Yes, our sunscreens are environmentally friendly, as they are biodegradable and free from any petrochemicals that are recognized for causing estrogenic effects in the environment, coral toxicity, or bioaccumulation issues.

The term "water-resistant" is used as a substitute for terms like "waterproof" and "sweatproof" to describe the duration of sunscreen effectiveness in wet conditions. Sunscreens experience reduced efficacy when exposed to water. However, some sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that make them water resistance for specific timeframes. Once this
timeframe elapses, the sunscreen loses its effectiveness against water, necessitating reapplication to restore efficacy.

Water-resistant sunscreens undergo testing in accordance with the FDA's SPF test procedure. These sunscreens may be designated as water-resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes, and this duration must be indicated on the product label. Additionally, sunscreen labels must provide guidance on when users should reapply water-resistant sunscreen for optimal sun protection during activities such as swimming or sweating.

Zinc oxide is a commonly used ingredient in many sunscreens renowned for its effectiveness in blocking ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. Despite its efficacy as a physical sun blocker, zinc oxide is often associated with the traditional image of the lifeguard with a pasty white nose. Its thick and opaque nature, while effective, makes it less popular when compared to alternative sunscreen options.

The effectiveness and cosmetic concerns arise from the size of the zinc particles. To mitigate the chalky appearance of zinc oxide, numerous sunscreen manufacturers employ a process called "micronizing" to produce nanosized zinc particles. Nanoparticles are typically less than 100 nanometers in diameter or 0.1 microns, and for perspective, the diameter of a human hair could accommodate 10,000 nanoparticles!

As these particles diminish in size, the skin coverage area increases, resulting in a reduction of the opaque appearance without compromising UV protection. Furthermore, the smaller particles transform from exclusively blocking UVA rays to providing broad-spectrum coverage, exhibiting an enhanced capability to block UVB rays as well.

Kalio sunscreen is suitable for application on children. It's noteworthy that Zinc Oxide, the sole FDA-approved active sunscreen ingredient, is considered safe for use on infants under 6 months of age. This same ingredient is also featured in diaper rash treatments, demonstrating its exceptional safety and gentleness on the most sensitive skin, such as an inflamed baby's bottom.

The majority of sunscreens, including those labeled as "all-natural" or "healthy," often incorporate unsafe components such as petrochemicals and other questionable or potentially toxic ingredients. In contrast, Kalio sunscreens exclusively utilize non-nano zinc oxide alongside other certified organic and entirely safe inactive ingredients. 

Physical sunscreens incorporate minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. These minerals remain on the skin's surface, absorbing UV rays, converting them into infrared heat energy, and then dissipating the heat away from the skin. They provide immediate protection and do not permeate the skin, unlike petrochemical-based products.

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens safeguard the skin by absorbing the sun's rays, and they achieve this by penetrating the skin. This allows for a smoother application without leaving a thick film. The active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, and avobenzone, are derived from the extraction and processing of various chemicals from crude oil, collectively known as petrochemicals. However, the issue arises because many petrochemicals can disrupt endocrine and hormone activity, and, unfortunately, they may even contribute to UVA damage deeper within the skin.

The majority of sunscreens, even those labeled as "all-natural" or "healthy," often include harmful components such as petrochemicals and other questionable or potentially toxic ingredients. In contrast, Kalio sunscreens exclusively feature non-nano zinc oxide and other certified organic, entirely safe inactive ingredients.

SPF 30 equates to 96.7% UV absorption, which means by applying such a product, 96.7% of the UV your skin would otherwise be absorbing is getting absorbed by the product. Doubling the SPF value to 60 provides 98.3% UV absorption, or only 1.6% more UV protection with a possible 100% more petrochemical exposure or more, and this only works as long as the product stays on your skin, which sunscreens don’t do well. Each additional SPF unit above SPF 30 provides only a fraction more protection, but significantly more petrochemical exposure. 

This is why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends you use an SPF 30 sunscreen and reapply about every two hours, or more often if you swim, sweat or even roll over on your towel. However, the reapplication advice is most appropriate for petrochemical sunscreens, as they degrade and become ineffective with exposure to sunlight and heat. Zinc oxide doesn’t degrade in this way, so unless you’ve done something to remove it from your skin, reapplication isn’t as necessary.