Background

Skin health is under increasing pressure from harsher environmental conditions. With another summer of extreme heat and strong UV rays expected in 2026, early protection is essential. Consequently, sunscreen usage among men is rapidly expanding, moving from its former status as a 'leisure-only' product to a vital part of daily skincare.

Men's skincare brand BULK HOMME surveyed 401 men aged 25–44 to analyze the shifting attitudes and behaviors toward sunscreen.

Insights: Evolution of Men's UV Care Over 8 Years

In 2018, nearly 70% of men lacked sufficient UV protection. In this current survey, 80% of men are practicing some form of UV care, marking a 2.5-fold increase in the protected population over the last eight years.

### 1. From 'Awareness' to 'Daily Action' While the desire to 'avoid sunburn' has long existed, it has now transitioned into a concrete daily action: 'I apply sunscreen because I want to avoid sunburn.' The fact that usage during commuting now exceeds usage during leisure activities proves this shift.

### 2. A Seasonal Habit Becomes Year-Round While sun protection was once viewed as a summer-only necessity, it has evolved into a 'year-round habit' for men to protect their skin daily.

Survey Summary 1. Commuting/School (41.1%) usage has overtaken Leisure/Outdoor (32.5%) usage. 2. Stigma against men using sunscreen has virtually vanished (0.6%). 3. High adoption rates even among men aged 40–44 (83.1%). 4. Primary motivation is avoiding immediate skin irritation (redness/tingling) rather than long-term anti-aging. 5. Remaining barriers are 'convenience' (38.0%) and 'stickiness' (37.2%).

Survey Overview - Conducted by: BULK HOMME - Participants: 401 men aged 25–44 nationwide - Period: November 2025

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Survey
  • Products / services: BULK HOMME