General Questions
Is Stream2Sea FDA approved?
Sunscreens are regulated in the United States by the FDA as over the counter (OTC) drugs. Although the FDA does not ‘approve’ OTC drugs, there are strict regulations surrounding their labeling and production. All our formulas are registered with the FDA, and our facility is FDA registered and inspected.
Are all of your products shark-free?
All of our products are shark-free. We have added the shark-free logo to our Nourishing Body Lotion and Super Hydration Squalane to highlight the fact that we ONLY use plant-based Squalene, instead of the one derived from shark livers.
You can learn more about Squalene and shark-free products here.
Some of your products use Acrylates Copolymer. Is it biodegradable?
Acrylates Copolymer is a type of film former we use in our Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 20) for Face and Body and our Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30) for Body that offers excellent long lasting water and rub-off resistance properties as well as improved skin feel at very low concentrations.
Although the polymers are not biodegradable, they absorb to bio-solids and are unlikely to accumulate in the food chain. They are also shown to be non-toxic to aquatic organisms on an acute basis with an LC50>100 mg/L in the most sensitive species tested. The acrylates we use are a large chain, large particle size that passed our toxicity trials. There are a few other ingredients we could have used for water resistance, but the natural ones are derived from pine, which we found to be toxic to the aquatic environment during our development process.
Our formula has been independently verified to contain NO microplastics.
Are your products vegan?
Do you use Sustainable Palm Oil?
We do not purchase palm oil or use it in any of our formulas, although it is used in some of the raw materials we manufacture with. Our primary raw material supplier, Croda, takes palm oil sustainability very seriously:
“Croda is committed to reducing its contribution to deforestation and any resultant impacts on climate change and biodiversity through working with organizations such as the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), and with suppliers and customers to ensure tractability of critical raw materials back to suitably accredited sources.”
Palm oil, when purchased through ethical sources contributes to global food security and provides income directly to local communities, since 40% of the world’s palm is produced by independent, small farmers rather than the large conglomerates. You can learn more about Croda’s efforts to reduce palm oil in their formulas and to ensure the palm oil they use is fairly traded and sustainable:
https://www.croda.com/en-gb/sustainability/material-areas/product-stewardship/palm-oil
Are your products suitable for people wtih nut allergies?
We don’t use any peanut products in our facility or in any of our products, and are not aware of any potential issues.
Despite its name, sweet almond oil is not derived from true nuts but rather from the seeds (kernels) of the almond tree. These seeds are not classified as nuts botanically and are generally safe for individuals with nut allergies.
Hand Sanitizer Questions
Are your hand sanitizers effective against COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?
Our sanitizer product contains 62+% ethanol alcohol distilled in Florida from citrus. The CDC and FDA recommend using sanitizer with at least 60% ethanol alcohol or 70% isopropyl alcohol to help protect yourself against illness. For more information on how to protect yourself and loved ones, refer to the CDC Coronavirus prevention-treatment site: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/.
Are your hand sanitizers clear?
Our hand sanitizer are clear liquids and gels, however the natural ingredients in our sanitizer can turn an orange color over time. If you see an orange tint, this is our natural vitamin E (mixed tocopherols) that readily falls out of solution.
Most companies use synthetic Vitamin E (tocopherol acetate) that disperses better or they add additional solubilizers. We weren’t willing to do either, so we decided to accept that our sanitizers can develop a slight orange discoloration.
This discoloration of the hand sanitizer has no impact on quality or effectiveness. You can rest assured that this causes no harm to you or the environment, and the sanitizer is just as effective as ever.
What’s the difference between a mineral and ‘organic’ sunscreen?
We love organic – organic milk, organic eggs, organic aloe, but when it comes to sunscreens, we completely avoid the ‘organic’ active ingredients. When referring to sunscreen, the ‘organic’ sunscreens are REALLY the ‘chemical’ sunscreens like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate and other FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients that no ordinary consumer would consider to be organic. The advantage of using these ingredients is the ability to claim very high SPF ratings with minimal expense, ease of manufacturing and formulating, plus they do go on nice and clear, giving the customer the aesthetics they are used to. The disadvantages are huge, however. They are very unstable and can degrade quickly in high temperatures – like in your beach bag – so they require additional chemical stabilizers. They may also penetrate the skin and disrupt or mimic the body’s hormones. In addition, many of these ingredients have been linked to coral bleaching and aquatic toxicity. (Reference link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2291018/)
Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen Questions
Why do you use Alumina? Isn’t it bad?
