Shade has been independently tested to EU sunscreen standards.

• Broad-spectrum UVA & UVB testing (ISO 24443)
  
• SPF validation (in vivo) with human volunteers (ISO 24444)
  
• Microbiology & stability testing
  
• Independent cosmetic safety assessment
  

Shade is also registered with the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Yes. Shade provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

• SPF 25 refers to UVB protection
  
• The UVA symbol on the label confirms UVA protection
  

You may notice there’s no UVA star rating shown. That system is trademarked and can only be used by certain brands sold by Boots, so we’re not permitted to display it.

However, independent testing shows Shade performs at a very high UVA level. Its measured UVA protection corresponds to PA++++, which would equal 4 out of 5 stars under the star system.

Shade’s high oil and wax content helps it stay on the skin better than many lotions. Even so, we always recommend reapplying after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

We did not have Shade tested for water resistance as we don't believe the lab tests reflect real-world use accurately, and didn't want people to be lulled into a false sense of security.

We were encouraged when Which? highlighted concerns around “waterproof” sunscreen claims.

Good to know:
Shade is trusted by surfers and divers and won’t degrade neoprene - but reapplication is still essential.

Shade has a shelf life of 3 years unopened and 12 months once opened, in line with standard cosmetic guidelines.

However...because Shade uses mineral zinc oxide, the active ingredient does not degrade in effectiveness the way some chemical filters can.

If a product has been open for a long time, the natural oils may eventually oxidise and develop an unpleasant 'rancid' smell - but the sunscreen protection itself is unlikely to be reduced.

Good to know:
If it smells fresh and looks normal, it’s still doing its job. Even if it doesn't smell great, it's probably still doing its job!

SPF tells you how much UVB is blocked, not how long you can stay in the sun.

SPF compares protected skin to unprotected skin under the same conditions.

• SPF 25 blocks about 96% of UVB rays
  
• SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays
  

No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.

Simple analogy: sunscreen is a filter, not a force field. Most rays are blocked, but a small amount still gets through - so time in the sun still matters.

Important to know:

• Reapplying maintains protection; it doesn’t extend sun exposure
  
• Applying more sunscreen won’t prevent burning if you stay out too long
  
• If your skin starts to feel hot or burn, cover up or move out of the sun

Shade SPF 25 isn’t designed to chase the highest number. It’s a thoughtfully crafted, minimalist sunscreen made for sensitive skin, everyday wear, and peace of mind.

With just four natural ingredients, SPF 25 allows us to deliver broad-spectrum protection in a formula that’s gentle, wearable, and easy to apply properly without unnecessary additives.

Higher SPFs typically require more complex formulas that can be thicker, harder to spread evenly, and less suitable for sensitive skin. Rather than compromise simplicity or comfort, we chose SPF 25 as the right balance of protection, usability, and skin safety.

When SPF 25 may not be enough:

• High altitude
  
• Snow or highly reflective environments
  

In these conditions, cover exposed skin where possible and apply Shade more generously, or choose a higher-SPF option if needed.

Reassurance for first-time users:
SPF 25 provides effective, everyday protection when applied generously and reapplied as needed. Always check the UV index and act accordingly.

With 12 years of real-world use, Shade has proved time and again to satisfy our customers that it's effective when used appropriately.

However, Shade is also independently tested and proven to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

It has a mean SPF of 24.8, blocking around 96% of UVB rays when applied correctly.

Shade uses non-nano zinc oxide, a trusted mineral active that reflects UV rays from the skin’s surface.

SPF numbers are a guide; real protection depends on applying enough, reapplying regularly, and using the UV index as a guide for sun protective behaviour. No sunscreen should be used as a stand alone product in high UV environments.

Thousands of customers use Shade daily and trust it for reliable, everyday sun protection.

Many conventional sunscreens rely on cheap, mass-produced synthetic UV filters that absorb into the skin. Some people prefer to avoid these ingredients, especially if they have sensitive skin or are trying to reduce overall chemical exposure.

Shade takes a different approach. It uses non-nano zinc oxide, a mineral filter that sits on the skin’s surface and reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays, rather than absorbing them.

Shade is a concentrated, high purity, premium quality natural ingredient sunscreen without water, preservatives, fragrances or other unnecessary additives.

We also focus on ingredient simplicity and purity - just four natural, unrefined ingredients - because fewer ingredients can mean fewer opportunities for irritation.

For those who like to research sunscreen ingredients in more depth, the Environmental Working Group sunscreen guide is a useful independent resource.

Good to know:
Shade is also plastic-free, making it a popular choice for people who care about ocean health and environmental impact.

Absolutely not. Shade is never tested on animals - only on human volunteers. Animal testing for cosmetics is illegal in the UK, and it also goes against everything we stand for.

Shade is listed in Naturewatch Foundation's Compassionate Shopping Guide.

Shade does not contain any of the ingredients in the HEL list, which are:

• Any form of microplastic sphere or beads;
• Any nanoparticles like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide;
• Oxybenzone;
• Octinoxate;
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor;
• Octocrylene;
• Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA);
• Methyl Paraben;
• Ethyl Paraben;
• Propyl Paraben;
• Butyl Paraben;
• Benzyl Paraben;
• Triclosan.

Shade has not yet been certified by Protect Land + Sea through the Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, so we don’t currently make a formal “reef safe” claim.

However, we use uncoated non-nano zinc oxide, and we have not found research showing this form to be harmful to coral or marine life. Existing studies point primarily to nanoparticles as the concern.

While we remain cautious about claims, many ocean users and advocates choose Shade believing it to be a safer option for use in the sea and freshwater environments.

• If Shade feels firm in cold weather, warm it first with your fingertips or between your hands
• Apply generously to exposed skin
• Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating
• Tip: Warming Shade and pressing it gently into the skin helps it absorb more easily and reduces any visible white cast

Shade may leave a light white cast on the skin. This is normal for mineral sunscreens and comes from non-nano zinc oxide, the ingredient that protects your skin by sitting on the surface and reflecting UVA and UVB rays.

A faint white cast simply means Shade is doing its job. Because we use non-nano zinc oxide, it stays on the skin rather than absorbing in, creating a gentle physical barrier.

We believe visible protection is a worthwhile trade-off for a sunscreen designed with safety and skin health first.

This can happen with natural formulas that contain a high percentage of shea butter. It's normal and doesn’t affect performance.

How to fix it:

1. Place the open tin on a plate over a pan of gently simmering water
   
2. Let it warm, then stir gently until smooth
   
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool before replacing the lid
   

That’s it - your Shade will be smooth and easy to apply again, as if it had just been freshly poured.

Good to know:
This won’t affect Shade’s sun protection and can be repeated if needed.

Shade's ingredients all harden when they are cold, and soften up when they get warmer.

Simply scrape some out with your fingernails and warm in your hands to apply, or warm the whole tin up - maybe in the sun - before applying.

Don't leave it to get too hot, or it might get runny and spill when you open the tin! It would have to get hotter than 64 degrees to do this though...!