Protection for My Lifestyle
SunGuardians
SunGuardians is Evonik’s latest European sun protection concept. It has been developed to meet the growing demand for high-performance sun protection, offering tailored formulations for different lifestyles – whether you are relaxing on the beach, navigating the city or on-the-go.
While sunscreen was traditionally used only seasonally, its increasing integration of sun defense in various beauty categories is turning it into a year-round product. This shift is being driven, among other things, by a growing health awareness, meaning that today’s sun protection products are designed to do more than just block UV rays. Modern sun protection is more versatile than ever before, catering for various skin types and lifestyles. At the same time, they must all provide optimum protection against the sun’s effects. Let's take a look at what influences sun protection.
Key trends driving the European sun protection market
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 50 or 50+
Consumers' need for high protection is reflected in the fact that SPF 50 and higher account for 72% of sun protection product launches in Europe between January 24 and May 25.
Make it mine
Sun protection products are no longer a one-size-fits-all. They are evolving to offer a more tailored experience, in line with the mega trend of personalization. Consumers are looking for sun protection products that complement their individual skin types, routines, and lifestyles. For example, Mintel data shows that 59% of Italian consumers have searched how suitable a sun protection product is for their skin type. Spate also confirmed that the most frequently searched concerns have been e.g. related to oily skin, revealing that consumers are looking for products designed for their skin type.
Skinification
As Euromonitor has stated, the momentum of “healthy ageing” continues, with consumers being drawn towards multifunctional skin care solutions that address multiple skin concerns simultaneously. Furthermore, a Mintel analysis revealed that the number of launches claiming anti-aging in the sun care category tripled between 2020 and 2024. And 75% of Italian consumers say that concerns about skin ageing encourage them to use sun protection. All these findings confirm that a rise in skin-conscious sun protection beyond SPF can be observed, with consumers increasingly looking for products that offer more than just sun protection.
New formats/textures
Although creams and lotions remain popular and are still the leading formats, innovation is booming. More diverse formats and textures are being launched to fulfill consumers’ desire for an enjoyable experience. According to a Mintel analysis, 86% more sun care oils were launched in 2024 than in 2023. During the same period, the number of sun care stick launches increased by an impressive 164%. Such on-the-go formats are expected to increase as consumers are becoming more aware of the need to reapply sun protection products regularly. At the same time, demand for convenient, hands-free products is on the rise, and sun sticks effectively cater to this preference.
Different lives. One need: daily sun protection. We’ve got you covered – every day, everywhere.
Formulations to protect your lifestyle
The easy-to-apply O/W spray has been specifically formulated for the delicate skin of toddlers and children, providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The combination of the emulsifier TEGO® Care 450 MB (INCI: Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate) and the co-emulsifier dermofeel® G 10 L MB (INCI: Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate) is perfect for creating this spray. It has been tested for sand resistance and meets eco-friendly formulation standards, being free from Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, and microplastics, making it a responsible choice for both skin and the sea. It features dermosoft® OMP (INCI: Methylpropanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenylpropanol) as alternative antimicrobial protection1, a synergistic mixture of surface-active ingredients with excellent pH independent antimicrobial activity.
1 without Annex V listed preservatives according to European Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
Despite its oily formula, this transparent, alcohol-free, water-resistant sunscreen spray leaves the skin feeling non-greasy and non-sticky. It is based on a careful selection of emollients produced by a Green Chemistry process for a balanced skin feel and excellent organic UV filter solubility:
the high spreading dermofeel® sensolv MB (INCI: Isoamyl Laurate) provides a light skin feel, TEGOSOFT® BC MB (INCI: Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate) leaves no oily residues and shows also a light sensory and the very polar TEGOSOFT® XC MB (INCI: Phenoxyethyl Caprylate) leaves the skin with a non-oily after feel.
Designed to combat the signs of premature aging, this low-viscosity O/W daily skin care fluid is the perfect daytime companion for Gen Z and Gen Y. It is suitable for use under make-up. SPHINOX® Defenda (INCI: Hydroxybutyroyl Phytosphingosine), a unique derivative of the naturally occurring phytosphingosine, provides daylight defense on a cellular level and prevents premature aging induced by the sun while fighting environmental aggressions. SK-INFLUX® Evolve MB (INCI: Ceramide NP; Ceramide AP; Ceramide EOP; Phytosphingosine; Cholesterol; Behenic Acid; Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate; Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate; Glycerin; Cetearyl Alcohol; Glyceryl Stearate; Sodium Cetearyl Sulfate; Triethyl Citrate; Sodium Levulinate; Potassium Sorbate; Citric Acid; Aqua) is included because it restores the protective skin barrier function. TEGO® Sterol 7-DHC V (INCI: 7-Dehydrocholesterol) is also included as it is a precursor in the biosynthesis of both cholesterol and vitamin D3 and is known to protect against damage from UV irradiation.
Formulated for oily skin, this lightweight gel emulsion offers sebum-regulating action as well as mattifying properties. Oleobiota® (INCI: Water, Glycerin, Eugenia Uniflora Leaf Extract), which is derived from sustainably cultivated Ñangapirí leaves, regulates oiliness and mattifies combination- and oily skin while minimizing the appearance of pores. The unique, versatile PEG-free O/W emulsifier TEGO® Care PBS 6 MB (INCI: Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate (and) Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate), which is based on fully renewable sources, has been included for its ability to stabilize challenging fluid emulsions and to provide moisturization properties.
Thanks to its mess-free, on-the-go application, the sun care stick is perfect for those with busy lifestyles. It provides high UV protection without leaving any visible residue or white cast. It is also water-resistant. The stick contains dermofeel® TocoSkin (INCI: Tocopherol; Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil), an antioxidant that prevents the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Bodyflux® Olive (INCI: Ceramide NP), a ceramide complex produced via a biotechnological based process, improves epidermal moisturization. Additionally, emollients produced by a Green Chemistry process are incorporated. TEGOSOFT® BC MB (INCI: Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate) ensure an excellent solubility of crystalline UV filters, while TEGOSOFT® CR MB (INCI: Cetyl Ricinoleate) provides a silky, yet non-oily skin feel and melts at body temperature.
Consumers who want to use multifunctional products will find this tinted oil-in-water facial sunscreen ideal. Its light, fast-absorbing texture makes it well-suited for daily wear. It provides an even complexion and natural finish. The formula contains TEGO® Feel C 10 (INCI: Cellulose), an eco-friendly alternative to microplastics in leave-on products, that provides a mattifying effect. TEGOSOFT® LO MB (INCI: Lauryl Oleate), an emollient produced using a Green Chemistry process, is ideal for this type of formulation thanks to its excellent pigment wetting properties. Naturally occurring, skin-identical hyaluronic acid HyaCare® (INCI: Sodium Hyaluronate) reinforces the skin’s natural short and long term moisturization.
These drops are the perfect addition to a daily beauty routine. They can be used on their own or after applying a face care cream. These lightweight O/W drops provide comprehensive protection against the sun's effects. Their triple functionality is achieved through a smart combination of different active ingredients and UV protection. HyaCare® 50 (INCI: Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid), a very low molecular weight hyaluronic acid produced via fermentation, rejuvenates the skin by improving its viscoelastic properties. SPHINOX® Defenda (INCI: Hydroxybutyroyl Phytosphingosine) provides daylight defense on a cellular level, prevents premature aging induced by the sun while fighting environmental aggressions. Additionally, Vecollage® Fortify L (INCI: Water, Glycerin, sh-Polypeptide-69), a skin-identical collagen polypeptide, reduces the appearance of wrinkles across multiple facial areas.
