Question 1

What products will you launch with?

Accepted Answer

We can't wait to introduce you to our patent-pending sunscreen applicator, which solves the problem of applying sunscreen without getting your hands messy, and makes it easy to reapply on the go!

We've designed the applicator so that you can apply sunscreen cream directly on your face.

We believe that cream offers the most consistent coverage on the face, but can be hard to reapply on the go.

You can enjoy reapplying on the go with our handy applicator and suite of airy, whipped mineral sunscreens that feel and smell delightful.

We'll also be launching a collection of stylish UPF clothing and accessories, since sun protection doesn't stop with sunscreen.

Question 2

Can I use your sunscreens on my face?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If there's one place you should wear SPF every day, no matter the weather or climate, it's your face. We've designed our applicator in such a way that makes applying your choice of mineral or chemical sunscreen not only easy, but delightful.

Question 3

Will you offer tinted sunscreens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We will be introducing both tinted and untinted mineral sunscreens. We recommend tinted mineral sunscreens if you prefer not to see any hints of white powder upon application, which is inevitable with untinted mineral sunscreen (basically a suspension of white powders). The benefit of untinted sunscreens is that you can see where you’ve applied and whether you’ve missed any spots. (Don't worry: The cast fades away within 10-60 seconds, depending on skin tone.)

We are also developing chemical sunscreens that will be clear and will blend into your skin without needing a tint. We may consider a tinted chemical sunscreen in the future that will provide light to medium skin coverage — please let us know if this is something you’re interested in!

Question 4

Will your sunscreens leave a white cast?

Accepted Answer

We've worked tirelessly to develop a mineral sunscreen formula that doesn't leave a white cast.

In fact, our search for a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast was what inspired us to start Clair Obscur!

Our primary goal was to develop a safe and effective mineral sunscreen that would work for all skin types and tones. Both our untinted and tinted mineral sunscreens are designed to melt seamlessly into the skin after a few moments of rubbing and settling into the skin. (If you do see a momentary white cast from untinted sunscreen, it can be helpful to ensure you haven't missed any spots.)

We are also developing a clear chemical sunscreen.

Question 5

Do I need to apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure?

Accepted Answer

Mineral sunscreens create a film over your skin to absorb, block, and scatter UV rays. To ensure you’re protected, the sunscreen needs to be well-distributed and cover any exposed skin, so make sure you leave time for thorough application before you step out.

With chemical sunscreens, it’s equally important to apply them in advance. Similarly, chemical sunscreens need time to be absorbed into your skin to work properly by absorbing and turning UV rays into heat.

Question 6

How often should I reapply?

Accepted Answer

Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, or every 45 minutes if you’re being active outdoors.

Sweating and friction can disrupt the protective film formed by sunscreen, reducing its ability to protect against damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Our patent-pending applicator is designed to make reapplication a breeze, so be sure to do it often once it's in your hands!

Question 7

What else affects the frequency of reapplication?

Accepted Answer

Your activity level, habits, and location. If you are active and sweating, you will need to apply more frequently—especially when swimming. We recommend reapplying sunscreen each time you leave the water, or at least once every 45 minutes.

If you have a habit of rubbing your face or arms, this may cause sunscreen to come off more quickly, and will warrant frequent reapplication.

When in doubt, reapply!

Question 8

Do I need to apply sunscreen indoors?

Accepted Answer

Most windows are able to filter UVB rays (which cause burns), but not necessarily UVA rays (which cause skin damage and aging).

If you work next to a window, especially an open one, be sure to put on sunscreen. If you are in a completely shaded area, or have UV-filtering blinds, it’s okay to reapply less often.

There are always times you may inadvertently be getting sun exposure (like running a quick errand), so we advise applying SPF as part of your daily morning routine, even if you think you will be indoors all day.

Question 9

How do I reapply sunscreens on top of my makeup?

Accepted Answer

Use a sunscreen that you like, dabbing lightly over your face and ensuring you've covered every part. You may also choose a sponge or makeup brush to lightly spread the sunscreen over your makeup.

Regarding sprays: Some sunscreen filters are toxic when inhaled, even though they may be harmless when applied on the skin (this is why you see labels on sunscreen sprays telling you to first spray on your hands before applying on your face).

We've designed our patent-pending applicator so that you'll be able to easily apply SPF over makeup and keep yourself protected on the go. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear when we launch our products.

