Sunscreen is arguably the most important product you can use to protect your skin. It acts as a shield between you and the sun, both fending off premature aging and preventing the development of skin cancers and precancers. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that applying SPF 15 sunscreen on a daily basis can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent and the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by 40 percent.
To meet high consumer demand, a number of increasingly sustainable sunscreen brands have hit the markets over the past several years. One of these, Los Angeles-based Everyday Humans, has come a long way since it was included in the Target Takeover accelerator program in 2019. The startup offers products that help consumers protect themselves from the sun’s rays, and are also environmentally friendly. The products are completely carbon-neutral and promise to leave zero white residues across all skin tones – making them Instagram-friendly as well.
In 2018 Charlotte Chen Pienaar founded “Everyday For Every Body” after working in investment banking and joining the startup world at age 27.
Her experiences at three startups led her to discover her “huge passion for entrepreneurship and specifically for the Gen Z and millennial demographic,” who she would target as the primary customers for her new sunscreen company. The goal was to encourage young people to make sun protection a part of their daily routines.
The inspiration came from Pienaar’s personal experiences:
“I used to tan a lot in my teens, and now that I’m in my thirties—and seeing the first signs of aging—I wish someone had told me earlier the importance of taking care of my skin by using the most vital weapon against wrinkles: SPF. . . [A]t the same time, young people are concerned about what’s actually in the formula, the related environmental impact and more importantly, authentic representation. And that’s why I started Everyday Humans, a conscious and inclusive sun-led skincare brand that helps inspire Gen Z and millennials of all skin tones and types to wear SPF every day.”
Pienaar’s commitment to protecting younger generations is evident in how she changed the formula for Everyday Humans’ golden child, the Resting Beach Face Sunscreen Serum after feedback indicated some avenues for improvement. Featuring a new scent derived from spinach and green tea, and with a hydrating boost from the addition of a plant-based ingredient called pentavitin, the product is better than ever. It is also more environmentally friendly, as the first plastic-neutral certified sunscreen is shipped in a 35 percent post-consumer recycled plastic tube. It is no wonder that this sunscreen serum has had a 300 percent sales growth since it was launched – and it is one of Everyday Humans’ two products that can now be found in over 700 Target stores around the country.
Designer Christina Tung’s description of her favorite product to Vogue perhaps sums it up best: “[i]t feels so good on my face and makes me actually want to wear sunscreen. . . It’s also packed with antioxidants and nutrients and is earth-friendly and protects against UV and pollution. It. Is. Magical.”
Everyday Humans’ dedication to the environment is more far-reaching than one product, though.
In addition to shipping in recycled plastic tubes, the startup uses biodegradable bottles and FSC Certified paper. It has partnered with the nonprofit 1% for the Planet on its mission to increase environmental giving, joining its extensive list of members in 2021.
And, Pienaar insists on working only with sustainable suppliers and manufacturers, especially those certified cruelty-free by PETA.
You might just be helping other people, as well. The company’s social leadership shines in the Big Mood SPF30 Milky Lip Balm, which is inspired by Pienaar’s fondness for oat milk lattes. The balm provides anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturizing effects for your lips with its combination of oat extract, blue agave, and oil blend. Plus, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Asian Mental Health Collective, which works to make mental health resources available to Asian communities around the world.
If you have not been taking proper care of your skin, now is the perfect time to start. When purchasing an Everyday Humans product, you can rest assured that not only are you protecting your body, but you are also protecting our world.