We use Alumina, not to be confused with Aluminum Chloride, which is often used in deodorants, cans, cookware, etc.
Alumina is a natural inert mineral. It is a constituent of many rocks and soils and is the third most abundant element on earth making up close to 8% of the earth’s crust. Alumina is naturally found in fruits and vegetables because plants absorb it from the soil. It is also naturally found in small amounts in ground water.It has been rated by the Environmental Working Group as ‘Good’ with a score of ‘2’, which means minimal risk to humans or the environment.
http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700309/ALUMINA/
Alumina or aluminum oxide, its used to naturally enhance water resistance, reduce oiliness and increase transparency onto the skin. It is used in our Mineral Sunscreen SPF 20 for Face and Body and Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 for Body.
Is your mineral sunscreen whitening?
One downside to mineral sunscreens is that they may whiten skin. Titanium dioxide, the mineral sunscreen we chose to use, is white, but we have optimized the formula to reduce that whitening appearance and heavy feel. To further reduce the whitening effect, you can apply lotion or make sure your skin is hydrated prior to applying.
We strongly believe that white is the new green! All mineral sunscreens will whiten to some degree. The particle size determines the intensity of the white appearance. The smaller the particle, the less white the appearance. The only way to achieve a truly clear appearance on the skin is to deliver the titanium dioxide and zinc oxide in nanoparticle form, which is not safe for humans or the environment. So when using our sunscreen, rub it in well and feel good knowing you are choosing to do better for your body and the environment!
We also offer a tinted version of our sunscreen. The natural tint reduces the whitening effect of mineral sunscreens, blending well with most skin tones.
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.
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.
Our tinted sunscreens use iron oxides for color, and like most mineral make-ups or other sunscreens, they can discolor clothing or towels. The best way we have found to remove mineral stains is to pre-treat with a stain remover, citric acid or lemon juice and let sit overnight before washing in the hottest water your garment can safely handle, and then air dry.
What do you mean by mineral sunscreens reflect rays while chemical sunscreens absorb rays?
Approved sunscreen ingredients come in two forms, mineral and chemical filters. Each works differently to protect your skin from UV rays. The chemical sunscreens like methoxycinnamate, oxybenzone, avobenzone and the like work by absorbing into your skin and absorbing the UV rays. Besides the likelihood of irritating skin and the toxicity that has been associated with many of the chemical sunscreens, we simply don’t like the idea of putting something on your body to absorb something that we don’t want on or in our bodies. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sit on top of your skin and work by reflecting and scattering the UV light away from the skin… Make sense?
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.
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.
Why don’t you offer an SPF 50+ sunscreen?
I still get burned when wearing sunscreen. Why?
If I use your sunscreen will I still be able to get a tan? Or once I have a tan, do I need to use sunscreen?
Why do you not offer aerosol sunscreens?
Is your biodegradable sunscreen waterproof or water resistant?
The FDA no longer allows the use of the term “waterproof” when labeling sunscreens. In 2011, the FDA changed the regulations regarding how sunscreens could be labeled. Water-proof, Sweat-proof and sunblock were all removed from (compliant) labels, as the FDA determined these were misleading claims. Some sunscreens are certainly more sweat and water resistant than others, but NONE are water proof!
Under the new regulations, sunscreens must now pass third party testing showing how long the consumer can expect the SPF protection to hold up while swimming or sweating.
How is this done?
Human volunteers apply the sunscreen, then after its dry, they are immersed in comfortable agitated water for 20 minutes. They come out of the water for 20 minutes, then repeat for a total of 40 minutes of water immersion. The SPF is then measured AFTER the water immersion. This is the SPF that can then be printed on the bottle of the sunscreen that claims 40 minutes of water resistance. Very resistant tests would repeat until a total of 80 minutes immersion is reached..
All of our biodegradable sunscreens, including our lip balm, exceed the FDA’s rating for 80-minute water resistance. When you are ready to remove our reef safe sunscreens, you will literally need to wash them off with soap and water. Another advantage to that enhanced water resistance is that if you sweat or swim, they won’t run into your eyes or rinse off in the water. Even so, you should reapply every 80 minutes if you are sweating or swimming, or every two hours.
Why do mineral sunscreens leave a slight white sheen?
