For the third year in a row we made the Environmental Working Group's (EWG) best sunscreen list. Our Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 was named a Best Beach & Sport Sunscreen. Our Natural Face Moisturizer SPF30 was named a Best Moisturizer with SPF. [More]

We are excited to announce the arrival of our NEW Natural Face Moisturizer SPF 30 with clear zinc. It's one of the best 2 in 1 natural products you will find offering both advanced daily skin hydration and transparent sun protection. Find out even more about the benefits of our new product below. And for this week only we are offering a special discount code for 20% off on NEW Natural Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 - use code X [More]

There is a whole online DIY movement these days. I think in part due to the advent and popularity of great sites like Pinterest and Etsy. I'm a fan of this movement as it can create some really authentic products in our over-marketed environment. However I believe there are limits especially when it comes to sunscreen. I know you might be thinking, well that's convenient, you own a suncare company - but it's not about convenience - it's about safety and effectiveness. All sunscreens are actually a US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulated over the counter drug with multiple testing requirements. Additionally there are real dangers with creating your own sunblock. [More]

Hope you all had a fun 4th of July filled with picnics, barbeques, beach time and sunscreen! I spent my fourth on the beach with a group of friends. Surprisingly I had a fair number of my girlfriend ask how I use and apply my sunscreen everyday and how I use sunscreen with my make-up. So this week I thought I’d share my routine with you. [More]

In 2011 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) started a new sunscreen labeling process that went into full effect in 2013.  One of the outcomes was allowing certain sunscreens to be labeled "Broad Spectrum."  Let's just get this out there, always and I mean always use a broad spectrum sunscreen.  If you're not using a broad spectrum sunscreen, you're not getting full sun protection.  Ok, with that out of the way let's looks at what this means. [More]

Ok let me give you the answer right off the bat. Experts agree makeup with SPF is not enough to protect your skin. I made this mistake for so long, up until I started working on Block Island Organics actually. I used to believe my SPF 15 cream foundation was enough everyday protection against the sun. [More]

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor so you'd think it measures how well a sunscreen protects you. However, that's only partially true. There are three kinds of ultraviolet rays that come from the sun: UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC rays don't reach the earth's surface so UVA and UVB are the one's you have to protect yourself from (for a deep discussion see our article "UVA, UVB and UVC Rays: What They Are and How Sunscreen Protects You"). [More]

At the most basic UVA, UVB and UVC are the ultraviolet rays that reach the earth from the sun and, as the Skin Cancer Foundation says, UVA and UVB rays cause skin cancer, premature aging, wrinkles, sunburn and even eye damage (sunglasses are a good idea!). Luckily the right sunscreen - including Block Island Organics sunscreen - can protect you. Let's explore a little more with a lovely infographic and then additional details. [More]

Yes there is actually a scientifically recommended amount of sunscreen everyone should use. I never knew this until I started a suncare company! If you are like me you probably slap a little sunblock on, assume you have it covered and go about your day. No real rhyme or reason. However, the reality is most people do not apply anywhere near enough. But don't worry - I'm here to help you with specific info and photos on how much to actually apply. [More]