The BeautyMatter weather forecast for this year suggests sunny skies ahead of SPF downpours. Suncare innovation in 2026 reflects a category undergoing rapid transformation, with sunscreen increasingly integrated into everyday beauty and skincare routines. Rather than focusing solely on traditional beach-ready sunscreens, brands are expanding sun protection across multiple beauty categories, embedding SPF into cosmetics, skincare hybrids, and sensorial lifestyle products.
The shift is also reflected in the category’s pricing, ingredient selection, and product positioning. Across launches we tracked, the average SPF product price sits at $30, reinforcing sunscreens' growing alignment with prestige skincare and beauty. Ingredients such as niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and zinc oxide recur across launches, while claims centered on hydration, barrier support, invisible finishes, and makeup compatibility continue to dominate the market.
Lip care has emerged as a particularly active area in hybrid sun protection, with launches such as Vacation x Pepsi’s Wild Cherry SPF 30 Lip Gel, Sun Bum’s Tinted SPF 30 Lip Balm, Playface’s SPF 30 Lip Balm, Colorescience’s Peptide Lip Shine SPF 30, and Iris&Romeo’s Weekend Skin SPF 30 Moisture Lip Balm bringing UV protection into color and treatment formulas.
Adding further momentum, new data from Spate’s Popularity Index (US, ending March 2026) shows SPF rapidly migrating across makeup categories, particularly within complexion and lip products. SPF face powder saw a 245.2% year-over-year increase in popularity, while SPF skin tint grew 154.4%, SPF blush 72.4%, SPF tinted moisturizer 65.8%, and lip sunscreen 41.7%. The data reflects that sunscreen is no longer viewed as a standalone category but is increasingly seen as a baseline expectation across daily-use beauty products.
At the same time, sun protection is expanding within makeup hybrids, including primers, complexion products, and skincare-makeup blends such as Coola’s Sublur SPF 50 Primer and Makeup Mist, Ciele Cosmetics’ Prime & Protect SPF 30+ primer, RMS Beauty’s ReFresh Eye Brightener SPF 30, Merit’s The Uniform Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, and Bloomeffects Tulipscreen Dew Serum SPF 50.
Many of the newest products combine broad-spectrum UV protection with treatment-driven ingredients typically found in serums and moisturizers. As a result, sunscreens are being framed as multifunctional products designed to hydrate, brighten, and support overall skin health while also serving their original purpose of protecting against sun damage.
Niacinamide has emerged as one of the most common actives appearing in new sunscreen formulas from Live Tinted, Sofie Pavitt Face, SkinCeuticals, and La Roche-Posay. Known for its reputation to visibly address concerns such as discoloration, uneven tone, and skin barrier resilience alongside UV protection, adding the ingredient into suncare formulas reflects the growing overlap between more advanced dermatological skincare and everyday sun protection.
Another ingredient appearing repeatedly across new launches is hyaluronic acid, which reflects the broader industry emphasis on year-round hydration and skin comfort. The ingredient is frequently used to help the skin retain moisture and create a plumper, smoother appearance. The ingredient, which has been incorporated into formulas from Vacation, Timebeam Beauty, and Ilia Beauty, is designed to hydrate skin but also layer comfortably under makeup and other skincare.
Vitamin E also appears consistently across many new sunscreen formulations—including ones from Banana Boat, Tatcha, Korres, and Beekman 1802—due to its antioxidant properties. The ingredient help neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure while reinforcing the skin’s protective barrier.
Spate data also shows growing consumer interest in bioactive ingredients within SPF, with searches and engagement rising around formulations containing collagen (+24.1K YoY increase), beta-glucan (+22.2K), and even beef tallow (+42.1K), suggesting consumers are increasingly seeking sunscreens to actively nourish, repair, and support the skin barrier alongside delivering UV protection.