The statement “white is the new green” is gaining in popularity with folks who want to protect themselves and the environment. Minerals look pretty much like chalk. When mixed into a lovely formula of antioxidants like you find in Stream2Sea, and when applied correctly, it can go on very nicely with minimal sheen. If it really bothers you, you want it to blend better, we have two other options for you. We have a terrific tinted version in both spf 20 and spf 30 and a new Eco-safe Zinc Everday Sunscreen in an spf 45.
So why the white sheen? Minerals sit on top of your skin to reflect the sun away. The chemical sunscreens go into your skin and are later found in your bloodstream and within 30 minutes you can detect elevated levels of estrogen and endocrine disrupters. If a mineral is too clear, I would suspect nano particles which harm the environment. Protect yourself, your family, and your environment, choose Stream2Sea, the only brand of mineral sunscreen on the planet that has been tested and proven safe for humans, fish and coral larvae.
Mineral Sunscreen Ingredient Questions
So you use titanium dioxide. I thought TiO2 was bad for me too?
Titanium dioxide has gotten a bad rap for two reasons, neither of which is a concern for us:
1) When inhaled, it can have a similar effect as asbestos. We don’t use powdered TiO2 in our production facility, and don’t recommend that you play with it. You are not going to inhale our sunscreen and we’re not going to inhale the material during production. A-OK there.
2) Traditional sunscreen grades of TiO2 may not effectively protect against UVA rays. Ours does! Significant testing efforts in FDA-approved facilities show that our titanium dioxide provides long-lasting UVA and UVB protection. Used as a single active ingredient, our TiO2 exceeds both the European and FDA guidelines for UVA protection as well as FDA’s requirements for broad-spectrum sunscreen. Our dispersion is naturally derived and has been approved by Ecocert for use in organic and natural skin care products. Our sunscreens also show exceptional photo stability.
I read that titanium dioxide oxidizes in the water and harms marine life! Is that true?
The information provided about titanium dioxide and zinc oxides used in sunscreens, is correct as it pertains to nano-minerals. T1O2, (titanium dioxide), in its nano-form can harm aquatic life through this exposure. This is called, “photo-oxidation.”
It’s really important when purchasing mineral-based sunscreen that you look for “non-nano,” in the ingredients listing on the label and this is why. The nano particles, while they do make for a more sheer product for our use, can harm the beneficial organisms that make up the ocean. Phytoplankton in particular, are not just food for other organisms, they also attribute to a large portion of the oxygen we breath on Earth. Larger organisms such as corals and oysters also, for lack of a better description, can choke on the smaller particles in nano minerals.
NON-nano titanium dioxide, however, does not create a photo-oxidation.
You can read more about this here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423755/
What about zinc oxide?
– Clear zinc oxide which is coated with inert substances. You can recognize this on a label by ‘non-whitening’ or ‘goes on clear’ verbiage. This material has been optimized to improve skin feel and reduce whitening — BUT we have yet to see ANY testing that has shown aquatic safety. There are several different grades of Clear Zinc, the most common brand being ZinClear™, produced by Altria or Dow Chemicals. It is so highly toxic to aquatic organisms that a cautionary statement is listed on the front page of the MSDS sheet. We do not believe it should be in used in any sunscreens when playing in or on the water:
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.
Why are your sunscreens fragrance free?
What’s the main difference between the Titanium Dioxide sunscreens and the new Zinc one, other than the SPF and mineral ingredient?
Nanoparticles in Sunscreens Questions
Does your mineral sunblock contain nanoparticles like Clear Zinc?
Why do companies use nano zinc oxide?
But what is a nanoparticle?
The European Cosmetics Regulation defines ‘nanomaterial’ as ‘an insoluble or biopersistant and intentionally manufactured material with one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, on the scale from 1 to 100 nm.’ These can be up to 100,000 times smaller than a human hair! The chemical make-up of a nanoparticle may be different from its larger physical form, meaning that it can react differently within a living system. The smaller the nanoparticle, the deeper they can travel into a cellular structure. Although manufacturers have stated that nanoparticles are safe, there are still multiple concerns among scientists. Some researchers believe that nanoparticles will be absorbed through the skin and can pass the blood-brain barrier. Nanoparticles in lip balms could be swallowed. If there is a break or burn on the skin, nanoparticles could easily pass through.
We know that every product we use on our bodies ultimately reaches the ocean. A recent study has shown that zinc oxide nanoparticles, even in extremely low concentrations, caused significant developmental disorders in sea life (link here http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.est.5b00345) When nano sunscreens wash off people’s bodies, they can harm our environment.
Our motto, when in doubt, throw it out (or recycle it J). We don’t use them. Did we already tell you that white is the new green?
