icon-account icon-glass

Frequently Asked Questions

Formulas

What are the benefits of mineral sunscreens?

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only FDA-approved mineral sunscreen agents. Mineral sunscreens work by blocking, scattering, and reflecting the sun’s UVA and UVB rays from the skin. Chemical sunscreen agents cause a chemical reaction on the skin, absorbing the sun’s rays and converting the energy into heat. Additionally, chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and octinoxate may penetrate the skin to provide sun protection. You will not find any chemical sunscreens in Project Sunscreen products.

Mineral sunscreens are considered to be safer and more gentle than chemical sunscreens. Because mineral sunscreens act as a reflective barrier naturally providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally better tolerated by those with sensitive skin.

Zinc oxide is unique in that it is the only sunscreen active to block the full range of UVA/UVB rays, making it an efficacious sunscreen ingredient. All Project Sunscreen products contain 100% mineral active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Do all products have UVA/UVB protection? Are they water resistant?

Yes, all Product Sunscreen mineral roll-on sunscreens are FDA-compliant and offer broad-spectrum SPF protection. Currently, Project Sunscreen formulas are water-resistant up to 80 minutes.

Do Project Sunscreen formulas contain oxybenzone and octinoxate?

No. Project Sunscreen products do not contain chemical sunscreen agents like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Our formulas use mineral only sunscreens.

Do Project Sunscreen formulas contain parabens?

No, all Project Sunscreen products are free from parabens.

I am allergic to artificial fragrances. Does Project Sunscreen use artificial fragrances or dyes?

No. All Project Sunscreen products are free of artificial fragrances, dyes and other common skin irritants.

What else do Project Sunscreen formulas not contain?

All Project Sunscreen products are free of artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, all chemical sunscreen actives including oxybenzone and octinoxate, PABA, retinyl palmitate, formaldehyde, glycol, propylene glycol, petrolatum, petroleum, sulfate, talc, and mineral oil.

Are Project Sunscreen products vegan?

Yes, all Project Sunscreen products are vegan. We do not use animal derived ingredients in our products.

Are Project Sunscreen products cruelty-free?

Project Sunscreen is certified by PETA as an approved Global Beauty without Bunnies brand. We do not perform animal testing, nor do we sell into countries which conduct animal testing on cosmetic formulas. We do not use animal derived ingredients in our products. We do not perform animal testing, nor do we sell into countries which conduct animal testing on cosmetic formulas. We do not use animal derived ingredients in our products.

I love the ocean. Are Project Sunscreen products reef-friendly?

So do we! We had the ocean and environment in mind when we created Project Sunscreen. You can see it in our fun labels. There is currently no specific test for a Reef Friendly certification, but we understand chemical sunscreen agents may have some negative environmental effects. For this reason, we are proud all Project Sunscreen formulas contain mineral only sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Is Project Sunscreen dermatologist recommended?

Yes. In fact, one of our co-founders is the highly regarded, California-based, board-certified dermatologist, Ashley Magovern, MD.

Are your products made in the USA?

Yes, our products are proudly manufactured in America with materials thoughtfully sourced domestically and abroad.

Does sunscreen expire?

Project Sunscreen products have a normal shelf life of two years, as recommended by the FDA. The expiration date is stamped on the bottom of the bottle.

Does the sunscreen change color?

The rollerballs are colored just for a bit of fun. Project Sunscreen rolls out white and rubs in clear on the skin.

When do I change from “Baby” to “Kids” sunscreen? Can I use my kids’ sunscreen?

Sun safety is important for people of all ages, but it’s even more critical to protect babies’ skin, which is far more sensitive and not as developed than that of older children and adults. The FDA recommends not using any sunscreen products on infants under six months of age, so keep newborns out of the sun as much as possible and limit sun time for babies over six months of age too.

As far as changing from Baby to Kids, there is no real difference between the two. All Project Sunscreen products are made from mineral ingredients which form a physical barrier against the sun's rays. These ingredients are not absorbed into the skin and are better for babies. All Project Sunscreen products are free of artificial fragrances, dyes, parabens, and chemical sunscreen agents. Our sunscreen bottles are designed to be fun. We hope the baby labels appeal to moms and the kids’ labels appeal to kids. We want kids to look and feel cool while using Project Sunscreen. Kids will have a ball!

Can you apply sunscreen to a new tattoo?

You should not apply sunscreen to any broken skin or wounds until it is fully healed. Instead, cover your tattoo with loose clothing to avoid exposing it to direct sunlight. Remember, new tattoos are open wounds.

Can you bring sunscreen onto a plane?

Yes, Project Sunscreen bottles are 3oz. Travelers still need to ensure liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on bags are no larger than 3.4 ounces. If you need larger quantities of sunscreen, we suggest you add them to your checked baggage for use at your final destination.

What SPF sunscreen is the best?

Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays. Project Sunscreen has an SPF of 50 across our product range. 

Can I use expired sunscreen?

Sunscreens are required by the Food and Drug Administration to remain at their original strengths for at least two years. The expiration date can be found on the bottom of the Project Sunscreen bottle. Expired sunscreen may be less protective against harmful, cancer-causing UV rays from the sun. We suggest discarding sunscreen that is past its expiration date.

Will baby sunscreen work for adults?

At Project Sunscreen our clean, mineral-based formula is the same across our entire product range. Meaning, the formula in our "For All" range is exactly the same as can be found in "Baby" "Kids" and "Teen". The only difference is the packaging. This means all of our products can be used for every member of the family regardless of age or skin type.

What is the best sunscreen for kids with eczema?

Finding the right product for a child with eczema can be challenging however sun protection, especially for people with eczema and sensitive skin is so important. Some tips from the National Eczema Association include:

  • Look for a product with mineral-based ingredients such as titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zinc oxide (ZnO).
  • Make sure the product offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or greater.
  • Choose a product that’s alcohol-free.
  • Read the label carefully to see if it contains anything to which you’re allergic.
Project Sunscreen is a mineral-based sunscreen with active ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. We feature SPF 50 and our formula is suitable for all skin types and tones.

Packaging

Why a rollerball application?

Families love Project Sunscreen’s rollerball applicator! Parents of wriggly kids know the struggle of trying to get their kids to sit still for anything. As parents, Rachel and Ashley wanted to find a way to make a sunscreen that was easy to apply, that wasn’t messy or sticky and rubbed in nicely. Most of all, the roll-on applicator allows children to take ownership of their own sun safety.

Do the cap topper colors have any significance?

No, they do not. The cap toppers are purely for fun. Our patent pending design allows you to attach your Project Sunscreen bottle to your backpack, beach tote, bike, or stroller—so you're never without sunscreen! Available in 8 fun colors, you can mix and match as you see fit!

Availability

Where can I find Project Sunscreen?

Project Sunscreen is currently available online here at projectsunscreen.com, Amazon, and is stocked at many independent stores and at the following supermarket chains: Meijer, Bartell Drugs, and Kimberton Whole Foods. Be sure to check the store locator.

We are excited to announce a partnership with Ulta which will begin in Spring 2020 and are rapidly adding additional retailers. In the meantime, you can purchase your favorite Project Sunscreen Roll-on Lotion right here on our website, or at our dedicated Amazon store. Click the easy link in the blue bar at the top of the website!

Media & Press Inquiries

I’m a member of the media and am interested in writing about/learning more. Whom do I contact?

We would love to hear from you! Please drop us a note at press@projectsunscreen.com, and we will get back to you quickly.

I’m hosting an event. How can I get samples to give away?

Please email press@projectsunscreen.com, and be sure to let us know all about your upcoming event (including where and when).