Summertime is officially here, and while we know that you've been asking us for a long time to make a sunscreen, there's a very valid reason that we've been unable to do so.
According to the FDA, sunscreen is considered an OTC (over the counter) drug.. In order to legally distribute an OTC drug, you must include a "Drug Facts" panel on your product (which includes all Active Ingredients).
You also (legally) must have your product made by a manufacturer who is licensed and approved by the FDA to manufacture OTC products (not everyone can do this).
Furthermore, all OTC-approved manufacturers are held to strict testing requirements. And the required testing for new sunscreens is VERY EXPENSIVE. And these costs are always passed down to the brand. On top of that, most of the approved OTC manufacturers in the US have very high MOQ's (minimum order quantities)...usually around 5,000 or 10,000 units. Being a small company, we do not have the ability to support these sorts of quantities and testing costs.
So yes, while we could easily and quickly formulate a product that would protect your skin from the sun, legally we would not be allowed to market it or sell it as a "sunscreen."
Please be wary of small brands out there that are selling you "sunscreens" without a "Drug Facts" label, because they likely have not gone through the proper channels, including proper testing of the SPF level claims.
A few brands that I typically recommend and like are Blue Lizard, Coola and Thinksport. However, since most brands are now aware of the consumer's desire for mineral based options, most brands (including some of the brands I mentioned here) are making sunscreens using different types of UV filters (chemical as well as mineral). So, this means that you always need to look at the ingredients panels before purchasing!
Stay away from brands that primarily use chemical sunscreens, like Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate and Octocrylene as these chemicals can disrupt the natural hormones in your body.
Instead opt for formulas that primarily use minerals to filter UV rays, like Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, as these filters are much much safer than their chemical counterparts!
However, as the mom of a 4 year old, and someone who's lucky if she plans ahead enough to even pack sunscreen, I want to say that the BEST sunscreen for your family is the one that is going to work for you! I've tried my fair share of mineral-based sunscreens that my family hated and straight up refused to wear. What good does a sunscreen do if just sits on your shelf? Also, I've heard so many stories recently about friends with family members who have been diagnosed with melanoma, and I want to say that sun protection is absolutely necessary when you're going to be outside for a long period of time! So, when it comes to how you choose to protect your family's skin from the sun, the best recommendation I can provide is Do The Best You Can with What You've Got! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️
Your skin is your largest organ. Treat it Well!
Cassy B.
CEO & Founder