Recent sun care launches have also heavily emphasized skin barrier protection, reflecting growing consumer awareness of barrier health. Many SPF products now incorporate ingredients traditionally associated with barrier repair, like ceramides, ectoin, panthenol, squalane, and glycerin—all of which may help maintain moisture levels, reinforce the skin’s natural defense system, and prevent irritation caused by environmental stressors such as UV exposure and pollution. These additions position sunscreen as both a protective and restorative step.
Beauty of Joseon introduced a moisturizer-SPF hybrid designed to hydrate while strengthening the skin barrier. Placeface formulated its lip SPF with ceramides and menthyl anthranilate to support moisture retention and barrier resilience. Similarly, Sofie Pavitt Face incorporated ectoin within its sunscreen formula to help repair and protect the skin barrier.
Mineral filters, particularly non-nano zinc oxide, are widely recognized for their ability to protect against both UVA and UVB rays while being gentler on sensitive skin. As consumer interest in mineral sunscreens continues to grow, brands such as Goldfaden MD, SkinCeuticals, Merit, Bubble Skincare, and Dezi Skin have all introduced new zinc oxide–based SPF products designed for daily wear.
At the same time, brands are addressing some of the long-standing drawbacks traditionally associated with mineral sunscreens. Newer formulations are prioritizing sheer textures, tinted formulas, and invisible finishes to reduce the white cast often resulting from zinc oxide. By improving cosmetic elegance and wearability, these products aim to make mineral SPF more accessible for a wider range of skin tones and everyday beauty routines, reinforcing the category’s shift toward lightweight, skincare-inspired sun protection.
Rather than positioning SPF as a purely functional skincare step, many brands are incorporating elements such as flavor, fragrance, and nostalgia to create more engaging products. Flavored lip formats like the Cherry Pepsi–inspired gel from Vacation, as well as sunscreen formulas infused with coconut, banana, and other tropical notes, tap into both the sensorial and functional sides of the product experience.
Texture innovation is also playing a key role in this sensory approach. Several new launches have shifted away from traditional lotion formats, introducing milky sunscreens, serum-like SPF textures, whipped lip balms, and ultra-fine spray mists designed for easy reapplication throughout the day. These formats reflect the broader sensory skincare trend, in which product feel, scent, and application experience are equally as important as efficacy. Within the suncare category, consumers can hopefully view sunscreen as a pleasurable daily ritual rather than a purely preventative step.
Portable, makeup-friendly formats are also gaining traction as the importance of reapplication becomes more of a priority for consumers. Sunscreen cushion compacts saw a 3.7K% YoY surge in popularity, while SPF face sprays grew 60.4% YoY and powder sunscreens increased 39.9% YoY, reflecting rising demand for SPF products that fit seamlessly into on-the-go lifestyles without disrupting makeup or skincare already on the skin.
Here are the SPF launches BeautyMatter has tracked so far this year:
Alta Marea: The Italian-inspired brand entered the prestige suncare market with a skincare-first approach to SPF, positioning its sun protection lineup as part of a daily longevity and barrier-support routine. Founded by beauty industry veteran Nico Morga Alden, the collection combines SPF with sensorial textures and botanical ingredients across a debut lineup that includes a sunscreen serum, sheer body SPF, and post-sun body milk. The launch reflects growing demand for luxury suncare, reinforcing the wider shift toward SPF as both skincare and lifestyle ritual.
Outbound: Designed specifically for outdoor sports and active lifestyles, Outbound entered the growing performance SPF category with the launch of its K-beauty-inspired 3-Step Skincare System. Founded by former L’Oréal and Columbia Sportswear executive Kris Lee, the “performance skincare” brand positions sun protection at the intersection of beauty, wellness, and sport, combining skincare-like textures with sweat-protection during outdoor activity. The launch reflects wider shifts within suncare as brands increasingly move beyond beach-focused positioning toward broader lifestyle-led SPF solutions centered on comfort, portability, and everyday movement.
