The Global Top Suncare Formulation Trends & Brand Round-Up

On this blog

• How Regional Regulations Shape Formulation
• Spotlight on the brands shaping the global sunscreen landscape
  • ISDIN: A European benchmark for high-UVA protection and ultra-fluid textures
  • La-Roche Posay: The global authority in dermatologist-recommended sun protection
  • Avene: Sensitive-skin photoprotection powered by thermal water 
  • Biore: Asia’s preeminent expert in ultralight SPF textures
  • Beauty of Joseon: K-Beauty’s breakout star bringing skincare-first SPF to the world 
  • Skin1004: Calming, minimal, and globally loved for high-performance SPF 
  • EltaMD: American derm-grade sunscreens shaped by FDA filter constraints 
• A Global Tapestry of SPF Innovation

Suncare is no longer just about SPF numbers. Today, leading cosmetic and dermo brands are redefining what sunscreen can do. They now combine advanced UV filters, multi-functional textures, and carefully curated actives to meet diverse consumer needs. For formulators, R&D teams, and brand marketers, understanding how global leaders approach suncare is essential for developing products that perform and resonate. 

In this article, we spotlight eight influential brands and explore why European, Australian, and Korean sunscreen formulations are driving innovation on the global stage. 

How Regional Regulations Shape Formulation

Formulation strategies are closely tied to regional regulatory requirements. In the European Union, sunscreens are regulated as cosmetics, with UV filters requiring approval via the SCCS list (Annex VI) and safety assessment for both UVA and UVB protection. European brands often focus on photostability, environmental safety, and elegantly textured formulas, reflecting both compliance and consumer expectations. 

In Australia, sunscreens are treated as therapeutic goods under the TGA and must meet strict AS/NZS 2604 standards for SPF, broad-spectrum coverage, and water resistance. This rigorous framework ensures high baseline performance, often making Australian sunscreens benchmark for efficacy.  

Korean sunscreens are renowned for combining lightweight, cosmetically elegant textures with high-efficiency UV filters. These formulations are frequently hybridized with skincare actives, reflecting the “skincare-first” ethos of K-beauty. The challenge is that some of these advanced filters are not yet approved in other regions, limiting international availability.

Spotlight on the brands shaping the global sunscreen landscape

ISDIN: A European benchmark for high-UVA protection and ultra-fluid textures

ISDIN sits at the intersection of dermatology and cosmetic elegance, thanks to Europe's access to modern UV filters such as Tinosorb S/M and Univul A Plus. These filters allow the brand to deliver SPF formulas with exceptional photostability, UVA-PF coverage, and wearability. Their watery, fusion-texture sunscreens are well known among formulators for how they stretch high protection into sheer, everyday-friendly formats – something difficult to replicate in markets with stricter filter restrictions. 

La-Roche Posay: The global authority in dermatologist-recommended sun protection

The brand’s Anthelios franchise is built on a rich heritage of photoprotection science centered around the Mexoryl filter system. Multiple regulatory zones necessitate multiple versions of their formulas, but the European launches show the brand at its most advanced, combining high UVA defense, sensitive-skin tolerability, and stable filter combinations. Their success demonstrates how regulatory flexibility directly enables medical-grade sunscreen innovation. 

Avene: Sensitive-skin photoprotection powered by thermal water 

Avene’s suncare line is engineered for reactivity-prone skin, making it a standout in the clean, minimal, dermatological segment. Leveraging EU’s broad filter palette, Avene produces sunscreens that achieve strong UVA protection without relying on heavy occlusives. Their formulas remain reference points for brands seeking to combine skin barrier support, low-irritation emulsifiers, and high photostability. 

Biore: Asia’s preeminent expert in ultralight SPF textures

This brand is widely recognized as the one who redefined how sunscreen should feel. Its signature gel and aqua textures set the global standard for water-light, quick-drying, invisible SPF formats. Because Japan and Korea approve certain newer filters not yet available elsewhere, Biore can create sunscreens with superior slip, spreadability, and minimal whitening. 

Beauty of Joseon: K-Beauty’s breakout star bringing skincare-first SPF to the world 

Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ rose to viral status by proving that sunscreen can be sensorially delightful without compromising on protection. The Relief Sun line embodies Korean innovation: hydrating textures, next-generation filter combinations, and full compatibility with makeup and humid climates. Their suncare philosophy mirrors broader K-beauty trends for skin finish, and multi-functional skincare benefits. 

Skin1004: Calming, minimal, and globally loved for high-performance SPF 

Blending soothing actives like Centella asiatica with modern UV filters, Skin1004 creates sunscreens that excel for sensitive, acne-prone, and heat-stressed skin. Their formulations reflect Korea’s emphasis on comfort, and non-greasy finishes, positioning them well to respond to the global demand for lightweight daily photoprotection. 

Ultra Violette: Australia’s Skinscreen disruptor

Ultra Violette is an Australian sunscreen brand set out to create not just “sunscreen,” but a wardrobe of SKINSCREENS™ — products that feel like skincare, layer easily under makeup, and are built for real-world protection in harsh sun environments. Their formulas use modern filters (approved in the Australian/TGA regulatory context) paired with high-performance ingredients — enabling them to deliver very high UV protection without the stickiness so often associated with traditional SPF.

EltaMD: American derm-grade sunscreens shaped by FDA filter constraints 

EltaMD has become a cornerstone of mineral and hybrid SPF innovation in the United States. Because new UV filters cannot easily gain FDA approval, U.S formulators rely heavily on zinc oxide – a challenge EltaMD turns into a strength. Their products prioritize skin tolerability, post-procedure compatibility, and cosmetic elegance despite the limited UV filter palette. This makes them a case study in optimizing performance within regulatory limits. 

A Global Tapestry of SPF Innovation

Looking across these brands, a clear pattern emerges: the world’s most influential sunscreen brands don’t innovate in isolation; they innovate in dialogue with the regulatory landscapes that shape them. 

Together, these companies form a global ecosystem of sunscreen excellence, each contributing a different piece of the performance puzzle. For formulators, suppliers, and R&D teams, this diversity isn’t a challenge but rather an opportunity. Comparing regional approaches helps inspire new textures, stability systems, filter combinations, and claims that meet rising consumer expectations. 

If the suncare market is evolving this quickly, it’s because these brands continue pushing boundaries in the regions that enable them to do so. 

Explore UV filters, relevant documentation, and others on Covalo to start building the next generation of global sunscreens!