Protect yourself: Sunscreen trends blend into the beauty space
Companies within the sun care category are constantly striving for ways to not only be sustainable and friendly to the environment but also a seamless part of a person’s daily beauty routine.
Staying environmentally friendly, but also finding ways to protect and hydrate the skin is something that Green Goo’s Solar Goo brand has been working on since its inception.
“Solar Goo SPF-30 has seven plant-based, reef-safe ingredients, which not only help contribute to sun protection but also nourish the skin while being sensitive to the environment,” said Jodi Scott, CEO of Green Goo. “We like to think that we are actually at the forefront of sunscreen trends.”
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Reef-safe is a buzzword that has been trending heavily since 2018 when Hawaii became the first state to pass legislation (SB2028) that prohibits the distribution of sunscreens that contain the chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to have a toxic effect on the marine ecosystem.
Following the passing of that legislation several other states and territories — including the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Key West, Fl., Bonaire, Palau and several parts of Mexico — have followed suit to ensure the harmful chemicals are no longer included in the sunscreens sold within their locations.
Since then, sunscreen brands have begun to do their part to protect the environment and marine ecosystems by creating products for consumers that no longer contain the noxious ingredients.
“One hundred percent of our products are free from oxybenzone and octinoxate — two ingredients believed to cause potential damage to the coral reefs,” said Caroline Malone, senior marketing manager at Edgewell Personal Care, parent company of Hawaiian Tropic. “We’ve pioneered the removal of these ingredients from our formulas to help protect our oceans,”
Instead, brands such as Solar Goo have opted to include calendula, coconut oil and zinc oxide in their products to hydrate, moisturize and provide broad-spectrum protection from UVB to UV-A1 rays.
[Read more: Eucerin Sun works to protect, support skin health]
“As a responsible brand, it's important to make sure that our entire body care assortment is eco-friendly with a low carbon footprint,” Scott said.
Hawaiian Tropic also has continued to push cleanliness and environmentally-friendly formulas forward within its sun care range.
“Our formulas are all tested to ensure that they are safe and effective to protect against sun damage and premature aging. They’re also PETA-certified Cruelty-Free, meaning they are developed with absolutely no animal testing,” Malone said.
Aside from eliminating harmful ingredients from their sun care products, companies behind various popular product lines ave begun dipping their toes in the beauty and cosmetic industry by launching face and eye creams with SPF. One of the most notable brands in this space is Supergoop, which has grown its portfolio and popularity beyond typical sunscreen products.
Hawaiian Tropic also has entered the category by launching a powder that contains SPF and can be used on its own or during makeup application.
[Read More: Neutrogena, Walgreens join forces on sun safety importance]
“We are continuing to recognize sun care needs, including those that cross into the beauty category,” Malone said.
Meeting the beauty and SPF needs of consumers is important to brands such as Hawaiian Tropic that are striving to bring, sun care products to market that are suitable for those with normal or sensitive skin.
“Our face SPF products have been created specifically for everyday use, as a key part of our consumers’ skin care regimen,” Malone said. “These dermatologist-tested formulas are hypoallergenic, oil-free and won’t clog pores.”
Beauty needs go beyond just ensuring the face is protected from harmful rays. Lips also need to be protected from the sun, and Solar Goo is working to ensure consumers are protected from their forehead to chin.
“While we already have our Sweet Honey Lip Balm with SPF, we are currently testing other lip balm varieties with even greater SPF protection,” Scott said.
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Although sunscreen is more popular within the warmer months of the year, the category is focusing on educating consumers about the importance of using SPF products year-round.
Whether it’s in a typical sunscreen bottle or combined with daily makeup essentials such as lip balm, this is a category that is continuing to evolve and take shape within current beauty trends.
Product Picks
Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Brush SPF 30, SRP: $16.99
Designed as a convenient way to apply and re-apply SPF throughout the day, this powder is made with naturally-sourced sea minerals to absorb excess oil. Featuring an easy-to-use brush, the powder, which has a matte finish, can be used on its own, under makeup, or even after to help it set.
Sun Bum Tinted Sunscreen Lip Balm SPF 15, SRP: $5.99
A lip balm with a hint of color that provides UVA/UVB protection for the lips, this product features subtle and natural tones. Available in Nude Beach, Sand Bar, Sunset Cove, Bonfire and Raisin Hell shades, the line is gluten-free, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, dermatologist tested and oxybenzone free.
Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration Spray, SRP: $7.99 to $13.99
Formulated with a multi-beneficial sunscreen formula that contains five antioxidants and hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin, the spray works to replenish the skin’s natural moisture, leaving it hydrated and supple for up to eight hours. This non-alcoholic lotion spray provides UVA/UVB protection, is hypoallergenic, sweat-resistant and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun Replenishing Lotion, SRP: $15.99
Designed to rehydrate and replenish skin, the lotion features a blend of ingredients including soothing aloe vera, mint extract and vitamin E. Designed to help users obtain 24-hour hydration, it helps prevent peeling skin and also is ideal for sensitive skin that has been exposed to the sun.