Mapping the Evolution of Sunscreen Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Global Literature
Keywords:
Bibliometric Analysis; Consumer Behavior; Research Trends; Scopus; Sunscreen; VOSviewer
Abstract
Sunscreen represents a significant consumer good with implications for public health and market dynamics. Despite extensive dermatological research, economic and market-oriented analyses of sunscreen adoption, pricing, and consumption behavior remain limited. This study conducts a bibliometric analysis of 320 peer-reviewed journal articles on sunscreen research published between 2000 and 2025, using VOSviewer to map global trends in publication growth, geographic distribution, leading authors, collaboration networks, and thematic clusters. Six key themes emerged: preventive consumption under risk, information-driven decision-making, occupational and demographic vulnerability, social norms and incentives, behavioral biases in consumption, and policy intervention effectiveness. Beyond the global mapping, a targeted review of India-focused studies examines local market structures, usage patterns, awareness levels, and economic drivers influencing sunscreen adoption. The study identifies significant gaps in the literature regarding pricing strategies, willingness to pay, consumer decision-making under uncertainty, and the impact of regulatory and marketing interventions on market expansion. By integrating global bibliometric mapping with a focused analysis of India-specific studies, this research provides a comprehensive overview of existing knowledge and highlights opportunities for future investigations in consumer economics, market development, and policy design related to sunscreen. Findings can guide both scholars and policymakers in developing evidence-based interventions to enhance market efficiency, consumer adoption, and public health outcomes.
References
Agarwal, S. B., Godse, K., Patil, S., & Nadkarni, N. (2018). Knowledge and Attitude of General Population toward Effects of Sun Exposure and Use of Sunscreens. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 63(4), 285–291. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_609_17
Chiesa, P. O. (2024). Skin cancer prevention: a systematic review of the efficacy of clinical trial-based interventions. AG Salud, 2, 10. https://doi.org/10.62486/agsalud202410
Coups, E. J., Stapleton, J. L., Manne, S. L., Hudson, S. V., Medina-Forrester, A., Rosenberg, S. A., Gordon, M., Tatum, K. S., Robinson, J. K., Natale-Pereira, A., & Goydos, J. S. (2014). Psychosocial correlates of sun protection behaviors among U.S. Hispanic adults. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(6), 1082–1090. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-014-9558-5
Day, A. K., Stapleton, J. L., Natale-Pereira, A. M., Goydos, J. S., & Coups, E. J. (2015). Occupational sunscreen use among US Hispanic outdoor workers. BMC Research Notes, 8(1), 578. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1558-1
Diffey, B. (2002). Is daily use of sunscreens of benefit in the U.K.? British Journal of Dermatology, 146(4), 659–662. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04589.x
Draelos, Z. D., Wei, L., Sachdev, M., Bravo, B. S. F., Vachiramon, V., Jourdan, M., Kerscher, M., Delva, C., & Leclerc-Mercier, S. (2023). International Consensus on Anti-Aging Dermocosmetics and Skin Care for Clinical Practice using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 23(1), 1337–1343. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.7798
Dudley, D. A., Winslade, M. J., Wright, B. J., Cotton, W. G., McIver, J. L., & Jackson, K. S. (2015). Rationale and study protocol to evaluate the SunSmart policy intervention: a cluster randomised controlled trial of a primary school-based health promotion program. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1371-8
Durand, C., Lamy, A., Richard, J., Saboni, L., Cousson-Gélie, F., Catelinois, O., Bord, A., Lepage, B., Mouly, D., & Delpierre, C. (2022). Influence of social and psychosocial factors on summer vacationers’ sun protection behaviors, the PRISME Study, France. International Journal of Public Health, 67, 1604716. https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604716
Emmons, K. M., Geller, A. C., Viswanath, V., Rutsch, L., Zwirn, J., Gorham, S., & Puleo, E. (2008). The SunWise Policy Intervention for School-Based Sun Protection: A Pilot study. The Journal of School Nursing, 24(4), 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840508319627
Gabhane, M., Patil, R., Dharmadhikari, S., Shah, P., Khandhedia, C., & Mehta, S. (2025). Efficacy and safety of a topical formulation containing trihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside and Α‐Arbutin, applied along with a sunscreen: A noncomparative, prospective, interventional study in Indian females with facial melasma or dark spots. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(2), e70017. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70017
