Dubai-based suncare products company SunKiss records a massive 175 pc growth in 2022
SunKiss, a homegrown developer of sustainable and environmentally friendly suncare products in the United Arab Emirates, says its revenues grew by 175 pc in 2022, driven largely by increased consumer demand for eco-friendly and effective UVA and UVB sun protection in the region.
According to a press statement, 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.
The statement adds that according to research released by online hospitality firm booking.com released last year, about 78 pc 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 pc), want a more locally relevant experience (33 pc), and believe sustainable properties treat the community better (31 pc).
Joanna Barclay
“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 pc, 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,” says Joanna Barclay, Managing Director of SunKiss.
The statement adds that 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.
These 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 Corporate Social Responsibility 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 pc less packaging than standard-sized products.
SunKiss says it 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.
The statement adds that 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 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,” says Barclay.
