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Why Hawaiian Sunscreen Ingredients?

Our Hawaii-grown ingredients come from some of the richest volcanic soil on the planet and have maximum nutrient density adding to their antioxidant power. These plants have braved the strong oxidizing rays of the tropical Hawaiian sun and have developed powerful antioxidants to protect themselves, which we can use to protect our skin, too.  Our Hawaiian ingredients are exceptionally rich in antioxidants and help protect against UV damage.  With our Hawaii-grown antioxidant ingredients, Kokua Sun Care allows you to experience Hawaiian superfood for the skin & support local Hawaii agriculture and community. 

Hawaii Grown Antioxidant Rich Ingredients

Macadmamia Nut Oil

Kokua Sun Care uses macadamia nut oil for its hydrating, protective and anti-aging properties. Originally from Australia, the first macadamia nut tree arrived in Hawaii in 1881 and was planted on the north shore of the Big Island near Waipi’o Valley. Because Hawaii’s climate and rich soil are perfect for growing macadamia nut trees, they have thrived in the islands ever since. Macadamia nut oil is a special ingredient because it naturally consists of a high concentration of the fatty acid, palmitoleic acid, which rejuvenates the skin. This fatty acid naturally occurs in children’s skin making it smooth and taut, and we slowly lose it as we age. Palmitoleic acid also plays a role in protecting skin cell membranes and helps prevent water loss especially for skin exposed to lots of sunshine.

Kukui Nut Oil

High in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, kukui nut oil prevents free radical damage to the skin and has exceptional hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. Ancient Hawaiians used it to protect their skin from the sun, wind, and salt water, and they also used it to treat burns, wounds, and other skin irritations. It is high in both Omega-6 (linoleic acid) and Omega-3 (linolenic acid), which has been shown to reduce the skin’s sensitivity to the sun’s UV rays and protect the skin from sun damage. The skin absorbs the oil quickly penetrating deeply into the stratum corneum, slowing water loss, and therefore acting as an excellent moisturizer. Because of the immense healing and rejuvenating benefits of kukui nut oil and its many traditional uses, it continues to be one of Hawaii’s rich natural and cultural treasures. It’s no surprise that the kukui tree is the official tree of the State of Hawai’i.

Noni Fruit Juice

“Noni” as it is called in Hawaii and the Pacific islands is a small evergreen tree that thrives in the nutrient rich volcanic soil of Hawaii. Our Noni comes from the lower Puna regions of the Big Island where it is harvested and processed using ancient traditional Hawaiian methods to preserve the potency of the juice. Noni continues to be one of the most important traditional Polynesian medicinal plants, and topically it is used to care for, protect, and promote healing of the skin. Noni has a significant amount of potassium, Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fatty acids, and it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it a treasured ingredient in Kokua Sun Care products.

Plumeria Extract

Plumeria trees flourish in Hawaii and in warm tropical climates all over the world and have been a symbol of love and immortality in many cultures. The flowers of these trees are not just beautiful and alluringly fragrant, but they also have provided important medicinal benefits for people throughout history. Kokua Sun Care uses the extract of fresh Hawaii-grown plumeria flowers produced by gently macerating the flowers and naturally preserving the extract in sunflower oil. This gentle, traditional extraction method produces a natural extract with all of its plant constituents in tact. Plumeria flower extract has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties due to its high concentration of naturally occurring linalool. The natural lignins that provide the cells of the flower with flexible structural support also help protect human skin from the elements and keep it supple and toned. Easily absorbed into the skin, Kokua Sun Care’s plumeria flower extract also acts to soothe and moisturize the skin.

Hawaiian Sandalwood

The nourishing, rich, calming, and mood-enhancing scent from a genus of sandalwood tree endemic only to the Big Island of Hawaii; contains alpha and beta santalols and higher levels of bisabolol than any other type of sandalwood, naturally occurring constituents of sandalwood known for their cancer preventive properties and strong anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, respectively; sourced from a local, family-owned and operated business that harvests the sandalwood in a sustainable manner through reforestation (replanting and promoting native species) only cutting down dead or dying trees. Traditionally sandalwood oil was used by native Hawaiians for treating skin ailments due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Our Hawaiian Sandalwood Oil is certified organic.

Spirulina

Spirulina is a green superfood powerhouse not just for the inside of your body but for your skin, too! This blue-green algae rich in vitamins and minerals, including B-complex vitamins, beta-carotene, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, copper, iron, selenium, and gamma linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) is one of the most nutritionally rich superfoods in existence. As a result, it has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits. The abundant chlorophyll content helps the skin retain moisture and stay hydrated in the hot sun. Kokua Sun Care uses spirulina cultivated on the Kona coast of Hawaii, in conditions similar to how the algae first grew on the planet, 3,500 million years ago. The Kona coast has a perfect growing climate allowing the spirulina to continuously grow all 12 months of the year rendering a superior strain of the algae with the highest concentration of key nutrients and carotenoids.

Reef Safe SPF 50 / 80 Minute Water Resistance Zinc Sunscreen Ingredient List

Active Ingredient:
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (25%)

Inactive Ingredients:
Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate(Coconut Oil Derived), Hawaiian Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil*, Hawaiian Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil*, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate (Olive Oil Derived), Polyhydroxystearic Acid (Vegetable Derived), Glycerin, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Cetyl Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate, Galactoarabinan, Propanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Hawaiian Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice*, Arthrospira Platensis (Hawaiian Spirulina)*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis (Cantaloupe) Fruit Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract, Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Hawaiian Plumeria Alba Flower Extract*, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, 1,2-Hexanediol Caprylhydroxamic Acid *Hawaii Grown Ingredients

Reef Safe SPF 50 / 80 Minute Water Resistance Zinc Sunscreen Ingredient List

Active Ingredient:
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (18%)

Inactive Ingredients:
Water (Aqua), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin (Vegetable), Macadamia (Ternifolia) Seed Oil*, Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) Seed Oil*, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate, Magnesium Sulfate, Galactoarabinan, Diheptyl Succinate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Propanediol, Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Fruit Extract*, Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis)*, Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf Extract, Sunflower (Heliantus Annuus) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Leaf/Seed Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Fruit Extract, Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) Bark Extract, Kaolin, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Plumeria Alba Flower Extract*, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Levulinate, Sodium Anisate, Iron Oxides. *Hawaii Grown Ingredients

A Full Breakdown of all our Formulations

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient in our SPF50 formulation:

  1. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 25%: Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, does not penetrate the skin, and is considered safe for coral reefs and marine life.

  2. Water: Provides hydration and acts as a solvent for other ingredients.

  3. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Offers soothing, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.
  4. Caprylyl Caprylate/Caprate: A coconut oil-derived emollient that moisturizes and enhances the skin's texture.
  5. Hawaiian Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil: Rich in fatty acids and antioxidants, it moisturizes and rejuvenates the skin.
  6. Hawaiian Aleurites Moluccana (Kukui) Seed Oil: Provides hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and protection from sun damage.
  7. Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate: An olive oil-derived emulsifier that helps blend ingredients and improves the product's texture.
  8. Polyhydroxystearic Acid: A vegetable-derived emulsifier that enhances the product's stability and performance.
  9. Glycerin: A natural humectant that attracts and retains moisture, keeping the skin hydrated.
  10. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil: Offers moisturizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
  11. Magnesium Sulfate: Acts as a stabilizer and viscosity controller, improving the product's texture.
  12. Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate: A thickening agent that enhances the product's consistency.
  13. Galactoarabinan: A plant-derived polysaccharide that moisturizes and reduces transepidermal water loss.
  14. Propanediol: A humectant and solvent derived from corn that helps maintain moisture levels and improve skin absorption.
  15. Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate: An emulsifier that helps maintain product stability and texture.
  16. Hawaiian Morinda Citrifolia (Noni) Fruit Juice: Offers antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting skin healing and rejuvenation.
  17. Arthrospira Platensis (Hawaiian Spirulina): Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, it nourishes and revitalizes the skin.
  18. Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract: Provides antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-softening properties.
  19. Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract: Offers antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, protecting the skin from environmental stressors.
  20. Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract: Rich in vitamin E, it moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.
  21. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A lightweight emollient derived from coconut oil that helps moisturize and improve product texture.
  22. Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract: Provides antioxidants and helps improve skin texture and elasticity.
  23. Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract: Offers a pleasant scent and antioxidant properties.
  24. Cucumis Melo Cantalupensis (Cantaloupe) Fruit Extract: Rich in vitamins A and C, it offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  25. Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract: Provides antioxidants and helps protect the skin from environmental stressors.
  26. Musa Sapientum (Banana) Fruit Extract: Offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning benefits.
  27. Santalum Album (Sandalwood) Extract: Provides a calming scent and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
  28. Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Leaf/Seed Extract: Offers antioxidant and skin-firming properties.
  29. Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract: Provides antioxidants, gentle exfoliation, and helps improve skin texture.
  30. Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract: Offers moisturizing, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties.
  31. Heliantus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil: Rich in vitamin E, it moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.
  32. Tocopherol: A form of vitamin E that acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals and environmental stressors.
  33. Hawaiian Plumeria Alba Flower Extract: Provides a pleasant fragrance and antioxidant properties.
  34. Kaolin: A natural clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities, helping to purify the skin.
  35. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth, soft texture to the product.
  36. 1,2-Hexanediol: A humectant and solvent that helps maintain product stability and enhances skin absorption. As a humectant, it can help to draw moisture to the skin and keep it hydrated. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties and is effective at inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. It is considered a safe ingredient for use in cosmetic and personal care products and has a low risk of causing skin irritation or allergic reactions.
  37. Caprylhydroxamic Acid: A gentle preservative that helps protect the product from microbial growth.

These ingredients work together to create a product that offers hydration, nourishment, and protection for the skin, while also providing a pleasant texture and scent. The inclusion of various antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents helps to defend the skin from environmental stressors and promote a healthy, radiant complexion.

 

Here's a breakdown of the benefits of each ingredient in our SPF30 formulation:

  1. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 18%: Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, does not penetrate the skin, and is considered safe for coral reefs and marine life.

  2. Water (Aqua): A solvent used as a base for most cosmetic products.

  3. Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice: Offers soothing, hydrating, and anti-inflammatory properties.

  4. Coco-Caprylate/Caprate: A natural emollient that helps moisturize and soften the skin.

  5. Glycerin (Vegetable): A humectant that attracts and retains moisture in the skin.

  6. Macadamia (Ternifolia) Seed Oil*: Nourishes and hydrates the skin with essential fatty acids and antioxidants.

  7. Kukui (Aleurites Moluccana) Seed Oil*: Contains essential fatty acids and antioxidants, which help moisturize and protect the skin. Provides hydration, anti-inflammatory properties, and protection from sun damage.

  8. Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate: A plant-derived emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water-based ingredients.

  9. Polyhydroxystearic Acid: A stabilizer and dispersant that helps evenly distribute zinc oxide in the formula.

  10. Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate: An emulsifier that helps maintain the stability and consistency of the product.

  11. Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate: A skin-conditioning agent and emollient that helps improve product texture and spreadability.

  12. Magnesium Sulfate: A salt that acts as a thickener and stabilizer.

  13. Galactoarabinan: A plant-derived polysaccharide that helps improve skin texture and hydration.

  14. Diheptyl Succinate: A natural emollient that helps to soften and moisturize the skin.

  15. Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer: A biodegradable and plant-derived film-forming agent that helps the product stay on the skin.

  16. Propanediol: A solvent and humectant that helps maintain product stability and absorption.

  17. Noni (Morinda Citrifolia) Fruit Extract*: Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

  18. Spirulina (Arthrospira Platensis)*: Offers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-soothing benefits.

  19. Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis) Leaf Extract: Provides antioxidant protection and helps soothe the skin.

  20. Sunflower (Heliantus Annuus) Seed Oil: Rich in vitamin E, it moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.

  21. Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: A lightweight, fast-absorbing emollient that helps condition and moisturize the skin.

  22. Coffee (Coffea Arabica) Leaf/Seed Extract: Provides antioxidant protection and helps improve skin elasticity.

  23. Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract: Offers a natural, pleasant scent and antioxidant properties.

  24. Apricot (Prunus Armeniaca) Fruit Extract: Provides antioxidant protection and a subtle fragrance.

  25. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Zeylanicum) Bark Extract: Offers antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

  26. Kaolin: A natural clay that absorbs excess oil and impurities, helping to purify the skin.

  27. Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil: A skin-conditioning agent that provides a smooth, soft texture to the product.

  28. Plumeria Alba Flower Extract*: Provides a pleasant fragrance and antioxidant properties.

  29. Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate: A chelating agent that helps maintain product stability and extend shelf life.

  30. Sodium Levulinate: A natural preservative derived from levulinic acid, which is obtained from the hydrolysis of cellulose, a structural component found in plants. The sodium salt form, sodium levulinate, is more soluble in water and easier to incorporate into formulations.

    Sodium levulinate is known for its antimicrobial properties, making it effective against a range of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts. It is considered a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic preservatives, such as parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents.

    In addition to its preservative role, sodium levulinate can also provide skin-conditioning benefits. It is gentle on the skin and is suitable for sensitive skin types, as it is less likely to cause irritation compared to harsher synthetic preservatives.

  31. Sodium Anisate: A natural preservative derived from anise that helps maintain product stability and freshness.

  32. Iron Oxides: Natural mineral pigments that provide a tint to the product, helping it blend seamlessly with various skin tones.

Each of these ingredients contributes to the overall effectiveness, safety, and user experience of the sunscreen. They work together to provide broad-spectrum sun protection, moisturize and nourish the skin, and ensure that the product is easy to apply and comfortable to wear. Furthermore, the inclusion of natural extracts and oils derived from Hawaiian plants adds a unique touch that sets this sunscreen apart from its competitors.