June 01, 2021

Our sun protection brands - what makes them unique?

The sun shows itself more often. Delicious! Good for our mood (at least for most people) and our essential portion of vitamin D. Too much sun radiation is not good either. Too much UVA radiation (aging) causes accelerated skin aging. Too much UVB radiation (burn) for skin damage due to burns.

Unfortunately, many synthetic sunscreen filters are not so healthy for us. As crazy as it may sound, some even cause pigment spots or are carcinogenic. And many do not protect sufficiently against both UVA and UVB radiation.

The natural filter zinc oxide does this. It puts a layer on the skin that reflects solar radiation so that it cannot penetrate the skin. As long as the layer is on your skin you are protected. Synthetic filters penetrate the upper skin layers and absorb UV radiation here.

Fortunately, more and more sun protection products with the natural filter zinc oxide are coming onto the market. In our range you will find the pioneer brands in this field. Brands that have been on the market for over 10 years. And have the unique combination of:

  • Little to no white cast (when smeared well)
  • Sufficient protection against both UVA and UVB radiation
  • No nano ingredients
  • No coated zinc oxide (nano particle to a larger particle - in the water these split again, so that a nano particle is still released)
  • Waterproof
  • No microplastics
  • Biodegradable
  • Safe for coral and other aquatic life
  • Organic ingredients or ingredients from untouched nature (many natural brands are not or only slightly organic)
  • Full of skin care ingredients
  • No synthetic preservatives, fragrances or dyes
  • If a natural fragrance is used, it will not cause pigment spots

Organic ingredients are very important to us. A sun protection product may be 100% natural, but if the ingredients in it have been sprayed, you may be smearing pesticide residues on your skin. Anyway, I don't want that.

It's great that more and more companies are focusing on finding natural resources to, for example, make pure sun protection more spreadable, so that you don't see a white blur. However, these are often so short on the market that little is known about their long-term safety. When I started with INDISHA I remember, for example, that phenoxy ethanol was the alternative to parabens for many pure brands. It later turned out to be a skin irritant and was no longer allowed in pure brands. Or cocomidapropyl betaine was embraced as a healthy foaming alternative to SLS. But turned out to be an allergen for many people.

For these reasons, we are quite strict in the selection of any new brands. Very often a new brand is offered to us. Very often, they don't meet any of the criteria we set.

Our brands

Raw Elements

Developed in sunny California by former Lifeguard captain Brian Guadagno. Out of frustration with the amount of synthetic filters and microplastics that went into the sea + the fact that more and more people developed skin cancer.

  • Certified organic ingredients or ingredients from untouched nature.
  • SPF 30+
  • Waterproof for up to 80 minutes.
  • Does not run - even in countries with high humidity such as Thailand - and does not sting your eyes.
  • In addition to BPA-free plastic packaging, also plastic-free cans or recycled aluminum as packaging.
  • Handy tinted moisturizer SPF 30+ for year-round use.
  • Fine Baby & Child balm - also for hypoallergenic people
  • The non-tinted products - little to no white haze when applied properly.
  • Beeswax after vegan.
  • Only the alu tube or pump products contain radish root fermentate as a preservative.

To Raw Elements

Herbal Choice Mari

Developed in sun-drenched Texas. Handy Face & Body lotions. With or without tint. These are used by many of our customers as a tinted day cream with SPF.

  • Certified organic ingredients or ingredients from untouched nature
  • Vegan
  • SPF 30+
  • Not officially tested for protection in the water. Reviews indicate that it stays in water too.
  • Spreads out relatively easily. In countries with high humidity, it is better to use Raw Elements.
  • Glass or BPA free plastic packaging with handy pump.
  • Without a tint or with a tint.
  • Unscented or (an untinted version) with Orange Blossom scent.

To Herbal Choice Mari

OHM Sunsafe

Dutch brand. Developed by water sports enthusiasts.

  • Certified organic ingredients or ingredients from untouched nature
  • Vegan
  • SPF 30+ or ​​SPF 15+ (choice)
  • The SPF 15+ is also used as a day cream with SPF
  • No white cast - with good smearing
  • Water resistant (how long is not specified)
  • BPA free packaging
  • Soft scent of coconut (due to coconut oil in the product) and lavender

To OHM Sunsafe

Specially for your face products

Tinted moisturizers or powder foundation with SPF 25+ or 30+ :

You can read more ins and outs about sun protection in the blogs:

Written by Jeanine Wolthuis