Ojas Sun Essentials: Healthier Sunscreen That Works

This time of year, it’s impossible to leave the house without covering yourself in sunscreen and because of that, you might be worrying about negative effects of wearing it all the time.There are superficial consequences, like breakouts, as well as health-related concerns. Luckily, several companies offer healthier, more skin-nourishing options. Ojas (Sanskrit for ‘vitality of life’) is one such label. The California-based brand’s products, which I discovered through my friend Kimberly Muller and her husband, Michael, keep skin luminous while minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals, and blocking UVA and UVB rays. Learn a bit more about Ojas through our interview with founder Shawn Biega below. XXJKE

Rip & Tan: How did Ojas come to be? What inspired the line?

Shawn Biega: I’ve always spent a great deal of time in nature—skiing, surfing, and hiking. Living in Northern California truly lends itself to an outdoorsy way of life. But I didn’t want to overlook the importance of protecting the skin against the elements. A close friend of mine died of skin cancer at a young age, galvanizing my vision. I first created a company called Beyond Coastal, one of the first paraben-free sun protection skincare brands targeted at the sports market. After I sold it, I decided to focus my efforts on building a line not just for those into outdoor sports, but for everyone. I wanted to create a luxurious, elegant, and effective line that lives at the intersection of nature and science. Our proprietary formula is rich with plant stem cells, immune-boosting probiotics and vitamins.

Rip & Tan: How is California an important part of the brand’s identity and integrity?

SB: California is extremely important to our brand’s integrity—we see it as a key component of the DNA of Ojas. California is not just an important state, it is almost a byword for a way of thinking and being, where people can thrive in nature. A Californian lifestyle is one that embraces natural products, organic foods, a more healthful way of being in the world. California is leading the rest of the world in advances in health and natural beauty. Our motto—’The Luxury of Being Well’— is very in keeping with the overriding philosophy of life here.

Rip & Tan: How do you make effective sun care products without the use of chemicals? 

SB: In the sunscreen market, two labels are most frequently used: “mineral” and “chemical”. “Mineral” sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Conversely, “chemical” sunscreens are made up of carbon-containing molecules that absorb light. Ojas offers two types of sun protection products: our Mineral Sunscreen for the face and neck uses medical grade zinc and our Body Sunscreen offers the same protection as traditional sunscreens, with active ingredients designed to absorb and dissipate UVA and UVB rays.

We offer both choices as many people have reactions to one or the other. Both protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays, shielding the skin from sun exposure which can cause premature wrinkling and hyperpigmentation. Our sunscreens are free of parabens, phthalates, colors and dyes, glutens, sulphates, and are always made in a cruelty-free environment. Moreover, they feel luxurious and light without any of the ‘slick’ or gumminess associated with sunscreen.

Rip & Tan: What sunscreen rules should every woman follow, no matter what?

SB: The simple rule is to start taking care of your skin from as young an age as possible. The sun is wonderfully energizing but is simultaneously very damaging.  The second rule is to understand precisely what various SPF ratings actually mean. No SPF-rated products last all day long.  You need to continually reapply sunscreen throughout the day and certainly after swimming or working out. 

Rip & Tan: The skincare line focuses a lot on vitamin C. What makes vitamin C so important for the skin? 

SB: Vitamin C is a proven skincare superstar. Numerous clinical trials have shown that regular use of products containing vitamin C leads to suppler and more radiant skin. It wards off damaging free radicals, which can cause premature aging. Brown spots fade, collagen production is boosted, any skin flare-ups or irritation are soothed more quickly with a vitamin C-infused product. There’s really no downside.

Rip & Tan: What product in the entire line is your best-seller and why?  

SB: Our Vitamin C Serum is a standout, and something our customers come back for over and over. Pretty quickly, you’ll see a significant difference in how luminous the skin is, and the way the complexion is evened out.

Rip & Tan: What is next? What goals do you have for Ojas in the future? 

SB: We are working on a toner, elixir, and a couple of innovative masque formulas. We want to keep Ojas a highly-curated line and only develop and release products that we believe men and women have a need for. We are also growing our line in some top luxury spas, where aestheticians will be offering deluxe Ojas facials. We want to keep making skincare that looks elegant on your shelf, glides onto the skin easily, fights off all those environmental assaults we put our skin through every day, is free of harmful ingredients, yet provides maximum science-predicated efficacy. We plan on doing that for a long time.

Photo: Brittany Wood