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FAQ's

Why Non-Nanoparticle?

Nanoparticles are particles of matter that are small enough to enter the bloodstream through the skin (bad). NON-Nanoparticles, therefore, are those that will NOT enter your bloodstream (good). This is why we use non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient in all of our sunscreens. It is recognized as the broadest spectrum UVA/UVB reflector approved by FDA which helps prevent the risk of sun burn, skin cancer and early skin aging.

Help! My cream sat out in the sun all day and now it's soft!

The good news is we use NO CHEMICALS to harden or keep your cream solid at all temperatures! So don't worry, it won't actually melt! Our lotion is made with 100% all natural ingredients like Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, which at high temperatures normally soften. If you vacation at the equator it might possibly even become runny, although that hasn't even happened during our testing in Hot-Lanta (Atlanta). We also use a special double walled jar to help protect your cream from the heat. If it does soften to the point of separation, simply shake it up (or stir it) and bring it back to room temperature (you could put it in a cooler or fridge for a few minutes.) Be assured that it is "natural" for oils to soften and separate at very high temperatures, but it will not lose it's effectiveness or texture.

Does Bare Belly Organics Sunscreen have an expiration date?

The FDA recommends replacing your sunscreen every season for the simple reason that we all introduce bacteria into our containers just from our own skin and from normal use, and once that container is tucked away for a long winter we might have more critters growing in there that just those we invited in! But other than this, there is no reason to be concerned with the instability of any of our ingredients over time since we NEVER use any chemicals (many of which become unstable over time, in heat, and in light). All of our sunscreen is made fresh and expires in 1 year if unopened. TIP: your sunscreen may be thrown in the freezer over the off season to inhibit bacterial growth! 

Why is Bare Belly Organics Mineral Sunscreen better than other all-natural sunscreens?

This is an easy one: Our texture is creamy, not lumpy. Our scent is fresh and natural, not artificial. It is EASY to apply, It's actually GOOD for your skin, and it works.

How do the ingredients in Bare Belly Organics Mineral Sunscreen differ from traditional sunscreen ingredients?

There are two types of sunscreens - chemical ones (those that are absorbed by the skin) and physical ones (those that sit on top of the skin).  This table helps to explain the differences.

 

 

  Physical Chemical
How They Work Physical sunscreens protect your skin from the sun by deflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays. Some chemical filters can scatter sun rays, but still mostly just absorb them.
UV Filters (UV filters are the active ingredient in sunscreens that protects you from the sun.) Titanium dioxide (TiO2),Zinc oxide (ZnO) Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex, 4-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb S and M, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus
Stability Generally stable. Most are photostable, but some are not.
Avobenzone is notoriously unstable. However, it can be stabilized when formulated in conjunction with other UV filters (well hey, THAT makes me feel better).
Skin Reactions Titanium dioxide can be problematic for some people. (If you break out from mineral make up and physical sunscreen, titanium dioxide could be the culprit.) Zinc oxide is generally safe. It can be used on delicate skin and is a main ingredient in diaper rash cream. Chemical filters tend to be more irritating to skin. If it gets in your eyes, it can make your eyes sting and water.  Some can cause allergic reactions.
Protection            (How much protection is offered depend on the amount of the active ingredient in the sunscreen, particle size of the UV Titanium dioxide protects against UVB rays, but not the full spectrum of UVA rays. Zinc oxide protects against the entire spectrum of UVB and UVA rays. It starts protecting immediately upon application. Chemical filters offer more coverage against UVA and UVB rays than physical sunscreens, but the range of protection will depend on the particular active and its stability. Plus you must wait 20 minutes after application for effective sun protection.
Texture Thick and opaque, may be hard to apply (but ours isn't!) Tends to leave a white cast or tint. Rubs off more easily and must be frequenstly reapplied (I know, this is a pain, but the alternative might cause you to grow an extra head). Colorless, odorless, usually runny.
Safety Pretty safe, FDA approved (well that's good since our Grandmothers have been using ZINC as a trusted diaper cream for decades). Don't cause free radicals. Note: nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are controversial at the moment (which is why Bare Belly Organics uses only NON nano zinc.) Chemical filters generate free radicals which can cause skin damage, irritation, and aging. Nine of the 15 chemicals approved by the FDA are identified as Endocrine Disruptors. PABA - once called safe by the FDA - has been banned because of it's potential to cause cancer. Oxybenzone (still in use) has been black listed by the Environmental Working group as it is a carcinogenic, may cause allergic reactions, and may disrupt the body's hormones, producing harmful free radicals that may contribute to melanoma.