The Learning Lab

Because the words are similar, you might be confused about the similarities and differences, and if you should be worried about them in your sunscreen. How do they differ? Should you avoid either or both? Oxybenzone and benzene are completely different chemicals. For all it's issues, Oxybenzone IS approved by...

Is Octisalate Safe in Sunscreen?

By Kari Kenner October 14, 2021 |

It feels like there’s a new article about sunscreen every few weeks. If you’re like us and trying to cut down our exposure to toxic chemicals and on a journey to a more sustainable life, let’s talk about another chemical often found in common chemical sunscreens called Octisalate. You’re probably...

What is reef safe sunscreen?

By Kari Kenner September 12, 2021 |

The term "reef safe" has become more prevalent on sunscreen labels, mainly because sunscreen companies want to attract eco-conscience consumers. However, the term is unregulated by the FDA and shouldn't be considered definitive until the term is regulated effectively. The simple truth is that most sunscreens marketed as “reef safe”...

The Debate over Petrochemical Sunscreens

By Kari Kenner August 14, 2021 |

Over the last 40 years, sunscreens with seemingly ever-increasing UV filtering power have been developed for the US market. From tanning oils with no UV filters at all, to the higher SPF formulas of the early 2000’s and today, US per capita sunscreen use has quadrupled. At the same time,...

Benzene Exposure in Sunscreen

By Kari Kenner August 04, 2021 |

You may have seen the recent news about benzene being found in a long list of sunscreens. The independent testing organization Valisure tested hundreds of sunscreen and after-sun products and found over 25% contained the toxic ingredient, leading to a massive recall of affected brands. The findings were limited almost...

Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen

By Kari Kenner April 22, 2021 |

People email us to ask all kinds of sunscreen questions, one of the most frequent one we hear is: what’s the difference between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens utilize minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients. Chemical sunscreens need to use 3-4 or even...