• All skin types
• All ages
• Ideal for sensitive skin
  

Many of our customers say Shade is the only sunscreen they can use comfortably. It’s gentle enough for daily use, year-round - including winter - and helps protect against sun and wind without drying the skin or making it feel oily.

Do not use if you are allergic to: Zinc oxide, zinc, wax.

• If Shade feels firm in cold weather, warm it first with your fingertips or between your hands
• Apply generously to exposed skin
• Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating
• Tip: Warming Shade and pressing it gently into the skin helps it absorb more easily and reduces any visible white cast

“Apply generously” is standard sunscreen advice - but Shade works a little differently.

• Shade is thick and balmy, not a runny lotion
• It sits on the skin and reflects UV rays (rather than absorbing in)
• You’ll likely use less product than with liquid sunscreens
  

The key is coverage. You should be able to see a light, even sheen of zinc oxide on the skin after application. Because Shade forms a physical barrier, it needs to be topped up regularly.

Using too little sunscreen significantly reduces protection - so when in doubt, apply a little more.

SPF tells you how much UVB is blocked, not how long you can stay in the sun.

SPF compares protected skin to unprotected skin under the same conditions.

• SPF 25 blocks about 96% of UVB rays
  
• SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays
  

No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.

Simple analogy: sunscreen is a filter, not a force field. Most rays are blocked, but a small amount still gets through - so time in the sun still matters.

Important to know:

• Reapplying maintains protection; it doesn’t extend sun exposure
  
• Applying more sunscreen won’t prevent burning if you stay out too long
  
• If your skin starts to feel hot or burn, cover up or move out of the sun

This is a very effective graphic demonstration of how SPF works

Yes. Shade provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

• SPF 25 refers to UVB protection
  
• The UVA symbol on the label confirms UVA protection
  

You may notice there’s no UVA star rating shown. That system is trademarked and can only be used by certain brands sold by Boots Boots the Chemists, so we’re not permitted to display it.

However, independent testing shows Shade performs at a very high UVA level. Its measured UVA protection corresponds to PA++++, which would equal 4 out of 5 stars under the star system.

Shade may leave a light white cast on the skin. This is normal for mineral sunscreens and comes from non-nano zinc oxide, the ingredient that protects your skin by sitting on the surface and reflecting UVA and UVB rays.

A faint white cast simply means Shade is doing its job. Because we use non-nano zinc oxide, it stays on the skin rather than absorbing in, creating a gentle physical barrier.

We believe visible protection is a worthwhile trade-off for a sunscreen designed with safety and skin health first.

Shade SPF 25 isn’t designed to chase the highest number. It’s a thoughtfully crafted, minimalist sunscreen made for sensitive skin, everyday wear, and peace of mind.

With just four natural ingredients, SPF 25 allows us to deliver broad-spectrum protection in a formula that’s gentle, wearable, and easy to apply properly without unnecessary additives.

Higher SPFs typically require more complex formulas that can be thicker, harder to spread evenly, and less suitable for sensitive skin. Rather than compromise simplicity or comfort, we chose SPF 25 as the right balance of protection, usability, and skin safety.

When SPF 25 may not be enough:

• High altitude
  
• Snow or highly reflective environments
  

In these conditions, cover exposed skin where possible and apply Shade more generously, or choose a higher-SPF option if needed.

Reassurance for first-time users:
SPF 25 provides effective, everyday protection when applied generously and reapplied as needed.

Shade is independently tested and proven to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

It has a mean SPF of 24.8, blocking around 96% of UVB rays when applied correctly.

Shade uses non-nano zinc oxide, a trusted mineral active that reflects UV rays from the skin’s surface.

SPF numbers are a guide; real protection depends on applying enough and reapplying regularly.

Thousands of customers use Shade daily and trust it for reliable, everyday sun protection.

Shade has been thoroughly tested to EU sunscreen standards by Alba Science.

