Born in Asia, where sun protection has long been embedded in daily beauty rituals, the daily protection category — sunscreens that combine UV defense with skincare and makeup benefits — has gained significant momentum across Europe over the past two years.
“It’s a relatively new trend, but one that’s growing rapidly. Pharmacy brands were the first to establish this daily protection step,” says Clémence Thory, Marketing and Communications Manager at ALPOL Cosmétique.
Consumers are looking for products that go beyond UV protection, with claims ranging from hydration and radiance to dark spot correction. At the same time, textures are becoming lighter and more fluid, while formats are diversifying to include sticks, emulsions, and serums.
Three launches in 2026
Capitalizing on this growing demand, ALPOL Cosmétique has made hybrid sun care a strategic focus, unveiling three SPF 50+ innovations at in-cosmetics Global 2026.
The CC Cream SPF 50+, developed around the skinminimalism trend, combines complexion enhancement with high UV protection in a single step. Its encapsulated pigments deliver a natural nude finish, while its lightweight, melting texture avoids any greasy or heavy feel. “It’s a highly protective product with an ultra-soft finish that can be used alone or as a makeup base, like our hybrid sunscreens,” explains Clémence Thory.
The manufacturer also introduced Perfectint Serum, an ultra-fluid tinted serum with a dry-powder finish that combines SPF 50 protection with hydration thanks to ectoine. “We’re not makeup experts, and we don’t aim to be. The goal remains a skincare and protection step with an ultra-sensory texture,” says the Marketing and Communications Manager.
Rounding out the portfolio, Ultra-Fluid Anti-Dark Spot SPF 50+ targets photoaging and hyperpigmentation with a three-pronged approach: high UV protection, prevention of new UV-induced dark spots, and a brighter-looking complexion.
Protection comes first
For ALPOL Cosmétique, adding skincare or makeup benefits should never come at the expense of a sunscreen’s core mission: protection.
“Even in a hybrid format, the primary function of a sunscreen remains protection,” says Angéline Tireau, Head of Foresight, Sunscreen and Testing. “Every product we develop is first and foremost a sunscreen. The additional benefit creates value, but it also adds formulation complexity. Not every active is compatible with a sunscreen base—photosensitizing ingredients such as retinol, for example, are ruled out for toxicological reasons.”
This principle shapes the company’s entire development approach and has become a key differentiator.
To reduce the risk of costly failures during in vivo validation, ALPOL Cosmétique has invested in a Labsphere, an in vitro SPF measurement system. The screening tool enables formulators to assess a formula’s UV performance early in development before moving to standardized in vivo testing.
“It helps secure the development process, shorten timelines and reduce costs for our customers,” Tireau adds.
Most of the company’s hybrid formulas rely on organic UV filters, which are better suited to the lightweight, sensorial textures consumers increasingly expect.
“Mineral filters remain dedicated to specific use cases, particularly for sensitive skin, as they tend to produce richer textures and can leave a more visible white cast, especially on medium to dark skin tones," explains Angéline Tireau.
Growth opportunities
Hybrid sun care remains a complex formulation challenge, but one that ALPOL Cosmétique sees as a major growth opportunity.
“This is a segment we’ll continue to develop with new variations, including stick formats. Demand is strong, and it’s an area where we have real expertise,” concludes Clémence Thory.
