Mapping the Evolution of Sunscreen Research: A Bibliometric Analysis of the Global Literature

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.