Every. Single. Ingredient.


At Bluu, we believe good skincare means nothing without integrity. And knowing what you put on your skin shouldn’t be hard to understand. That’s why we publish every ingredient we use, along with the story behind it.

The Bluu Standard

We don’t just defend against sun damage, we formulate with respect for the ecosystems you swim in. Every ingredient is chosen for its purity, thoughtful sourcing, and alignment with current toxicology research, helping to protect both your skin health and the ocean.

Clean,
Conscious
Suncare
Defined.

No Chemical UV Filters. We never use chemical UV filters, some of which have been associated in studies with coral bleaching and marine toxicity.

No Microplastics. Our formulas are free from microplastics including, but not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, acrylates, silicon-based copolymers, nylon-12, and PMMA, a choice made to help reduce avoid microplastic pollution and to support safer options for both skin and sea.

No Known Endocrine Disruptors. We exclude ingredients that have been linked in scientific literature to potential hormone disruption, even at low doses. That means no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, formaldehyde- releasing preservatives, artificial colorants, or synthetic fragrances.

No Known PBTs. Our review considers the type and concentration of each ingredient against available toxicology and safety data, with particular attention to eco-toxicological impact, biodegradability, and PBT status (persistent, bioaccumulative, or toxic).

Distinct by Design

Carbonate Technology™: Our patent-pending formula is powered by Carbonate Technology™, designed to increase carbonate ions in seawater, important building blocks for ocean health.

We hold ourselves to the highest standards of science and beauty, so you can feel confident in what touches your skin, and what returns to the sea. Every ingredient in Bluu Sunscreen, from UV filter to preservative, emollient, stabilizer, and tint has been independently reviewed by a toxicologist to help ensure the safest possible selection for both human health and marine ecosystems.

Transparency is Our Formula.

At Bluu, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin, and into the sea. That’s why we openly share every ingredient in our formula, backed by third-party toxicology reports and reviewed by a PhD toxicologist. Each component is carefully selected for purity, performance, and ocean health. We use only the highest quality ingredients, free from microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and unnecessary additives known to harm aquatic life.

Ongoing Research

We also recognize that ingredient science is evolving. What is considered the safest option today may shift as new research emerges. Some data is still incomplete, and the picture isn’t always perfect. That’s why we keep our finger on the pulse, committing to continuous review and improvement of our formulas as science advances.

Small Ripples, Big Impact

The ocean’s health depends on more than sunscreen, but every choice counts. At Bluu, sun care is part of a larger movement to protect what protects us. Because small actions, done with intention, can change the tide. This isn’t just clean beauty. It’s conscious sun care, crafted with uncompromising transparency and care for both people and planet.

The Problem with UV Filters

UV filters have been shown to contribute to coral bleaching. Even mineral sunscreen actives aren’t always what they seem.

Our Approach

Bluu uses only uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide — widely regarded as one of the safest and most effective forms of mineral sun protection on the market to block both UVA/UVB rays on the market. We don’t rely on nano particles or unnecessary chemical coatings. Instead, we use a custom dispersion system that makes zinc glide on sheer and silky, without sacrificing protection, designed to minimize potential risks.

What Makes Us Ocean Forward

Carbonate Technology™

Through five years of collaboration between marine scientists and cosmetic formulators, we discovered how to stabilize and deliver carbonate ions in a sunscreen emulsion. Our innovation releases carbonate ions in seawater, which are known to play an active role in supporting ocean health. We’re pioneering in ocean forward innovation without compromising SPF performance or the sheer, luxurious feel of our product.

  • Whether you live near the coast or thousands of miles inland, the ocean plays a vital role in your life. It produces over half the oxygen you breathe, absorbs more than 25% of global carbon emissions, and stands as one of our most powerful natural defenses against climate change. Coral reefs, though they cover just 1% of the ocean floor, are often called the rainforests of the sea, and for good reason. They support at least 25% of all marine life, much of which remains undiscovered. In the U.S. alone, coral reefs generate billions of dollars in tourism, contribute around $100 million annually to commercial fisheries, and help protect tens of thousands of lives, as well as billions of dollars in property and economic activity, from coastal flooding and erosion, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Ocean acidification, caused by increased CO₂ absorption from the atmosphere, reduces the availability of carbonate ions in seawater. These ions are essential for marine organisms like corals, mollusks, and some plankton to build calcium carbonate shells and skeletons. As carbonate ion concentrations decline, calcifying organisms struggle to maintain their structures, leading to weakened coral reefs and disrupted marine ecosystems.

