Public concern over the environmental impacts of sunscreens has grown in recent years, with the belief that UV absorbing chemicals found in many of the popular sunscreens, such as oxybenzone and octymethoxycinnamate, could pose a danger to marine life, including corals.
In line with this, ECO Skin Care has stated it uses only 100 per cent natural ingredients, and has been given a 0-1 rating, which is the safest, by the Environmental Working Group in line with this.
Corporate responsibility
The company has stated it uses solely sustainable ingredients, obtained from suppliers who are ethically responsible.
Elaborating, ECO Skin Care says it is the company’s responsibility to help minimize environmental footprint.
“This partnership gives our company an incredible platform from which to raise the public’s awareness as to the serious environmental issues posed by traditional chemical UV absorber based sunscreens on sensitive marine environments,” commented Rick Sample, CEO of ECO Skin Care.
The Surfrider Foundation has echoed the need to preserve to marine environments.
“Our organization was founded by, and continues to be supported by watermen – people whose lives and livelihoods are connected to oceans, waves and beaches,” elaborated Matt McClain, Surfrider Foundation’s marketing director.
As such, in support of the marine environments, ECO Skin Care will be donating up to 3 per cent of their net revenue to the Surfrider Foundation to help fund ongoing educational and activist efforts.
Toxicity threat
Similarly, a partnership was formed earlier this year, between skin care brand Reef Safe SunCare and the Ocean Future Society.
Research indicates that an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 metric tons of potentially toxic sunscreen is washed off swimmers and into the oceans each year.
Studies show that traditional sunscreens absorb chemical UV. This allows them to cause environmental and physiological damage.