In creating From This Island’s White Tea Ultra Light Protective Sun Serum, we focused on more than just sun protection. We developed a formula that nourishes and soothes the skin with the healing power of local botanicals — crafted specifically for Indonesia’s unique tropical climate. While many products rely solely on synthetic filters, we chose to enrich ours with White Tea Extract, sustainably harvested from the highland plantations of West Java. This exceptional botanical not only protects your skin naturally but also symbolises our deep-rooted connection to the rich biodiversity of our homeland.
What is White Tea Extract?
White tea comes from the young, tender buds of the Camellia sinensis plant, carefully plucked before the leaves fully open. In Indonesia, these prized tea buds are traditionally grown in the misty highlands of West Java — regions long celebrated for their lush, fertile volcanic soil and cool mountain air.
Known for its delicate flavour and high antioxidant content, white tea has long been revered in Oriental medicine as the “elixir of youth.” But its benefits extend far beyond the teacup. Because it’s the least processed of all teas, white tea retains more of its natural compounds — flavonoids, catechins, and phenolics — that deliver powerful antioxidant and anti-aging effects (Somavanshi et al., 2021; Thring et al., 2009).
The reason these buds are harvested so early is because they contain the highest concentration of phenolic compounds — the very antioxidants responsible for neutralizing free radicals and protecting skin cells. That makes white tea extract especially potent in skincare, boosting the overall effectiveness of our sun serum.
Why Does It Matter in Sunscreen?
We know the Indonesian sun can be relentless. Growing up here, we’ve all heard it from our mothers, grandmothers, and beauty advisors: it’s a must to wear sunscreen if you don’t want to age faster. And they were right — daily exposure to UVA and UVB rays accelerates skin aging, triggers inflammation, weakens the skin’s immune defences, and breaks down collagen and elastin — accelerating signs of aging.
That’s precisely why making the right choice for your sunscreen matters. It’s not just about protection; it’s about finding a product that covers all the boxes: effective sun and pollution defence, skin nourishment, and a lightweight, cooling feel you’ll actually enjoy wearing in Indonesia’s tropical heat.
This is where white tea extract truly shines:
- Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals caused by sun exposure, reducing cellular damage and preventing premature aging.
- Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Calms UV-induced redness and irritation. In-vitro studies, which are lab tests on skin cells, prove that white tea extract significantly reduces inflammation after sun exposure.
- Maintain Collagen & Elastin: Inhibits enzymes like collagenase and elastase, preserving skin firmness and preventing sagging.
- Photoprotection: Studies show that it supports the skin’s immune recovery after sun exposure and can potentially help reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.
And because air quality is something none of us can fully control, especially in cities like Jakarta, where pollution levels are among the highest in the world, we made sure our White Tea Ultra Light Protective Sun Serum does more than shield against UV. It’s enriched with PoluStop™, a plant-based active that forms an invisible, breathable barrier on the skin to help defend against pollution particles and oxidative stress.
So whether you’re braving Jakarta’s pollution or soaking up sunshine in Bali, you can move through your day knowing your skin is protected even from the elements you can’t always control.
Bridging the Market Gap: Cooling, Fresh, and Tropical-Friendly
When developing this product, we also noticed a clear gap in the market: most sunscreens designed for tropical climates focused purely on SPF numbers, with little attention paid to how the product feels on hot, humid skin. Many leave a sticky residue, feel suffocating, or clog pores when worn in the heat — a common frustration for many in Indonesia.
That’s why we set out to create a sunscreen that protects and instantly refreshes. Inspired by the traditional Indonesian practice of drinking white tea to cool the body, our formula uses its natural anti-inflammatory properties to calm and comfort skin under the sun. The result is a sunscreen that not only protects but also refreshes — making it ideal for active days under the sun, beach outings, or your everyday commute in tropical heat.
Clean, Kind Beauty: Gentle on Your Skin, Thoughtful Toward Nature
At From This Island, we’re committed to ethical, sustainable beauty rooted in care for both skin and environment. That’s why our sunscreen is formulated without chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate — ingredients widely associated with hormone disruption, skin sensitivities, and marine ecosystem damage, including coral reefs.
Instead, we lean on plant-based, skin-loving ingredients like White Tea Extract to enhance your skin’s natural resilience under the sun. And because it’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and designed for tropical living, you can wear it comfortably through beach days, pool dips, or humid city afternoons — without the heavy, sticky feeling many sunscreens leave behind.
Conclusion: A Tradition Modernised
By integrating White Tea Extract into our sunscreen, we’re honoring centuries-old wisdom while embracing modern dermatological science. It’s a beautiful example of how local botanicals and contemporary skincare can come together — sustainably, ethically, and effectively.
The next time you step into the sun, reach for From This Island’s White Tea Ultra Light Protective Sun Serum — and let the timeless power of white tea work for your modern skin.
Important Note: This product is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. If you are unsure whether this product is suitable for you, we advise consulting with your healthcare professional.
