Why We Manufacture In-House

There are multiple labs in the Bay Area specializing in large-scale sunscreen manufacture, which rather begs the question of why we chose to make Sheer Tint Zinc SPF 30 and ColorFree Zinc SPF 32 our two zinc-oxide only sunscreens, in our own lab. 

Part of our answer is: because we can.  

Sunscreens are strictly regulated by the FDA. Our GMP lab is OTC qualified and FDA compliant. This means we make over-the-counter products that meet all the regulatory standards imposed by the agency. Our sunscreens have passed all the rigorous testing required which allow us to put reliable SPF/UVA ratings on our labels. In addition, all OTC products undergo regularly scheduled safety tests.  

Another part of the answer is: because we should. 

We take our responsibilities regarding public and environmental safety seriously. We know everyone should wear sunscreen, and a truly protective sunscreen that people are willing to wear is a significant contribution to public health. 

Epidermal, dermal and cellular DNA damage from UV rays account for a whopping 95% of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Aging is inevitable, but premature skin aging is preventable with daily sunscreen use.

Please bear in mind that aging is only a small part of the story. A good sunscreen reduces skin cancer risk, a risk that is increasing right along with climate change. Heat waves are starting earlier in the year, lasting longer and ending later, well past the summer season. Climate change is a new fact of life for which we should prepare ourselves by having, and wearing, a good sunscreen.  

Our non-nano zinc oxide-only sunscreen is reef-safe, particularly when compared to chemical filters such as oxybenzone, which is highly toxic to coral reefs.  

The rest of the answer is: because we know enough, and care enough, to get it right. 

Confidence is the memory of past success, and we feel confident about Sheer Tint Zinc SPF 30, our newest next-generation formulation, because it was built on the success of Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen. The original formula achieved reliable and safe SPF and Broad Spectrum protection using zinc oxide alone, while maintaining an elegant texture that absorbed beautifully and subtly evened skin tone. We also found that three adaptable tints worked really well across a wide range of complexions. With Sheer Tint Zinc, we followed the same philosophy: rather than creating an extensive shade range outside our area of expertise, we chose to focus on the broadest, most versatile tints possible so we could prioritize what we know best—functionality, performance, safety, and exceptional sun protection. For a tintless, universally wearable finish, we formulated ColorFree Zinc, which is suitable for all skin tones, types, and ages. We care about giving you the best protection you can get anywhere. 

In all our products, we strive to live up to our motto of "function first, the rest follows" by managing all aspects of production in-house, starting from formulation straight through to manufacture. Having complete oversight means we can be sure our standards are never compromised. 

Stay safe and protected this summer with not just a good sunscreen, but the very best sunscreen.