Why don’t you have SPF 100?

You may be stunned to learn that the difference in protection between an SPF 45 and an SPF 100 is only about 1%. Even more shocking is that SPF 100 requires the use of petrochemicals that haven’t been proven safe or effective. That’s why we’re proud to offer you our SPF 45, which is not only clinically proven to block approximately 98% of the sun’s UVB rays, but also exceeds the FDA’s requirements for broad-spectrum protection. Rest assured that with our sunscreen, you’re getting a safe and effective level of sun protection that goes above and beyond.
Pro-Tip: We always recommend practicing sun safety, wearing sunglasses, hats, rash guards and applying sunscreen to all exposed skin. Remember, sun protection is cool, and our sunscreen is the secret ingredient for endless fun under the sun!

Is your sunscreen broad spectrum? What does that mean?

YES! All our sunscreens exceed the FDA’s requirements for broad-spectrum claims, offering protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Unless your sunscreen is broad spectrum, it may only protect you from the UVB rays that cause sunburn. The problem is that the UVA rays penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin – causing wrinkles and premature aging, as well as damage at the cellular level.

UVA1 light is in the range 340 – 400 mm; UVA 2 light is in the range of 320 – 340 nm.

A sunscreen with a critical wavelength over 370nm is considered by the FDA to provide excellent UVA protection. Stream2Sea sunscreens have critical wavelengths ranging from 380nm to 385nm, offering excellent broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays!

When you chose a sunscreen labeled BROAD-SPECTRUM, you are purchasing a product that has been tested by a third-party, FDA-regulated laboratory. A sunscreen needs to reflect (mineral) or absorb (chemical) at least 90% of the UV rays to be called broad spectrum. Although some suppliers have said that titanium dioxide does not offer broad-spectrum protection, all of our sunscreens exceed the FDA’s requirements.

What is EcoSafe Zinc™?

EcoSafe Zinc™ we use in our EcoSticks is non-nano, naturally-coated, USP grade and Cosmos certified.

NOT all zinc oxides are created equally, and ours is the only zinc we have identified that has passed rigorous aquatic safety testing.

Where can I find the expiration date on your sunscreen?

Most chemical sunscreens on the market expire after only 1 year. Stream2Sea mineral-based sunscreen has a shelf life of 3 years!

Where do you find the the expiration date? Stream2Sea’s sunscreen is regulated by the FDA and is considered an OTC (over-the-counter) drug. Therefore, we have a different method of lot coding and the lot number is considered the expiration date. It has nothing to do with when it is manufactured, as seen in the example image.

For the best sun protection, use Stream2Sea sunscreen before the stated expiration date and store it in a cool, dark place.

Do Stream2Sea products pass the Sunscreen Bans restrictions?

Yes, they do! All of our products are made with natural ingredients that do not harm or bleach coral.

For those who aren’t aware, Hawaii has passed a law that prohibits the sale of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals that harm coral, starting in 2021. Our sunscreens and other products do not contain these chemicals.

Will your reef safe mineral sunscreen stain my clothes?

Mineral sunscreens are naturally whitening and may discolor dark clothing or gear.  It will easily wash out with soap and water in most cases, and using an enzyme-based stain remover will help.  For gear, a little soap and water plus a scrub brush will usually remove any staining or whitening.

I still get burned when wearing sunscreen. Why?

The main cause of sunscreen failure is not using enough product and not reapplying often enough. On the day of your fun in the sun, slop it on. Don’t forget to reapply often. The FDA recommends at least every 2 hours, more often if playing in the water or sweating a lot.

Why do you not offer aerosol sunscreens?

There are several reasons. First, if you’re applying sunscreen on a moving boat or a windy day, much of the sunscreen may miss its intended target. Then there is the issue of coverage — exactly how much is getting on you, and how much is floating away? Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the chemical dispersants used in aerosol products may be damaging to the environment and have been linked to respiratory issues. Children are especially at risk.