In general, there are two types of UV filters in sunscreens, each with a different mode of action:

• Organic filters, colloquially known as "chemical" or "synthetic" filters, penetrate the skin, absorb the sun's rays and convert them into heat.
• Inorganic filters, also known as "mineral" or "physical" filters, sit on the skin and reflect the sun's rays, thus forming a physical barrier that prevents UV rays from penetrating the skin cells.

Babies, children and people with very sensitive skin in particular can react to chemical filters with skin irritation. There is also evidence that certain chemical filters can have hormonal effects. This is why mineral filters are often a preferred alternative - both for you and your loved ones.

Here you can find more information about how mineral filters work.

When choosing sunscreen, the sun protection factor is very important. Your skin type plays a crucial role here. The natural protection time of your skin, i.e. the length of time the skin can protect itself from the sun without burning, varies depending on your skin type.

The classification of skin types according to Fitzpatrick (American dermatologist, first described in 1975) is generally valid. The following applies:

Sun protection factor (SPF) x skin type's own protection time (in minutes) = maximum time in the sun (in minutes)

Using the example of a sun cream with a sun protection factor of 30, this means that the sun cream extends the natural protection of light skin, which is around 15 minutes, by a factor of 30, i.e. 15 min x 30 = 450 min.

However, the Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends using no more than 60% of the specified protection time. Regularly applying sunscreen, especially after being in the water or sweating, is important to maintain the protection rather than prolonging it. You should also plan enough breaks from the sun to give your skin a rest.

Which sun protection factor you choose depends on your skin type and the amount of time you want to spend in the sun. Basically, you can deduce that the face should be protected with a higher SPF in summer, as it is exposed to the sun for longer than, for example, the body. Many people therefore use SPF 20 or SPF 30 for their body and SPF 50 for their face.

Chemical sunscreens contain various ingredients that help absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. Here are some common chemical filters used in such sunscreens, but are controversial both from a health and environmental perspective:

• Oxybenzone: protects against UVB and some UVA rays, but is associated with significant environmental damage to coral reefs.
• Octinoxate: offers protection against UVB radiation, but is highly controversial due to its hormonal effects.
• Octocrylene: also offers UVB protection and is often used as a stabilizer for other UV filters, but this ingredient is also suspected of causing health and environmental damage.

If a sunscreen does not contain the above-mentioned filters, it is considered "compliant with the Hawaii Reef Act," which prohibits the use of these filters.

Mineral sunscreens usually contain ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These physically reflect UV rays and are therefore often considered more tolerable for sensitive skin.

• Zinc oxide: offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Due to its skin-friendly properties, this UV filter is often recommended for sensitive skin types.
• Titanium dioxide: also protects against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. Like zinc oxide, titanium dioxide is also well tolerated by sensitive skin types. However, there is always discussion about whether titanium dioxide is biopersistent and accumulates in the tissue. That is why we only use zinc oxide in our sun creams.

Since our sunscreens are certified natural cosmetics, you will not find the controversial plastic softeners, so-called phthalates, in our ingredients.

If a sunscreen does not contain the synthetic UV filters oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene, it is considered
"Compliant with the Hawaii Reef Law". This law states that sunscreens containing the above-mentioned filters, which are ecologically controversial because they cause damage to coral reefs or have hormonal effects, may not be used in Hawaii.

A sunscreen may be labelled as "waterproof" if it can be demonstrated according to a recognised standard that at least half of the original UV protection is retained after two 20-minute swims or baths in water.

Due to the fact that drying off, changing clothes and even sweating can impair UV protection more quickly than is often assumed, we do not recommend this and recommend that you still apply sunscreen after being in the sea or pool - especially for your children.

Unopened sunscreen: Unopened sunscreens last at least 24 months, although the period can vary from product to product. You will find a corresponding note on the tube.

Sunscreen that has already been opened: The usability of sunscreen from the previous year depends on whether and when it was opened or not. We recommend that you use one sunscreen per season to ensure that the UV filter is sufficient.