Sunscreen lotions see price rise

KATHMANDU, April 25: Prices of sunscreen lotions have increased by 9 to 12 percent compared to last year due to rise in prices in international market itself.



According to traders, sunscreen lotions have become dearer in range of Rs 10 to Rs 50 depending on brand, volume and SPF factor. Sunscreen lotion prices in the market range from Rs 120 to Rs 1,200. The SPF, which stands for Sun Protection Factor, is the universal measurement of protection against ultra-violet rays. [break]



Sunscreen lotions by leading brands like Garnier, Lakme, Lotus, Nivea, Dove, Asta Berry, VLCC and Olay are available in the market. Most of these products are imported from India.



Satya Narayan, sales manager of New Road-based Prakash Store, said Garnier is the most preferred sunscreen brand in the capital. A 50 ml pack of Garnier sunscreen presently costs Rs 285, up by Rs 25 compared to last year. Similarly, the price of 90 ml pack of Lotus sunscreen has increased to Rs 300. Olay Total Effects of 50 grams, which was earlier available at Rs 750, is now available at Rs 800. The 100 ml pack of Nivea sunscreen now costs Rs 370, up from last year´s Rs 360.



Prices of sunscreen lotions by other brands like Lakme, Dove, VLCC and Asta Berry have remain unchanged. Traders, however, said prices of sunscreen lotions by these brands might increase in the near future.



Lakme sunscreen of 200 ml pack costs Rs 325, 100 ml pack of Dove is priced at Rs 370 and 100 gm of VLCC with SPF 15 and 30 are available at Rs 325 and Rs 450 respectively. Asta Berry in Papaya fragrance with SPF 15 and 30 cost Rs 120 and Rs 170 respectively.



“Not only the sunscreen lotions, prices of other cosmetics have also increased. Prices of cosmetics products increase by 9 to 12 percent every year,” said Sabin Bhattarai, sales manager of Ghattekulo-based Shop@Kaya.



Demand for sunscreen lotions usually increases during summer as people use these products to protect their skin from scorching summer heat. Keeping in view the rise in demand, manufacturers also wait for summer to launch their products. Asta Berry and VLCC are among the newly launched sunscreen brands in the capital, said Ashok Shrestha, sales manager of Ghattekulo Cosmetics.

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