Ingredient Selection
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Understanding there are different sun care preferences, we’ve developed two types of sunscreen products; mineral-based and clear coverage. The primary difference is how they work.
MINERAL SUNSCREEN
is like wearing a sweater. It is a physical block between your skin and the sun. This type of sunscreen goes on white and rubs in sheer. There are two primary ingredients that can be used in a mineral sunscreen, non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These products are ideal for children and adults with acne-prone or sensitive skin. They are also best for coastal activities since mineral sunscreen ingredients have the least impact on reefs and marine life.
CLEAR COVERAGE SUNSCREEN
has active ingredients that absorb harmful UVA and UVB rays, converts the rays into heat and releases them from the body. This type of sunscreen goes on clear and creates an invisible barrier between your skin and the sun. While VitaSea only uses ingredients that adhere to Hawaii Act 104 (Reef Compliant), it is still advised to use mineral sunscreens for coastal activities. Clear coverage sunscreens are ideal for inland activities and daily use.
Look for our Mineral and Clear Coverage icons on all product packaging to determine which type of coverage each product offers.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Sea Kelp
is an all-around great ingredient! It is highly sustainable, fast-growing (up to 2 feet a day) and nutrient-dense (all the good stuff our skin needs).
Sea Kelp is packed full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, all of which are superfoods for healthy skin.
Sea Kelp has the ability to help soothe irritation and inflammation, reduces the appearance of sun damage and brightens skin. It helps to replenish the natural moisture barrier which leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated.
Vitamin C
is a superstar antioxidant that has earned its reputation as the “go-to” ingredient to naturally brighten your complexion, increase collagen production, and slow down the visible signs of aging-fine lines, wrinkles and brown spots.
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin (dissolves in water). It occurs naturally in the body and contributes to the synthesis of collagen and red blood cells. It can be found in fruits and vegetables such as oranges, lemons, grapefruit and broccoli.
Vitamin C helps reduce the action of free radicals created by the sun's rays helping to prevent premature aging from sun exposure. It is known to promote the production of dermal cells, such as fibroblasts, that decrease in the skin with age. Its antioxidant action is even stronger in the presence of Vitamin E, as it is regenerated by Vitamin C.
Vitamin E
is known for its fantastic moisturizing properties, but is foremost an antioxidant that guards and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier helping to lock in water and electrolytes, protecting your skin from dehydration. Vitamin E works to relieve conditions like flakiness, peeling, roughness, and itchiness.
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin (mixes easily with oils and fats). It is naturally present in the sebum on the surface of the skin. It can be found in avocado, olive and sunflower oils. It is also present in fruits and vegetables including mangos, kiwi, spinach and red peppers.
Vitamin E helps the skin defend itself against external aggressions. It reduces the action of free radicals caused by the sun's rays and the action of pollutants helping to prevent premature aging of the skin. Combined with Vitamin C, its antioxidant action is strengthened. Vitamin E reduces the oxidation of skin sebum helping to strengthen the skin's lipid barrier. It is well tolerated by all skin types.