As we are always on the lookout for the next best thing in skincare, we can confidently say that we’ve found our latest obsession: the new and improved Elemental Sun Balm SPF30 with squalane.
It's the perfect product for those who want to achieve a natural, dewy look while also nourishing their skin.
Sun Balm provides sun protection and combines the hydration of a moisturizer with the coverage of a foundation. This means that you can simplify your makeup routine and save time in the morning. But the real magic of this product lies in its ingredients.
What is squalane and how does it benefit the skin?
Squalane (with an “a”) is a key ingredient in our tinted moisturizer. It's a hydrogenated version of squalene (with an “e”), which is a lipid that's found in high concentrations in the sebum of young adults. Peak production occurs in the teen years, and slows down in your 20s or 30s causing your skin to become dryer and rougher.
Squalene isn’t only natural in humans. For commercial use, squalene was originally sourced almost exclusively from shark livers (not something we can agree with), but now much of it comes from plants like rice bran and sugarcane. Squalene in our Sun Balm is extracted from olive oil. However, animal and plant squalene is too unstable to be used in skin care products as is. When exposed to oxygen, it can become rancid and spoil.
Before it can be used, squalene (with an “e”) must be hydrogenated into squalane (with an “a”), which is a stable form of the molecule. Hydrogenation is the process of converting unsaturated oil to saturated oil. It makes the oil more skin-friendly and helps increase its shelf life. The result is lightweight, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic oil, meaning it won't clog your pores. Squalane is also a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV rays.
To sum it up, here are some well-known benefits of squalane:
- It reduces the appearance of fine lines
- It softens the skin’s texture
- It serves as a lightweight moisturizer leaving your skin perfectly hydrated and luminous
- It’s a source of fatty acids that soothe irritation and nourish the skin
- It helps to control skin oil production. Our skin recognizes squalane as a naturally occurring oil and therefore produces less sebum
- It can even out your complexion. Squalane has powerful antioxidant qualities which help to brighten the overall look of your skin and even fade the dark spots
- It’s non-comedogenic and will not clog your pores
- It strengthens the skin’s barrier and helps to protect your skin from environmental pollutants and stressors
- It can reduce redness and skin irritation
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It helps protect against lipid peroxidation which can damage pores
- It’s suitable for all skin types
Sunscreen in a tinted moisturizer - why it’s important
Sunscreen is a crucial component of any skincare routine. Not only does it protect the skin from harmful UV rays, but it also helps prevent premature aging and skin cancer.
Our Elemental Sun Balm contains SPF 30, which provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This means you can enjoy the beautiful glowy finish while protecting your skin from the sun.
It is also worth mentioning that we use non-nano zinc oxide as an active ingredient in our Sun Balm. This means that the particles are not small enough to penetrate your tissues and enter the bloodstream. For that reason, non-nano is considered safer. Non-nano zinc oxide is completely safe for children and even babies. It is also the best option to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Additionally, zinc oxide has multiple beneficial properties:
- It helps with skin repair. Zinc oxide not only prevents sunburns but also helps to heal them.
- It regulates sebum production in the skin, absorbs excess oil, and tightens large pores.
- It reduces skin irritation and inflammation during acne. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, zinc oxide is used to treat cold sores, skin ulcers, skin irritation, and diaper rash.
The role of sunflower wax
Sunflower wax is another key ingredient in our tinted moisturizer. It's a natural wax that's derived from sunflower oil, and it helps to give the product its smooth, creamy texture.
But sunflower wax isn't just a texture enhancer - it also has skincare benefits. It's rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E - powerful antioxidants that help to protect the skin from environmental stressors. Sunflower wax is also a great emollient, which means that it helps to keep the skin moisturized and supple. It represents an excellent repairing agent and acts against the oxidation of skin lipids. It prevents dehydration and has calming, nourishing, and antibacterial properties.
Vegan and cruelty-free ingredients
If you're passionate about using sustainable and ethically produced skincare products, you'll be happy to know that our Sun Balm fits the bill. Skincare should be both effective and ethical. Our multi-use face balm is free from animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin, and we never test on animals. We're proud to be a cruelty-free brand that's committed to creating products that are both safe for the environment and effective for the skin.
We also included a couple more plant-based superstar ingredients in our Sun Balm:
- Jojoba Seed Oil. It has moisturizing, antibacterial and antioxidant properties. It’s non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic which is great news for oily and sensitive skin. It helps to control sebum production, speeds up wound healing, and promotes collagen synthesis.
- Meadow-foam Seed Oil is known to work in a similar way to the sebum the skin produces naturally and is particularly effective at sealing in moisture. It helps to balance the skin's natural oil production, contributing to a more even complexion. In addition to its rich softening properties, Meadow-foam seed oil skin can reduce the appearance of scars, fine lines, and wrinkles to promote an energized and rejuvenated appearance. This oil also contains the glucosinolate derivatives, 3-methoxybenzyl isothiocyanate, and 3-methoxyphenyl acetonitrile, which have been shown to inhibit the enzymes that degrade collagen in the skin and to help offset the effect of UVB light exposure.
How tinted moisturizers fit into a minimalist skincare routine
If you're someone who prefers a no-fuss skincare routine, a tinted moisturizer is a great option. It combines multiple steps into one product, providing hydration, sun protection, and coverage in just one application.
By using Elemental Sun Balm, you can simplify your skincare routine without sacrificing the benefits of each individual step. Plus, the added benefit of squalane means you're also providing your skin with the hydration it needs to look and feel its best.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is Elemental Sun Balm suitable for all skin types?
A: Yes, our tinted moisturizer is suitable for all skin types. It's especially beneficial for those with dry or combination skin, as it provides hydration without leaving a greasy residue.
Q: Can I use a tinted moisturizer with squalane if I have oily skin?
A: Yes! Squalane is non-comedogenic, which means it won't clog pores or cause breakouts. This makes it a great ingredient for those with oily or acne-prone skin.
Q: Does Elemental Sun Balm provide enough coverage?
A: Our tinted moisturizer provides light to medium coverage, which is perfect for a natural, everyday look. If you're looking for more coverage, you may need to use a separate concealer or foundation.
Q: Can I use your tinted moisturizer on its own, or do I need to use a separate moisturizer?
A: It depends on your skin type and personal preferences. Our Elemental Sun Balm is formulated with Squalane, Meadow-foam Seed Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Sunflower Seed Wax which provide hydration on their own. However, if you have particularly dry skin, you may want to use a separate moisturizer before applying the tinted moisturizer.
In conclusion, our Elemental Sun Balm is a game-changer for those who want glowing, healthy-looking skin. It’s a multitasking product that combines the benefits of a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation into one easy-to-use product.
Don't wait any longer to achieve the perfect, natural-looking skin. Add our tinted moisturizer with squalane to your skincare routine today and experience the benefits for yourself.
Written by Elena Popkova