Most chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients that are highly toxic to the coral reef. The most common ingredients found in chemical sunscreens are:

• Oxybenzone, also known as: Benzophenone-3
• Butylparaben
• Octinoxate, also known as: Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate
• 4-methylbenzylidene camphor.

This is based on the following peer-reviewed scientific studies:
– 2016 February: Toxicopathological Effects of the Sunscreen UV Filter, Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3), on Coral Planulae and Cultured Primary Cells and Its Environmental Contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology. Downs C.A. et al.
– 2008 April: Sunscreens Cause Coral Bleaching by Promoting Viral Infections. Environmental Health Perspectives. Danovaro R, et al.

Always check the label.

Be especially wary of sunscreen brands that claim they are reef-safe but leave minimal white cast on the skin. It’s likely that:

1. They still contain chemicals that are harmful to the coral reefs (Oxybenzone, also known as: Benzophenone-3; Butylparaben; Octinoxate, also known as: Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate; 4-methylbenzylidene camphor).
2. The active ingredients might be in nano form, which can potentially be harmful to both corals and humans. Read more here.
3. The active ingredients might be coated, which means the particles have undergone chemical reactions to alter its natural uncoated state. This can potentially lessen its effect in protecting your skin, and it also increases the risk of being toxic to corals. Read more here.

References:

Corinaldesi, C., et al. (2018). Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.). Science of the Total Environment, 637-638 (2018), 1279-1285. doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.108

Veriansyah, B., et al. (2009). Continuous synthesis of surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles in supercritical methanol. The Journal of Supercritical Fluids, 52(1), 76-83. doi.org/10.1016/j.supflu.2009.11.010

MAGWAI is a physical sunscreen that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients. It is specially formulated to be safe for the coral reef as it protects your skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays.

Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens use mineral ingredients that are safe for the coral reef. Also, physical sunscreens are safer for your skin since it forms a barrier on top of your skin that reflects harmful UV rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin, which can potentially cause irritations and allergic reactions.

Magwai Reef-Safe Sunscreen uses cosmetic grade Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide that are completely safe for the skin.

Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide have been used as ingredients in sunscreens and cosmetics for decades. Based on scientific studies, neither Titanium Dioxide nor Zinc Oxide are likely to harm the skin when used as ingredients in sunscreen and when it is used as directed. Cosmetic grade ingredients are not the same as industrial grade chemicals used in car coating and paint. All ingredients that are used for Magwai have been approved by FDA for safe application to the skin. so you can rest assured that all ingredients that go into Magwai are of the highest quality and are safe for your skin

Reference:

Therapeutic Goods Administration, Department of Health, Australia (2017). Sunscreens. Retrieved from https://www.tga.gov.au/node/4302

Mineral sunscreens available in the market today use nano-sized zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because these formulations do not leave a visible white film on the skin when applied. While research has shown that particles in the size range used in these sunscreens (greater than 30nm) could be used for the skin, we at MAGWAI have decided not to use nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because of their potential to harm corals. A study on the effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles has shown that it induced complete and potentially irreversible coral bleaching, causing a significant rapid and widespread mortality of the symbiotic zooxanthellae of the stony corals, and stimulating microbial enrichment in the seawater surrounding the corals. (Corinaldesi et al., 2018). We avoid using nanoparticles as it poses a threat to the marine ecosystem and might also reduce their effectiveness when applied to the skin.

References:

Ramasamy, M., et.al., (2014). Role of surface modification in zinc oxide nanoparticles and its toxicity assessment toward human dermal fibroblast cells. International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014(9), 3707-3718. dx.doi.org/10.2147/IJN.S65086

Corinaldesi, C., et al. (2018). Impact of inorganic UV filters contained in sunscreen products on tropical stony corals (Acropora spp.). Science of the Total Environment, 637-638(2018), 1279-1285. doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.108

A nanoparticle is a particle of any insoluble composition usually coming from metal oxides that are smaller than 100 nanometers (1 nm = 10-9 meter to less than 100 nm = 10-7 meter). Individual nanoparticles are invisible to the eyes and are nonspherical.

We follow the most stringent standards when it comes to nanoparticles found in our sunscreen to ensure safety when it is applied to our skin.