• Broad-spectrum UVA & UVB testing (ISO 24443)
  
• SPF validation (in vivo) with human volunteers (ISO 24444)
  
• Microbiology & stability testing
  
• Independent cosmetic safety assessment
  

Shade is also registered with the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Shade is not tested or marketed as water resistant. We chose not to make a claim we didn’t feel accurately reflected real-life use.

That said, Shade’s high oil and wax content helps it stay on the skin better than many lotions. Even so, we always recommend reapplying after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

We were encouraged when Which? highlighted concerns around “waterproof” sunscreen claims.

Good to know:
Shade is trusted by surfers and divers and won’t degrade neoprene - but reapplication is still essential.

Absolutely not. Shade is never tested on animals - only on human volunteers. Animal testing for cosmetics is illegal in the UK, and it also goes against everything we stand for.

Many conventional sunscreens rely on synthetic UV filters that absorb into the skin. Some people prefer to avoid these ingredients, especially if they have sensitive skin or are trying to reduce overall chemical exposure.

Shade takes a different approach. It uses non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral filter that sits on the skin’s surface and reflects UVA and UVB rays, rather than absorbing them.

We also focus on ingredient simplicity - just four natural ingredients - because fewer ingredients can mean fewer opportunities for irritation.

For those who like to research sunscreen ingredients in more depth, the Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide is a useful independent resource.

Good to know:
Shade is also plastic-free, making it a popular choice for people who care about ocean health and environmental impact.

Shade does not contain any of the ingredients in the HEL list, which are:

• Any form of microplastic sphere or beads;
• Any nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide;
• Oxybenzone;
• Octinoxate;
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor;
• Octocrylene;
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA);
• Methyl Paraben;
• Ethyl Paraben;
• Propyl Paraben;
• Butyl Paraben;
• Benzyl Paraben;
• Triclosan.

Shade has not yet been certified by Protect Land + Sea through the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, so we don’t currently make a formal “reef safe” claim.

However, we use uncoated non-nano zinc oxide, and we have not found research showing this form to be harmful to coral or marine life. Existing studies point primarily to nanoparticles as the concern.

While we remain cautious about claims, many ocean users and advocates choose Shade believing it to be a safer option for use in the sea.

Shade has a shelf life of 3 years unopened and 12 months once opened, in line with standard cosmetic guidelines.

Because Shade uses mineral zinc oxide, the active ingredient does not degrade in effectiveness the way some chemical filters can.

If a product has been open for a long time, the natural oils may eventually oxidise and develop an unpleasant smell - but the sunscreen protection itself is unlikely to be reduced.

Good to know:
If it smells fresh and looks normal, it’s still doing its job. Even if it doesn't smell great, it's probably still doing its job!

We chose a tin because it’s plastic-free, reusable, and recyclable - better for the planet and easier to use up every last bit.

The wide opening means no waste and no cutting open tubes. Shade is also versatile: many customers use it beyond sun protection, including for dry patches, insect bites, lips in winter, and as an after-sun balm.

Good to know:
Shade won’t leak - unless exposed to extreme heat (over 64°C), it will simply soften. And the aluminium tin doesn't leach into the sunscreen either, that's been checked.

And yes… we think it looks pretty good too.

Shade is stocked by 340+ independent health retailers and websites across the UK, with more joining all the time. You can find your nearest stockist using our store locator map here.

It’s also available from a growing number of zero-waste and plastic-free online retailers if you’d prefer to support them.

Don’t worry - this can happen with natural formulas. Shade contains a high percentage of shea butter, which can occasionally form grains as it cools. It doesn’t affect performance.

How to fix it:

1. Place the open tin on a plate over a pan of gently simmering water
   
2. Let it warm, then stir gently until smooth
   
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool before replacing the lid
   

That’s it - your Shade will be smooth and easy to apply again.

Good to know:
This won’t affect Shade’s sun protection and can be repeated if needed.