Meet Our New Sheer Mineral Sunscreen: Eclipse

The Story of Eclipse

It’s simple-- As a Master’s in Public Health and family member who’s experienced countless relatives battle skin cancer, I believe in nothing more than sunscreen to help prevent sun damage, skin cancer, and premature aging. Additionally, our most frequently requested product has remained the same for years… a sunscreen! 

An effective SPF sunscreen is the single most important skincare product everyone should be using (that’s not just my opinion; it’s science!). This is why I have been working for over 3 years on a sunscreen that I believe in and that meets these strict standards we have for all of our products at Earth Harbor. I’m so proud to announce that Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen hits all of the marks and is 100% mineral-based and plant-based, is safe for people and the planet (including reefs!), makes you actually want to wear SPF daily, is a proven OTC product made in a leading certified lab, and sinks in fast for all skin types and skin tones. If I could only choose one skincare gem from Earth Harbor to use for the rest of my life it would be Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen! Enjoy!

 

With Oceans of Love,

Ali

 

 

Meet Eclipse Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

This lightweight, clean, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen lotion helps protect skin against sunburn, skin damage, early aging, and environmental stress. She is reef-safe, non-nano, and 100% mineral-based with Zinc Oxide, Macroalgae, and Green Tea Extract to protect skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and pollution damage. Eclipse Sunscreen blends in for all skin tones quickly without leaving a trace through her innovative Sheer Mineral Matrix, and is friendly to all skin types through her unique utilization of non-comedogenic plant-based ingredients.

Eclipse Sunscreen is never chalky, never greasy, and never heavy. She’s super gentle, hassle-free, comfortable, layers under makeup, and leaves skin with a soft natural finish.

 

 

How to Use

Apply daily as the last step in your skincare ritual after moisturizing and before makeup. Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply as necessary (at least every 2 hours).

Suggested skincare ritual:

• Cleanse
• Tone
• Essence
• Treatment
• Moisturizer
• SPF (using Eclipse Sunscreen)

*Note that unlike other Earth Harbor skincare gems, it is not recommended to create a customized skincare cocktail with Eclipse Sunscreen.

 

 

All Ingredients Explained

Zinc Oxide: 

A mineral that works as a physical sunscreen to essentially block UV rays from reaching the skin. Our non-nano zinc oxide provides broad spectrum sun protection and helps prevent skin cancer and early aging.

 

Macroalgae: 

A seaweed that helps protect skin from damage caused by blue light exposure. It also helps boost skin radiance.

 

Green Tea Extract: 

From Japan, Green Tea Extract has antioxidant properties and helps maintain skin's appearance after facing environmental stressors and pollution. 

 

Hydrolyzed Jojoba Esters: 

Essential fatty acids from the jojoba plant that are broken down by water. They help with oil control and keep skin balanced and soft.

 

Aloe Leaf (Aloe barbadensis) Juice:

Full of antioxidants, enzymes, and vitamins A and C, aloe vera juice hydrates, protects, and plumps skin. 

 

Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) Butter:

Rich in fatty acids, shea butter is a non-comedogenic plant butter that moisturizes and improves the skin’s barrier.

 

Vegetable Glycerin:

This soy-free, plant-derived humectant draws in moisture and helps the formula glide on the skin.

 

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride:

A plant-based skin conditioner that is made from combining fatty acids and glycerin.

 

Water (Aqua):

Water acts as a solvent and improves texture and spreadability across your skin. It is the liquid base of our sunscreen.

 

Polyhydroxystearic Acid:

A fatty acid-derived soft wax that creates a coating on the zinc oxide particles in our sunscreen and helps them disperse evenly (the key ingredient in our Sheer Mineral Matrix for keeping the formula from leaving a white cast).

 

Coconut Alkanes:

A coconut-derived emollient that helps condition the skin.

 

Cetearyl Alcohol:

A plant-derived fatty alcohol that softens skin, aids in delivering actives, and prevents separation of ingredients in our sunscreen. It also acts as a thickener in this formula and helps give a desirable texture.

 

Coco-Glucoside:

This plant-derived ingredient helps thicken the formula while also keeping ingredients from separating. It is made by combining fatty alcohols and glucose (sugar).

 

Cetearyl Glucoside:

A plant-based emulsifier that keep the oils and the water in this formula properly and evenly mixed. It is made from a combination of fatty alcohols and glucose.

