As China's sunscreen economy heats up alongside soaring summer temperatures, the industry is undergoing a remarkable technological transformation. Companies are heavily investing in science and technology to enhance both the functionality and user experience of sun protection products, effectively meeting the evolving needs of consumers.
Wu Xiaoyan, a 38-year-old resident of Shanghai, exemplifies the new wave of sun protection enthusiasts. Equipped with an umbrella, hat, mask, sunglasses, and ice sleeves, she steps out on summer days fully shielded from the sun. \"Sunscreen products are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and I often buy and try some during online sales,\" Wu shared.
What once seemed like an optional precaution, sun protection has now become an essential part of daily skincare routines in China, driven by growing awareness of \"photoaging.\" Social media platforms like Xiaohongshu and Weibo are flooded with millions of posts discussing photoaging knowledge, skincare experiences, sunscreen reviews, and styling tips for sun-protective clothing.
According to data from iResearch, the value of China's sunscreen clothing and accessories market reached 74.2 billion yuan (approximately $10.4 billion) in 2023 and is projected to climb to 95.8 billion yuan by 2026.
National standards mandate that ultraviolet (UV) protection products must achieve a UV protection factor (UPF) greater than 40 and maintain an ultraviolet light transmittance rate of less than 5 percent within wavelengths of 315 to 400 nanometers.
Innovative approaches are reshaping the market. Some companies are embedding molecules that reflect and absorb multiple wavelengths of light directly into yarn, instead of applying a UV-protective coating post-production. This technique not only ensures superior sun protection but also enhances the fabric’s breathability, comfort, and durability against washing.
Others are enhancing the thermal conductivity of fibers during the spinning process, allowing fabrics to efficiently transfer heat away from the body and provide a cooling sensation upon contact with skin.
Sports brands are leveraging their expertise in outdoor and sportswear to penetrate the sunscreen market, while traditional apparel companies like Bosideng are making significant strides. Bosideng, renowned for its down jackets, has expanded its presence in the sun-protective clothing market, increasing the number of stores from 1,100 in 2023 to approximately 1,500 in 2024.
\"Sales of our sun-protective apparel have surged from an initial trial generating 100 million yuan in 2022 to surpassing one billion yuan in 2024,\" said Shen Yun, a planning expert with Bosideng. This growth is attributed to the company's development of innovative sun protection fibers that enhance UV protection while maintaining fabric lightness and breathability.
Collaborations with research institutions are paving the way for environmentally friendly production processes through the application of biotechnology in manufacturing sun-protective clothing.
The market is also diversifying, with sun protection products expanding beyond women to include men and children. Tmall data revealed a 127 percent year-on-year increase in searches for men's sunscreen clothing during the 2024 \"618\" shopping festival, while children's sunscreen products saw over a 70 percent turnover growth, according to the Jingdong Institute of Consumer and Industrial Development.
As lifestyles become more varied, so do the scenarios requiring sun protection. Companies are launching products tailored for daily commuting, outdoor activities, beach vacations, and camping.
Associate Professor Ding Ying from Renmin University observes that the growth of the sunscreen clothing market reflects Chinese consumers' emphasis on healthy and environmentally friendly consumption. Industrial economy and investment expert Deng Zhidong highlighted in a recent media interview that the future of the sunscreen market lies in diversification and intelligence, aligning with consumers' pursuit of an enhanced quality of life. Diversification will offer a broader range of products catering to various activities and demographics, while intelligent sun protection products will incorporate advanced technological innovations, such as systems that automatically adjust protection based on UV intensity.
Reference(s):
Technology fuels China's sunscreen economy amid soaring summer heat
cgtn.com
