Zen Solaire
Biological & Physical Sunscreen Balm
Zen Solaire is the world’s first genuinely organic sunscreen, revolutionizing skin protection against UVB, UVA, IR (infrared), and blue light. With its unparalleled concentration of antiaging plant nutrients (88%), it supercharges the skin’s inherent defense mechanisms, augmenting its capacity to combat free radicals and resist premature aging.
"I love it! It's the best product to truly take care of your skin, to support it and not to work against it. You can benefit from the sun without damaging your skin."
Organic Sunscreen
Zen Solaire sets the new standard of what an organic sunscreen should be. Its first-of-its-kind composition contains the highest concentration (88%) of photoprotective plants on the market.
The potent, biological sunscreen filter of the plants is combined with the ideal amount of physical filters (12%). This unique balance allows the skin to synthesize vitamin D while boosting its self-defense to combat free radicals.
The broad-spectrum SPF of 20 of this groundbreaking formula is sufficient to effectively protect the skin from both UVB and UVA rays while protecting the skin from cellular damage and hyperpigmentation.
Benefits of Zen Solaire
- Effectively protects from UVB, UVA, IR, and blue light
- Provides essential nutrients and potent antioxidants
- Augments skin’s self-protection mechanisms
- Increases cellular repair functions of the skin
- Combats free radicals during the entire day
- Prevents cellular irregularities and reduction of skin collagen
- Favors even pigmentation due to vitamin D synthesis
Is SPF 20 enough?
An SPF of 20 already blocks 95% of UVB rays, and higher SPF values contribute only modest increments: SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 intercepts 98%. A small percentage of UV rays always remain, capable of inflicting skin damage, even if the skin does not show signs of sunburn or redness.
Photoprotective plant nutrients play a key role here, as they help the skin neutralize free radicals from UV radiation that sunscreen can’t block. Combined with gradual sun exposure, Zen Solaire strengthens the skin’s natural defenses, making it tougher against UV rays. This benefit is not captured in standard SPF tests, as these tests are typically done in one day on skin that has never been sun-exposed.
Sunscreen with High SPF but without Plant Nutrients
Conventional sunscreen formulations contain little to no amount of photoprotective plants. While they block UV radiation, they do not support the skin’s inherent defense mechanism. For this reason, it is often recommended to use SPF 30 or higher to compensate for the lack of plant nutrients. The European Commission states that an SPF of 15 – 25 is sufficient to protect the skin from UV damage.
Sunscreen Filters
There are different types of sunscreen filters (chemical, physical, and biological). Zen Solaire combines the ideal amount of physical sunscreen (minerals) with more than three quarters of biological sunscreen.
The plants used in the Zen Solaire balm contain a significant concentration of biological sun protection, allowing them to filter and neutralize free radicals produced by sun radiation. The skin absorbs the potent plant nutrients into the deeper layers and the minerals remain on the skin surface.
Sun Protection, Vitamin D Synthesis, and Even Skin Tone
The vitamin D benefits for the skin are obtained when the skin is able to synthesize vitamin D from UVB rays.
Most sunscreen products interfere with vitamin D synthesis due to their composition with chemical filters, high concentration of minerals, or the use of skin-covering substances (stearate, etc.).
Vitamin D is not only essential for the entire body but also for the ideal functioning of the skin’s melanocytes (pigments), which are responsible for even pigmentation. Adequate sun consumption combined with the organic sunscreen formula Zen Solaire becomes a beneficial practice.
Natural Sunscreen Filters
Zen Solaire is crafted from natural sunscreen filters (both biological and physical), and is enriched with cold-pressed beneficial fats and wholeplant extracts. These bioavailable nutrients are instantly absorbed by the skin and empower it to fight free radicals throughout the whole day.
The ideal proportion of uncoated minerals (12% Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide) remains on the skin surface, scattering and reflecting sun radiation, while still allowing the skin to breathe and synthesize vitamin D. High SPF products, on the contrary, interfere with vitamin D synthesis, which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
All plant nutrients of the Zen Solaire formulation (wholeplant extracts, plant oils, butters, essential oils) are elaborated raw at temperatures below 40ºC. This gentle, raw preparation method preserves the maximum nutrient content.
Full Ingredient List (INCI) of Zen Solaire
Butyrospermum parkii butter, Zinc oxide, Cocos nucifera oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil and Calendula officinalis flower extract, Titanium dioxide, Opuntia ficus-indica seed oil, Bixa orellana seed extract, Daucus carota sativa root extract, Silica, Santalum album wood oil, Parfum* (*from natural essential oils)
All plant ingredients of this formulation are CERTIFIED ORGANIC.
All essential oils of this formulation are certified organic and used in their physiological dose.
All plants in Zen Solaire, including the essential oils, have been carefully selected to avoid plant-induced photosensitivity. On the contrary, these photoprotective plants provide the skin with increased UV protection.
The Ingredient Combination of the Zen Solaire Balm
The protection of the Zen Solaire organic sunscreen is not created by a single ingredient but by the combination of all its components.