 

Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside:

A plant-based conditioner and thickener that is a combination of fatty alcohols and glucose.

Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate:

From licorice root, this is a moisturizing agent that soothes skin.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate:

A plant-derived emulsifier and skin conditioner that is a natural silicone alternative. It is made of fatty alcohols and fatty acids.

Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate:

Frequently used in chocolate and salad dressings, this natural emulsifier keeps oil-based ingredients and water-based ingredients from separating. 

Isostearic Acid:

A plant-derived fatty acid emollient that acts as a natural emulsifier.

Sodium Phytate:

A natural stabilizer and chelating agent that helps prevent discoloration while also enhancing our natural preservatives.

Lecithin:

A plant-derived fat that both acts as a skin softener and prevents separation.

Tocopherol:

A stable form of vitamin E known to condition the skin, give antioxidant protection, and help keep oils from going rancid.

Xanthan Gum:

A plant-based stabilizer that helps to thicken and stabilize our sunscreen formula.

Sclerotium Gum:

A plant-derived sugar that thickens and stabilizes the formula.

Glyceryl Caprylate:

A plant-derived emulsifier that prevents oils and water-based ingredients from separating.

Capryhydroxamic Acid:

A plant-derived acid that helps to naturally preserve our formula.

 

Eclipse FAQs

How much should I apply?

Use a pea-sized amount of sunscreen each on your nose, chin, forehead, each cheek, and then the same amount combined for your neck and decolletage. Aka. a nickel-sized dollop to your face alone, then another nickel-sized dollop to your neck and decolletage. Another way to measure out how much you need is to use 2 finger length squirts of sunscreen on your face and 1 finger length on your neck and decolletage.

Will this sunscreen break me out? Is it good for sensitive skin? And is it greasy? Does it feel heavy?

Eclipse sunscreen was specifically formulated with the most sensitive and reactive skin types in mind, and in general, mineral sunscreen is known to be the best type of SPF for those skin types. We chose naturally-derived, non-comedogenic, oil-free ingredients that also give a lightweight, non-oily finish. Since all skin is different, we do always recommend performing a patch test before using on the entire face, specifically if you are concerned with sensitivity.

Mineral SPF will always absorb into the outermost layer of your skin, so a well-made mineral sunscreen like Eclipse won’t make your skin feel greasy and will always sink in. If you are experiencing an oilier finish than expected or a white cast, just give Eclipse Sunscreen 10 minutes to absorb (it always does!).

Will this sunscreen leave a white cast? Is it tinted?

Eclipse Sunscreen is not tinted and has been tested on a variety of skin tones and skin types to confirm a white cast won’t be left behind. We use a breakthrough, plant-based Sheer Mineral Matrix that coats and suspends the zinc oxide in order to achieve this! If you are experiencing a bit of a white cast, just let Eclipse Sunscreen absorb for 10 minutes or less and you’ll see that it goes away. 

Can I wear this with makeup?

Yes! Eclipse Sunscreen’s unique, lightweight, plant-based, and oil-free formula creates a great base for makeup and acts similarly to a primer. If you want to reapply Eclipse over makeup, then rub it between your fingertips and gently press it onto your face. Generally this will work well, but do keep in mind that it depends on the cosmetics you use. 

What color is Eclipse Sunscreen?

White. Although, her bottle is an opaque metallic pink color (that has a special UV coating to add extra protection to the sunscreen).

 

Can I use Eclipse Sunscreen in place of a moisturizer?

No because the formula doesn’t meet all the needs your skin has for a moisturizer and was created to be lightweight and undiluted (unlike moisturizers that contain SPF; we wanted to ensure the efficacy of our product). We recommend layering it over a moisturizer for optimal results.

 

Can this replace your Samphire Sea-Retinol Digital Serum in my skincare routine since Eclipse Sunscreen also offers blue light protection?

While Eclipse Sunscreen and Samphire Serum both offer blue light protection for skin, Eclipse is first and foremost a sunscreen, and Samphire Serum is a retinol alternative serum that also offers a physical barrier against blue light. Both have multitasking benefits, so by using both you get all of those benefits in addition to extra optimized blue light protection for your skin. Additionally, Samphire is great for nighttime use since you’re still exposed to blue light at night verses Eclipse since SPF is only needed during the daytime (so alternating them for day and night use is a great idea, too!)

