The Learning Lab
What are the banned FDA Sunscreen terms?
Several terms are still used to describe sunscreens that were outlawed by the FDA in 1999. These terms were banned because they provided consumers a false sense of security and wrongly explain what sunscreen does. We often see journalists use these terms when writing about sunscreen and this only adds...
Is Waxhead Sunscreen waterproof?
Some of our products are exceptionally water-resistant, and some are relatively less water resistant. Our sport stick and field tin formulations are rated via FDA protocols for up to 80 minutes, the highest rating legally allowed. Some of our other sunscreens, namely our Vitamin Enhanced and Baby Waxhead versions, are...
What is the shelf life of Waxhead Sunscreens?
Technically the shelf life of Waxhead Sunscreen is 3 years from purchase, but the useful life of our sunscreens has no practical limit, since our active ingredient zinc oxide is a mineral and does not lose its sunscreen capabilities over time, EVER. Our inactive ingredients are relatively resistant to oxidation,...
What SPF do I need?
Sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating system introduced in 1974 and measures how much UVB radiation is needed before a sunburn shows up on protected skin relative to the amount of UVB radiation required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases. SPF...
Is sunscreen bad for you?
Like many personal care products, sunscreen can be beneficial or harmful depending on the type and use. There are debates on both ends of the spectrum: some claim sunscreen prevents skin cancer and is essential for sun protection, while others argue certain sunscreens might pose risks. The reality lies somewhere...
Do I need a high SPF sunscreen?
Short answer - No Products with SPF 50 and higher don't really protect the skin's surface much better than one with 30 SPF, and they create a false sense of security by masking damage that occurs in deeper skin layers. Plus the ingredients needed to actually achieve high SPF are...
