Dermatologists always recommend sunscreen. But even they aren’t smitten with the choices on the market.
 
“As a practicing dermatologist I had a difficult time recommending an acceptable, effective, natural sunscreen with a broad spectrum SPF 30,” Dr.  J. Michael Taylor, MD, MPH, told Happi. “There are many very good sunscreens, but most use chemical sunscreens that can be sensitizers or irritants. Most have fragrance that can also sensitize and irritate. Some contain PABA and parabens. The packaging/tubes are often sourced out of the country and may contain phthalates that are endocrine disruptors. Most have preservatives that sting the eyes, discouraging use by outdoor sports enthusiasts.”
 
Dr. Taylor also acknowledged shortcomings when using formulations built on titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
 
“It is critical that the product be cosmetically acceptable or it will not be used, despite other beneficial characteristics,” he said.
 
So Dr. Taylor set out to build a better offering through Brightwater Bay Science, a start-up he founded in 2011.
 
Working with scientific advisor Dr. Peter M. Elias, a worldwide respected research dermatologist at UCSF, and Robert J. Verdicchio, retired chemist Johnson & Johnson consumer products division, Brightwater Bay Science, LLC has rolled out first product: Ocean Elements Sheer Daily Moisture SPF 30.
 
Ocean Elements is designed to protect, moisturize and repair. The formula is water resistant for 80 minutes, uses zinc and titanium, and is fragrance-, PABA- and paraben- free. But there are a handful of ingredients that set this SKU apart from other sun care offerings, according to Dr. Taylor. 
 
“We use five marine ingredients that supplement photo protection, moisturize, contribute antioxidants and vitamins, and contain an important anti-inflammatory that smoothes texture and reduces redness.”
 
The five marine ingredients are:
 
•Porphyra umbilicalis, which contains a unique natural sun filter that assists photo protection by absorbing UVA rays, thus mitigating photoaging;
 
•Laminaria digita, which provides hydration, enhances skin elasticity and contains powerful antioxidants;  
 
•Hydrolyzed marine collagen, which repairs the epidermis and restores firmness to sun damaged skin;  
 
•Pseudoptergorgia elisabethae, an extract of Sea Whip that is rich in anti-inflammatory compounds that reduce redness and swelling from sun damaged skin;  and
 
•Chondrus crispus, which is rich in vitamins and minerals and offers deep hydration with film forming properties that both bind and release water.
 
Dr. Taylor was intrigued by what he saw while participating in an American Academy of Dermatology melanoma screening at the Maine Fishermen's Forum in Rockland, ME; he noticed that lobstermen and fishermen had rough, dry hands, but seaweed harvesters had smooth hydrated skin, he said.
 
Ocean Elements Sheer Daily Moisture SPF 30  is 95% natural, according to the company.
 
“We do use a preservative, but only 105ppm in the final product,” Dr. Taylor said.
 
The tubes are phthalate free and are made in the US.
 
Currently, Ocean Elements ($38/3oz) is sold online at OElements.com, at Amazon.com, and in 20 select retailers including day spas and apothecaries in the northeast, mostly in Maine, where Brighwater Bay is based.
 
“We are eager to expand our retail presence throughout the northeast as well as in areas where there is more winter outdoor activity including Florida and the Southwest,” said Dr. Taylor, noting that the firm is seeking to partner with reps throughout the US.
 
This SPF offering is the first in a line of Ocean Elements, according to Brightwater Bay.
 
“We are currently testing a night restorative cream that we’re very excited about. We expect to have it available by the holiday season,” said Dr. Taylor. 
 
Other products under consideration include eye serum, a lip protection, a body moisturizer, and an SPF body stick.
 
In 2000, Dr. Taylor and his wife founded Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership , a non-profit organization working to strengthen the health system in northern Haiti. Up to 50% of the proceeds from the sale of Ocean Elements Sheer Daily Moisture SPF 30 will be donated to non-profit organizations involved in health care or the environment, including Konbit Sante.