Sunscreen FAQs


Yes! UVA rays are present with relatively equal intensity during all daylight hours throughout the year. Even if you are not going outside frequently, UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even glass.

We care about the truth and the truth is, NOTHING is safe for the reef, period. Humans aren't safe for the reef, their skin microbiome, the products they use (including sunscreen, haircare, skin care, underarm deodorant, etc), touching, and kicking the reef.
We keep hearing that Zinc Oxide is better for the reef and some companies even market Zinc oxide products as "bio-degradable", but this is not the case, as Zinc oxide is marketed as a mineral and doesn't bio-degrade, minerals bio-accumulates or builds on the coral. The coral needs sun, the Zinc oxide blocks the sun.

BU won't market any of their sunscreens, as "reef safe/reef friendly" as nothing is and there is no regulatory organization that even has a "reef safe" definition. Now companies are taking "reef-safe or friendly" off their packaging, instead, they market "compliant with Hawaii bill 104",

Are some ingredients more harmful than others to the reef? Again, they are all harmful. If you planning a reef outing, UV Apparel is your best bet for sun protection, the fibers in the material don't come off and affect the reef.

Self-powered (continuous) spray cans may contain potentially harmful propellants and are pressurized, making them not so easily recyclable. The pressured container can also present special challenges when traveling by air on vacation and the containers are too big to take on your carry-on, usually 6 oz-8 oz and pressurized.

 

bü sunscreen sprays are 1oz (170 sprays) and 3.3oz (500 sprays) that are not pressurized and can come in your overnight bag.

bü products are Anhydrous (no water) which makes it difficult for bacterial growth. We recognize that traditional sunscreen is the farthest thing from “feels good”, so we strive to formulate products that you and your family actually want to put on: they are lightweight, not greasy or sticky and easily absorb into skin. bü has Broad Spectrum protection, which means it protects skin from UVA rays, UVB rays and IRA rays.

IF, you find a bottle in your cabinet or car that has NOT been exposed to sunlight, even if it's expired, it still may provide protection. bü products have a listed 3 year shelf life, from manufacturing dates but can last longer or less, depending on the "energy/sunlight" exposure.

Yes! bü products are oil, alcohol, paba, preservative, and paraban free, so you can feel good about putting it on your kids.

Most of our products are formulated with sensitive skin in mind, so they are less likely to irritate skin. We recommend starting a healthy sun protection habit with children as young as 6 months but always consult your doctor or pediatrician prior to product use.

Yes, 100% of bü products are gluten-free. In fact, we have received really great feedback from those with allergies!

Yes, bü products are registered with PETA as vegan and cruelty free.

Dimethicone is used in some Zinc formulas to help evenly spread on the skin, which is an important factor for meeting SPF and Critical Wavelength requirement. Dimethicone is widely recognized as a safe ingredient. It is approved by the FDA and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel and has even been given a low hazard rating of 3 by the EWG.

The first application of the day is the most important and it is crucial to take the time to do it properly. Many things can affect the need to reapply sunscreen—excessive sweating, toweling off, wind, skin tone, and swimming all hamper the ability for sunscreen to remain on the skin and make reapplication important.

As per the FDA monograph, Sunscreen should be reapplied immediately after towel drying; after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating (depending on the time noted on the label); at least every 2 hours.

First, it’s important to note that SPF measures only UVB protection. Be sure to always use a “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen to ensure protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Finding out the production of an SPF product is a mathematical equation: the SPF minus 1, divided by the SPF. So SPF 15 (15-1/15) protects from 93.3% of UVB radiation; a SPF 30 protects from 96.7%, and an SPF 50 (50-1=49 divided by 50)= 98%

Daily sun exposure isn’t trivial. Even if you have limited daily exposure, it is still possible to get about as much sun in one to three months as in an afternoon at the beach. Sun damage is cumulative and it never completely heals. By wearing a daily sunscreen and practicing other sun safe measures (wearing a hat, wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and staying in the shade) it will help reduce the dangers of skin cancer and premature aging.

Parabens are used in products to prevent bacteria growth. The reason they are controversial is that they mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues. All bü products are paraben-free.

Wearing sunscreen everyday will not necessarily cause you to become Vitamin D deficient. Your body creates Vitamin D when it is exposed to UV rays—just 5-10 minutes of exposure is enough time to make a sufficient amount.

However, when you wear sunscreen, some UV rays still reach the skin and allow your body to create Vitamin D. There are other safe ways to get Vitamin D besides exposing yourself to sun. Foods like milk, orange juice and fatty fish are all Vitamin D-rich options. You can also take a multivitamin or supplement containing Vitamin D.

Oxybenzone is used in many sunscreens because it effectively provides broad spectrum protection from UV radiation. The problem is, it has been shown to be easily absorbed through the skin and "may" be linked to hormone disruption. All of bü’s products are oxybenzone-free and instead use other ingredients that provide broad spectrum protection.

Environmental Working Group recommends that consumers avoid sunscreens that have Vitamin A. Data from an FDA cancer study showed that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A commonly used as a sunscreen ingredient, may speed the growth of skin tumours. These effects happen only when retinyl palmitate or other forms of vitamin A are used on skin in the presence of sunlight. The study of retinyl palmitate’s toxicity was conducted by scientists at the FDA and the National Toxicology Panel (NTP 2012). Their findings reinforced earlier data identifying health risks of vitamin A in sun-exposed skin care products. bü products DO NOT use Vitamin A.

UV radiation is invisible and comes in three types: UVA, UVB, and UVC. While UVC rays don’t reach the Earth's surface, UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin.

Yes. Snow reflects UV rays, increasing the risk of sunburn. Sunscreen is essential for activities like skiing.

Water-resistant sunscreens maintain their SPF rating for 40 or 80 minutes in water. The term "waterproof" is no longer permitted by the FDA.

Yes. Up to 70-80% of UV rays can penetrate clouds, making sunburn possible even on overcast days.