DON'T TRUST ALL SUNSCREENS ON THE MARKET. GUIDE TO HONEST LABELING.
During our journey to do create skincare the right way, we found an amazing source of reliable information: EWG.org.
The Environmental Working Group is an organization with the mission to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, they drive consumer choice and civic action.
Their efforts are truly remarkable, and we honor their insight by sharing how honest sunscreens should label their products.
Spray Noozle
EWG: Beware! Sprays may not form a thick, even coating on your skin, and inhaling them can be risky. Always choose a lotion.
TD: It makes complete sense to be aware that there is no way that a spray would actually cover your skin evenly, especially because they were not primarily designed to apply liquids evenly. By rubbing a lotion on your hands and applying it directly to your skin you improve your chances of a wider spectrum protection.
SPF PROTECTION
EWG: The Sun Protection Factor measures your protection from sunburn, primarily caused by UVB rays. SPF values between 15 and 50 should give you enough skin protection as long as you apply a thick coat and reapply often.
Remember! SPF doesn't ensure protection from other sun damage.
TD: The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher for any extended outdoor activity. Regardless of the SPF, though, it’s important to apply one ounce (two tablespoons) 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating in order to have better protection.
Higher than 50 SPF Protection
EWG: Don't be lulled into a false sense of security by high SPF numbers! Numbers greater than 50+ offer only marginally better protection from burning and may not provide a good balance for other types of sun damage.
TD: To have a better idea, keep in mind that SPF 50 means that it should provide 98% UV protection, so if you would rather have more natural ingredients within the composition of your sunscreen instead of a higher composition of active ingredients, a 30 SPF sunscreen would do the trick perfectly.
Hypoallergenic and Methylisothiazolinone
EWG: Beware! This term has no legal definition.
EWG found 143 sunscreens with a potent skin allergen called methylisothiazolinone in this year's crop. Some of them are marked "gentle" or "hypoallergenic." Don't be fooled.
TD: Hypoallergenic actually means that it causes or claims to cause fewer allergic reactions. The term lacks a medical definition, but it is in common usage and found in most standard English dictionaries. So far, public authorities in no country provide an official certification that an item must undergo before being described as hypoallergenic.
Broad Spectrum
EWG: This term means how well a sunscreen protects your skin from both UVB and UVA radiation.
FDA requires a broad spectrum test, but don't trust this claim. Many products that claim broad-spectrum protection do not pass a stricter European Commission test.
TD: Sadly there are plenty of products on the market that claim to have been honest about the development of their sunscreens, but is not the case. The broad-spectrum test measures a product's ultraviolet A (UVA) protection relative to its ultraviolet B (UVB) protection. For broad-spectrum sunscreens, SPF values also indicate the amount or magnitude of overall protection.
Waterproof
EWG: No sunscreen is waterproof. The FDA requires companies to test the product's SPF value after 40 or 80 minutes in the water.
Remember! "Water resistant" sunscreens still require regular reapplication, especially after towel drying.
TD: There are ingredients that make natural ingredients sunscreen water resistant, such as bee's wax, candelilla, kinds of butter, etc. Although as explained before, it works as long as you reapply after coming out of the water, or every 30 minutes during practicing outdoors sports.
Maui Made Sunscreens
After the State of Hawaii passed a law that bans ingredients active ingredients Oxybenzone and Octinozate in sunscreens, some people have jumped into the "opportunity" to claim that they are manufacturing reef safe and natural skincare, but don't be fooled. The work and dedication that requires to create a true and honest skincare line are immense, and there are "little" hints that will give them away. We explain most of the facts that you need to know throughout our website, such as:
About, Infographics and SPF Facts.
TropiC
Discovery'S Challenge
Creating an honest line of skincare that includes sustainable sunscreens, daily care and suntans, is not easy task at all.
Yeah, some companies in the market have done it before, but without contemplating the impact on other living beings, such as marine life and reefs.
Now, some of them have adapted in some way to be able to have a presence on the market and we give them credit for it. Now, they are learning that cutting corners to create revenue, is not a reliable or sustainable way to have a long lasting presence in our markets.
