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What are Promotional Sunscreens?
Last Updated: 28th April 2025
When it comes to useful, high-exposure promotional products, few items are as practical and universally needed as sunscreen. In Australia—where UV exposure is among the highest in the world—having sunscreen on hand isn’t just a convenience; it’s a necessity.
Branded sunscreen doesn’t just offer protection from the sun—it also provides high-visibility branding. Every time someone reaches for their sunblock at the beach, a sports event, or a worksite, they’re interacting with your brand. Whether in compact tubes, SPF lip balms, or spray bottles, promotional sunscreens ensures your logo is front and centre in high-exposure environments.
The Evolution of Sunscreens as Promotional Products
promotional sunscreen
Sunscreen has come a long way from its early days as a luxury skincare item to a staple in promotional marketing.
How Sunscreen Became a Branded Essential:
- 1930s-1940s – The first commercial sunscreens were introduced, initially marketed as luxury skincare for the elite.
- 1950s-1970s – As awareness of skin cancer risks grew, sunscreen became a mainstream health product, leading brands to offer free samples at beaches and outdoor venues.
- 1980s-1990s – The introduction of compact travel-sized sunscreen bottles made them a popular giveaway item for resorts, travel agencies, and sporting events.
- 2000s-Present – With increasing health and safety regulations, businesses across construction, tourism, and corporate industries started offering branded sunscreen as a mandatory workplace and promotional item.
Today, custom sunscreen remains one of the most effective promotional products, reinforcing brand visibility and public health awareness simultaneously.
How Promotional Sunscreen Boosts Brand Awareness
Sunscreen is not a one-time-use product—people carry it, share it, and use it repeatedly, ensuring continuous brand exposure. Unlike disposable promotional items, sunscreen creates meaningful interactions with a brand over time.
Why Branded Sunscreen Works:
- Used in high-visibility locations – Beaches, parks, outdoor events, and job sites.
- Shared among friends and family – Increasing brand reach.
- Retained for future use – Unlike flyers or one-off giveaways, sunscreen stays in bags and glove compartments.
Supporting Data:
- 72% of Australians apply sunscreen during outdoor activities (Source: Cancer Council Australia).
- Branded health-related items, including sunscreen, are kept for an average of 8-12 months, ensuring long-term brand exposure (Source: ASI).
For businesses looking to make a lasting impression, sunscreen is one of the most useful and memorable promotional items available.
Popular Types of Promotional Sunscreens
Different industries and events call for different types of sunscreen packaging. Businesses can choose from various formats to match their audience’s needs.
Best-Selling Branded Sunscreen Options:
- Mini Bottles with Carabiners – Clip onto bags for convenience.
- Single-Use Sachets – Great for mass giveaways at events.
- Spray Sunscreen Bottles – Ideal for family use at outdoor venues.
- Sunscreen & Lip Balm Combos – Dual protection for travel and sports.
- Eco-Friendly Reef-Safe Sunscreens – Perfect for tourism and environmental campaigns.
How To Brand Promotional Sunscreens
branding sunscreen
Sunscreen branding isn’t just about slapping a logo on a bottle—it’s about designing packaging that’s eye-catching, functional, and memorable.
Custom Branding Methods for Sunscreen:
- Full-Colour Digital Labels – Ideal for vibrant, attention-grabbing designs.
- Screen Printing – Long-lasting branding on plastic bottles.
- Custom Sleeves & Packaging – Add an extra branding touch to multipacks.
- UV-Resistant Labeling – Ensures branding doesn’t fade in the sun.
Pro Tip: Pair sunscreen with other outdoor promotional products—like custom caps or cooling towels—to create a complete summer-ready promotional package.
Why Businesses Invest in Branded Sunscreen
Branded sunscreen is more than just a giveaway—it’s a statement about a company’s values. Offering sun protection shows that a business cares about customer well-being, reinforcing positive brand perception.
The Business Case for Promotional Sunscreen:
- Highly Retained & Used Regularly – Ensures long-term marketing impact.
- Great for Health & Safety Campaigns – Aligns with responsible corporate messaging.
- Ideal for Outdoor & Sporting Events – A must-have for sunny climates.
- Available in Bulk for Large-Scale Promotions – Cost-effective for giveaways.
When to Use Promotional Sunscreen
Sunscreen is perfect for any industry that promotes outdoor activities, travel, or health awareness.
Best Use Cases for Custom Sunscreen:
- Festivals & Sporting Events – Ensures attendees stay protected.
- Corporate & Outdoor Worksites – A safety essential for field teams.
- Hotels, Resorts & Tourism Promotions – A great travel-friendly giveaway.
- Health & Wellness Campaigns – Promotes sun safety alongside branding.
- Retail & Merchandise – Sell branded sunscreen as part of summer product lines.
Ready to find one that will make your brand shine? Explore our full collection of promotional sunscreens and contact us for a quote!
Why Promotional Sunscreens are a Smart Branding Investment
For companies looking to blend practicality with brand awareness, sunscreen remains one of the most effective and appreciated promotional products on the market. Unlike traditional promotional giveaways, sunscreen creates a positive brand association—it’s a health-conscious, practical, and frequently used product. Whether it’s a pocket-sized SPF tube or a large family sunscreen bottle, every application serves as a subtle yet powerful marketing touchpoint.
