Sunscreens in Australia were caught in a bout of controversy in 2025, with brands and products coming under the spotlight for questionable claims and ingredients.
This has inevitably caused a dent in consumer trust, and to rebuild people’s confidence in sun care products, transparency and rigorous testing are non-negotiables in this category, said Mukti, founder of Mukti Organics.
“Firstly, brands must clearly communicate how their SPF claims are validated, which means independent and recognised testing standards, and being upfront about results. Vague marketing language is no longer acceptable.
“Secondly, there needs to be honest education around ingredients. Consumers are more informed than ever. They want to understand the difference between mineral and chemical filters, what ‘non-nano’ (particles that are 100nm or larger) means, and how formulations interact with the skin and the environment,” she told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.
She also emphasised that integrity is key and that brands need to align their claims with their values — whether it is reef safety, sustainability, or organic certification — and be prepared to substantiate those claims.
In addition, she expects three major trends to shape the future of the sun care category, namely mineral and natural formulations, multifunctional products, and local innovation and native botanicals.
“Consumers are increasingly choosing zinc-based, mineral sunscreens over synthetic UV filters. There’s strong momentum behind eco-conscious SPF, particularly products that are reef-safe and sustainably produced.
“The future of SPF is skin care-first. Consumers want their sunscreen to feel like and deliver skin care benefits, such as hydration, protection against environmental stressors, and antioxidant delivery.”
At the same time, Australian brands are leveraging native botanicals and clean beauty credentials as a vital point of difference from offshore mass-market formulations.
“Shoppers want science-backed products that reflect our unique environment and UV intensity.”
Solar-smart skin care
In September 2025, Mukti Organics launched Daily Moisturiser Solar Veil SPF30, which is claimed to be the world’s COSMOS-certified organic SPF30 moisturiser with sunscreen.
“It was formulated over five years with one mission: to create a certified organic SPF30 moisturiser that wears like skin care. It hydrates, supports, and disappears into your skin no matter what skin tone.
“We also take a clear stance on ingredients. Solar Veil is mineral-based, reef-safe, and free from synthetic UV filters, silicones and added fragrance, making it safe for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone. We use non-nano zinc oxide, which sits on the skin’s surface to reflect UV, rather than being absorbed.”
The key ingredients in this multifunctional moisturiser are 22% micronised zinc oxide, iron oxides, and a blend of bioactive native extracts.
These include Kakadu plum, which provides antioxidant and collagen support; knotgrass, which helps reduce visible signs of environmental stressors and protects fibres of the dermis to preserve skin firmness and elasticity; green tea, which is rich in polyphenols to improve skin elasticity and neutralise free radicals; and desert lime, which hydrates and revitalises skin for a healthy, luminous glow.
Solar Veil has been tested for SPF30 efficacy to ISO 24444:2020 and formulated to meet Australia’s rigorous cosmetic SPF standards. This independent verification is said to be especially critical in light of last year’s scrutiny.
Additionally, the product helps support calm, balanced skin, with its sheer, mattifying finish layering well under makeup.
According to Mukti, the response has been “incredibly positive”, particularly from customers who have struggled to find a mineral SPF that absorbs easily, doesn’t leave a white cast, and leaves their skin feeling fresh and dewy.
“One of the most common pieces of feedback we’ve received is that it ‘wears like skin care’. Achieving a sheer, luminous finish without a white cast across different skin tones was a major formulation milestone for us.
“There’s a growing demand for multifunctional products, and Solar Veil meets that need as a three-in-one daily moisturiser with SPF support (primer, moisturiser and environmental protection). Natural, science-backed sun care is a fast-growing category in Australia’s over $426m sun care market, and this product sits within that shift.”
Solar Veil represents the beginning of Mukti Organics’ “solar-smart skin care” — formulations that combine clinically tested mineral protection with certified organic, bioactive botanicals.
Mukti shared that future launches will follow the same principles of rigorous testing, mineral-based filters, and multifunctional benefits.
