We’ve already reached our first milestones when it comes to sustainability. Our packaging is made from recycled and recyclable materials and our formulas rely on reef-safe UV filters and certified organic ingredients. We use mineral UV filters for our very water-resistant sports sunscreens. Our products are produced entirely in Europe to minimize delivery distances. The SWOX Impact Blog is packed with the latest sustainability advice and success stories from our athletes.

Jordy Smith:

“
PROFESSIONAL
sun protection
is ESSENTIAL
for my sport
”

Take it from World Surf League pro surfer Jordy Smith: “For me personally, professional sun protection is essential for my sport. I surf four, five or six hours a day. I’m not just exposed to the sun, but also to salt water and nature’s elements. If there is one thing I can rely on, it’s SWOX. Their mineral sports sunscreen is really waterproof, so I can surf long sessions and just concentrate on my sport without having to worry about getting sunburned –– day after day, week after week. I want to be able to surf at this level for more than just a couple of years –– I want to do this sport for the rest of my life. That’s only possible if I take good care of my skin. ”

ONLY
A SURFER
KNOWS
THE FEELING

“The classic saying, “only a surfer knows the feeling”, also rings true in that moment when you come up from a duck dive and you want to paddle straight for the next wave, but your sunscreen is burning your eyes”, says Max. “Stinging eyes, slippery hands, rashes from sweat mixed and sun lotion…everyone who is active outdoors knows what that feels like!”

Stay Gold

The best surfers and outdoor athletes in the world trust SWOX sun protection. You too can go “pro” when it comes to protecting your skin! #StayGold

Ocean-Friendly Formula

As passionate surfers, we care about our oceans! We work with leading scientific experts in our field in order ensure that our products meet the highest standards in both sun protection and sustainability.

Natural Essential Oils

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years due to their positive effects on health and wellbeing. They help to protect and nourish your skin and their gentle scents make you feel refreshed and relaxed.

Modern UVA & UVB Filters

The newest generation of sun filters is guaranteed free from endocrine disruptors, according to strict standards from the European Commission. These UVA and UVB filters are easy to apply on large patches of skin. They are especially suitable for activities on land, such as mountain biking, running and beach volleyball.

Mineral UV FIlters only

Sunscreens with mineral filters form a protective shield on your skin. They are effective immediately after application, so you can get right to action! We use the most modern mineral filters that are much easier to apply, feel light on your skin and leave no white cast.

Long-term deep hydration

Sun, wind, water and cold temperatures dry out the skin. When your skin is dehydrated, it loses elasticity. Long-lasting, deep hydration is important before, during and after outdoor activities to keep your skin soft and healthy!

For sensitive skin

Sensitive skin needs natural protection. Our products are free from alcohol, perfumes, parabens and endocrine disruptors. They are hypoallergenic and contain natural ingredients. Perfect for kids!

For element-exposed skin

Nature’s harsh elements can leave your skin feeling irritated, tight, itchy or dry after outdoor sports. SWOX products give your skin plenty of hydration and care so you can keep doing what you love.

Coral reef-safe

It has been scientifically proven that high concentrations of certain chemicals found in sunscreens can harm coral reefs and other sealife. Our sunscreens do not contain any of these ingredients and we are committed to continuously revising our products according to the latest state of research.

Authorized travel size

Size matters, especially when you’re travelling! SWOX products come ideal sizes to fit in your beach bag, running pack, glove compartment or pocket.

For all outdoor activities

SWOX sun protection is made for athletes. Whether you prefer waves or wind in the water, rock or snow in the mountains, beach volleyball in the sand, or cycling or running on trail or asphalt –– SWOX products are very resistant to water and sweat. They feel light on your skin and are non-greasy.

100% natural organic formula

We think that both the environment and your skin deserve organic. Our 100% naturally organic formulas reflect this. It’s no coincidence that our organic Aloe Vera is sourced from our favourite place to surf in Europe – Portugal!

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

Let’s face it, the warm touch of the sun on our skin feels so good! There’s nothing like soaking up the first rays of sunshine after a long, cold winter. But those delicious rays actually contain two types of radiation harmful to human skin: UVA and UVB.

UVB rays contain more energy than UVA rays, but they only reach the upper layer of your skin, called the epidermis. They boost your vitamin D production and tan your skin. But they can also attack your pigment cells and cause sunburn or cause cancer in the skin cells of the epidermis.

UVA rays are less energetic than UVB rays, but they reach a deeper layer of the skin, called the dermis. They attack the elastic connective tissue of the skin and lead to premature skin aging, characterized by pigment spots and wrinkles. In high doses, they can also lead to sunburn and allergies. There is also evidence that they can contribute to the formation of skin cancer, also known as malignant melanoma. It is very important that you protect yourself from both UVA and UVB rays using a broad-spectrum sunscreen and UV-protective clothing.

What is the UV-index?