Gasparro, F. P. (2000). Sunscreens, skin photobiology, and skin cancer: the need for UVA protection and evaluation of efficacy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 108(suppl 1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.00108s171
Ghiasvand, R., Weiderpass, E., Green, A. C., Lund, E., & Veierød, M. B. (2016). Sunscreen use and subsequent melanoma risk: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 34(33), 3976–3983. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2016.67.5934
Gopinath, H., Manjula, B., & Karthikeyan, K. (2021). Fragrance, sunscreens, botanicals, and potential allergens in bestseller “Fairness” creams in the Indian market. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 66(3), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_500_19
Henderson, S., King, K., Karipidis, K., Tinker, R., & Green, A. (2022). Effectiveness, compliance and application of sunscreen for solar ultraviolet radiation protection in Australia. Public Health Research & Practice, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp3212205
Hogan, V., Hogan, M., Kirwan, O., Walsh, C. L., McLaughlin, C., Moynihan, Á., Connolly, A., Walsh, J., & Coggins, M. (2024). Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction and agricultural workers. Occupational Medicine, 74(5), 378–385. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae042
Holman, D. M., Glanz, K., Jordan, A., Bleakley, A., & Dasari, S. (2022). Beliefs associated with sunscreen use among Non-Hispanic white older adults. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, 14(3), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/jdn.0000000000000682
Kiviniemi, M. T., & Ellis, E. M. (2013). Worry about skin cancer mediates the relation of perceived cancer risk and sunscreen use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(6), 1069–1074. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9538-1
Lazovich, D., Vogel, R. I., Berwick, M., Weinstock, M. A., Warshaw, E. M., & Anderson, K. E. (2011). Melanoma risk in relation to use of sunscreen or other sun protection methods. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 20(12), 2583–2593. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-0705
Leary, M. R., & Jones, J. L. (1993). The Social Psychology of Tanning and Sunscreen use: Self‐Presentational Motives as a Predictor of Health risk1. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 23(17), 1390–1406. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1993.tb01039.x
Mahler, H. I. M. (2015). Interventions to promote sun protection Behaviors: What do we know about the efficacy of health‐ and appearance‐based messages and the role of cognitions and emotions? Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 9(5), 238–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12173
McGowan, D. R., Bennett, G., & Crane, E. (2015). Empowering patients through improving clarity of sun protection ratings on sunscreen. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 38(4), 431. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12280
Nayak, C., Nouveau, S., Agrawal, D., Kohli, M., Bernerd, F., & Misra, N. (2016). Skin hyperpigmentation in the Indian population: Insights and best practice. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(5), 487. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.190103
Rasmussen, S., & O’Connor, R. C. (2005). Factors Influencing Anticipated Decisions about Sunscreen Use. Journal of Health Psychology, 10(4), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105305053441
Reis-Mansur, M. C. P. P., Da Luz, B. G., & Santos, E. P. D. (2023). Consumer Behavior, skin phototype, sunscreens, and Tools for photoprotection: a review. Cosmetics, 10(2), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10020039
Robins, P., Green, A. C., & Williams, G. M. (2012). Regular use of sunscreen can reduce melanoma risk. SciSpace - Paper. https://scispace.com/papers/regular-use-of-sunscreen-can-reduce-melanoma-risk-1tdo5z8son
Salih, H., Psomadakis, C., & George, S. M. C. (2024). Sunscreens: A Narrative review. Skin Health and Disease, 4(6), e432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ski2.432
Sarkar, R., Ghunawat, S., Narang, I., Verma, S., Garg, V., & Dua, R. (2019). Role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(4), 1066–1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12911
Sarkar, R., Ghunawat, S., Narang, I., Verma, S., Garg, V., & Dua, R. (2019). Role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(4), 1066–1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12911
Sitorus, A., & Fakhriza, M. (2025). Decision support system for sunscreen selection based on facial skin concerns using the Analytic Network process. Journal of Applied Informatics and Computing, 9(4), 1812–1816. https://doi.org/10.30871/jaic.v9i4.10112
Thieden, E., Philipsen, P. A., Sandby-Møller, J., & Wulf, H. C. (2005). Sunscreen use related to UV exposure, age, sex, and occupation based on personal dosimeter readings and Sun-Exposure behavior diaries. Archives of Dermatology, 141(8), 967–973. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.141.8.967
