The Essential Guide to Clean Sunscreen

We all know how important sunscreen is. It protects us from harmful UV rays, pollution, damaging free radicals, and even helps to halt the ageing process of the skin. Impressive, right? But despite the fact that more and more of us are recognising the necessity of sunscreen, there remains a lot of confusion surrounding its terminology, particularly when it comes to labels like 'mineral', ‘non-nano’ and ‘reef-safe’.

We want to try and demystify these terms and help arm you with the information you need to make an informed choice, one that is right for you (and the environment).

'Mineral' vs. 'Synthetic' Sunscreen

The main difference between mineral and synthetic sunscreens is the way in which they protect against UV rays.

'Synthetic' sunscreens work at a cellular level (deep down in the skin), using chemical filters (i.e. homosalate and avobenzone) to convert UV rays into heat which then evaporates from the skin. 

Mineral sunscreens on the other hand protect at a surface level, using small particles to sit on the skin’s surface and block UV rays from penetrating the skin. This is why they are often associated with that white film - because the formula works by essentially coating the skin in a protective layer. Ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide frequently used in mineral formulas are widely considered to be both safe and effective.

Non-Nano

What is a nano particle?

A nanoparticle is generally agreed to mean a particle less than 100 nanometers (nm) in diameter in size. 'Synthetic' sunscreens use these particles in their formulations so they can function at that cellular level we mentioned before. However, nanoparticles can also be present in mineral sunscreen as they’re used to help increase skin coverage and reduce the appearance of that opaque white film, without compromising on UV coverage.

The concern with nanoparticles is that their ‘nano’ size allows them to enter the bloodstream and harm living tissues. This however has been disputed in many scientific studies, with some suggesting that when used within lotions or creams, nanoparticles actually bind together, creating much larger molecules that are far too large to penetrate the skin. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference. If you wish to avoid nanoparticles in your sunscreen, simply filter our SPFs by ‘non-nano’ to find the right formulation for your needs.

What makes a sunscreen 'reef-safe' and why is it important?

What makes a sunscreen ‘reef-safe’, and why is it important?

Up to 6,000 tons of sunscreen are estimated to wash into coral reefs around the world each year. In a 2016 study, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) found that baby coral exposed to common sunscreen ingredients Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, showed signs of coral bleaching and DNA damage. This type of damage then ends up having a significant impact on the marine life that depend on these habitats.

Currently, there's no official definition of the term ‘reef-safe’, but it’s widely agreed to refer to a sunscreen that's free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate. In 2018, Hawaii became the first US state to ban the sale of products containing these two ingredients, with other states showing signs of following suit. In addition to this, a lot of sunscreen manufacturers have taken the action to exclude these ingredients from their products in an attempt to protect these delicate underwater ecosystems. We wanted to support this effort in the best way we could.

While research is ongoing, we believe that the existing evidence is substantial enough to warrant action from our side. We therefore made the decision to only stock ‘reef-safe’ sunscreen on our site, and will no longer accept any products containing Oxybenzone or Octinoxate.

Whilst we want to provide as extensive and varied a range as possible on our site, we also think it’s important to take a stance and enact positive change wherever possible. We believe there should never be a compromise between your health and that of the environment.

Protect your skin and our planet with our range of natural reef-safe products: