Stability testing, microbiology testing, broad spectrum sunscreen testing of effectiveness against UVA & UVB rays, and SPF validation tests. All tests conducted to EU standards by Alba Science of Edinburgh.

• ISO24443 In vitro Broad Spectrum Protection.
• ISO 24444 In vivo with 13 live subjects. A Cosmetic Study to Determine the In-Vivo Sun Protection Factor of a Sunscreen Formulation.
• Cosmetic Product Safety Data Analysis, conducted by Luciano Molinaro BSc Forensic Science & Investigative Analysis (Hons) (Kingston University), Forensic Chemistry and Trace Analysis, Analytical Methods in Forensic Science (Kingston University).
• Accelerated Stability Test

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

Yes, Shade offers broad spectrum protection, the SPF25 covers the UVB and the UVA emblem on the bottom label refers to the UVA protection.

The UVA Star rating system can no longer be used by sunscreen manufacturers such as ourselves because it is trademarked by Boots the Chemists and is only allowed to be used by certain brands Boots sell and Boots' own brands, therefore we cannot apply a star rating based on this testing system. However, the UVAPF Mean in the SO24443:2012 test conducted on Shade came in at 24.77, giving it a PA++++ UVA grading, and if we were to be able to use the star system it would come out at 4/5 stars.

Shade has not been tested for water resistance. Why? Because we weren't convinced the lab tests replicated real-life situations adequately. We didn’t want to apply a claim to our product that could make the user more complacent and risk them not applying it often enough.

We were vindicated when consumer magazine Which? released their report on sunscreen waterproof claims. We don’t claim Shade is waterproof, yet the high level of oil and wax (88%) does go some way to keeping the product on the skin. Despite this we always recommend reapplying after exposure to water, sweat or towel drying. We have a number of surfing and diving outfits in the UK and abroad which use and retail our product because they believe it is excellent for their purposes. It also does not degrade neoprene etc., keeping wetsuits in good condition when in contact with the product.

Check out some reviews from people who have used Shade in water and think it's great!

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

However...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 'rancid' 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!

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

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. Always check the UV index and act accordingly.

We are inclined to agree with the Environmental Working Group about the pitfalls of high SPF products. You can read them here.

With 12 years of real-world use, Shade has proved time and again to satisfy our customers that it's effective when used appropriately.

However, Shade is also 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, reapplying regularly, and using the UV index as a guide for sun protective behaviour. No sunscreen should be used as a stand alone product in high UV environments.

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

Many conventional sunscreens rely on cheap, mass-producedsynthetic 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 reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays, rather than absorbing them.

Shade is a concentrated, high purity, premium quality natural ingredient sunscreen without water, preservatives, fragrances or other unnecessary additives.

We also focus on ingredient simplicity and purity -just four natural, unrefined 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.

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.

Shade is listed in Naturewatch Foundation's Compassionate Shopping Guide.

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.

Although we haven't yet sought Protect Land + Sea certification from the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, we have not yet been able to find any research that claims the uncoated non-nano zinc oxide in Shade that we use is damaging to coral or marine life - all the studies point to nanoparticles as a threat. So although we as the manufacturer don't as yet make a 'reef safe' claim specifically, many people who advocate its use in the sea believe it is safe.

All skin types, of all ages.
Many people with sensitive skin have reported that Shade is the only sunscreen they have been able to use, and many of our customers like to use Shade daily to prevent sun and wind damage in winter, and do so without finding it dries their skin or makes it oilier.
You should not use topical products containing zinc oxide if you are allergic to zinc, dimethicone, lanolin, cod liver oil, petroleum jelly, parabens, mineral oil, or wax. Source.

• If Shade feels firm in cold weather, warm it first with your fingertips or between your hands, or leave it somewhere warm to soften
• Apply to exposed skin, building up to an even, visible white sheen
• Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating

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.

This can happen with natural formulas that contain a high percentage of shea butter. It's normal and 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, as if it had just been freshly poured.

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

Here's a link to an instructional video