Stream2Sea creates sunscreen and other hair and body care products that are safe for waterways. Many companies claim to make environmentally safe sunscreens, natural shampoos, and more. Stream2Sea also makes this claim but backs up its assertions with testing.
Stream2Sea has the only products proven safe for simple nematodes (C. elegans), freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae. As a company, they worked with the EcoTox team at Eckerd College to quantify the safety of their products.
In the tests, each aquatic animal in question was exposed to their products, a control group, and a competitor’s product. They published the results on their website and have a references section that links to relevant peer-reviewed scientific papers. They even include the text of a letter to Governor Ron DeSantis urging him not to pass a state law that would prevent local governments from banning non-reef-safe sunscreens on their beaches. In short, they care.
I’ve been using Stream2Sea’s Everyday Active SPF 45 mineral sunscreen, conditioning shampoo and bodywash, leave-in conditioner, body lotion, and lip balm. I wore the sunscreen on long days in the hot desert sun. I also washed my hair and body at camp, using the shampoo and body wash with an outdoor shower set up.
I’ll admit I often hate the feeling of mineral sunscreens. However, Stream2Sea doesn’t leave that oily layer on top of your skin as much as many natural sunscreens do. After applying this sunscreen, my skin feels soft and hydrated, not sticky or oily.
Stream2Sea sunscreen also has “WetBoost technology” to improve its performance when wet. Though I can’t quantify this claim, I will say that this sunscreen works. I spent 10+ hours in the sun one day while using it, reapplying every few hours. I was hot and sweaty, but I didn’t get burned.
The Cherry Vanilla flavored lip balm tastes like the red Chapstick you’ve probably used at some point in your life. But this balm is better for the environment and probably safer to ingest. If you prefer an unflavored, unscented version, the Naturally Naked option is for you—it doesn’t taste like chemicals. Rather, this unflavored lip balm has the subtle sweetness of natural oils. Both of these flavors do well to hydrate your lips and are 100 percent vegan, too.
After using these Stream2Sea lip balms for a while, I noticed they don’t all have sun protection. Be sure to get the SPF lip balm if you want sun protection for your lips.
The conditioning shampoo and bodywash are great choices for overlanders who want one soap to clean everywhere. The leave-in conditioner left my long hair feeling much softer than when only using the conditioning shampoo. However, those with shorter hair can probably get away with only using the shampoo. Leave-in conditioner is also great for conserving water, which is especially important when taking a backcountry shower.
$27 (Everyday Active SPF 45 Mineral Sunscreen)
$5 (Naturally Naked and Cherry Vanilla Hydrate Lip Balm, Travel Size Conditioning Shampoo and Bodywash, Travel Size Leave-In Conditioner, and Travel Size Nourishing Body Lotion)
For further details or to see the rest of Stream2Sea’s products, visit Stream2sea.com
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