As we move into 2025, sunscreen continues to evolve in response to increasing awareness about skin health and the harmful effects of UV rays. In this blog, we’re summarizing sunscreen innovations for 2025.
Sunscreen Innovation 1: Sunscreen and Skincare in One
One of the biggest trends this year is the rise of sunscreens that double as skincare. Modern formulations are not only providing sun protection but are also packed with skin-loving ingredients like antioxidants and peptides. These sunscreen and skincare combos contain ingredients that work to combat free radicals, boost collagen production, and help repair the skin barrier while shielding against harmful UV rays. With a growing emphasis on overall skin health, consumers are now looking for products that do more than just protect—they nourish and rejuvenate the skin.
Sunscreen Innovation 2: Enhanced Longevity and Water Resistance
We are also seeing sunscreens with enhanced water resistance and longevity. More products are offering sunscreen and skincare that incorporate advanced technology, such as microencapsulation, where active ingredients are released gradually throughout the day. This means less frequent reapplications, allowing for more convenience and better protection, especially for those with active lifestyles.
Sunscreen Innovation 3: Tinted Sunscreen
One of the most important innovations in sunscreen for 2025 is the rise of tinted sunscreens. For years, dermatologists have touted the benefits of tinted sunscreens for those with pigmentation concerns, and now the trend is gaining major traction. Tinted sunscreens contain iron oxides, which help protect the skin from visible light, particularly the high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted by screens and sunlight. This type of light has been linked to hyperpigmentation, especially in those with darker skin tones. By adding a tint, these sunscreens not only offer broad-spectrum UV protection but also help to prevent the deepening of pigmentation and dark spots, making them a key addition to any skincare routine for those concerned with uneven skin tone.
Sunscreen Innovation 4: Eco-friendly Packaging
Eco-friendly packaging also continues to rise in importance, especially in the sunscreen sector. As sustainability becomes a top priority for consumers, more sunscreen brands are opting for biodegradable, recyclable, and refillable packaging. This trend not only helps reduce environmental impact but also aligns with the shift toward clean beauty, where ingredients are sustainably sourced, free from harmful chemicals, and dermatologically tested. The future of sunscreen in 2025 isn't just about better skin protection—it's about protecting the planet as well.
Bans on Sunscreens?
Lastly, those of you with spring break coming up and if you are heading to the beach; you may read about warnings and even bans on certain types of sunscreens. Several municipalities and aquatic parks now advise tourists to travel with chemical free sunscreens and a few states are even considering legislative bans on organic (chemical) sunscreens. The concern is over potential damage to already endangered coral reefs.
What you need to know about sunscreen bans:
Sunscreens primarily come in two forms: inorganic (physical) sunscreens such as titanium and zinc that work by reflecting UV light, and organic (chemical) UV filters such as oxybenzone, octocrylene, and octinoxate. While at extremely high concentrations, these chemicals can have effects on human hormone levels and cellular growth, decades of studies show no dangerous effects on humans when used at commercial concentrations. Sunscreen use has increased over the years as the public has become more knowledgeable about the effects of ultraviolet light on the skin including photoaging and promotion of skin cancer. With more use comes more runoff into the environment. Up to 14,000 tons of sunscreen are released into our oceans annually.
Coral reefs are home to as many as 1 million different species and therefore are a critical component of biodiversity in our environment. Reefs are endangered worldwide. In a process known as coral bleaching, stress on the coral causes the loss of an algae that lives inside of the coral and provides it with energy, leading to death of the coral. The causes of coral bleaching are multifactorial and likely include warming ocean temperatures, decreasing ocean salinity, and exposure to pollutants.
In the laboratory, concentrations of organic sunscreens in the several parts per million range were shown to induce coral death. Concentrations that high have not been observed in nature and are typically an order of magnitude lower (several parts per billion). This range is considered low to zero toxicity to the coral.
Should I choose organic (chemical) sunscreen?
With the well-known consequences of excessive UV radiation exposure on the skin, photoprotection is of paramount importance. It is likely that organic sunscreens are only one small part of the environmental stresses that are leading to coral bleaching. Continued use of organic filters will no doubt lead to their slow accumulation in the environment. For now, a multifaceted approach to sun protection seems to make the most sense. Photoprotective clothing and swimwear alleviate the need for sunscreen over much of the body. Physical sunscreens provide a useful alternative when topical sunscreen is required. Future technology may allow alternative chemical sunscreen to be developed and may also improve our ability to filter waste water. These approaches will all limit future need and overuse of current organic sunscreens, keeping both our skin and our environment healthy!