  • In controlled seawater studies at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, Bluu sunscreen was shown to significantly increase carbonate and bicarbonate ions under laboratory conditions. Inspired by broader research on ocean acidification and coral resilience, our formulation represents a commitment to rethinking how consumer products can interact with the environment.

ONGOING RESEARCH AND WHITE PAPER

  • The Other 80% - Your Sunscreen Beyond the UV Filter

  • Raising the Bar on Preservatives

    The Problem with Preservatives

    Preserving mineral-based sunscreen is difficult. Many naturally derived preservatives lose efficacy in the presence of zinc oxide or destabilize clays and silicates. Others can cause skin irritation or disrupt the delicate balance of the skin microbiome. And most conventional preservatives come with ecological trade-offs we’re not willing to make.

    Our Natural Preservative Blend

    Our preservative blend consists of ingredients with low persistence and no known aquatic toxicity at the trace levels we use. The result: effective preservation that feels good on skin and acknowledges the sea.

    Preservatives We Leave Out, and Why

    NO Phenoxyethanol - Widely used but banned in Palau, as they have classified it “reef-toxic”. Even in small amounts, it’s incompatible with our reef standards.

    NO Ethylhexylglycerin - Shown to cause harm to fish and aquatic life with chronic, category 3 long lasting effects.

    NO Hexylene Glycol (also known as 2-methyl-2,4-pentanediol) - A petrochemical solvent that is listed on some hazard lists. Not something we want near sensitive skin.

    NO Benzyl Alcohol - Toxic to aquatic life and not aligned with our high environmental standards.

  • Hydration Without Compromise

    The Problem with Moisturizers

    Some common moisturizing ingredients can rely on synthetic humectants. Common additives like propylene glycol and petrolatum are byproducts of fossil fuel refining. Humectants can also interact differently with your skin in different climates for your skin. In dry environments, overly concentrated humectants like glycerin can actually draw moisture out of the skin, making dryness worse over time if not properly balanced with oils and occlusives.

    Everyday Nourishment

    We use USP-grade, certified organic glycerin. In our formula, it’s precisely balanced to complement our oil-based emollients, ensuring that hydration is locked in without overwhelming the skin or leaving a sticky film. This is especially important in coastal climates, where slight humidity. allows glycerin to function optimally without drying the skin. Bluu’s formula is designed for climate responsiveness. Combined with our nutrient-rich emollients, it ensures that moisture is delivered intelligently, sustainably, and beautifully.

  • The Architecture of Softness

    The Problem with Emollients

    Emollients are functional ingredients in many skincare formulations, often constituting a significant portion of the oil phase in products like lotions, creams, and sunscreens, where they can make up 20% or more of the final product by weight. Softening agents in cosmetics are commonly derived from plant-based oils, particularly palm and coconut. However, when not intentionally sourced, palm and coconut oil can be associated with environmental concerns, including deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and carbon emissions. Unsustainable farming practices can also lead to water pollution from pesticide runoff, which harms aquatic ecosystems and contributes to climate change.

    Our Emollients

    At Bluu, we believe that skincare should nurture both your skin and be thoughtfully sourced for the planet. That’s why we’ve prioritized certified sustainable, traceable, and deforestation-freeemollients in our formula. Bluu does not use acrylate-based emollients, and uses only ECOCERT approved, biodegradable emollients, responsibly sourced from plant-based raw materials.

  • Ocean Ready - Sun, Salt, and Sweat

    The Problem with Silicon-Based Water Resistance

    Plastic-like polymers coat the skin and achieve water resistance. While they repel water effectively, many of these polymers aren’t known to readily biodegrade, and some have been found to last longer in our environment than even plastics. Common Silicones used in personal care cosmetics include: Methicone, Dimethicone, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol, Dimethicone Copolyol, Cyclohexasiloxane, Cetearyl Methicone, Cyclopentasiloxane.

    Our Non-Silicon Co-Polymer

    At Bluu, we set out to find a non-silicone water resistance ingredient that works in harmony with skin and sea. That’s why we use a naturally derived polymer crafted from coconut oil, glucose, and plant-based fatty acids.

  • Our Shade of the Sea

    The Problem with Synthetic Dyes

    Synthetic dyes are artificial colorants, commonly derived from petroleum or coal tar sources. Potential risks flagged for concern include skin irritation, trace contamination, and long- lasting effects on aquatic life.

    Emblematic by Deisgn

    We use ultramarine blue, inspired from the timeless mineral lazurite, refined for purity. Approved for use in cosmetics by US and EU regulators, it delivers skin-friendly color without compromise.

