Manufacturers must use higher concentrations of chemical UV filters to achieve SPF levels above 50. This is because no single ingredient can block enough UVB rays on its own to reach SPF 100, so a combination of multiple filters is necessary. These higher concentrations come with increased risks, including greater chances of skin irritation, allergic reactions, and hormone disruption.

This practice is not necessarily in the best interest of the consumer but is often a marketing strategy. High SPF labels give the illusion of superior protection, convincing consumers that SPF 100 is significantly better than SPF 50. However, as previously mentioned, the difference in UVB protection is minimal, while the risks and misleading claims are far greater. The increased use of chemicals also raises concerns about long-term health impacts and environmental damage.

One of the lesser-known issues with high SPF sunscreens is their poor performance when it comes to UVA protection. SPF values only reflect protection against UVB rays—the ones that cause visible sunburn. UVA rays, on the other hand, don’t leave a trace on the skin until long after the damage is done. They penetrate deeper, accelerating skin aging, triggering oxidative stress, and contributing to the development of skin cancer.

What makes this especially concerning is that studies have shown many high SPF sunscreens fall short on UVA protection—some providing only a quarter of the UVA coverage needed in relation to their labeled SPF. This means you could be shielding your skin from burns while still exposing yourself to long-term, invisible harm.

Even worse, the sense of security offered by these products often leads to riskier sun behavior: people stay out longer, apply less product, and forget to reapply, all while assuming they’re getting maximum protection. Additionally, to meet the demands of higher SPF labels, manufacturers must rely on larger amounts of chemical UV filters—often in complex combinations.

During pregnancy, women should be cautious about several chemical UV-filters and additional endocrine-disrupting chemicals that are commonly found in skincare and sunscreens. 

Not all sunscreens offer the same level of protection. Here are some key points to consider when selecting one:

✔ Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) provide broad-spectrum protection and are safer for both your skin and the environment. Mineral sunscreens are also effective from the moment of application, which also makes them more reliable in many real world scenarios.

𝗫 Chemical sunscreens can be effective but may contain ingredients with potential health risks. Chemical sunscreens also require some time after application before they are effective, which in some real world situations is less than ideal.

✔ Water-resistant formulas are ideal for prolonged outdoor activities or any type of sport activity.

Not all sunscreens are suitable for kids, as children’s skin is more sensitive and absorbent than  adults’. Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions in young skin. 

A good way to check if a sunscreen is suitable for kids is to evaluate its ingredients using apps like INCI Beauty or Yuka, which analyze product formulations for potential risks.

Beauty apps like INCI Beauty and Yuka provide a simple and effective way to evaluate the safety and quality of cosmetic products. They guide you through the complex regulations of the beauty industry, helping you make informed decisions when selecting products that are both effective and safe for your health and well-being.

INCI Beauty and Yuka are among the leading apps in Europe for assessing the safety and quality of cosmetic products, though they are not the only ones. Apps such as Think Dirty and EWG Skin Deep are also highly regarded. In this article, however, we will focus exclusively on INCI Beauty and Yuka to provide a more profound understanding of their functionalities and our reasons for collaborating with them.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) conducted a study and found that, on average, fragrance products contain 14 hidden chemicals that aren’t listed on the label. These chemicals can include substances linked to hormone disruption, allergic reactions, and reproductive toxicity, which raises serious concerns about the safety of the products we use every day. Despite this, the fragrance industry is not required to disclose these hidden ingredients, leaving consumers unaware of what they are truly exposed to.

Scent, however, is more than just a label – it’s a powerful trigger that can evoke deep emotions and transport us to different moments in our lives. A particular fragrance might instantly bring you back to a cherished childhood memory, like the comforting smell of your grandma’s kitchen or a perfume that reminds you of a loved one. This unique ability of scent makes it all the more important to be aware of the ingredients in the fragrances we choose.

Sunscreen is essential for sun protection, but did you know that the type of sunscreen you use could impact your health and persist in the environment for many years?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” have been making headlines due to their potential harm to human health and the planet. These man-made chemicals have been in use since the 1940s and are made of carbon and fluorine molecules bonded together. This strong bond makes them resistant to breakdown, allowing PFAS to be found in a wide range of products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and some cosmetics

PFAS have been linked to serious health effects, including cancer, high cholesterol, and birth defects. Unfortunately, these chemicals are found in a wide range of consumer products, including some sunscreens. According to a study conducted by the Nordic Council of Ministers 12,000 people die every year due to PFAS in the European Union alone.

The good news are: in January 2023, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands submitted a landmark proposal to restrict the use of 10,000 PFAS chemicals under the REACH regulation. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently investigating the request.

Whilst we understand that nothing is 100% reef safe, and that research is continuously revealing new potential threats to marine life, you can be sure that we formulate our products hand in hand with the latest scientific results.

The Suntribe definition of “Reef-Safe” is much stricter than the definition that other brands apply.

The general definition of the term “Reef-Safe” is a negative one, defining which ingredients a sunscreen should NOT contain to be “Reef-Safe”.

We chose to define our sunscreens by using a positive definition.

We define “Reef-Safe” by only using UV-filters with the highest safety rating for humans and nature.

At Suntribe, we use natural, mineral UV-filters without nanoparticles that have been shown to be the safest option that is currently available for marine life and human health and are recommended by marine scientists such as Craig Downs, PhD.