Can this replace your Helios Antipollution Youth Ampoule in my skincare routine since Eclipse Sunscreen also offers pollution protection?

While Eclipse Sunscreen does offer pollution protection, Helios Ampoule was specifically created to offer the broadest array of unparalleled antipollution benefits. Helios Ampoule not only combats pollutants, but also daily skin stressors, and offers reparative benefits with plant stem cells that Eclipse Sunscreen does not have. Pairing Eclipse Sunscreen with Helios Ampoule will offer the boldest defense against the elements, and at night, Helios Ampoule can also work her magic as an aftersun replenishment treatment.

Can it be used on the body?

Yasss!

Is this sunscreen reef-safe and non-nano?

Yes! The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which does no harm to coral nor other marine life. It is also non-nano!

Is this 100% mineral sunscreen? 

Yes!

 

 

What is the difference between mineral/physical sunscreen (like Eclipse) and chemical sunscreen? 

Chemical -- Chemical sunscreens use carbon-based ingredients such as oxybenzone or avobenzone to protect skin from UV rays. They do this by absorbing all of the UV rays and then transforming them into heat so that it can be released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to diminish in potency and efficaciousness quicker than physical sunscreens, so you have to reapply them more often. Some studies have even shown that chemical sunscreen ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, and others, can be absorbed into the bloodstream when applied to the skin, although research on how that affects the body remains inconclusive. Importantly, common chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are known to damage and kill coral reefs and other marine life, which is why many coastal regions are starting to ban sunscreens with these ingredients. 

Physical or Mineral -- Physical sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect skin from UV rays. Rather than fully absorbing into the skin like chemical sunscreen actives, physical sunscreen actives sit on the skin’s surface where they scatter and reflect UV rays. The main active ingredients used in mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are certified as GRASE (Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective) by the FDA. Mineral sunscreens also typically have a longer shelf life than chemical sunscreens and zinc oxide on its own is able to block the full range of UV rays, while chemical sunscreens usually need many different ingredients to do the same thing. Note that minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are naturally white in color and as a result, a frequent complaint about physical sunscreens is that they can leave a white or chalky-looking cast on skin. While that does depend on how the sunscreen is formulated, it’s still the case that even with mineral sunscreens having come such a long way the last few years, limitations will always exist regarding transparency of the formula when mineral sunscreens are compared to chemical sunscreens. Additionally, physical sunscreens rinse off more easily, which is great for cleansing your skin, but something to be mindful of when you are excessively sweating or swimming so that you are sure to reapply as needed.

The bottom line for chemical versus mineral sunscreens is that they both have pros and cons, but just make sure you wear SPF that best fits your needs and lifestyle every day no matter what! 

How often do I need to reapply sunscreen and why?

The FDA recommends reapplication of any sunscreen every 2 hours in order to prevent sun damage.

Is Eclipse Sunscreen water and sweat resistant?

No. It was engineered for daily use and to also be lightweight, so use a water-resistant sunscreen if you plan on going swimming or sweating a lot.

How long does one bottle of this sunscreen last if I use it every day?

If used daily on your face and neck (which is recommended), then one bottle will last approximately 1 month.

Is it safe for kids to use?

Eclipse Sunscreen is entirely nontoxic, however we recommend showing the ingredient list to your child’s pediatrician to confirm safety for your child specifically.

Is it safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding?

Eclipse Sunscreen is entirely nontoxic, however we recommend showing the ingredient list to your doctor to confirm safety for you specifically.

What does Eclipse Sunscreen smell like?

It does not have a scent. The aroma is completely neutral as this is an unscented product that does not contain any type of fragrance or fragrant extract.

What does SPF 30 mean? And how is that determined?

Our sunscreen has an SPF rating of 30, which is higher than the FDA minimum SPF recommendation and is the American Academy of Dermatology recommendation. Our SPF 30 rating was determined by FDA-approved laboratory tests.

First of all, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and that number indicates how well the sunscreen protects skin against a sunburn. If it takes 300 seconds for skin to burn with sunscreen, and 10 seconds for it to burn without it, then 300 is divided by 10, which is 30... And voila! The SPF is 30. See below for more information on what that means and how we prove it.

Is it true that the higher the SPF number the better? Why is this SPF 30 rather than 40 or 50?