By finding the ideal dosage of each ingredient for the formula, the skin is provided with the perfect balance of nutrients and minerals. Zen Solaire’s composition achieves the equilibrium of effectively combating harmful radiation while boosting the skin’s natural functions and repair mechanisms.
Photoprotective Organic Sunscreen Ingredients
A selection of vitamins, minerals, proteins, fats, and phytochemicals contain photoprotective substances that shield the skin from radiation and sun damage. These bioactive plant components reduce the intensity of erythemas and their protective abilities are heightened by their antioxidant properties.
Plants produce phytochemicals to counteract various types of stress such as ultraviolet irradiation, aggression by pathogens, parasites, and plant predators. By creating whole plant extracts, we can provide the skin with these phytochemicals and their powerful protective, antioxidant abilities.
Plants contain thousands of phytochemicals and some of the most beneficial ones are polyphenols (including flavonoids), retinoids, tocopherols, carotenoids, phytosterols, indoles, glucosinolates, and many more.
Sunscreen Ingredient Properties
Each sunscreen ingredient contains valuable properties and adds to the potency of the formulation.
Shea (Butyrospermum parkii) butter
The Karite seeds provide a vegetable fat that contains antioxidants, and unsaponifiable and essential fatty acids that have extraordinary skin-softening and repairing properties. This plant butter also has a high concentration of cinnamic acid esters, which act as an effective sun filter against ultraviolet radiation. It also contains antioxidants such as vitamin E, which reduces inflammation and prevents aging by blocking enzymes that degrade skin proteins.
Coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil
The photoprotective properties of coconut oil filter around 20% of UVA radiation, while they enable vitamin D synthesis from UVB radiation. This highly nutritive cold-pressed oil protects the skin layers from excessive sun exposure and contributes to even skin pigmentation.
Prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) seed oil
The Opuntia cactus produces many photoprotective substances as part of its survival strategy in the desert. Prickly pear seed oil has a total content of up to 88% of unsaturated fatty acids and an exceptional level of up to 70% of linoleic acid. It protects against ultraviolet rays as well as being a potent mediator of inflammation, which is essential to maintaining the skin barrier and its hydrolipidic film. Prickly pear seed oil also has a highly beneficial phenolic composition with a high antioxidant potency and capacity to fight free radicals.
Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) seed oil
Sunflower seed oil has a high content of vitamin E and carotenoids, which are important fat-soluble antioxidants. They protect the skin from various damaging effects due to solar radiation by acting as a regulator of free radicals.
Calendula (Calendula officinalis) flower extract
The Calendula flower petals contain high levels of antioxidants and photoprotectants in the form of the phytochemicals carotenoids and flavonoids. Calendula contains both lutein and beta-carotene, which the body metabolizes and converts into vitamin A.
Achiote (Bixa orellana) seed extract
Bixa orellana is a shrub that is best known for its seeds which are rich in a carotenoid-rich pigment called bixina. This plant is also called the lipstick tree due to the natural orange-red color of the seeds. The potent properties of the seed extract regulate oxidation and protect the skin from sun radiation and premature aging.
Carrot (Daucus carota sativa) root extract
Carrot root extract is a fat-soluble extract from the edible, orange part of the carrot. It contains the orange pigment beta-carotene (provitamin A), which is a molecule known for its properties as a potent antioxidant, suntan accelerator, and skin regeneration. The root extract also contains vitamin E and fatty acids, which provide the skin with additional properties to repair its protective barrier.
Sandalwood (Santalum album) oil
The sandal tree is considered sacred in India. The essential oil of sandalwood has emollient, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is ideal for mature skin as well as skin with acne or eczema. Sandalwood has a balancing effect on the nervous system. This essential oil does not contain any allergens and using it in a physiological dose calms and weakens the effects of radiation.
Parfum
The perfume composition of Zen Solaire contains only natural essential oils in their physiological dose, meaning in the same natural concentration as they are found in an apple and in a tomato. Due to this natural concentration, the essential oils do not interfere during sun exposure.
Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
The minerals used in the formulation are uncoated and in a no-nano size to allow the skin to breathe correctly. We have employed a minimal dose of minerals in the formulation, in order not to interfere with the skin’s natural functions (breathing, elimination of toxins, and vitamin D synthesis).
Natural Sunscreen without Toxins
Zen Solaire is a natural sunscreen without toxins and it contains the only 2 sunscreen filter substances that are considered safe by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These physical sunscreen filters are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
Zen Solaire does not contain the following substances:
- Chemical filters (Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, etc.)
- Synthetic fats (Petrolatum, Mineral oil, Paraffinum Liquidum, etc.)
- Silicones
- Chemically modified fats (Cetearyl Alcohol, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Stearate, etc.)
- Waxes (Beeswax/Cera alba, Copernicia cerifera cera, etc.)
- Coated minerals (The coating of minerals with other substances does not require an indication on the label. This loophole is often used to hide ingredients from the consumers’ eyes. Minerals are frequently coated with hydrogenated fats such as stearates.)
- Nano-size minerals (indicated as NANO on the label, but not if they are used for coating minerals in micro size)
Sunscreen products made with synthetic or chemically modified fats can create a suffocating layer on the skin. This could cause a greenhouse effect when exposed to the sun, elevating the skin’s temperature.
