The Learning Lab
What is reef safe sunscreen?
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”...
How much Zinc Oxide Should a Sunscreen Have?
Our customers often ask us how much zinc oxide should a sunscreen have? The answer is fairly complex, but it breaks down into 4 basic parts: Why use zinc oxide sunscreens? The importance of non-nano zinc oxide FDA's limit on zinc oxide What percentage should you look for? Why...
The Debate over Petrochemical Sunscreens
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
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...
Does Waxhead's zinc oxide contain nanoparticles?
Does Waxhead's zinc oxide contain nanoparticles? No, we do not use nanoparticles in our products. We only use non-nano zinc oxide. Please note an important difference between “micronized” and “micron-sized.” Micronized means a process that grinds larger zinc oxide particles into smaller ones, producing a significant number of nanoparticles. Waxhead...
EWG Rates Waxhead Sunscreens #1 in 2026
Quick answer: Waxhead Sun Defense makes zinc oxide mineral sunscreens for people who want broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection without oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, PABA, added fragrance, parabens, Vitamin A, nano zinc oxide, or petroleum-based sunscreen actives. EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens currently lists all Waxhead Sun Defense sunscreens as Low...