White, K. M., Starfelt, L. C., Young, R. M., Hawkes, A. L., Leske, S., & Hamilton, K. (2014). Predicting Australian adults’ sun‐safe behavior: Examining the role of personal and social norms. British Journal of Health Psychology, 20(2), 396–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12108
Wright, C. Y., Mundackal, A. J., Oosthuizen, M. A., & Albers, P. N. (2014). Towards SunSmart school policies in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 110(9/10), 4. https://doi.org/10.1590/sajs.2014/a0078
Yan, Y., Wu, J., Wang, X., Sun, J., Yuan, C., & Cheng, Y. (2010). [Investigation on occupational hazards of ultraviolet light, sunscreen awareness and behaviors in Wuhan city traffic police]. SciSpace - Paper. https://doi.org/10.3760/CMA.J.ISSN.1001-9391.2010.11.008
Chiesa, P. O. (2024). Skin cancer prevention: a systematic review of the efficacy of clinical trial-based interventions. AG Salud, 2, 10. https://doi.org/10.62486/agsalud202410
Coups, E. J., Stapleton, J. L., Manne, S. L., Hudson, S. V., Medina-Forrester, A., Rosenberg, S. A., Gordon, M., Tatum, K. S., Robinson, J. K., Natale-Pereira, A., & Goydos, J. S. (2014). Psychosocial correlates of sun protection behaviors among U.S. Hispanic adults. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(6), 1082–1090. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-014-9558-5
Day, A. K., Stapleton, J. L., Natale-Pereira, A. M., Goydos, J. S., & Coups, E. J. (2015). Occupational sunscreen use among US Hispanic outdoor workers. BMC Research Notes, 8(1), 578. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-015-1558-1
Diffey, B. (2002). Is daily use of sunscreens of benefit in the U.K.? British Journal of Dermatology, 146(4), 659–662. https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04589.x
Draelos, Z. D., Wei, L., Sachdev, M., Bravo, B. S. F., Vachiramon, V., Jourdan, M., Kerscher, M., Delva, C., & Leclerc-Mercier, S. (2023). International Consensus on Anti-Aging Dermocosmetics and Skin Care for Clinical Practice using the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 23(1), 1337–1343. https://doi.org/10.36849/jdd.7798
Dudley, D. A., Winslade, M. J., Wright, B. J., Cotton, W. G., McIver, J. L., & Jackson, K. S. (2015). Rationale and study protocol to evaluate the SunSmart policy intervention: a cluster randomised controlled trial of a primary school-based health promotion program. BMC Public Health, 15(1), 42. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-015-1371-8
Durand, C., Lamy, A., Richard, J., Saboni, L., Cousson-Gélie, F., Catelinois, O., Bord, A., Lepage, B., Mouly, D., & Delpierre, C. (2022). Influence of social and psychosocial factors on summer vacationers’ sun protection behaviors, the PRISME Study, France. International Journal of Public Health, 67, 1604716. https://doi.org/10.3389/ijph.2022.1604716
Emmons, K. M., Geller, A. C., Viswanath, V., Rutsch, L., Zwirn, J., Gorham, S., & Puleo, E. (2008). The SunWise Policy Intervention for School-Based Sun Protection: A Pilot study. The Journal of School Nursing, 24(4), 215–221. https://doi.org/10.1177/1059840508319627
Gabhane, M., Patil, R., Dharmadhikari, S., Shah, P., Khandhedia, C., & Mehta, S. (2025). Efficacy and safety of a topical formulation containing trihydroxybenzoic acid glucoside and Α‐Arbutin, applied along with a sunscreen: A noncomparative, prospective, interventional study in Indian females with facial melasma or dark spots. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(2), e70017. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70017
Gasparro, F. P. (2000). Sunscreens, skin photobiology, and skin cancer: the need for UVA protection and evaluation of efficacy. Environmental Health Perspectives, 108(suppl 1), 71–78. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.00108s171
Ghiasvand, R., Weiderpass, E., Green, A. C., Lund, E., & Veierød, M. B. (2016). Sunscreen use and subsequent melanoma risk: A Population-Based Cohort Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 34(33), 3976–3983. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2016.67.5934
Gopinath, H., Manjula, B., & Karthikeyan, K. (2021). Fragrance, sunscreens, botanicals, and potential allergens in bestseller “Fairness” creams in the Indian market. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 66(3), 279–283. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijd.ijd_500_19
Henderson, S., King, K., Karipidis, K., Tinker, R., & Green, A. (2022). Effectiveness, compliance and application of sunscreen for solar ultraviolet radiation protection in Australia. Public Health Research & Practice, 32(1). https://doi.org/10.17061/phrp3212205
Hogan, V., Hogan, M., Kirwan, O., Walsh, C. L., McLaughlin, C., Moynihan, Á., Connolly, A., Walsh, J., & Coggins, M. (2024). Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction and agricultural workers. Occupational Medicine, 74(5), 378–385. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqae042
