India Sunscreen Market Research Report and Industry Forecast

India Sunscreen Market Size and Share:

The India sunscreen market size reached USD 543.20 Million in 2024. The market is expected to reach USD 970.17 Million by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.14% during 2025-2033. The market growth is attributed to rising awareness of sun protection, a trend towards natural and multi-functional products, and heightened demand for inclusive products that cater to varied skin tones, environmental responsibility, and other skincare benefits.

Market Insights:

• On the basis of region, the market has been divided into North India, South India, East India, and West India.
• On the basis of product type, the market has been divided into cream and lotions, sprays, sticks, and gels.
• On the basis of application, the market has been divided into sun protection, after sun products, and tanning products.
• On the basis of distribution channel, the market has been divided into retail stores, pharmacies and drug stores, and online.

Market Size and Forecast:

• 2024 Market Size: USD 543.20 Million
• 2033 Projected Market Size: USD 970.17 Million
• CAGR (2025-2033): 6.14%

India Sunscreen Market Trends:

Rising Preference for Natural and Organic Ingredients

Over the last few years, the market for sunscreens based on natural and organic ingredients has been expanding heavily in India. The consumers have become more and more aware of the ill effects of synthetic chemicals and are now looking for safer, more environment-friendly formulations. Aloe vera, green tea, and zinc oxide are being increasingly popular as ingredients because they are skin-calming, anti-inflammatory, and protective in nature. This change towards natural alternatives is part of a wider trend in the beauty and wellness space where consumers are making products with gentle skin treatments and paraben-free, sulfate-free, and other potentially damaging chemicals a higher priority. Furthermore, as concern for the environment increases, many consumers are opting for environmentally friendly sunscreens that incorporate biodegradable packaging. Brands are meeting this demand by producing sunscreens that not only shield against UV radiation but also give voice to customers' interests in transparency, ethical production, and sustainability in their skincare regimen. The India sunscreen market research report indicates this trend will continue driving market expansion.

Demand for Multi-Functional Sunscreens

The Indian market has seen an increased demand for multi-functional sunscreens that provide extra skincare benefits apart from UV protection. For example, in May 2024, Sereko introduced its 24H Hydration Sunscreen with SPF 50 | PA++++ with Cica, Marine Algae, and Hyaluronic Acid for sustained hydration, protection against the sun, and soothing action. Further, contemporary consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, prefer products that make their skincare regime easier. Thus, sunscreens increasingly contain ingredients that treat various skincare issues like anti-aging, moisturization, and pigmentation control. Products that contain hyaluronic acid for hydration, vitamin C as an antioxidant for skin renewal, and niacinamide for lightening and the diminishment of dark marks are increasingly popular. This trend towards multi-tasking products is part of a larger movement of convenience and speed in skincare, with consumers looking for high-performance products that take care of many skin issues at once. Sunscreens that provide all these advantages in one go, not only do they safeguard skin from sun damages but also better its health as well as outlook, making it a sought-after option among people who wish to simplify their skincare routines. The India sunscreen market analysis shows strong consumer preference for these innovative formulations.

Expanding Usage Across All Skin Tones

Sunscreen use in India is becoming more universal as the awareness of the need for sun protection increases across all skin types. For instance, in March 2023, POND'S introduced its Serum-Boost Sunscreen Range with SPF 35 and SPF 55, which prevents dark spots and pigmentation while offering 97% protection against UV and a non-oily, white-cast-free formula. Moreover, sunscreen was not used extensively, particularly by those with darker complexions, because of myths that it was only necessary for fairer skin. Despite this, education towards the destructive outcomes of exposure to UV light, such as aging of the skin and skin cancer, has prompted a broad consensus that sunblock is imperative across all types of skin. Such awareness and initiatives are significantly enhancing the India sunscreen market outlook. There is hence increasing use of sunscreen among dark-skinned populations, who hitherto have been under-represented within marketing for sun protection. In response to this demand, brands now create sunscreens that suit varied skin tones and are light in texture, not greasy, and won't leave a white cast. This is a shift towards increased inclusivity, and the skincare world is recognizing and responding to the specific needs of a varied populace.

Digital Marketing and Social Media Impact on Consumer Behavior

The growth of social media and online platforms has radically changed the way consumers find, learn about, and buy sunscreens in India. Dermatologists, beauty influencers, and skincare experts are aggressively spreading sun protection awareness through informative content, product reviews, and skincare routines on platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. This digital transformation has democratized skincare learning, offering professional guidance and product advice to hundreds of millions of consumers who were once dependent exclusively on standard marketing channels. Social commerce functionalities integrated into these websites allow purchasing directly from the platforms, offering frictionless shopping experiences and impulse purchasing, and brand loyalty. User-generated content and genuine user reviews have also emerged as significant methods through which brands can establish credibility and trust. India sunscreen market growth has been hugely propelled by these online engagement practices, with buyers making more and more buying decisions based on online research and word-of-mouth recommendations as opposed to classic advertisement alone.

