The 2025 Sunscreen trend: Why Sunscreen Is a True Must-Have

동훈 Jason 임
6 days ago
3 min read

1. Why Sunscreen trend Has Become a Must-Have

Rising UV Exposure Due to Climate Change for Sunscreen trend

With global climate shifts, the UV index has increased not only in summer but also during spring and autumn. Additionally, UVA rays now penetrate through windows and car windshields, increasing UV exposure both indoors and outdoors.

UVA rays are known to accelerate collagen breakdown and wrinkle formation, while UVB rays are linked to DNA damage and skin cancer.

Proven Benefits of Sunscreen trend

A randomized controlled trial in Australia found that consistent use of SPF 15 or higher reduced the risk of melanoma by 30%, and the overall skin cancer risk by up to 50%.

Another study conducted in 2013, involving 900 Australians, showed that participants who applied SPF 30+ daily experienced significantly less aging over 4.5 years compared to those who didn’t.

2. 2025 Sunscreen trend

Skincare-Hybrid Sunscreen trend – Especially in Serum Form

Traditionally, sunscreens focused solely on UV filters. Now, skincare-hybrid sunscreens combine sun protection with beneficial skincare ingredients.

Serum-type sunscreens, in particular, have a water-like, gel, or essence texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness. These formulas often include hydrating and brightening ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides—making them ideal even for sensitive skin or minimalists unfamiliar with lengthy beauty routines.

Reapply-Ready, Makeup-Friendly Sunscreen trend

The “reapply” trend emphasizes the need to reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours. However, many avoid this due to concerns over makeup disruption.

As a result, new-generation sunscreens are designed to maintain a “pretty breakdown”—meaning even after reapplication, they enhance the skin’s natural glow and texture without ruining your base makeup.

These formulas include transparent gels, sticks, mists, or light creams that layer seamlessly over makeup, with zero white cast. They’re also portable and easy to apply without using your hands—perfect for on-the-go protection.

3. Why These Sunscreen trend Are Booming

Climate + Humidity Sensitivity for Sunscreen trend

With extreme heat and humidity on the rise, heavy sunscreen textures are becoming increasingly uncomfortable. For example, Seoul’s average summer temperature has risen by 1.7°C over the past 30 years.

Heavy cream-type SPF can feel suffocating on the skin, especially for oily or acne-prone users, who may experience clogged pores or breakouts.

Preventing Pilling for Sunscreen trend

With multi-step skincare routines now common, sunscreen must absorb well and layer easily. Heavy or greasy formulas often cause pilling or disrupt earlier layers.

As a result, lightweight sunscreens with skincare-compatible textures are now preferred.

Natural Makeup Trends for Sunscreen trend

Since 2020, trends like “no-makeup makeup” and “glow skin” have emphasized a natural, radiant look.

Heavy sunscreens can dull or melt makeup, whereas lightweight + smooth finish formulas blend in like a primer and support sheer skin aesthetics.

4. Popular Products That Reflect These Trends

Beauty of Joseon with Sunscreen trend

Beauty of Joseon Red Ginseng Sun Serum

This sun serum features high-concentration red ginseng extract (ginsenosides) that delivers calming, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects. It also includes moisturizing oils and botanical antioxidants for barrier support.

With its transparent, serum-like texture, it applies like the first step of skincare and absorbs effortlessly. Part of the growing K-beauty red ginseng category, it is projected to see an 11.9% YoY sales increase in Q2 2025.

La Roche-Posay with Sunscreen trend

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF 50+ Serum

Formulated with advanced UV filters such as Mexoryl XL and Bemotrizinol, it provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

This lightweight, mineral-rich serum is dermatologist-approved and safe for sensitive skin. In 2024, La Roche-Posay reported $161M USD in global annual sunscreen sales, with steady 5–10% growth year-over-year.

Innisfree with Sunscreen trend

Innisfree Hyaluronic Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

This product has an essence-like finish with no white cast, making it ideal for layering. It’s especially popular in Korea and Southeast Asia, leading the “moisture sunscreen” category in those regions.

5. Conclusion of Sunscreen trend

With increased UV exposure, changing beauty routines, and the rise of skincare-meets-suncare formulas, sunscreen has evolved into a daily must-have.

Whether it’s a silky serum for skincare synergy or a portable stick that keeps your glow intact through reapplications, SPF has become a central part of modern beauty.

This summer, let’s create the ultimate must-have sunscreen together—with Nextpangaea