Want to know why sunscreens are biodegradable, reef-safe, or made with plastic-free packaging? What about insect repellent that are DEET-free or use essential oils? Check out our Sun & Bug Guide! In case you’re not familiar with some of the terms, here’s a handy guide:
Biodegradable formula: The ingredients of this product break down into harmless substances.
Broad spectrum SPF: Broad spectrum SPF is a kind of sunscreen that protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays. (UV stands for ultraviolet; UVA rays have longer wavelengths and penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB rays do. Most sunburns are caused by UVB rays.)
DEET-free: DEET refers to diethyltoluamide, a chemical ingredient in many insect repellents to make humans harder for insects to detect. It has been shown to cause skin irritation in some people.
Essential oils: Essential oil bug spray use natural, strong scents to repel insects. These sprays typically mix one or more essential oils (such as citronella, lavender, or eucalyptus) with a carrier liquid (such as water or witch hazel).
Inclusive Trade: A vendor that is at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by a person or persons who belong to one or more of the following groups: Women, Black, Indigenous, and/or Persons of Color, LGBTQIA+ people, Veterans, Persons with disabilities. See a list of our Inclusive Trade vendors here.
Made with Solar Power: The energy used to make this product comes from the sun.
Mineral sunscreen: Mineral sunscreen uses mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect the sun’s rays and protect skin.
Reef–safe: Reef-safe sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals used to block UV rays that studies have shown to cause coral bleaching.
Zinc oxide: Zinc oxide is a white mineral compound that sits on top of the skin, reflecting both UVA and UVB rays.
