The Rise of Hybrid SPF Products 

Consumers today are more engaged in their health and beauty routines than ever before. With the rise of skin education across social media, consumers are becoming more scientifically literate and increasingly seeking evidence-based skincare, and sophisticated solutions.  

This shift is influencing how consumers evaluate sun protection. 71% of sun care consumers prefer mineral over chemical sunscreen. At the same time, they expect more from the products they use daily, seeking formulas that combine protection with skincare benefits, aesthetics, and ease of use. 

These expectations are driving the growth of hybrid products that blend sun protection with skincare and makeup. When SPF becomes enjoyable to apply and seamlessly fits into existing routines, consumers are more likely to use it consistently, which ultimately increases its impact on skin health. 

SPF Meets Color Cosmetics

One of the most exciting areas of innovation is the integration of SPF into color cosmetics, giving consumers the opportunity to have that sense of joyful and playful self-expression in a product that benefits their overall health and wellness. As consumers increasingly look for makeup that supports skin health, hybrid products are becoming more important across prestige beauty categories. 

At Solésence, we’ve partnered with brands globally to develop hundreds of skincare, suncare, and color cosmetic products using proprietary technology platforms such as Original Active Stress Defense™ and Kleair™. These technologies enhance the performance of mineral sunscreen systems by strengthening antioxidant activity and helping neutralize free radicals—supporting more advanced sun protection solutions. Even as many consumers are purchasing the same or more makeup than in previous years, multifunctionality continues to reign supreme. 

This increasing demand for both category-crossing sun care and creativity presents a tremendous opportunity for brands who are listening closely to their consumers, and that’s something I feel excited about.

How I Approach SPF: Product Development Philosophy 

Throughout my time at Solésence I have supported and now lead a team envisioning the next generation of SPF-infused products that are not in the market yet. My approach to product development begins with user experience, because for SPF to become a true daily essential, it must deliver both top-shelf performance and top-shelf aesthetics. 

When it comes to trend forecasting, our Strategy and Marketing team looks five years ahead, using market research, micro and macro data, and looking at consumer behavior to predict where the industry is headed and where the opportunities are. The hero SKUs that brands will champion in the coming years must be conceptualized today, grounded in science, and designed for evolving consumer expectations. This blue-sky development is always incredibly exciting. For example, two years ago we launched a market-ready product we called Au Lait Face Milk SPF 50+, which went on to win a Cosmetics & Toiletries Alle Award. Just this month, two years later, SPATE recently reported that “sunscreen milk” is trending. Seeing our concepts win on the market years later is a rewarding part of this job.  

What makes Solésence unique is our ability to both formulate new platforms, research and develop products, and manufacture products on a global scale for our brand partners. This end-to-end capability is not common for manufacturers, and it allows us to develop new technology platforms and translate them into finished products that support a wide range of claims, textures, and formats. I believe this flexibility is crucial to impactful product innovation. 

We also formulate for the most challenging-to-reach skin tones and types, with the philosophy that building a product for the most challenged-to-reach consumer will benefit everybody. After all, nobody wants an unpleasant product experience, or “ghosting”, or poor aesthetics. 

From there, we get very individualized. Each brand serves a diverse consumer base, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. SPF must be combined with each brand’s unique voice and purpose, and there is real value in connecting performance, ingredient, and story, to the “why” behind the brand. 

Conclusion: The Future Expansion of SPF 

With more than eight billion people in the world who each need daily sun protection, the opportunity to improve how consumers experience UV protection has never been greater.  

Our goal is to transform sun protection into a seamless and empowering part of everyday life for everybody. By integrating protection, prevention, and skincare benefits into innovative products that consumers are excited to use, brands can deliver meaningful launches that support skin health today and for years to come.