Dubai, United Arab Emirates
SunKiss witnessed a 175% growth year-on-year in 2022, a result of increasing demand for environmentally friendly and sustainably created sun protection products in the UAE
Uptick in major hotel brands tapping into the company’s products as research reveals 78% of global travellers looking to stay in a sustainable property in the coming year
All sun protection formulas are made in the UAE, further reducing the carbon footprint of the product
SunKiss, the UAE homegrown developer of sustainable and environmentally friendly suncare products, has revealed substantial growth figures topping 175% in 2022, following the company’s launch in 2020, underscoring the increased consumer demand for eco-friendly and effective UVA and UVB sun protection in the region.
The company, which designs and produces all products, including the reef-friendly formula, in the UAE, has seen unprecedented demand from the hotel industry as research increasingly highlights the importance of sustainability as part of the guests’ decision-making process when choosing where to stay.
According to research from booking.com released in 2022, 78% of global travellers intend to stay in a sustainable property at least once in 2023, with the study also highlighting that guests want to help reduce their impact on the environment (41%), want a more locally relevant experience (33%), and believe sustainable properties treat the community better (31%).
Joanna Barclay, Managing Director of SunKiss, said, “At the very core of our business is the development of sun protection that protects the person wearing it from harmful UVA and UVB sun damage, but just as importantly, also protects our planet.”
“Our products are sustainably produced and reduce plastic usage by 90%, and, as a homegrown Dubai brand, our carbon footprint is minimised and is dramatically less than some of our competitors from Australia and the US. The formulas have been developed to be reef-friendly, vegan, and alcohol and paraben-free, making them safe and suitable for everyone.”
Supporting the sustainability drive, SunKiss has developed a range of products which have been designed in partnership with seasoned hoteliers and wellness and spa experts to provide sustainable, luxury guest amenities.
They include a Waterside range to help minimise plastic waste, which utilises easy-to-refill dispensers for guests to help themselves to sun protection and aftersun care as part of a hotel’s CSR initiatives; the Sunbutler, which includes sunglass cleaning and face mists in reusable aluminium spray bottles that can be sustainably refilled; and SunKiss Eco Refill, which provides customers with a range of bathroom amenities in professional sizes, using 95% less packaging than standard-sized products.
SunKiss has also developed a range of sustainable wellness in-room amenities that offer an alternative to traditional turn-down gifts such as chocolates, further underscoring the company’s sustainable credentials.
In a first for the UAE, SunKiss has also developed a sun care awareness programme dedicated to educating and protecting employees within the hospitality industry who are at increased risk of skin damage due to sun exposure. In addition to raising awareness of the importance of wearing protective clothing, sunscreen and staying hydrated, a unique SPF 50 formula has been created for increased durability but can also be used in bulk dispensers and individual aluminium refillable pocket-size bottles.
The formula used within the sun protection is created with zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It acts like a microscopic mirror to reflect harmful rays and offers the highest sun filter available from plants. It is suitable for all skin types and is water and sweat resistant.
“Sun protection is of the utmost importance everywhere, and no more so than in the UAE, one of the top 10 sunniest places on the planet. In line with a host of initiatives introduced by the UAE authorities and with UAE President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan’s 2023 Year of Sustainability commitment, we have developed a range of innovative products that protect not only the planet but also one of a hotel’s greatest assets, its employees and of course, its guests,” concluded Barclay.
