UK sales of self-tanning products up nearly 10%

UK sales of prestige self-tanning products grew 9.2%, year-on-year in the first half of the year, according to new data from market analysts the NPD Group.

Sales of self-tanning products hit £3.5 million in the January-June period this year. The entire prestige sun products market, which includes both SPF and sunless tanning, is now valued at £7m.

This constitutes a 4.6% increase compared to the first half of 2014. NPD attributes the strong growth to product innovation, including St Tropez’s In Shower Gradual Tan.

Another key driving factor is, the analyst stated, the power of celebrity culture, with media figures including Kate Moss, the face of St Tropez, helping to popularise the natural but tanned look.

June Jensen, director UK beauty for The NPD Group, said: “Self-tanning continues to remain a vital component of the prestige skincare market. Customers want a golden glow without taking adverse risks in the sun.

“Sales of self-tanning products continue to remain popular with the British public. As the market matures so too do the needs and wants of the consumer. New product innovation by beauty companies continues to ensure the value and importance of the self-tanning category."

Self-tan lotions remain the most popular product within the category, accounting for 23% and £793,000 of sales.

Self-tanning oils, which saw a 2000% growth between January-June this year and the same period last year, now represent 14% of the market, with sales totalling £478,000.

Online transactions represented 12% of sales, a 31% increase compared to the same period in 2014.