Vietnam Sun Care Market Outlook to 2030

Vietnam Sun Care Market Overview

• The Vietnam Sun Care market is valued at USD 135 million, based on a five-year historical analysis. This market has been driven by a growing awareness of skin health, rising skin cancer concerns, and the influence of outdoor recreational activities. Additionally, Vietnam's tropical climate and increasing consumer demand for sun protection products have further bolstered the market. Major growth factors include the rising disposable income among urban populations, driving higher spending on skincare and sun protection products.
• Cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi dominate the sun care market due to their large urban populations, higher levels of consumer awareness, and a greater concentration of retail outlets offering a wide range of sun care products. These cities are home to an increasingly health-conscious population, many of whom are influenced by beauty trends and a desire for outdoor activities. Furthermore, the tourism influx in coastal cities like Da Nang also propels sun care product demand as both residents and tourists seek sun protection.
• Vietnam's Ministry of Health has strict regulations governing the ingredients used in sunscreens, particularly concerning SPF ratings, PA ratings, and UVA/UVB protection. As per the Ministry's guidelines, sunscreens must comply with SPF 30+ and PA++ labelling to ensure adequate protection from UV rays. Additionally, ingredients like oxybenzone are under review due to concerns over skin irritation. These regulations are designed to safeguard consumers and align with global standards.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Segmentation

• By Product Type: Vietnam Sun Care Market is segmented by product type into sunscreen lotions, sprays, sun sticks, and after-sun products. Sunscreen lotions hold the dominant market share, as they are widely preferred by consumers due to their effectiveness, affordability, and broad-spectrum protection. Sunscreen lotions are considered a daily skincare essential, particularly in urban areas where consumers are increasingly aware of the harmful effects of UV radiation. Additionally, their availability in various SPF levels caters to diverse consumer needs.

• By End-User: The Vietnam Sun Care Market is also segmented by end-user into adults, children, and babies. The adult segment dominates the market, owing to the growing awareness of the importance of sun protection and an increase in outdoor activities. Adults, particularly working professionals and outdoor enthusiasts, form the largest consumer group for sun care products, making the adult segment a leading category in this market. Moreover, adults are more inclined to invest in premium sun care products that offer added benefits like moisturizing and anti-aging.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Competitive Landscape

The Vietnam Sun Care market is dominated by a combination of international and domestic brands, with a focus on product quality, distribution channels, and brand loyalty. Major international players like L'Oral and Unilever have established a strong presence, while local brands like Sunplay continue to capture market share due to their affordability and local market understanding. The competition is driven by factors such as innovation in formulations, product differentiation, and brand visibility in key retail channels.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Analysis

Vietnam Sun Care Market Growth Drivers

• Rising Skin Cancer Awareness: Vietnam has seen an increase in skin cancer awareness due to health campaigns led by the Ministry of Health, focusing on UV radiation exposure. According to the Ministry of Health, around 100,000 cases of skin cancer are reported annually in Southeast Asia, with Vietnam contributing substantially to these figures. UV Index data shows that the levels in Vietnam frequently surpass 7-9 during peak summer months, prompting public awareness campaigns. This increased awareness has fueled demand for sun care products with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, as consumers prioritize skin health and prevention.
• Increased Outdoor Recreational Activities: Outdoor recreational activities in Vietnam have surged due to the booming tourism sector, which recorded over 18 million foreign visitors in 2023 according to the General Statistics Office. Domestic tourism is also rising, with a 30% increase in outdoor sports events and beach tourism. This growing participation in outdoor activities has led to higher consumption of sun care products. With Vietnams coastline stretching over 3,260 kilometres, beachgoers and outdoor enthusiasts are increasingly investing in sun protection products, particularly during peak travel seasons.
• High Demand from Younger Consumers: Vietnams population is predominantly young, with 60% of the population under 35, according to the World Bank. Younger consumers are more aware of skincare benefits and have higher disposable incomes, driving sun care product demand. Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram play a major role in influencing skincare routines, particularly among Gen Z and Millennials. Surveys indicate that approximately 70% of youth regularly use sun care products, with an inclination towards SPF 50+ products due to concerns about premature aging and sun damage.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Challenges

• Consumer Mistrust Over Sun Care Product Ingredients: There has been growing consumer scepticism regarding the safety of sun care product ingredients in Vietnam, particularly regarding chemical filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have faced scrutiny globally. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), over 20% of consumers express concerns over ingredient safety, preferring products with natural formulations. The lack of transparency in labelling and varying international standards exacerbate this mistrust, limiting market growth potential despite rising awareness of sun cares importance.
• High Competition from Local Brands: The Vietnam sun care market faces major competition from local and regional brands offering affordable products. According to the Vietnam Industry and Trade Information Center, local players hold over 50% of the sun care market, with brands like Thorakao and Missha providing cost-effective alternatives to international brands. These local companies leverage their market presence through effective pricing strategies and cultural familiarity, making it difficult for foreign brands to gain traction without innovative product offerings.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Future Outlook

Over the next five years, the Vietnam Sun Care market is expected to experience growth due to the rising awareness of skin health, coupled with increasing disposable income. As consumers become more health-conscious, demand for premium sun care products with added benefits such as anti-aging and anti-pollution properties is likely to grow. The expansion of e-commerce and the growing influence of beauty trends on social media will further drive market penetration.

Vietnam Sun Care Market Opportunities

• Innovations in Natural and Organic Sun Care Products: The demand for natural and organic sun care products is rising in Vietnam as consumers become increasingly health-conscious. According to the Ministry of Health, approximately 40% of urban consumers prefer products with natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide due to concerns over harmful chemicals. This shift in consumer preferences presents an opportunity for manufacturers to introduce innovative products that cater to this demand, potentially increasing market share in the premium segment.
• E-commerce Expansion: E-commerce in Vietnam is expanding rapidly, with total revenue projected to reach USD 23 billion in 2023, according to the Vietnam E-commerce and Digital Economy Agency. The online sales of sun care products have surged by 25%, driven by the convenience of home shopping and promotions on platforms like Lazada and Shopee. This shift towards digital shopping provides a lucrative opportunity for sun care brands to increase their online presence and reach a broader customer base.