Holman, D. M., Glanz, K., Jordan, A., Bleakley, A., & Dasari, S. (2022). Beliefs associated with sunscreen use among Non-Hispanic white older adults. Journal of the Dermatology Nurses’ Association, 14(3), 107–112. https://doi.org/10.1097/jdn.0000000000000682
Kiviniemi, M. T., & Ellis, E. M. (2013). Worry about skin cancer mediates the relation of perceived cancer risk and sunscreen use. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 37(6), 1069–1074. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9538-1
Lazovich, D., Vogel, R. I., Berwick, M., Weinstock, M. A., Warshaw, E. M., & Anderson, K. E. (2011). Melanoma risk in relation to use of sunscreen or other sun protection methods. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention, 20(12), 2583–2593. https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.epi-11-0705
Leary, M. R., & Jones, J. L. (1993). The Social Psychology of Tanning and Sunscreen use: Self‐Presentational Motives as a Predictor of Health risk1. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 23(17), 1390–1406. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1559-1816.1993.tb01039.x
Mahler, H. I. M. (2015). Interventions to promote sun protection Behaviors: What do we know about the efficacy of health‐ and appearance‐based messages and the role of cognitions and emotions? Social and Personality Psychology Compass, 9(5), 238–251. https://doi.org/10.1111/spc3.12173
McGowan, D. R., Bennett, G., & Crane, E. (2015). Empowering patients through improving clarity of sun protection ratings on sunscreen. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 38(4), 431. https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12280
Nayak, C., Nouveau, S., Agrawal, D., Kohli, M., Bernerd, F., & Misra, N. (2016). Skin hyperpigmentation in the Indian population: Insights and best practice. Indian Journal of Dermatology, 61(5), 487. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5154.190103
Rasmussen, S., & O’Connor, R. C. (2005). Factors Influencing Anticipated Decisions about Sunscreen Use. Journal of Health Psychology, 10(4), 585–595. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105305053441
Reis-Mansur, M. C. P. P., Da Luz, B. G., & Santos, E. P. D. (2023). Consumer Behavior, skin phototype, sunscreens, and Tools for photoprotection: a review. Cosmetics, 10(2), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics10020039
Robins, P., Green, A. C., & Williams, G. M. (2012). Regular use of sunscreen can reduce melanoma risk. SciSpace - Paper. https://scispace.com/papers/regular-use-of-sunscreen-can-reduce-melanoma-risk-1tdo5z8son
Salih, H., Psomadakis, C., & George, S. M. C. (2024). Sunscreens: A Narrative review. Skin Health and Disease, 4(6), e432. https://doi.org/10.1002/ski2.432
Sarkar, R., Ghunawat, S., Narang, I., Verma, S., Garg, V., & Dua, R. (2019). Role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(4), 1066–1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12911
Sarkar, R., Ghunawat, S., Narang, I., Verma, S., Garg, V., & Dua, R. (2019). Role of broad‐spectrum sunscreen alone in the improvement of melasma area severity index (MASI) and Melasma Quality of Life Index in melasma. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 18(4), 1066–1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12911
Sitorus, A., & Fakhriza, M. (2025). Decision support system for sunscreen selection based on facial skin concerns using the Analytic Network process. Journal of Applied Informatics and Computing, 9(4), 1812–1816. https://doi.org/10.30871/jaic.v9i4.10112
Thieden, E., Philipsen, P. A., Sandby-Møller, J., & Wulf, H. C. (2005). Sunscreen use related to UV exposure, age, sex, and occupation based on personal dosimeter readings and Sun-Exposure behavior diaries. Archives of Dermatology, 141(8), 967–973. https://doi.org/10.1001/archderm.141.8.967
White, K. M., Starfelt, L. C., Young, R. M., Hawkes, A. L., Leske, S., & Hamilton, K. (2014). Predicting Australian adults’ sun‐safe behavior: Examining the role of personal and social norms. British Journal of Health Psychology, 20(2), 396–412. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12108
Wright, C. Y., Mundackal, A. J., Oosthuizen, M. A., & Albers, P. N. (2014). Towards SunSmart school policies in South Africa. South African Journal of Science, 110(9/10), 4. https://doi.org/10.1590/sajs.2014/a0078
Yan, Y., Wu, J., Wang, X., Sun, J., Yuan, C., & Cheng, Y. (2010). [Investigation on occupational hazards of ultraviolet light, sunscreen awareness and behaviors in Wuhan city traffic police]. SciSpace - Paper. https://doi.org/10.3760/CMA.J.ISSN.1001-9391.2010.11.008
Published
2026-02-23
How to Cite
Mohindru, A. (2026). Mapping the Evolution of Sunscreen Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Global Literature. International Journal of Social Science Research and Review, 9(3), 319-338. https://doi.org/10.47814/ijssrr.v9i3.3300
Section
Main Articles
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
