01/06/2022
What's in lekker natural sunscreen?
Our first step in developing lekker’s natural sunscreen was to ensure that the ingredients we chose to use were not only effective in protecting your skin against UVA and UVB rays but were equally as safe for individual health and our environment (creatures, coral, and all). I know, our checklist was quite extensive but so it began. Through our process, we learned that the most trusted natural sun protectants were zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
What is zinc oxide and titanium dioxide?
What are they good for?
Both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are natural mineral-based ingredients that have been used in topical skincare products for centuries. Most appropriately in sunscreen due to the ingredients' strong UV light absorbing capabilities. When zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are combined they offer broad-spectrum protection against sun rays and prevent skin cells from being damaged.
Zinc oxide provides UV protection
Zinc oxide specifically offers a wide range of benefits beyond UV protection. How?
1. It supports skin healing
Zinc oxide can help relieve skin irritation and rawness caused by sunburns. It also promotes skin rejuvenation by keeping your skin moist and clean.
2. It's good for your complextion
Not only does zinc oxide regulate sebum production and prevents access oil formation on the skin, but it also helps by lowering antimicrobial properties that would commonly trigger acne or breakouts.
Nano vs non-nano?
Coated vs non-coated?
Nano ingredients refer to particles that measure smaller than 100nm. The nano form of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is commonly used in sunscreen as it allows the product to apply transparently and spread easily. However, when uncoated these tiny particles can potentially be absorbed into your body’s bloodstream and if found in the ocean can have a negative impact on marine life.
The lekker sunscreen was specifically developed by a team of specialists, who have modified the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide particles by coating them with natural mineral ingredients that prevent the nanoparticles from penetrating the skin and entering the bloodstream. The coating does not compromise the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide's topical benefits. Even when coated these ingredients maintain their properties and offer highly effective UVA and UVB protection.
The coating is also insoluble in water and when will remain bound to the particles when washed off. Even in the water, the coating acts as a barrier that renders the particles unaffected by solar radiation and non-toxic to marine organisms. In short, the coating ensures that the particles are environmentally safe and will not affect the coral reef.
The coatings we use
The coatings we use are Aluminum Stearate and Alumina. These ingredients are 100% natural & eco-safe ingredients. They are not the same as the aluminum found in deodorant. Curious how it differs and what the coating helps ensure?
Aluminum Stearate:
This ingredient is added to ensure the mineral UV filters do not mix, it stabilizes the sunscreen to prevent crumbling. This is not pure aluminum, and this ingredient is something you find in many plants and vegetables (it’s comparable to soap).
Alumina:
This is basically rock. A mineral is used to coat the UV filters to ensure they don't penetrate your skin and be absorbed in the bloodstream. It also prevents the ingredients from letting out toxins that cause stress on marine life and the coral reef. It also helps the sunscreen to apply transparently, leaving no white cast on your skin.
Click here for more information about coated nanoparticles.
Support the Reef Restoration foundation
In celebration of our new product, come July 1st, The Lekker Foundation will be supporting the Reef Restoration Foundation. Check out this organisation's great initiative here
