We set out to make our dream products and to build a company with a moral compass. We believed if we did things differently, and better, people would find us.  We spent years in developing our screens. We launched in worst economy in our lifetimes.

Would anyone care about organics in a downturn?  Is environmentalism truly a widespread, lifestyle-altering movement or an ephemeral fad?  Will people pay a little more for something better?

The response has been immensely gratifying and a little overwhelming. In the last two weeks alone we’ve launched in the perhaps the preeminent baby boutique in Manhattan (Yoyamart), the best skin care shop in the Hamptons (White’s of East Hampton), the biggest, most respected organic market in San Francisco (Rainbow Grocery), and one of the prettiest baby stores in LA (Bellini’s of South Pasadena).  And then there are the re-orders already piling up from stalwarts like Lazy Acres in Santa Barbara.
The blogosphere, of course, already has their own two cents on the subject (e.g., here, here, here and here and so on, and so forth) but that’s a subject for another time.

Thanks to all…and spread the word!

Why did we start with sunscreens? Lots of reasons, but most of all to resolve a central health conundrum: people complained that they were allergic to sunscreen, but the alternative was sunburns and possibly skin cancer.

Sunscreens have perhaps the widest range of skin toxins, carcinogins, endocrine disrupters and allergens in any area of skin care (outside of nail polish remover, if that counts). It’s beyond dispute that sunscreens do cause contact dermatitis in a portion of population. Or more precisely, chemical sunscreens cause contact dermatitis in some people. Chemical screens work by absorbing UV rays, while physical screens – like zinc and titanium – block and disperse rays at the skin’s surface.

We did everything we could to choose the least allergenic natural and organic ingredients we could. We were thrilled when we got our results from clinical hypoallergencity testing – not a single reaction over 8 weeks of testing.

Nothing is perfect for all people and the traditional caveats should always apply – seek medical advice with babies under 6 months, consult a doctor if a rash develops…etc – but for those with sensitive skin, it’s nice to know there may be a path that doesn’t involve reactions or sunsburns. Live Healthy!