The Ultraviolet Index (UVI), or UV Index, is an international measure for the intensity of the midday sun. It was standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

Most weather reports also provide a daily UV Index measurement. The higher the UV Index, the faster sun damage is likely to occur. The UV Index varies depending on cloud cover, the height of the sun, the thickness of the ozone layer and the altitude of the location. The UV Index ranges from 0 (low) to 11 (extreme). Sun protection measures, such as wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, are recommended when the UV Index is 3 or higher. A UV Index higher than 5 is considered high intensity.

How do sun intensity and activity level affect the need for sun protection?

Have you ever noticed that it takes less time to get a sunburn in the water than on land? The reason for this is that the intensity of the UV rays is amplified when they get reflected. This occurs when you are next to or in water, but also in snow and white sand. The sun intensity differs depending on the weather, time of day, your geographic location and its altitude.

More UV radiation passes through the sky when it’s cloudy than on a bluebird day. Sun intensity is highest around midday, when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky. The closer you are to the equator, the higher the sun’s intensity. The intensity of the sun also increases with altitude.

The individual factors that contribute to the intensity of the sun depend on and reinforce each other. Your activity level also plays a role. How much time do you spend outside doing sports? It is important to ask yourself these questions when choosing the right sun protection. A lower sun protection might suffice for a short run under a cloudy European sky but would be a poor choice for long surfing sessions in Costa Rica, due to the difference in sun intensity.

What role does skin type play in choosing the right sunscreen?

Our skin type affects how sensitive we are to the sun. Already in the 1970s, six different skin types were defined, based on the skin’s self-protection time.

Self-protection time refers to the amount of time an individual with untanned skin can spend in the sun before their skin shows the first signs of sun damage. It is best to let a dermatologist determine your skin type as part of a yearly check-up.

Both types of filters have different properties. That is why you should always think carefully about the type of activity and which part of your body you are choosing protection for.

Chemical filters are used in lotions, creams and sprays. They need to absorb into your skin, which can take up to 30 minutes. Once they have been absorbed, they are invisible. These filters enter the deepest layers of your skin and can therefore are enter your blood stream. Claims that chemical filters can act as hormones in your body are incorrect. Even the highest reasonable concentrations are far below the amount that would be necessary to achieve a hormonal effect. In Europe, this is regularly assessed by the European Commission.

SWOX lotions only use filters which are assessed by the European Commission as safe for human health, according to the latest standards.

The ongoing discussion about “reef-safe“ sunscreens specifically applies to certain chemical filters. Although they are not harmful to humans, scientific tests under laboratory conditions have shown that the organic UV filters oxybenzone, octocrylene and octinoxate are harmful to coral reefs and other aquatic life forms. SWOX does not use any of these three UV filters.

The advantage of chemical filters is that they can be used in lotions because they are very easy rub into the skin evenly. This is especially important for vulnerable skin types, who need to ensure that every last inch of skin gets good sunscreen coverage. Once absorbed into the skin, a high-quality sunscreen with chemical filters can be very resistant to water and sweat. We recommend using SWOX lotions and creams with chemical filters on larger areas of the body, as a day cream for your face and for those hard-to-reach areas during moderate outdoor activity (e.g. ears, neck, top of feet, etc.).

Sunscreen lotions with chemical filters are often accused of causing allergies. This is not true. Most skin reactions to lotions are caused by other ingredients, such as parabens, perfumes and alcohol. SWOX lotions do not contain any of these ingredients and are safe to use on sensitive skin.

Mineral sun protection substances are tiny –– unless you compare them to chemical filters, in which case they are very large –– particles of zinc oxide or titanium oxide pigments. In basic terms, they act like microscopic mirrors reflecting UV rays from your skin. They remain on the surface of your skin and are not absorbed into deeper layers. Mineral UV filters are commonly used in sunscreen sticks and creams.

SWOX Zinc is also available in a smooth shade of beige that blends in with your skin tone instead of turning it pasty white. Plus, the new generation of mineral UV filters are much easier to apply than their earlier counterparts. They are more comfortable to wear and easy to spread across the skin. However, their slightly thicker consistency makes mineral sunscreens less suitable for application on larger areas of skin than chemical filters.

DEEP
HYDRATION

Even the most modern generation of mineral filters, such as those used in SWOX sunscreen, can’t quite compete with chemical filters when it comes to how easy they are to spread. They are best used on your face and to cover up the most exposed parts of your skin: cheeks, lips, tips of the ears, bridge of the nose, shoulders and scalp (if not protected by hair or headwear).

Naturally, mineral UV filters do not contain substances which are considered to harm coral reefs and can therefore be classified as “reef-safe” according to the latest scientific knowledge.

01
WATER-RESISTANT
SUNSCREEN

Ensure that your sunscreen is labelled ‘very water-resistant’

The terms ‘water-resistant’ and ‘very water-resistant’ are regulated by the European Trade Association for the cosmetic and personal care industry, COLIPA. Sunscreens can only be labelled as very water-resistant if at least half of their sun protection factor remains after four twenty-minute bathing sessions.

