Natural Sunscreen

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What does natural sunscreen mean?

  • Natural sunscreen is a term normally used to describe physical sunscreens. Most of the sunscreens you see in stores and online are referred to as chemical sunscreens. If a sunscreen does not specifically say it is natural, it's normally a safe bet that it is a chemically based sunscreen.
    
    Chemical sunscreens use chemicals to convert UV radiation into another form of energy, like heat.
    In comparison a natural sunscreen uses very small mineral particles to reflect the UV radiation, instead of transforming it.
    
    In Australia, sunscreens are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, also known as the TGA. The TGA carefully regulates products referring to themselves as natural, due to all the misleading claims that have been made in the past. Soléo Organics sunscreen uses no chemicals and is one of a few sunscreens that is allowed to refer to itself as natural.

• How does natural sunscreen work?

  • Natural sunscreen uses mineral particles to reflect the UV rays put out by the sun. This in comparison to chemical sunscreen, which uses chemicals to transform the radiation into heat or other forms of energy.
    The most common minerals used by natural sunscreens are zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Zinc oxide is more common, but titanium oxide is by no means rare.

• Does natural sunscreen expire?

  • Yes, natural sunscreen expires like any other sunscreen. Unfortunately, any sunscreen past it's use by date has a reduced SPF value and as time goes by, this will decrease further. The use by date on a sunscreen gives a good indication of how long the full SPF value is guaranteed for when used properly.
    It is always best to purchase new sunscreen if your sunscreen tube runs past it's use by date. But if there is no other option, it's better to have some protection than no protection.

• What are natural sunscreen ingredients?

  • Natural sunscreens
    are made up of one or more active ingredients, and several inactive
    ingredients.

     

    The active
    ingredient is the ingredient that is intended to block or reflect the ultra violet radiation.

    This is normally a mineral like zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These mineral particles are usually very small and are generally either micro or nano particles.

    Micro particles are still very small but large enough to be non-comedogenic and not enter the blood stream. Soléo Organics uses micronized zinc.

     

    The inactive ingredients in sunscreen are used to determine the consistency, thickness,
    stability and pH of the formulation itself. They also dictate it's properties
    like whether it's water resistant or not and any additional benefits like hydration, soothing or hypoallergenic.

    Soléo Organics uses different natural oils to moisturise and provide nourishment supporting the skin in addition to protecting it.

• Is natural sunscreen safe?

  • Natural sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists for people with sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, and other skin conditions. This is because it's often the chemicals in sunscreen that cause burning feelings, irritation, redness and allergic reactions.

    
    We believe in our sunscreen and our best customers are the people with more sensitive skin, babies, children and pregnant women. We stand by our sunscreen, if you don't believe us you can read our return policy.

• Is natural sunscreen better?

  • This point can be heavily contested and the Therapeutic Goods Authority here in Australia won't allow any regulated product to claim itself as 'better' than another. That being said, here are just some of the benefits.
    
    All natural sunscreens don't contain the chemicals that are associated with burning on the skin, irritation, redness and dermatitis.
    
    Natural sunscreens don't contain the chemicals that damage, harm or bleach the coral reefs and marine life.
    
    Only all natural sunscreens are permitted in Hawaii and Palau for exactly this reason.
    
    Natural sunscreens use natural oils that moisturise and support the skin.
    
    Natural sunscreens are recommended by dermatologists for babies, children and pregnant women.

• Where to buy natural sunscreen?

  • Natural sunscreen is available from pharmacies and health stores, even some supermarkets. It can even be commonly bought at local markets.
    You can also buy it online.
    When choosing a natural sunscreen though, keep in mind that saying natural on the label does not mean it does not contain chemicals. To avoid any unwanted reactions, choose an 'All Natural' sunscreen that is chemical free. Soléo Organics is all natural and chemical free, and available in pharmacies and health stores across Australia. You can also buy it right here online.

• Is Soleo Organics a top rated natural sunscreen?

  • Yes, Soléo Organics has had all it's sunscreens rated as number 1 by the environmental working group (EWG). The EWG works to educate people on the potential impact of chemicals on human health and on the environment. Number 1 is the highest possible rating given by the EWG.
    More than this, we are regularly featured by several magazines as an ideal sunscreen for babies, pregnancy and people with extremely sensitive skin.