Raw Elements
Brian Guadagno, founder of Raw Elements, has been an Ocean Lifeguard my whole life, and through that experience he discovered how harmful chemical sunscreens are for our personal health and the health of our environment. Horrified at this discovery he went on a quest to find a safe and effective solution, but one just did not exist. After a lot of research, he turned his kitchen into a lab and began formulating his own sunscreen. The goal was to develop a natural sunscreen that could keep up with the active person and develop a brand that could connect with many different types of people. This process led to the development of Raw Elements USA.
Our skin is our largest organ; what we put on it has a direct effect on our health. It also has a direct impact on our environment. How? The chemicals and artificial ingredients in conventional sunscreen run off upon entering the water and spread rapidly. While we may not see it immediately, this has a negative impact on marine life. As a brand, Raw Elements is committed to using the most effective, yet gentle ingredients in our products that are safe enough for use on babies, while holding up to the demands of athletes. Sourcing and cultivation of agriculture is a critical component in ingredient sustainability. RE´s ingredients are individually selected and sourced, Non-GMO Project Verified and either certified natural or certified organic. The products go through third-party testing to ensure that there are no nano-sized particles in the finished formulas. Additionally, the Zinc Oxide used is USP grade, uncoated, sustainably mined and recycled.
Many people are unknowingly using sunscreens that are unhealthy for their skin and/or damage corals. There is so much misinformation and little regulation on the terminology. You will often see words like “natural”, “eco safe” or “reef safe” in the name or description of very toxic products, which can mislead consumers. Some brands add minerals or organic ingredients into the mix and tout those, distracting from dangerous active ingredients. Below is a list of cautionary ingredients not allowed in many eco-marine reserves. This is because they have a negative effect on corals from damaging DNA to bleaching. Unfortunately, one or more is in over 90% of sunscreens on the market. All of the below are on Raw Elements´ Restricted Substance List and will never be used in any of our products:
Avobenzone, Benzophenone-3, Butyl/Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Butylcarbamate, Butylparaben, Cetyl Dimethicone, Cinoxate/Cinnamate, Dimethyl Apramide, Dioxybenzone, Ensulizole, GMO’s, Hexyldecanol, Homosalate, Meradimate, Menthyl Anthranilate, Methlparaben, Methylbenzylidene, Nano-Particles, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Octyl Salicyclate, Oxybenzone, Padimate O, PABA, Phenylbenzimidazole, Polyethylene, Propylparaben, Sulisobenzone, Synthetic Ingredients, Synthetic Fragrances, Synthetic Preservatives, Sulisobenzone, Titanium coated in Aluminum or Dimethicone and Trolamine Salicyclate.
By carefully choosing your sunscreen your are not only protecting your skin, but also our marine environment. In recent years, there has been a major decline of our coral reefs due to coral bleaching: 40% in Hawaii, 40% in the Great Barrier Reef, 85% in the Caribbean, 99% in the Florida Keys. A major cause of this decline is sunscreen pollution. Chemicals found in many sunscreens have been extremely detrimental to our reefs. Approximately 14K tons of sunscreen enter waters around corals each year, but that’s only a piece of the problem. Sewage is one of the biggest sources of pollution. Whether you live inland or by the beach, what you put on your body is going to reach our waters. When you shower, it’s going to wash off and end up in our lakes, oceans and rivers. A small amount of these chemicals can cause a lot of damage. As little as 1 drop of oxybenzone in 6.5 olympic sized swimming pools is enough to cause an adverse effect in coral. Raw Elements feels a great responsibility to raise awareness about this issue and make a positive impact, which is why only non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient is used in all their products. It is the only active that does not damage corals.
One of the projects to raise awareness was the launch of World Reef Day in 2019. Every year on June 1 consumers, businesses and organizations around the world are called to action to reflect on the delicate ecosystem of our ocean’s coral reefs and make simple changes to protect them. The goal is to generate awareness about the issues affecting our reefs and inspire people to take action by reducing single-use plastics and switching to reef-safe sunscreen. This day is used to encourage friends and people throughout the world to start a conversation and get involved. It’s important for people to know that we have contributed to the decline of corals, but that we can fix it. The goal is to build the day each year, generate awareness, effect change and create a legacy for future generations. This year with most people having to stay at home, the event was held virtually and 25% of proceeds made in June went to several NGO´s:
@CoralGardeners – The NGO based on the island of Moorea taking action to solve the problems coral reefs are facing and getting the whole world to join them.
@SustainableCoastlinesHawaii – A grassroots nonprofit with a mission of inspiring local communities to care for their coastlines through large-scale beach cleanups, educating students, and offering waste diversion services for events on Oʻahu.
@SurfriderOahu – Working to protect our ocean, beaches and waves, and instrumental in the passage of the plastic bag ban as well as Bill 40, the most comprehensive plastic ban in the nation.
@Mālama_Pūpūkea_Waimea – Working to replenish and sustain the natural and cultural resources of the Pūpūkea and Waimea ahupua‘a for present and future generations through active community stewardship, education, and partnerships.
Furthermore, RE joined 1% for the Planet because part of their mission is to create products that are not only safe for humans but for all ecosystems. Through this partnership, 1% of the annual sales will be donated to nonprofits who are working to preserve and protect one of nature’s most precious resources.