Many formulas on the market use minerals coated with stearates (saturated fats) to boost the SPF. The issue with these coated minerals is that they can suffocate the skin, leading to enlarged pores. Unfortunately, there’s currently no legal requirement to indicate whether minerals are coated.
Although formulations with coated minerals, and synthetic or chemically modified fats often boast better protection due to their higher SPF, they may actually have the opposite effect. They can disrupt the skin’s metabolism, which in turn amplifies the damage caused by skin-penetrating UVA rays. Moreover, they can interfere with the synthesis of vitamin D, potentially exacerbating uneven pigmentation.
Environmental and Health Factors of Chemical Sunscreen
Despite the approval of numerous chemical sunscreen substances by health authorities, it’s a well-known fact that they can contaminate water and cause severe harm to marine life. As a result, several regions, including Hawaii, have banned the use of chemical sunscreens.
Numerous studies have raised concerns about the safety of chemical sunscreen substances and their adverse impacts on the human endocrine system. In fact, the FDA only recognizes two sunscreen filters as safe: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide.
Sun Protection and Skin Types
Zen Solaire is ideal for all skin types and conditions including those with hyperpigmentation.
The skin’s resilience to UV exposure is influenced by an array of factors such as geographical location, climate, season, minutes of daily sun exposure, phototype, and sun exposure history.
Consider all these aspects when crafting your personal sun protection strategy and habits. We recommend combining Zen Solaire with protective clothing and hats, and avoiding direct sun exposure when the UV index is particularly high.
Application of the Organic Sunscreen Balm
Start by warming the balm in your hand until it melts. Zen Solaire might appear thick initially, but it turns liquid and is easily spreadable on your skin. To offset the slight white cast from the minerals, you can apply a dab of our Perfecting Illumination makeup cream on top of the sun balm.
Gently apply it on all sun-exposed areas, including the lips. For spots with hyperpigmentation, add an extra layer of Zen Solaire for enhanced protection. Reapply every 1-2 hours during direct sun exposure depending on your skin type and sun exposure history.
Use the balm when the UV index is high and your skin is exposed to the sun for extended periods. Zen Solaire can be applied daily to areas with pigmentation.
Owing to its nutrient-dense composition, the plant ingredients continue to work for many hours after the application of the balm. At the end of the day, you will feel that the skin is soft and nourished.
For indoor use and or in the winter months we recommend using Perfecting Illumination or any of our other creams. The creams penetrate the skin and allow it to increase its self-protection mechanisms against UVA rays. This self-protection increases with the use of the creams over time.
Keep in mind that your skin’s self-protection must be built up gradually. If you haven’t been exposed to the sun in recent months, start with short bouts of sun exposure (a few minutes, depending on your skin type and history) and slowly add a minute each day. Extended sun exposure, particularly if your skin isn’t accustomed to the sun, can lead to sun damage, regardless of the SPF value you’re using.
We recommend developing your own personalized strategy including the organic sunscreen Zen Solaire, gradual sun exposure as well as protective clothing and hats. This combined approach ensures effective yet healthy sun protection for your skin all year round.
Natural butters melt above 25ºC
The balm contains natural plant butters, which start to melt at temperatures above 25ºC (77º Fahrenheit) and solidify on its own at lower temperatures. If the Zen Solaire balm melts, you can place it in the freezer to restore its solid texture. However, frequent melting may affect the dispersion of the minerals and lower the protection. Therefore, we recommend filling the required daily amount in a smaller, previously disinfected jar, so you can take it with you in the summer, while the larger jar remains in a cool place.
Take note that only LE PURE balms should be transferred into smaller containers. Any other products in our line could be readily contaminated if they come into contact with fingers, an unsterilized container, or any other object.
During summer I have used Zen Solaire and I truly believe it’s best sun protection for my skin.
I love this sunscreen! It spreads well, doesn’t leave a white cast and nourishes my skin so much.
I live in the Paris region and I can tell you that it’s extraordinary! It absorbs quickly, with a white film that fades almost immediately. Moreover, there is no sensation of heat on the skin… You can really feel the protective barrier against the sun rays. My husband, whose skin is more sensitive to the sun than mine, also tried and approved it. He even told me that it is the best natural face sunscreen I’ve ever had him try!
Since I use sunscreen every day, and have been using natural cosmetics and exclusively mineral sunscreen for years, I naturally tested Zen Solaire right away.
The firm consistency is unusual at first, but also easier to dosify. My skin becomes wonderfully soft and feels cared for and protected. Given current temperatures, I find this very pleasant. It melts easily when it is spread and, above most importantly, it doesn’t leave a greasy residue. It’s also great as a final skincare step before applying makeup.
I love it!
I live in a beach area, and I do sports, not in the intense sun though. I was always looking for dry textures that would stand up to sweat, but I would always get pimples due to clogged skin.
You can feel the protection it offers, and it ensures an even, light tan. Plus, it’s resistant to water and sweat. It takes a bit of getting used to when spreading it until you find the right amount, and initially, the whitish tone is noticeable, but it absorbs quickly. A great discovery!