  • Holding It All Together, Naturally

    The Problem with Stabilizers

    Behind every elegant sunscreen is a matrix of stabilizers and texture agents, ingredients that shape how it feels on your skin, how it spreads, and how well it holds together over time. But common stabilizers – petrochemical-derived polymers, acrylate thickeners, and non- biodegradable microgels – may come at a cost. While these synthetics help prevent separation and extend shelf life, they can also contribute to growing microplastic pollution and environmental concern.

    Adapted to Sea, Sun, and Skin

    At Bluu, we use only biodegradable, non-comedogenic, and plant- or mineral-derived stabilizers that deliver silky texture and high performance without compromise. These agents are more than just passive binders: they’re critical to maintaining the integrity of our proprietary emulsion, designed to release carbonate ions upon contact with seawater, while still delivering reliable SPF protection in sun, salt, sweat, and heat.

  • Intelligent Emulsion

    The Problem with Emulsifiers

    Some emulsifiers are partially derived from petroleum or persist in the environment long after they’ve washed down the drain.

    Our Emulsifiers

    Our emulsifiers are plant-based, biodegradable, and approved by leading eco-certification bodies, including ECOCERT, COSMOS, and NATRUE. They’re not just functional, they’re formulated with the same environmental integrity as our hero ingredients and ensure elegant texture for your everyday wear.

Ingredient Glossary

In every formula, we prioritize vegan-friendly and naturally derived ingredients, sourced with intention so you can trust what touches your skin.

On the bottle, ingredient names are listed using their INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) designations, the universal scientific naming system for cosmetics. While these terms can sound complex, they often represent familiar ingredients chosen with care for your skin and the planet.

We believe that it’s important to know what you’re putting on your skin, so we’ve simplified them here.

  • A naturally derived fatty alcohol that provides structure, silkiness, and lasting comfort. Free from petroleum-based waxes and beeswax, and sourced from a family-owned Dutch manufacturer powered by solar energy and committed to carbon neutrality, it embodies Bluu’s harmony between high performance and environmental care.

  • A naturally derived polymer crafted from coconut oil, glucose, and plant-based fatty acids. Naturally derived, biodegradable, breaking down safely in the environment, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and sustainably sourced, skin-compatible, delivering a breathable, flexible film without the tacky feel of synthetics, and free of petrochemical residuals.

  • This lightweight emollient delivers a skin-loving texture while maintaining high purity and excellent stability in our formula. Derived from sustainable palm oil and compliant with ECOCERT and ISO 16128 standards, it enhances absorption, supports mineral dispersioThis lightweight emollient delivers a skin-loving texture while maintaining high purity and excellent stability in our formula. Derived from sustainable palm oil and compliant with ECOCERT and ISO 16128 standards, it enhances absorption, supports mineral dispersion, and doesn’t clog pores. It’s free of volatile compounds and residual solvents, making it ideal for our formulation standards—and a natural choice for anyone seeking high-performance, low-impact skincare.n, and doesn’t clog pores. It’s free of volatile compounds and residual solvents, making it ideal for our formulation standards, and a natural choice for anyone seeking high-performance, low-impact skincare.

  • A naturally derived fatty alcohol that enhances emulsion stability and delivers a soft, hydrated finish. COSMOS-approved, vegan-friendly, and manufactured through a sustainable process that recycles plant biomass, embodying performance with purpose.

  • A gentle, coconut- and sugar-derived emulsifier that binds oil and water while respecting the skin’s natural lipid balance. Fully biodegradable, solvent-free, and produced through a clean, circular process aligned with the 12 Principles of Green Chemistry.

  • Part of Bluu’s signature emollient system, our cocoglyceride blend is derived from sustainably sourced coconut oils and crafted for performance in sun care. This ultra-light, naturally derived ingredient helps disperse our Carbonate Technology™ and Zinc evenly across the skin, improving coverage and enhancing the luxurious, glide-on texture that defines our Bluu formula without relying on silicones or synthetic emollients. Approved by COSMOS and NATRUE standards.

  • To create the silky, smooth glide of Bluu, we use an emollient derived from renewable plant oils. Offering fast spreadability and a soft, non-greasy finish, this ingredient adds a luxurious touch to our formula. It’s more than elegant: it’s naturally derived.

  • We use USP-grade, certified organic glycerin, sourced from non-GMO palm and safflower oils. Our supplier is a climate-leader with EcoVadis Gold certification, and all raw materials are RSPO-certified to ensure biodiversity protection and deforestation-free sourcing.

