In commemoration of World Ocean Day on 8 June 2025, we’re reflecting on the small, thoughtful choices we make every day — and how they ripple out to protect not just our skin, but the incredible natural ecosystems we call home.
As an Indonesian brand deeply rooted in the natural beauty of our islands and waters, From This Island has always believed that the ingredients we choose should be kind to both people and planet. And while we’re best known for our skin-loving formulas, we care just as much about how those products interact with the world beyond our bathroom shelves.
Why Certain Sunscreen Ingredients Matter
Many people may not realise that common chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate — still widely used in sunscreens today — have been linked to coral reef damage, marine life toxicity, and hormone disruption. These chemicals contribute to coral bleaching and disrupt fragile marine ecosystems, especially in biodiverse, tropical waters like Indonesia’s.
That’s why we’ve made a conscious choice to leave these ingredients out of all our sun protection formulas. Our White Tea Ultra Light Protective Sun Serum was thoughtfully developed to offer effective daily sun protection that’s gentle on skin and created with care for the marine environments we cherish across our beautiful archipelago.
Small Daily Habits That Make a Big Difference
Protecting the ocean doesn’t always require grand gestures. Often, it’s the small, everyday habits that make a meaningful impact. Alongside choosing sunscreens that avoid harmful ingredients like those we consciously leave out at From This Island, you can:
- Avoid using spray sunscreens near beaches, as they often overspray into the sand and water.
- Wear Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing, hats, or seek shade to reduce the need for excessive sunscreen use in marine areas.
- Dispose of skincare and packaging responsibly, opting for recyclable or plant-based options where available.
These are small but significant changes that can help protect Indonesia’s precious marine ecosystems. As highlighted by the U.S. National Park Service in their guide to reef-friendly sun protection, mindful habits like these can collectively reduce the harmful impact of personal care products on coral reefs and marine biodiversity. You can read their full recommendations here.
Our Commitment Beyond Sunscreen
This mindful approach to ingredients extends far beyond our sun protection range. From choosing bio-based sugarcane packaging for our Java Black Tea Soothing Gel Cleanser, to upcycling Mangosteen Peel Extract for its antioxidant benefits, we’re always searching for ways to reduce our footprint and make conscious formulation decisions — for both our customers and the ecosystems we live in.
