less likely to cause irritation, making them ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.

The TikTok Buzz:: #TintedSunscreen Trend Analysis

WGSN’s TikTok Analytics reveals a strong growth trajectory for #TintedSunscreen, with views increasing from 4.4 million in July 2023 to 24.6 million by June 2024.

Key Insights :

• Rapid Growth: The graph shows a steady increase in views from July 2023 to May 2024, with notable spikes in popularity during the spring and early summer months.
• STEPIC* Index: Indicates a “Very Long” lifespan and “Medium” alignment, suggesting a stable and enduring trend.
• Trend Investment Projection: Strong potential for market growth and consumer adoption.
• Cross-Category Impact: Potential to shift spending patterns in both skincare and makeup sectors.

STEPIC*: The STEPIC is an analytical model created by WGSN.com, encompassing the domains of Society, Technology, Environment, Politics, Industry, and Creativity. And the SEPIC index is an indicator created through qual and quant research on these topics.

According to Glimpse, interest in tinted sunscreens grew by 26% over the past year, with a current search volume of 104,000 per month. This growth aligns with the TikTok trend data, confirming the increasing consumer interest across multiple platforms.

Right now, the #TintedSunscreen trend on TikTok is striking a balance between user-generated content and expert recommendations. Consumers are enthusiastically sharing their experiences with tinted SPF products, while skincare professionals are weighing in on the most effective formulations for adequate sun protection. In the short term, brands should focus on showcasing their existing product lines, demonstrating proper application techniques and ideal amounts to use for optimal coverage and protection.

Looking ahead, there’s significant potential for new product development (NPD) in this category, with a crucial emphasis on expanding shade ranges to cater to a diverse array of skin tones. This is particularly important for addressing the needs of people of color (POC), for whom traditional mineral SPFs often leave an unflattering white cast. As the trend continues to evolve, we can expect to see more innovative formulations that combine effective sun protection with inclusive, skin-enhancing tints suitable for all complexions.

Product Innovation and Formulation Trends

As the tinted sunscreen market continues to evolve, brands are focusing on innovative formulations to meet consumer demands and stand out in a competitive landscape. Here are the key trends shaping product development in this category:

Inclusive Shade Ranges

The beauty industry’s commitment to inclusivity has profoundly influenced tinted sunscreen formulations. Brands are now offering a broader range of shades to cater to diverse skin tones. For instance, Fenty’s Hydra Vizor Huez Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 comes in 10 shades, meeting the needs of a wider consumer base. Additionally, some products feature color-adapting technology that adjusts to the wearer’s skin tone for a personalized finish. Advanced formulations consider both skin depth and undertones, ensuring a more natural and flattering appearance across various complexions.

Multifunctional Formulas

Tinted sunscreens are evolving to provide more than just sun protection by incorporating additional skincare benefits. Many formulations now include ingredients like peptides, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid to address fine lines and improve skin elasticity. For those with sensitive skin, brands are adding calming agents such as niacinamide, centella asiatica, and aloe vera. With the rise in screen time, some tinted sunscreens also offer protection against blue light emitted by digital devices. Additionally, formulas enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C and E provide extra defense against

Sustainable and Clean Beauty Approaches

Eco-conscious consumers are driving the demand for more sustainable and “clean” tinted sunscreen options. Brands are shifting away from harmful ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, opting for reef-safe mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect marine ecosystems. Innovative packaging solutions, such as biodegradable tubes and refillable containers, are also gaining popularity. There is a growing preference for formulations that use natural, plant-based ingredients and avoid synthetic fragrances and preservatives. Many brands are obtaining certifications to appeal to ethically conscious consumers.

Market Opportunities and Future Outlook

Global Market Growth and Projections

The tinted sunscreen market is experiencing robust growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of sun protection and the demand for multifunctional beauty products. According to recent market research, the global tinted sunscreen market is projected to reach $1.5 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.8% from 2023 to 2028. This growth is attributed to several factors, including rising skin cancer concerns, growing interest in natural and organic skincare products, and the increasing popularity of makeup-skincare hybrids.

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the fastest growth, with countries like China, Japan, and South Korea leading the charge. This can be attributed to the region’s strong beauty culture, increasing disposable income, and growing awareness of sun protection. North America and Europe continue to be significant markets, with consumers in these regions showing a preference for premium and innovative tinted sunscreen formulations.

This projected market growth, along with the rising popularity of tinted sunscreen videos on TikTok, which saw a significant surge during the spring and early summer months of 2024, presents valuable opportunities. This seasonal pattern highlights the potential for targeted marketing campaigns and product launches timed to coincide with peak consumer interest periods.

What’s Next for Tinted Sunscreens?

WGSN’s TikTok Analytics Report reveals that the tinted sunscreen trend has a “Very Long” lifespan and “Medium” alignment, indicating its potential for sustained growth and market penetration. This longevity suggests that tinted sunscreens are not just a passing fad but a category with staying power in the beauty industry.

The trend investment projection recommends expanding investment in tinted sunscreens, signaling strong potential for market growth and consumer adoption. This aligns with the observed trend of tinted sunscreens advancing across categories and industries, potentially shifting consumer spending patterns in both skincare and makeup sectors.

The future of tinted sunscreens will likely see advancements in personalization, with brands leveraging AI to create custom formulations that match individual skin tones and address specific skincare concerns. Sustainability will remain a key focus, with more refillable packaging options, biodegradable formulations, and ocean-safe ingredients appealing to eco-conscious consumers.

As the trend continues to evolve, we may see an expansion into adjacent categories, such as tinted body sunscreens, scalp sunscreens, and specialized formulations for active lifestyles or specific environmental conditions.