Stream2Sea mineral sunscreen (original and tinted)

Original/ Tinted Sunscreen

This review is of Stream2Sea original and tinted sunscreens .As always before I begin my reviews I like to go over background information that really brings home why I love or dislike certain products. So let’s jump right into it.

                An est. 14k tons of sunscreen enter our reefs. 1 drop of Oxybenzone in 6 swimming pools is enough to kill coral larvae. Oxybenzonbe, octinoxate,  octyl methoxycinnamte and endocrine disrupters  are found in many other sunscreens.  These can mimic hormones, reduce sperm count, reduce thyroid function and affect the functioning of glands and hormones. Common ingredients in body care products are absorbed into your body and are passed through urine, blood and breast milk. Some FDA approved ingrediants in body care products are linked to cancer, hormone imbalance, cellular damage and more.  85% of mother milk contained chemical UV filters ( oxybenzone, Avobenzone, octyl methoxycinnamate and octinoxate). 30 mins after applying sunscreens with these in them they can be detected in the urine.  Now to the effects on coral/reefs. Oxybenzone causes coral bleaching, DNA damage, impacts fertility , is a skeletal endocrine disrupter and contaminates coral, fish, bird eggs, sea turtle eggs and marine mammals. 

Most sunscreens and body care product come in plastic containers. These are made with phthalates. Phthalates are chemicals used to make plastic more flexible. They can be absorbed through the skin, stomach and lungs. It is generally used in soaps, body wash, shampoos and cosmetics.  All Stream2Sea products  utilize the sugarcane resin tubes ( except the lip balm- they are working to make that packing more sustainable ) making the containers biodegradable. 

Now for the part that you’ve all been waiting for the actual review. I tested out both the original and the tinted sunscreens. The original is white and the tinted is a “natural” color so it blends better with skin tones.  Neither of these products will burn your eyes. They are Mineral sunscreens. They contain non-nano titanium dioxide – a mineral that has UV protection properties. All ingredients are listed on the bottle – there are no surprises in what you are getting. They are water resistant for 80 mins. They are certified organic. And both have an antioxidant blend of green tea, tulsi, wakame and live leaf. I have found that neither one of these products were greasy- the tinted is “smoother” then the original. When applying a little goes a long way- apply a small amount and make sure you rub it in well. If it feels too thick you can rub a little water with it. (I will include the stream2sea application video for helpful tips and tricks).  It is preference which tint you choose if you don’t want to have a slight white glow then I would recommend the tinted , if you do not care then they both work they same. I tested them both out and about on the weekend while being in the sun for a few hours at a time. I also had reviews from family and friends that tested samples as well. And the conclusion is –no one got burnt and they all loved the product! To me I feel like you are getting more for your money with these sunscreens as I said before a little goes a long way- you are only using a small amount each time so the bottle will last you much longer then your average sunscreens, not to mention is it healthier for yourself and the environment.