Sun Care Sales Drop, While Personal And Oral Care Expand, Report Reveals

Overall sales of sun care products dropped 1.3 percent to $1.1 billion for the year ending May 15, 2016, according to IRI. Data also revealed unit sales declined 1.6 percent to 138 million. Sales of suntan lotions and suntan oils in terms of value and volume also dropped 1.3 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively. Sales of sunscreens and insect repellants grew 3.4 percent, driven by consumer fear of insect-borne diseases. Innovation is driving growth in the personal care segment, with makers offering new options with their feminine hygiene, deodorant, and shaving products. Sales of sanitary pads, tampons, and related products grew 2.1 percent during the period, IRI data revealed. Growth was also observed in the oral care market's mass segment, with sales of portable oral care products expanding 17.6 percent; however, whiteners dropped 5 percent, due to too much products in the category, including more affordable choices that drove down sales in terms of value.