Question 10

Do I need to wear sun protection in my car?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you'll need to wear sun protection in the car. You are likely already exposed to UV rays on your way to the car if it’s parked outside. While modern car windows tend to be able to filter out UVB rays , they may not filter UVA rays. Carry your sunscreen with you though — leaving sunscreen in a hot car may reduce the lifespan of the sunscreen.

Our future launches will include sun protective clothing and sleeves to slip on in the car. Stay tuned for updates on these by signing up for our newsletter!

Question 11

Should I layer different sunscreens on my face?

Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, you can layer different types of sunscreens on your face, including chemical and mineral, or foundations and BB/CC creams that have SPF protection.

The upside of doing so is that you’re less likely to miss a spot and will be adequately protected to the highest level of SPF that’s available out of all your products.

Note that SPF doesn't add up—for example, SPF 25 CC cream and SPF 50 sunscreen combined will mean protection of SPF 50.

Thus, mixing multiple sunscreens is permissable, but rarely, negative interactions between different ingredients may occur.

Our suggestion is to stick to a single sunscreen that you can apply and reapply throughout the day, for cosmetic consistency!

Question 12

Should I put sunscreen on at night?

Accepted Answer

There’s no need. Always wash your sunscreen (and makeup) off with a gentle cleanser at night to avoid build-up of minerals or makeup on your skin.

Question 13

Am I too old to start using sunscreen?

Accepted Answer

Most definitely not! Sunscreen is critical for protecting you from skin cancer and burns, no matter your age. We strongly subscribe to the idea that age is just a number! Plus… “better late than never,” right?

Question 14

Will you offer both mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens?

Accepted Answer

Our primary focus has been formulating mineral sunscreens with the express purpose to be safe for everyone in the family – including women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and children over 6 months old.

Studies show that some chemical sunscreens may cause endocrine disruption, while others may be too harsh or cause allergic reactions in those with sensitive skin. At the moment, the FDA has deemed zinc oxide and titanium oxide the only two sunscreen filters generally recognized as safe and effective (in FDA parlance, "GRASE").

However, not all chemical sunscreens are necessarily problematic! We are following the evolving research and developments closely, and we’re in the process of formulating chemical sunscreens for those who prefer them (we just don’t recommend them for children or for those who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive).

Question 15

Will your sunscreens be dermatologist-approved?

Accepted Answer

Along with leading dermatologists and chemists in the US and Singapore, we’re developing our sunscreens to work for all skin types. Our medical advisor is Dr. Veronica Rotemberg, M.D., Ph.D., from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, which has been recognized as one of the top two cancer hospitals in the U.S. for more than 30 years. Her clinical expertise includes Melanoma, Atypical/Dysplastic Nevi, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, other skin cancers, and Diagnostic Imaging of Cutaneous Malignancies.

Question 16

Will your products offer broad spectrum coverage with UVA and UVB-ray protection?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We're obsessed with ensuring that our sunscreens protect against UVA and UVB rays — that combination means it's broad spectrum. On your packaging, look for the PA rating ("PA+++"), which means that you are getting strong UVA protection in conjunction with a high SPF rating, which protects you from UVB.

Question 17

Will your sunscreens be natural?

Accepted Answer

While we aim for our sun care products to be as “natural” as possible, it is more important to us that our mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen ingredients are effective and safe for your skin.

There are many “natural” ingredients that are irritating and comedogenic, so we’re formulating our sun protection products with low-hazard, efficacious, dermatologist-recommended ingredients.

The term “natural” is also not well defined — most natural products require processing in order to extract or stabilize ingredients so they can be made into solutions that are suitable for use on skin.

Question 18

Will your sunscreens be organic?

Accepted Answer

We aim to source as many organic ingredients as possible in our mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, and we list the organic-certified ingredients right on our packaging.

We meticulously check the supply and sources of all of our ingredients, selecting only safe and effective ingredients for our mineral sunscreens — ingredients we would put on our own skin, and that of our littlest family members!

Question 19

What other products are you planning to launch in the future?

Accepted Answer

We aim to be the go-to for all your sun care needs. From moisturizing mineral sunscreens and hydrating chemical sunscreens, to sun care apparel and accessories, we will be launching staples that you’ll want to wear every day.

Sign up for our newsletter to be first in line, and follow us on social media to get more sneak peeks.

We believe sun care should be

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