Sun Care in Hong Kong, China

PRE-COVID-19 PERFORMANCE

Growing participation in outdoor activities continues to benefit sun care in 2019

Sun care saw volume and current value growth rates slow in 2019. This was mainly due to the economic uncertainty, societal disruption and sharp fall in visitor numbers from mainland China caused by the anti-government protests that rocked Hong Kong for much of the year.

Threat from hybrid products in 2019 is mitigated by better sun care education

The increasing use of other types of beauty and personal care products with sun protection functions also served to constrain growth in sun care volume and current value sales in 2019. Recent years have seen several colour cosmetics and skin care manufacturers attempt to differentiate and add value to their brands by incorporating sun protection factor (SPF) into product formulas, particularly in categories like moisturisers and treatments, BB/CC creams, foundation/concealer and other facial make-up.

Anessa and Bioré remain the top two sun care brands in 2019

L'Oréal continued to lead sun care in 2019 thanks to the combined strength of its Kiehl's, Lancôme Sôleil, La Roche-Posay and Garnier Ambre Solaire brands. Shiseido finished a close second with its Anessa and Shiseido brands, while Kao – which offers the Bioré brand – was the third leading company.

2020 AND BEYOND

COVID-19 impact

Sun care value sales at constant 2019 prices are now expected to decline by 5% in 2020 in light of the impact of COVID-19. This compares to an expected increase of 3% forecast for 2020 during research conducted at the end of 2019, before the spread of COVID-19.

Affected products within sun care

Sun protection, the only sun care category with significant sales in Hong Kong, is expected to post declines in volume and current value terms in 2020. However, rates of decline should be tempered somewhat by the fact that these products serve a vital health function – reducing the risk of skin cancer – and are therefore considered essential by many consumers for occasions where they are exposed to the sun for longer periods.

Recovery and opportunities

Sun care looks set to perform well over the forecast period as a whole, with solid growth in volume and current value sales predicted. As consumers adjust to the post-pandemic world and begin spending more time outside the home, demand is expected to rebound strongly in 2021, and then increase steadily from 2022 onwards.

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