Charlotte Palermino and Joyce de Lemos, cofounders of beauty brand Dieux, have taken a stand against the wave of misinformation surrounding sunscreen and SPF products. Recognizing the confusion many consumers face when selecting sun protection, they are introducing an innovative tool called Sun-Screener. This virtual resource allows users to paste the ingredient list from any SPF product and receive detailed feedback on its effectiveness. The tool breaks down the various UV filters present, explains how each one functions, and clarifies the regions where these ingredients are approved for use. As the sun care market flourishes—spurred by trends on platforms like TikTok and the rising popularity of Korean and Australian SPF brands—the need for accurate information has never been greater.
According to de Lemos, who also serves as Dieux’s cosmetic chemist, the goal is to provide unbiased information that empowers individuals to make informed choices about their sun care. “We want to empower people with information to make their own choices in an unbiased way,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to factual content. The Sun-Screener is not just a tool; it aims to build a community of well-informed users who can confidently navigate the overwhelming sun care landscape.
Recent trends have introduced alternative SPF options, such as homemade sunscreens and even beef tallow as organic alternatives. These conversations gained traction on social media platforms, often leading to heated debates. Notably, influencer Nara Smith sparked discussions on homemade sunscreens, which dermatologists have criticized due to safety concerns. Besides these discussions, people are increasingly using apps like Yuka that label ingredients as “high-risk” without considering essential factors such as ingredient concentration and the method of application. This one-dimensional approach can sow fear rather than educate, something both Palermino and de Lemos wish to avoid.
The founders of Dieux believe in a non-judgmental approach to education. They emphasize that their mission isn’t to label certain ingredients as “good” or “bad,” as doing so might create undue fear. Instead, they aim to encourage sunscreen usage while nurturing a more understanding dialogue about the ingredients in these products. Palermino, with over 700,000 social media followers, advocates for making skin care knowledge accessible and relatable to everyone. This ethos underscores the creation of the Sun-Screener tool, a resource that can demystify SPF and foster a culture of sun safety.
Sun-Screener is backed by reputable cosmetic chemists, including Rebecca Perry and Ava Perkins, and it provides information on over 35 different UV filters. These range from well-known mineral filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to various chemical filters such as avobenzone and octocrylene. In addition to the primary functionality of the tool, Dieux plans to incorporate a blog that addresses common SPF-related questions, further enhancing the educational aspect of the platform. “The fun thing about Sun-Screener is that there’s no ‘bad’ answer,” said Palermino, highlighting the positivity that this tool aims to cultivate.
Looking ahead, Dieux envisions expanding the functionality of Sun-Screener to include features that enable users to advocate for faster FDA approvals of newer SPF filters that are already popular in other countries. This ability to contact representatives for action will foster a zero-fear environment centered on understanding sun care products. As Palermino passionately stated, “We want to create a zero-fear environment to help people understand what’s in their products.” By bridging the gap between consumers and essential knowledge, Dieux hopes to reinforce the message that sunscreen is a vital component of personal health and beauty.