Playface: Founded by Benjamin Price, a Sydney-based entrepreneur, Playface is a daily essentials suncare brand that combines mineral and chemical UV filters. Its first product, the SPF 30 Lip Balm, is formulated with ceramides, squalane, panthenol, and vitamin E in unscented and Coolmint variations. The product claims to provide UV protection while hydrating and supporting the skin barrier.
Banana Boat: The legacy suncare brand has unveiled its new Sheer Sensitive Collection, which, as the name suggests, claims to deliver gentle sun protection for sensitive skin. The lightweight, fragrance- and alcohol-free sunscreen is said to provide 12-hour moisture with aloe and vitamin E without leaving a greasy residue or white cast. Products include: SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 Body Sunscreen Lotion, and SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray. Each one retails for $8.99.
Coco & Eve: Adding to its extensive skincare and bodycare range, Coco & Eve has revealed its first-ever SPF collection. The formulas include vitamin E, peptides, antioxidants, and vitamin C, which the company claims hydrates, smoothes, and visibly enhances the skin. The lineup includes: Highlighter Body SPF 50 ($38), a serum-like body shimmer; Tan Boosting Anti-Aging Body Oil SPF 45 ($36), a lightweight body oil; and Coconut Milk Body SPF 50 ($34), a water-light lotion that claims to hydrate and leave the skin dewy. All products feature a tropical gourmand scent that blends juicy fruits, coconut, and soft vanilla-amber.
Knesko Skin: Gold Repair Skincare is a luxury collection powered by proprietary G-P8X technology. The line claims to target hydration, firmness, radiance, and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The system blends ingredients like peptides, pro-collagen, and plant stem cells in an eight-product lineup, including a cleansing balm, cleanser, exfoliation, face oil, rich cream, light cream, eye cream, and a sunscreen.
Peach & Lily: The Korean skincare brand has entered the sunscreen category with two new products: Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30 and Sun Cover Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($34 each). Both formulas promise to protect against UVA/UVB rays and are powered by the brand’s Oxidative Defense Complex, consisting of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich purslane and sulforaphane, which the brand claims protects skin and defends it against environmental damage; plant-based flavonoids and green tea extract in the formulas claim to shield skin against oxidative stress; and hydroxyacetophenone and bisabolol, believed to minimize irritation and fight inflammation.
Vacation x Pepsi: The cult-favorite suncare brand Vacation has partnered with beverage icon Pepsi to launch Vacation x Pepsi Wild Cherry SPF 30 Tinted Lip Gel ($13.99). The cherry-stained, high-gloss lip gel pairs with Pepsi’s Wild Cherry soda and is wrapped in nostalgic Pepsi-branded packaging with a “crack-off” twist cap. The formula contains peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, kola nut, cherry seed oil, and vitamin E to nourish, smooth, and leave a high shine finish.
Babo Botanicals: Hydrating Milk Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($25) uses a milky formula to help absorb into the skin without any heaviness or dryness, according to the brand. The sunscreen blends 16 plant-based ingredients, such as passionfruit oil, with minerals like liquid zinc oxide for skin-nourishing, broad-spectrum protection.
Beauty of Joseon: Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 ($20) is a hybrid moisturizer and SPF that applies like a lotion and absorbs into the skin without any white cast, according to the brand. The lightweight, broad-spectrum formula features their proprietary Green Tea-HA Complex, which they claim hydrates and soothes the skin, and ceramides to replenish moisture and support the skin barrier.
Beekman 1802: Solar Milk Mineral SPF 40 PA+++ is a pink zinc sunscreen gel for the face. The product applies with a light pink tint which develops into a sheer finish that layers well over moisturizer and under makeup. The 100% mineral SPF blends vitamins derived from goat milk, including vitamins A, B3, B12, and D, and claims to protect against harmful UVA/UVB rays and support the skin barrier. In addition to the zinc oxide, other key ingredients include dragon fruit and vitamin E, said to shield skin from oxidative stress, and a proprietary Skin-Mimicking Barrier Complex that the brand claims counters the dryness that some mineral SPF can cause.