SWOX sunscreens not only fulfill this standard, but far exceed it. It is now known that certain ingredients in cosmetics (and likely many more) can cause harm to coral reefs and other aquatic life, making it even more preferable to choose a very water-resistant sunscreen in order to minimize the amount of product that washes off into the water.

02
SUN PROTECTION FACTOR
(SPF)

Choose a sunscreen with the appropriate sun protection factor

Whether you’re using a mineral sports sunblock or a sunscreen lotion, selecting the right sun protection factor is essential. The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how well your sunscreen protects your skin from UV rays. In other terms, the SPF of your sunscreen tells you how long you can spend in the sun before getting the first signs of sunburn. SPF is not a minute value –– it’s a multiplying factor of the self-protection time of the skin. Depending on an individual’s skin type, their self-protection time may range from just a few minutes to over an hour. Consult your dermatologist for an accurate assessment of your skin type and get your skin checked once a year. Check the previous section, “All About Sun Protection“ to get a general idea of what your skin type might be.

03
THE
GOLDILOCKS PRINCIPLE

Use neither too little, nor too much sunscreen

It may sound confusing at first but let us explain. Test have shown that most people apply too little sunscreen –– up to a quarter or half of the necessary amount to gain adequate protection. The sun protection factor (SPF) of a sunscreen is only accurate when enough sunscreen has been applied, otherwise the level of protection is reduced significantly. But what is the recommended amount of sunscreen for your face and body? On average, adults needs five to six tablespoons of sunscreen to cover the entire body and at least one tablespoon for the face to achieve sufficient protection.

As a rule of thumb, you should re-apply sunscreen every two hours. You will need to re-apply even more frequently if you have been in the water or if your sunscreen may have been rubbed off by the sand, a towel or your clothes –– even if the sunscreen you are using is very water-resistant. It is important to understand that re-applying sunscreen helps to maintain your level of protection, but does not prolong it.

If you want to be as “reef-friendly” or “reef-safe” as possible and reduce the amount of sunscreen entering the ocean, wearing UV-protective clothing can help you to minimize the amount of sunscreen needed.

04
SENSITIVE
SKIN

Natural ingredients help to avoid skin irritations and allergies.

Outdoor athletes and sensitive skin types tend to prefer sunscreens that use natural ingredients. Skin that is prone to allergies and irritations requires gentle care. If you are prone to sun allergy, it is important to look for sunscreens that are free from parabens, perfumes and alcohol.

A hypoallergenic, non-greasy sunscreen is also ideal for sports that require grip on your board or handlebars. Not to mention that a light, non-oily lotion feels great on your skin.

If you prefer not to use chemical UV filters because they absorb into your skin, a mineral sports sunscreen is the best solution for you. The mineral UV filters zinc and titanium dioxide do not absorb into your skin. Instead, they work like tiny mirrors reflecting UV light from the skin’s surface. This makes mineral sunscreens especially suitable for sensitive skin.

05
SUSTAINABILITY

Choose a sunscreen brand that uses sustainable ingredients and packaging.
Protecting the ocean and its inhabitants is important to surfers, watersports athletes and beachgoers alike. Hawaii and other regions of the world have banned the UV filters oxybenzone and octinoxate, and all sunscreens containing them, due to evidence that some UV filters can be harmful to corals and other ocean life.

Global studies have shown that high concentrations of these substances contribute to coral bleaching and can harm other sea life.

Harmful concentrations of these UV filters occur especially in areas with a lot of human activity near coral reefs. The terms “reef-friendly” and “reef-safe” are not legally protected and can therefore be used somewhat arbitrarily. To be safe, check the ingredient label of your sunscreen.

Sustainable, eco-friendly packaging is also a good factor to consider when choosing the right brand of sunscreen. I’m green™ plastic is a more environmentally conscious alternative to regular plastic. It is made largely with renewable sugarcane instead of fossil fuels. This reduces overall CO2 emissions during the manufacturing process and also captures carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during sugarcane production. You can also buy sunscreens with packaging made from 100% recycled plastic, such as our SWOX sun lotion dispensers. Our sunscreens also use FSC-certified paper packaging and labels printed on renewable or recyclable materials.

With his characteristic beard and affinity for barrels, Pro-surfer and SWOX athlete Wade Carmichael is used to hearing that he gets a little more sun protection than the rest. His humble, soft-spoken personality contrasts his powerful surfing and tube riding.

Wade Carmichael was Rookie of the Year in the 2018 World Surf League Tour (WSL). He finished ninth in 2019, his second tour year. That’s when he met SWOX co-founder Max in a bar and decided to join the SWOX pro team. “SWOX Zinc is the first thing I pack on my way to the beach,“ he explains, “I also like that SWOX works to reduce its climate impact by using packaging made from renewable materials”.

PERFECT
SUN PROTECTION
FOR SURFERS