Face, Hair & Body Care Questions
What is the SPF of the shampoo and conditioner?
Is your lotion fragrance free? It doesn't seem to be good for water.
Sensitive Skin Questions
My skin is sensitive to chemicals and zinc. Can I use your products?
Are your products safe for use on babies/children?
If your baby is under six months old, always consult your doctor. Whenever applying a new product to your child (or yourself for that matter), it is always wise to spot test on a small area like the inner arm or thigh the day before you are planning to use it to make sure there aren’t any unknown sensitivities to any of the ingredients. If irritation occurs, try another product.
That said, our formulas are very gentle and mild and were formulated specifically to be suitable for children and those with sensitive skin.
Will your sunscreen make my skin break out?
We have sensitive skin too! Many mineral based sunscreens use oils to make them spread easier. Not at Stream2Sea! Because our formulas are water-based, you might have to spend a little more effort rubbing in our sunscreen, but they are not greasy and won’t block your pores!
Are your products gluten-free?
Do you test on animals?
Rewards Program Questions
How many points can I earn per $1 spend?
You get 10 points.
How do I redeem points into vouchers or products?
Scroll to the My Rewards section and click on Redeem Now on the reward item you want to redeem. Your points will be converted into a coupon (click on the coupon tab to find all your coupons) that you can apply on the checkout or cart page.
How do I get my referral reward?
Your friend must create an account and purchase a product with your referral link and $10 will be credited as a coupon in your account on the My Rewards > Coupons section.
How long to rewards expire?
After converting points to a reward coupon, the coupon will expire in 90 days. You will get an email reminder when if the coupon is expiring.
Can I change my mind after redeeming a reward?
On most rewards, you can change your mind and can revert your coupon back to points. Simply click on “Revert to points” link on the coupon (below the Apply Coupon button). The coupons tab can be found under the My Rewards heading on your My Rewards page.
Packaging Questions
What is Sugarcane resin packaging?
We don’t like plastic either and are very excited to announce that we are using 100% recyclable tubes made from sugarcane resins.
Read more: https://stream2sea.com/bio-ecoconscious-plastic-free-packaging/
When using paper products, cartons and brochures, we use eco-friendly inks and recycled papers including Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified papers. FSC is an independent organization established to promote responsible management of the world’s forests. When you see this logo, you can be confident that buying it won’t be harming they world’s forests.
Are your full-sized products refillable if I unscrew the cap?
They’re really not intended for re-use. We love the idea, but honestly, we minimize the number of preservatives in our products because they are the harshest part of a formula.
As soon as someone starts refilling an existing package, it opens it up for contamination.
If you want to refill from the bigger bottle (which we love), your best bet is to get the silicone tubes where you can boil them between fills.
Shipping Questions
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we do! We ship from our Florida warehouse. If you wish find a store where you can purchase Stream2Sea near you with locations please use our Store Search.
My package is stuck in Customs. What do I do?
We’re so sorry to hear that your package is being delayed by customs. Please reach out to our customer support team at hello@stream2sea.com and we’d be happy to assist you in trying to locate your package.
Please note, Stream2Sea cannot contact customs on your behalf, but we are happy to guide you in the steps necessary to retrieve your package.
I received a damaged or incorrect product, what do I do?
Damaged Product
We can assure you that products leave our warehouse in an excellent state. Stream2Sea has a quality assurance process to ensure that all items leave our warehouses in great condition. Our products are shipped from USA via UPS, USPS or DHL. The journey involves a little more handling and sometimes along the way, a box may superficially dent or crease or a bottle may leak.
If you received a badly damaged package, please take a photo of the damaged item(s) and reach out to our customer support team at hello@stream2sea.com and we’d be happy to assist you.
Incorrect Product
We are very sorry if a mistake was made in processing your order. Please contact us immediately with your order number at hello@stream2sea.com. Please attach photos of the incorrect item(s) you received to help identify the mistake.
For more information please visit our Shipping & Returns page.
Other Questions
Organizing an event or giveaway and want to use our products?
If you, or your organization, would like a one-time product donation for an event or giveaway, we would love to hear about it! In exchange, we need to be sure that you, and those receiving our products are educated on how to properly use them, as well as what makes them eco-friendly.
Interested in becoming a partner with Stream2Sea?
We’re always looking to collaborate with folks who are passionate about the Stream2Sea mission to #ProtectWhatYouLove. We have lots of different programs based on your influence and desired level of involvement.