Bloomeffects: Tulipscreen Dew Serum in Bronze ($39) is a dewy-finish SPF 50 product formulated for medium-to-deep skin tones. The tint adds a sheer glow to the face while protecting from harmful UVA/UVB rays. The mineral-based sunscreen features a hydrating formula, said to provide a daily defense against pollution, blue light, and other environmental aggressors, and features the brand’s proprietary Dutch tulip complex, claiming to make skin softer, smoother, and more glowy.
Bubble: Sunrise SPF Stick ($15) is a 100% mineral broad-spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen. The brand claims the product glides on with no white cast and wears well underneath makeup. The solid stick format claims to be lightweight and non-greasy while delivering a soft satin finish while protecting skin from UVA and UVB rays. There are also moisturizing ingredients like squalane and aloe leaf juice in the zinc oxide stick.
Ciele Cosmetics: Prime & Protect SPF 30+ Radiate ($38) is a soothing primer that is said to grip, hydrate, and protect the skin with a glowy finish. The product is infused with vitamin E to soothe and nourish the skin and green tea leaf oil to protect skin from daily aggressors. The formula also includes a blend of silicone and water-based ingredients to pair under foundation without clogging pores, and SPF 30+ to protect against UV rays and blue light. The primer is available in two shades.
Colorscience: Peptide Lip Shine SPF 30 ($42) introduces two new shades: Plum, a cool, deep reddish-purple with a subtle shimmer, and Guava, a cool poppy pink. The lip shine claims to smooth, plump, and protect the lips from developing fine lines and UV damage.
Coola: SunBlur SPF 50 Primer ($32) is a lightweight, transparent primer that was formulated to blur pores and smooth skin while gripping makeup for up to eight hours. Providing UVA/UVB protection, the product uses the brand’s BlueScreen Digital De-Stress Technology, which the brand claims to defend against blue light and environmental stressors. Coola SunBlur SPF 50 Makeup Mist ($36) is formulated with the same technology, but this weightless setting spray has a soft-matte finish, delivers skin-blurring coverage, and sets makeup for up to eight hours.
Dezi Skin: Sol’d Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 30 ($38) is a 100% mineral sunscreen that is said to deliver broad-spectrum SPF 30 PA+++ protection. The moisturizing formula has a buttery texture and a soft-focus, light-reflective finish that, according to the brand, blurs pores and other skin imperfections. The cream’s subtle pink tint blends into any skin tone. Key ingredients include squalane, shea butter, and allantoin to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin barrier.
Goldfaden MD: LumiShield SPF 50 ($48) is a 100% non-nano zinc oxide that protects against UVA/UVB rays. Formulated with niacinamide and a mineral blend, the product claims to support hydration and enhance skin brightness. The light texture offers a glowy, natural finish without a white cast.
Hawaiian Tropic: Expanding further into sensorial and category-blurring SPF formats, Hawaiian Tropic launched two Target-exclusive products, a Hair & Scalp Sunscreen Mist SPF 30 ($9.99) and Dark Tanning Oil Mist ($9.99). The rollout reflects growing consumer demand for sun protection formats designed to integrate more holistically into beauty and bodycare routines, particularly within haircare and glow-focused summer products. While the Hair & Scalp Mist taps into rising awareness around scalp UV protection, the Dark Tanning Oil Mist highlights the continued popularity of bronzing and fragrance-led suncare, positioned around leisure, nostalgia, and “vacation beauty” aesthetics.
Ilia: Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ($40) fuses high-performance protection with sensorial skincare, according to the brand. The product is said to deliver broad-spectrum mineral UVB and UVA protection along with 24-hour hydration, with a formula that includes a blend of hyaluronic acid and Aquaxyl, echinacea purpurea, and rhodiola rosea to strengthen the skin barrier, control oil and shine, and leave skin calm and protected.
Iris&Romeo: Weekend Skin Lip SPF 30 ($29) is a hydrating, protecting balm-oil hybrid. The balm is infused with buriti oil and pomegranate seed oil, said to deeply nourish and guard against sun damage. The balm is now available in three new tints: Suede, a butterscotch shade; Cameo, a peachy nude; and Iconic, a deep burgundy.