Not necessarily. SPF 30 allows a sunscreen to be more inclusive for skin types and skin tones when it comes to a mineral SPF formula. 30 is also above the FDA minimum SPF recommendation of 15 and the minimum required daily by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Does Eclipse Sunscreen offer broad spectrum protection? 

Yes!

What does broad spectrum mean?

Broad spectrum sunscreens, like Eclipse Sunscreen, protects against both UVA and UVB rays/damage. Note that not all broad spectrum sunscreens also protect against blue light and pollution like our sunscreen does.

 

How do you know this sunscreen is effective? How is it tested?

We work with our lab to conduct FDA-approved third party tests to determine the effectiveness of our formula. Read on for more specifics on the tests that are conducted:

For UVB ray testing: Tests are conducted on human volunteer subjects who have certain skin types that easily burn. 2 mg of our SPF is applied per square centimeter of their skin and then a control area of their skin does not have our SPF applied. Their skin is then exposed to a UV lamp. Then, the amount of time it takes for skin to begin to burn or redden on the areas with and without the SPF is calculated. This is how the SPF value is obtained.

For UVA ray testing: Our sunscreen formula is applied to three special laboratory plates and is then exposed to UV light. Then, the amount of UV that has been absorbed is calculated and thus it is determined how well the sunscreen formula keeps UVA rays out of each plate.

Both tests prove that our formula is effective and provides broad spectrum protection.

Since this does not contain titanium dioxide is it really a broad spectrum sunscreen? 

Zinc oxide all by itself offers broad spectrum protection! Our FDA-approved lab tests prove it. ;)

Do I need to use sunscreen if I’m indoors all day?

Yes. Eclipse Sunscreen also protects against blue light and pollution. Not to mention, UVA rays penetrate glass windows and even damage skin when you’re indoors. 

 

 

Does Eclipse Sunscreen contain preservatives?

Yes. We formulated our sunscreen with a range of plant-based preservatives for your safety-- most notably caprylhydroxamic acid, which is a natural, plant-derived preservative made from amino acids.

How should I store Eclipse Sunscreen?

You should store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

When does it expire?

After opening, it lasts 12 months. 

Why do I need to protect my skin against blue light?

Blue light is something we are exposed to through sunlight, indoor lighting, and digital devices. It has been significantly correlated with premature skin aging and damage much like UV rays. 

Why do I need to protect my skin against pollution?

The majority of people (91% of the world’s population according to the World Health Organization) are regularly exposed to air pollutants that exceed WHO’s guideline limits. Environmental pollutants are often found in these excesses both indoors and outdoors, including things you’d never usually think of such as small particulate matter and volatile organic compounds found in everyday uses. They can damage our skin in a myriad of ways such as disturbing skin’s microbiome, penetrating pores, causing oxidative stress, creating inflammation, and compromising the skin barrier-- all of which cause premature aging and many other common skin conditions. 

Is this vegan? Cruelty-free?

Yes! All Earth Harbor products are vegan and cruelty-free. We are certified Vegan and Cruelty-Free by PETA, and are certified Cruelty-Free by Leaping Bunny as well.

Why is alcohol in this formula?

Because not all alcohols are bad! Eclipse Sunscreen uses plant-derived fatty alcohols that are proven to nourish and soften the skin while delivering active nutrients. It is non-stripping, non-drying, and non-sensitizing.

Are coconut alkanes and caprylic/capric triglyceride similar to coconut oil?

While these ingredients are both derived from coconuts, they are not similar to coconut oil as they have completely different molecular structures and are non-comedogenic ingredients. They actually both contribute to Eclipse Sunscreen’s lightweight, non-oily, natural finish! Coconut alkanes are a light liquid that evaporates quickly and is a natural silicone alternative. Caprylic/capric triglycerides are made by combining coconut with glycerin in a process that removes the pore-clogging (aka. comedogenic) properties and results in a lightweight and silky triglyceride.

Does Eclipse Sunscreen come in a bigger size?

We are working on it! Stay tuned!

Does sunscreen expire?

Yep, all sunscreens/SPFs expire. Our sunscreen has the expiration date printed on the bottom the bottle.

 

Is this a registered sunscreen on the National Institute of Health’s NDC (National Drug Code) list?

Yes, we are registered under code 62742-4204-1.