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!

It is time for corporations to behave like responsible, proactive citizens rather than uncaring profit maximizers. They have an enormous impact on everyday life. Positively or negatively, they impact the environment, they affect our health, they create (or take away) jobs and control the quality and terms of employment, they provide products or services, and they take our money. Consumers have the right, and more importantly, the power, to demand that they do the right things.

We believe there are people out there who would prefer that their consuming dollars do more than just facilitate consumption. We think it is time to use the safest ingredients, to be fair to workers, good to the environment, and to give back. We founded Sana because we believe everyone is defined by what they do. And what they don’t do. Sana does not adjust its prices to absorb the cost of responsible practices and of giving. We’re all part of the solution…and there is a way to get great products and to positively impact society.