While chemicals from skincare products play a large role in the degradation of marine life, it’s difficult to ignore the harmful effects of plastic debris. Of the 260 million tons of plastic the world produces each year, more than 10 percent ends up in the oceans. Unfortunately, food containers and packaging are the largest component of the municipal solid waste stream. Raw Elements´ plastic-free line is a direct response to this. The best-selling Face + Body SPF 30 and our Tinted Daily Face Moisturizer SPF 30 are available in zero waste/plastic free aluminum tins. Aluminum metal can be infinitely recycled. These tins are designed to be used over and over again. Not only are they completely recyclable, but the empty tins have a multitude of uses. So consumers are encouraged to re-use them. Some creative ways to reuse them include storing headphones, jewelry or sea shells. Taking it one step further, the tins´ lids are produced without standard HDPE liners. RE has a brand goal of eventually reaching 100% plastic free packaging. This is likely their greatest challenge, but one they continue to make great steps towards. Recently a Zero-Waste Baby + Kids line was launched. These products are completely plastic free and available in compostable packaging. By offering our kiddos eco-conscious, chemical-free sunscreen options, we are teaching them safe sun practices and the importance of making sustainable choices.
Raw Elements holds different certifications:
EWG´s (Environmental Working Group) rating on efficacy and safety. EWG breaks down and rates every ingredient both active and inactive and has given RE #1 rating seven years in a row. RE is also a founding brand in the EWG Sun Safety Coalition.
Leaping Bunny is the only internationally recognized symbol guaranteeing consumers that no new animal tests were used in the development of any product displaying it. When you are working with quality natural ingredients, there is no need to test on animals. It’s much better to rub some sunscreen on ourselves and hit the waves!
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics works to eliminate dangerous chemicals linked to adverse health impacts from cosmetics and personal care products. Many of the skin care products people slather on their bodies include toxins, hormone disruptors, allergens, and cancer-causing ingredients. RE is a Champion Status Signer, committed to the safest ingredients.
There are several things you can do yourself in choosing your sunscreen effectively:
Choose Broad Spectrum Non Nano Zinc Oxide protection. There are presently still 16 FDA approved active ingredients in sunscreen. While many of these offer UVB protection, only four offer any UVA protection. Zinc Oxide is the only single, broad spectrum active. Non Nano Zinc Oxide is a mineral that physically blocks the entire range of UVA & UVB. Non Nano Zinc Oxide sits on top of skin, is large enough to not absorbed as the others and is a non skin irritant. Look for Non Nano Zinc Oxide percentages to be over 18% and ideally the only active ingredient. Non Nano Zinc Oxide is reef safe. Titanium Dioxide does not cover the full range of UVA radiation by itself.
Use Broad Spectrum SPF 30, beware of lower or higher numbers. It is a widely accepted that Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is the benchmark needed to provide adequate UVB & balanced UVA protection. In FDA mandated testing, SPF 30 sunscreens filter 97% of UVB rays while SPF 50 only filters 1% more at 98% and SPF 100 would only offer 2% more at 99%. In real life application, however, it is very unlikely that filtering more than 97% of UVB rays is plausible. Furthermore, extremely high SPF claims provide a false sense of security, double or triple the amount of chemicals and skin absorption while risking excessive UVA exposure.
Choose ʻWater Resistant 80 Minutesʼ, a proven track record, & avoid spray on products. The term ‘Water Resistant 80 Minutes’ is regulated by the FDA. It represents a sunscreenʼs ability to remain effective after 80 minutes exposure to water. ‘Waterproof’ and ‘All Day Protection’ claims are misleading and not allowed. A product that is Water Resistant 80 Minutes will likely offer better sweat resistance as well. Ultimately, a Water Resistant 80 Minutes sunscreen that has performed well for you in the past is a wise choice in the future. Avoid sprays or powder sunscreens at all costs. These applicators expel excess amounts of chemical ingredients which immediately become lung inhalants and pose a health hazard. Additionally, these chemicals go airborne and indiscriminately pollute the environment. Furthermore it is nearly impossible to determine the correct dosage application and quite often skin coverage is not effective.
And you can do those things in using your sunscreen effectively:
Sunscreen is the last line of defense, not the first. It is imperative that a complete approach toward sun protection is used. Contrary to popular belief, no sunscreen alone will keep you totally protected. It is always suggested to stay out of peak sun between the hours of 10am and 2pm, seek shade and wear protective clothing and hats. Avoid extended periods of exposure, never allow skin to sunburn and avoid a deep tan, as both UVB and UVA rays cause skin cancer.
Apply more than enough. In order for sunscreen to be effective as advertised, the correct amount must be applied. The FDA regulates that all sunscreens must be SPF tested in the amount of 2mg of formula per square centimeter of skin. What this means is that an adult wearing only shorts must use one full ounce of sunscreen per application to cover all the exposed skin properly. Approximately a teaspoon size amount is needed to adequately protect the face, ears and neck. Using less than the correct amount drastically reduces the sunscreens ability to protect the skin and the SPF claim will not be met. Apply enough to leave an even, visible film over desired coverage area, then rub in to the desired look.
Apply early, reapply often. The vast majority of chemical sunscreens require early application, at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure to be effective. Reducing this time period will reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen. Non Nano Zinc Oxide, as a physical barrier is effective the moment it is evenly applied to the skin. It is imperative to reapply sunscreen often, at least every eighty minutes during long periods of sun exposure. Regardless how ʻWater Resistantʼ a formula claims to be, it is wise to reapply after any water exposure, sweating, or towel drying. Applying early and reapplying often will give the sunscreen the best chance to perform effectively.
Based: Raw Elements USA is based in Huntington Beach, USA. In Europe the importer and distributor is located in Poland.
Ships to: In the USA: to the US and Canada. In Europe: to all European countries
Products: Sunscreens for Body, Face, Lips. A special sunscreen line for Baby & Kids is also available.
Mission: To create products that are not only safe for humans but for all ecosystems. We care deeply about our environment, especially our oceans.
Vision: To raise awareness about the effects sunscreen has on our health and on the health of our oceans and make a positive impact.