Korres: Mineral Milk Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50 ($34) is the newest addition to the brand’s Greek Yoghurt Collection, and is formulated to combat the drying effects of sun exposure. Powered by Greek yoghurt, which contains hydrating and nourishing properties, the product conditions the skin, and the sunscreen protects against broad-spectrum UVA/UVB with mineral filters and also contains brightening niacinamide, ferulic acid, and astaxanthin.
La Roche-Posay: Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen ($39.99) offers multi-benefit UV protection. The lightweight serum has an invisible finish and leaves no white cast behind. Ingredients include Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, which protects skin against UVA/UVB rays and damaging free radicals, niacinamide to fade discoloration, glycerin to hydrate the skin, hyaluronic acid to maintain the skin’s moisture, and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, a core ingredient used across the brand’s portfolio for its antioxidant benefits, according to the brand.
Live Tinted: Hueguard Invisible Body Mist SPF 50 ($26) is a body spray that is said to deliver an ultra-fine mist of broad-spectrum SPF 50 without leaving a white cast. The non-greasy, quick-dry formula has niacinamide, goji berry, grapeseed oil, and vitamin E. The product features a sweet coconut scent and leaves skin with a natural-looking glow and 80 minutes of waterproof, sweatproof wear.
Merit: The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 45 ($38) has expanded to include five new shades, designed for those with olive, cool, and warm undertones, serving a broader range of skin tones. The daily mineral sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UV protection and a sheer, soft-focus finish. Key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide to protect against UVA/UVB, powders to smooth and blur skin, and lightweight emollients for a soft, velvety finish.
Naked Sundays: CabanaClear Water Gel Serum SPF 50 in Illuminating ($34) blurs the lines between skincare, makeup, and SPF. The silicone-free formula combines SPF with skincare ingredients including soothing centella asiatica, moisturizing hyaluronic acid, and brightening Kakadu plum. Subtle illuminating pigments are added to help achieve the ongoing “glass skin” and glow-focused makeup trend, according to the brand. Positioned as both a primer and a complexion enhancer, the launch highlights how suncare is increasingly being reframed through sensorial textures, cosmetic benefits, and social-first beauty aesthetics rather than purely functional protection.
Naked Sundays: Golden Glow Shimmer Mist Setting Spray SPF 50 ($28) is a 2-in-1 setting spray and sunscreen designed to make SPF reapplication unnoticeable over makeup, according to the brand. The spray is formulated with Pentavitin, said to soothe and strengthen the skin barrier, kakadu plum to brighten and protect the skin, watermelon seed extract to moisturize, and natural pearlescent minerals to create a glazed finish. The product is meant to add glow to the skin without heaviness or stickiness.
Oak Essentials: Daily Hydrating Mineral Body Sunscreen ($52) is a full-body, daily-use SPF 30. The brand claims that the lightweight, mineral formula applies like a moisturizer and layers well over other skincare products, while protecting against UVA/UVB rays. The cream features desert succulent botanicals and Indian beech tree seed extract to support hydration and defend against harsh weather and damaging sun rays. Instead of the classic, beachy sunscreen fragrance, this one has a Pacific Greens scent that blends green tea, cucumber, and plumeria.
Prequel: Lip Visor Sunscreen SPF 30 PA+++ ($14), a tinted lip-protection range that reflects growing demand for hybrid beauty formats, combining color cosmetics with everyday UV protection. Available in six sheer, buildable shades, the formula blends broad-spectrum SPF with hydrating ingredients and antioxidants designed to protect against photoaging while maintaining lip moisture and volume. The launch highlights the continued rise of lip SPF as sun protection increasingly migrates into daily makeup categories through wearable, sensorial, and reapplication-friendly formats.
