Sunscreen FAQ

In order for a sunscreen to claim a given Sun Protection Factor it must contain one or more filtering agents that are approved under European legislation.

This legislation not only sets out which ingredients may be used but also gives the percentages of each ingredient that the finished product must contain in order to achieve and claim a given level of protection.

This ensures that sunscreen products made by different manufacturers using different ingredients can be compared on a like-for-like basis.

Green People use two different sunscreens in our sun lotions. The first is Titanium dioxide, a naturally occurring white mineral that acts as a reflective barrier to UVA radiation. Widely recognised as being non-toxic and inert, this is one of the sun-screen agents approved under European legislation.

The second ingredient is an extract from cinnamon leaf with the proper name of Isoamyl P-methoxycinnamate. This is effective against UVB radiation and is also on the approved European list. By using these two ingredients we are able to offer effective, natural protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.

Read more about the ingredients we use in our natural sunscreens.

Sunscreens SPFs represent how much longer someone can stay out in the sun without burning. 

They only relate to protection UVB rays (the ones which give sunburn), not UVA rays, which penetrate the skin further and do more long-lasting skin damage.

We have more information on this topic in our articles: SPF ratings and Green People SPFs.