Ethical, Performance Sunscreen by KINeSYS

KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is touted as the world's first "ethical sunscreen" by its founding partners for supporting sustainable practices. As part of its commitment to the earth, KINeSYS uses "100% recyclable High Density Polyethylene (Bisphenol-A free)" and "non-aerosol pharmaceutical-grade sprayers disperse an ultrafine mist but result in no direct detrimental environmental effects". In addition, the company purchases "clean, emissions-free electricity generated by wind power to offset that used in our manufacturing process as well as our office" and is a signer of the Compact for Safe Cosmetics. KINeSYS SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is free of parabens, alcohol, PABA, oil, and preservatives. It has received a safety rating of 3 out of 10 on the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) cosmetic database.

When reviewed on other blogs, such as Eco Child's Play, readers have questioned the safety of KINeSYS. In an open, honest dialogue, founder Jeff Kletter wrote to us:

I fully agree in this chemical laden world that we should find alternatives if possible. The problem is that "natural" doesn't always mean better. The reality is there is no such thing as "natural" sunscreen. The products that advertise and promote "natural or organic", are using physical blocks. As you may know, Sunscreen ingredients are regulated and are broken down into two groups: organic ingredients that tend to absorb UV light; and inorganic ingredients, which reflect UV light.

Inorganic ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide reflect radiation (which are often marketed as "natural, organic or chemical free" use an aggressive chemical process to make the minerals small enough and a mechanical process- still using energy), they provide protection from components of UV light. However, one of the issues with these ingredients is their opaqueness - they leave an unattractive white colored film on the skin. New technology has been developed that can eliminate this disadvantage. The processing of the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide into nanoparticles allows formulation of a product that is transparent, yet reflects all components of UV radiation. But, the jury is still out on the safety of nanoparticles. I have read numerous articles and I really don't know what to believe, as we did make a sunscreen with Micronized Titanium Dioxide. At this stage the EWG is re-evaluating nanotechnology...KINeSYS technically is "organic", but doesn't market it as "organic or natural" (we will never market our products as "organic or natural"). We are proud signers of The Compact for Safe Cosmetics, the products are not tested on animals, cruelty free and vegan.

There are other sunscreens with lower ratings by EWG, but at least I feel comforted by KINeSYS's commitment to the environmentally ethical practices.

September 25, 2009

Ethical, Performance Sunscreen by KINeSYS