RMS Beauty: ReFresh Eye Brightener Broad Spectrum SPF 30 + Correcting Tint ($49) is a lightweight, 100% mineral SPF product formulated to brighten the under-eye area. Designed with a cooling metal rollerball tip, the depuffing cream looks to proprietary GlowPlex and Tightenyl, which, according to the brand, smoothes, brightens, firms, and tones skin. The product also includes caffeine and coffee seed extract to help reduce the appearance of dark circles, and is available in four shades, for a range of skin tones: Adore (fair), Cherish (light), Hush (medium), and Swoon (deep).
SkinCeuticals: Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50 ($60) is a broad-spectrum SPF formulated with skin-smoothing ingredients. The invisible sunscreen is said to provide SPF coverage on all skin tones and is formulated with zinc oxide, niacinamide, panthenol, and cellulose. The mineral-based sunscreen claims to visibly improve the look of wrinkles, dark spots, and fine lines while protecting from harmful sun rays.
Sofie Pavitt Face: Screentime Non-Comedogenic Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 ($38) was created for acne-prone skin and combines blemish-fighting skincare with sun protection, according to the brand. The formula is said to nourish skin while protecting against UVA/UVB rays and environmental stressors, with key ingredients, including ectoin to repair the skin barrier, brightening and tone-evening niacinamide, and vitamin E to nourish and improve skin texture. The chemical sunscreen also taps homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone to protect from harmful sun rays.
Sun Bum: Tinted Lip 30 ($9.99) is a lip product with built-in sun protection. Featuring the brand’s iconic coconut flavor, the balm offers a triple benefit of SPF 30 protection, hydration, and color, with ingredients like aloe vera and vitamin E. The product is available in three universally flattering shades: Heat Wave, a rich red; Bonfire, a soft mauve; and Sunset Cove, a coral pink.
Tatcha: Milky Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ ($50) is an everyday lightweight sunscreen that delivers broad-spectrum protection and claims to correct signs of past sun damage. The product contains encapsulated ectoin and vitamin E to support cellular hydration and help repair the skin barrier, while soothing Okinawa aloe claims to calm sun-induced skin stress.
Timebeam Beauty: Sunbeam SPF ($38) is a lightweight mineral broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. According to the brand, the product boosts hydration, giving the skin a natural, dewy glow. Key ingredients include astaxanthin, green tea, niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid. The brand has also introduced Sol Mate Gummy ($30 for 30 gummies), mango cream–flavored supplements formulated with antioxidants, including polypodium leucotomos, vitamin C, and vitamin E to help protect against environmental and free-radical damage while supporting the skin barrier. The gummies are meant to be taken alongside daily use of an SPF as an additional step to help combat environmental stressors and sun damage from within.
Vacation: Classic Face Lotion SPF 45 ($18) is a lightweight formula featuring skincare-forward ingredients and broad-spectrum protection. The face lotion claims to leave no white cast or greasy residue and layers well under makeup for comfortable everyday wear. The broad-spectrum SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is tested to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Coconut and banana extracts in the lotion nourish and soften the skin; aloe vera soothes and hydrates; niacinamide evens the complexion; hyaluronic acid keeps skin moisturized; and vitamin E protects against future sun damage and environmental stressors, according to the brand.
Vacation: Classic Whip Lip SPF 30 ($14) is a sunscreen balm that claims to provide intense hydration while plumping and softening the lips. The lightweight, sheer finish contains coconut and banana extracts to replenish moisture, aloe vera and vitamin E to soothe, shea butter to condition, and peptides and hyaluronic acid to visibly plump and soften lips. The product features a coconut-vanilla flavor.
Vacation: Original Coconut Oil SPF 15 Spray ($18) is a tanning oil infused with broad-spectrum SPF 15 to protect skin from harmful sun rays. The water-resistant spray applies transparently on all skin tones and delivers shine with a proprietary Coconut Super Blend. Key ingredients include macadamia nut, kukui nut, and cacao butter to replenish moisture, and bisabolol for its anti-inflammatory benefits, according to brand claims. The spray has a tropical coconut scent.