  • A white to pale yellow, plant-derived hydrophilic wax that enhances texture and consistency. Supplied as a fine powder, it helps emulsify and soften while supporting a smooth, uniform feel on the skin. Certified by COSMOS, ECOCERT, and the EU Eco-label, this ingredient is preservative-free and ethylene oxide-free.

  • A naturally derived, biodegradable starch polymer that creates a silky, lightweight texture without relying on plastic-based gelling agents. It enhances stability, maintains spreadability, and ensures the formula remains smooth and breathable. Gluten-free, non-GMO, and sourced from climate-conscious manufacturers.

  • To support the smooth, stable texture of our sunscreen, we use a purified mineral clay sustainably sourced from the American Southwest. This ingredient evenly suspends zinc oxide, prevents clumping, and delivers a smooth, non-tacky application. Water-washed for exceptional purity and ECOCERT™ and COSMOS™ certified, our mineral clay is naturally heat- and humidity-resistant to reinforce the elegant feel and long wear of Bluu. Though it works quietly in the background, this mineral clay plays a vital role in keeping our formula high-performance, no matter how long your beach day lasts.

  • Designed to absorb excess oil while refining texture and tone, this mineral helps the skin stay balanced, even in heat and humidity.

  • A plant-derived wax that enhances texture and stability while helping SPF pigments disperse evenly. Free from petroleum-based waxes and beeswax, it’s sourced from a fifth-generation Dutch company powered by solar energy and committed to carbon neutrality and small-scale farmer partnerships—resulting in a smooth, breathable finish that supports both skin health and planetary well-being.

  • Phenethyl Alcohol Derived from roses and cinnamon; broad-spectrum antimicrobial with a subtle, naturally occurring aroma.

  • A corn-sugar derived humectant that enhances preservation and hydrates skin.

  • From sugarcane and corn cobs; moisturizes, boosts antimicrobial action, and stabilizes mineral systems.

  • A gentle, castor-derived stabilizer that strengthens emulsion integrity and refines texture. Free from petroleum-based waxes and beeswax, it’s produced by a solar-powered, carbon-neutral supplier dedicated to sustainable sourcing and small-scale farmer partnerships, ensuring performance that’s as ethical as it is effective.

  • A naturally derived spherical shaped white power that provides a high absorption and oil sebum capacity to deliver silky texture with matted finish up effect. COSMOS approved and ECOCERT.

  • This gentle emulsifier is derived from vegetable-based glutamic acid and stearic acid—sourced from consciously farmed raw materials. It’s a common ingredient in eco-certified skincare and approved by ECOCERT, COSMOS, and the Natural Products Association. Leaving a smooth, non-greasy after-feel, it enhances both product stability and sensorial appeal. Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate is also readily biodegradable and supports our goal of avoiding synthetic residues for aquatic systems.

  • Approved for use in cosmetics by US and EU regulators, it delivers skin-friendly color without compromise. A sheer, luminous finish with no blue cast and no chalky residue, just a subtle oceanic hue that disappears on skin but reflects our deeper values: purity, beauty, and harmony with the sea.

  • We don’t rely on nano particles or unnecessary chemical coatings. Instead, we use a custom dispersion system that makes zinc glide on sheer and silky, without sacrificing protection, designed to minimize potential risks.

    ECOCERT/COSMOS-certified, Proven broad-spectrum UVA/UVB defense, 41% Blue Light protection (380–500 nm), with a 373 nm critical wavelength, Sheer, silky finish (no chalk, no white cast)

  • The simplest ingredient, and the most essential. And, our personal favorite universal solvent.

  • A natural gum that gently thickens and stabilizes our formula while supporting a smooth, even texture. Ideal for sensitive skin and entirely microplastic-free, it’s produced through sustainable fermentation and recognized for its low environmental impact.

Naturally Derived: From plant, mineral, or marine sources, refined through natural processes to preserve purity.

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A New Era in Suncare Starts Here

With the support of climate and marine scientists and skilled cosmetic formulator, Jeffrey Lewis, Bluu is introducing a new horizon for the intersection of ocean chemistry and cosmetic science.

Ingredient-Level Assessment

Acknowledgement

The information below refers to the safety and environmental data of individual ingredients, as verified by each ingredient supplier. These details reflect ingredient-level assessments only and have not yet been independently tested or verified within the complete Bluu Sunscreen formula. Bluu provides this information for transparency and educational purposes and makes no claims regarding the overall performance, efficacy, or environmental impact of the full formulation based solely on this data.

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