Tallow & Zinc Sunbalm

As a company, we can only claim an SPF value with extensive laboratory testing - which is still undergoing.

The maximum allowed concentration of Zinc Oxide in a sunscreen product in the US is 25%, we use 20%.

Based on other sunscreen formulations that use 20% Zinc Oxide, the SPF value is expected to be between SPF 24-32. However, this is not evaluated or confirmed yet.

Please keep in mind, however, that the SPF value is not a linear scale, but a logarithmic one.

In other words, SPF 15 already blocks 93%, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. Thus, going for a very high SPF does not necessarily add a lot of extra protection.

Common synthetic UV-blocking ingredients that are used in nearly all commercial sunscreens are problematic for a number of reasons.

Research has shown that these chemicals are easily absorbed by the skin and into the body, where they can quickly exceed the safety limits established for these chemicals in our body. [source]

Sunscreen chemicals have even been found in breastmilk. [source]

These ingredients have never been researched for their long-term health effects, and were found to have hormone disrupting effects, as well as act as potential carcinogens. [source]

Moreover, a few of these ingredients were found to be damaging to coral, and therefore likely also other water animals or plants. Thus, every time you take a swim and these chemicals wash off in a river, lake, or in the sea, they can cause harm to the environment.

For this reason, some common sunscreen chemicals have been banned, for example in Hawaii, to protect the marine ecosystem. [source]

Zinc Oxide, on the other hand, is a naturally occurring mineral that is safe for humans and the environment.

Moreover, it is an excellent UV blocker that blocks both UVA and UVB, unlike many other UV blockers.

Yes, we only use non-nano Zinc Oxide.

Unlike most messaging you hear around this topic, we are convinced, based on the scientific evidence, that sun exposure is good for you.

Blocking UV light from your skin all the time is not a good strategy for your long-term health.

It is clear from research that SPF 15 already blocks 99% of vitamin D production, and vitamin D deficiency is linked to nearly all of the most deadly chronic diseases. [source]

Moreover, research shows that sun exposure is actually linked to a decrease in the most deadly type of skin cancer: malignant melanoma. [source]

The messaging around sun exposure has been wrong. Sun exposure is good for your health, but sunburn is not.

Our recommendation therefore is to only use a product like ours when you have very sensitive skin, or you know you will be exposed to particularly harsh sun, or to the sun in general for a long period of time. In this case, the risk of sunburn is high, and you're better off using some form of protection.

When you are not expecting to be exposed to sun that could cause sunburn, we would recommend not to use a product preventively, but allow your skin to reap the benefits of UV, and keep a product at hand in case it becomes necessary to prevent sunburn.