Australian-based skincare label People4Ocean has developed a new generation of sunscreens. The new products, according to the brand, are free from ocean-polluting ingredients.

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Ditching potentially harmful ingredients People4Ocean opts for organic components instead, such as carrot pigments, coconut oil, and more. Despite not using chemical UV filters, People4Ocean sunscreens are just as effective as the ones currently sold in the market. The new products were part of a collaboration with the Australian Spa label La Gaia Unedited, and have since been recognised at the Australian Non-Toxic Awards 2020.

Taking things a step further, People4Ocean products are 100 per cent Australian-made using solar power and adhere to strict ethical practices. The packaging uses recyclable sugarcane PE bioplastics and the brand also provides shoppers with an option for carbon-neutral shipping. People4Ocean — husband and wife duo, Louise and Austin Laing — kickstarted this project when they observed that while people are more conscious about the importance of sunscreen, many are unaware of water-polluting ingredients commonly found in such products. These include Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene. 

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Ingredients such as these can have adverse effects on ocean wildlife, which have already taken a serious hit over the years. Conservation specialists such as Kendall Jones from the University of Queensland, Australia, have remarked on the dire state of marine wilderness.

“We were astonished by just how little marine wilderness remains,” Jones said in a statement. “The ocean is immense, covering over 70% of our planet, but we’ve managed to significantly impact almost all of this vast ecosystem.”

In recent years, more emphasis has been given to the beneficial effects of sunscreen. Various studies have been conducted and it is now an open secret that regular application can help to prevent premature aging. With this knowledge, more skincare labels have now included sunscreens in the lineup.

A portion of the proceeds from People4ocean product sales will be donated to support local reef initiatives in the region. 

For more information or to make a purchase, head more to People4Ocean’s website here.

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