Growth, Opportunities, and Challenges in the India Sunscreen Market:

• Growth Drivers: Rising awareness about the harmful effects of UV radiation and skin cancer prevention is driving increased adoption of sunscreen products across all age groups. Social media and beauty influencers' increasing power are informing customers about the benefits of using sunscreen on a daily basis as part of skincare. The sunscreen market size in india is expanding due to urbanization and shifting lifestyle patterns, especially among millennials and Gen Z consumers. This is also fueling sustained demand for premium and multi-functional sunscreen products.
• Market Opportunities: The untapped rural market presents significant growth potential as awareness campaigns and distribution networks expand to tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Development of region-specific formulations tailored to India's diverse climatic conditions offers opportunities for brands to capture niche market segments. The increasing trend toward natural and organic ingredients opens avenues for innovative product development and premium positioning in the growing clean beauty segment.
• Market Challenges: According to the India sunscreen market research report, strong competition from local and foreign brands is building price pressures and the necessity for ongoing innovation in order to sustain market share. Consumer price consciousness, especially in the mass market channel, constrains uptake of premium sunscreens with enhanced benefits. Fluctuating seasonal demand and differences in consumer awareness in different geographical regions challenge ongoing market growth and stock management.

India Sunscreen Market Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the region level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product type, application, and distribution channel.

Product Type Insights:

• Cream and Lotions
• Sprays
• Sticks
• Gels

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the product type. This includes cream and lotions, sprays, sticks, and gels.

Application Insights:

• Sun Protection
• After Sun Products
• Tanning Products

A detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the application have also been provided in the report. This includes sun protection, after sun products, and tanning products.

Distribution Channel Insights:

• Retail Stores
• Pharmacies and Drug Stores
• Online

The report has provided a detailed breakup and analysis of the market based on the distribution channel. This includes retail stores, pharmacies and drug stores, and online.

Regional Insights:

• North India
• South India
• East India
• West India

The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North India, South India, East India, and West India.

Competitive Landscape:

The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided.

India Sunscreen Market News:

• In June 2025, SkinInspired launched KidScreen, a 100% mineral sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ formulated exclusively for kids and teens, intended to provide strong UV protection during India’s peak summer. It features 25% non-nano zinc oxide, is water- and sweat-resistant, free of chemical filters and common irritants, and claims zero white cast. The product will be available via SkinInspired’s website immediately, with expansion to premium pharmacies and retailers planned shortly thereafter. This expansion is expected to augment India sunscreen market share.
• In May 2025, Emcutix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., a subsidiary of Emcure Pharmaceuticals, launched SOLGLO Hybrid Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++ and SOLGLO Invisible Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++. These clinical-grade sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection (UVA, UVB, pollution, blue light), with the hybrid formula combining physical and chemical filters for an ultra-matte finish, and the gel variant controlling oil and shine—both being dermatologically tested on Indian skin types.
• In April 2025, Supergoop! Officially launched in India, with its sunscreen range now available exclusively via Nykaa. The product line includes Unseen Sunscreen, Glowscreen, Mineral Mattescreen, PLAY Everyday Lotion, glow sticks, sprays, and 100 % mineral setting powder—formulated to avoid stickiness or whitish residue, and to suit varying skin types. The move is positioned to promote daily SPF usage in India, citing increased consumer interest in sun protection, and represents a strategic effort by Supergoop! and Nykaa to reframe sunscreen from occasional use to a routine skincare habit.
• In September 2024, Garnier announced its entry into the suncare market in India with the launch of Super UV Invisible Serum Sunscreen and Super UV Invisible Air-Mist Sunscreen, both offering SPF 50 and PA++++ broad-spectrum protection. Enriched with Vitamin C, the products are designed to correct dark spots, leave no white cast, and suit all Indian skin types, with the air-mist variant enabling easy re-application even over makeup.
• In March 2024, WOW Skin Science introduced its customized Sunscreen Solutions with SPF 55PA++++ protection. The products are available in gel and spray formats with Aloe Vera and skin actives, delivering personalized sun protection without white cast, quick absorption, and water resistance.
• In December 2023, Derma Co introduced its Ultra Light Zinc Mineral Sunscreen, which provides SPF 50 and PA+++ protection. The non-greasy, mineral sunscreen offers broad UVA/UVB protection, a zero white cast, and water and sweat resistance, making it ideal for active lifestyles. Now available for sale.

India Sunscreen Market Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the India sunscreen market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the India sunscreen market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the India sunscreen industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.