We at MAGWAI are following the Australian Department of Health’s definition of nanomaterials since their standards are more stringent. In the EU, if less than 50% of the total particles in the distribution, including aggregates and agglomerates, are within the 1-100nm range in any dimension the particles would be considered non-nano; while in Australia less than 10% of the primary particle size is within the 1-100 nm range in any dimension is required to be considered non-nano.

Reference:

National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, Department of Health, Australia (2018, July 29). NICNAS working definition of industrial nanomaterial. Retrieved from https://www.nicnas.gov.au/

Uncoated zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not undergo chemical reactions that coat them with an inert substance, usually triethoxycaprylylsilane, to make it easier to mix with other ingredients. Coated particles dispersed in a water-in-oil emulsion appears to have a greater capacity to penetrate into the skin strata compared to the uncoated particles.

Unlike coated Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, uncoated particles are generally safer for both humans and marine life, it has been safely used in topical skin care products such as calamine lotion for decades.

References:

Picatonotto, T., et al. (2006). Photocatalytic Activity of Inorganic Sunscreens. Journal of Dispersion Science and Technology, 22(4), 381-386. dx.doi.org/10.1081/DIS-100106943

Yung, MMN., et al. (2017). Physicochemical characteristics and toxicity of surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles to freshwater and marine microalgae. Scientific Reports, 7(1):15909, doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-15988-0

Leite-Silva, V., et al. (2013). The effect of formulation on the penetration of coated and uncoated zinc oxide nanoparticles into the viable epidermis of human skin in vivo. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 84(2013), 297-308. dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ejpb.2013.01.020

Gulson, B., et al. (2011). Comparison of dermal absorption of zinc from different sunscreen formulations and differing UV exposure based on stable isotope tracing. Science of the Total Environment, 420(2012), 313-318. doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2011.12.046

Virkutyte, J., et al. (2012). Depletion of the protective aluminum hydroxide coating in TiO2-based sunscreens by swimming pool water ingredients. Chemical Engineering Journal, 191(2012), 95-103. doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2012.02.074

Yes, MAGWAI Reef-Safe Sunscreen is safe for kids.

Apply generously on skin 20 minutes before sun exposure. Rub thoroughly. Re-apply after 80 minutes, or after swimming, sweating, and towel drying. Wear protective clothing and apply sunscreen to unprotected areas.

Since MAGWAI is a physical sunscreen made from uncoated non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it naturally leaves a white protective cast on your skin once it is applied. The minerals zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin and act as a physical shield that reflect and scatter harmful UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin from the harshness of the sun.

Mineral sunscreens, such as zinc oxide and titanium Dioxide, scatter UV radiation, reflecting it away from your skin. (Source: inChemistry, American Chemical Society)

Reference:

Wood-Black, F. (2017, August 1). Dear Sunscreen: Bring the Shade. Retrieved from https://inchemistry.acs.org/content/inchemistry/en/atomic-news/suncreen-science.html

The pH level range of our shampoo bars is 4.5-5.5, which matches the pH levels of our hair and scalp.

Yes, our shampoo bar does not contain sulfates that can cause hair color to fade.

Our shampoo bars are also for curly hair as it’s sulfate-free and silicone-free.

Up to 80 washes. This may vary on your own usage, hair length, and storage.

Moisture Care variant: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Maltodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Ricinus communis (Castor) seed oil, Lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) flower oil, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil

Scalp Soother variant: Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Maltodextrin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Butyrospermum parkii (shea) butter, Stearic Acid, Citric Acid, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Benzoate, Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil, Melaleuca alternafolia (Tea Tree) leaf oil, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Argania spinosa (Argan) kernel Oil, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil

10 plastic bottles are made into plastic thread and are then used to make our towels. If you want to know more about the process, you may refer to our post about Plastic Thread Technology: https://www.instagram.com/p/CM6Sj_mHNZO/

85% Post-Consumer Recycled Polyester*; 15% Nylon; Printed with all-natural dye

*10 post consumer plastic bottles made into plastic thread.

As of now, we don’t have any physical stores to accept plastic bottles.

MAGWAI can be purchased through our online shop (https://www.magwai.com.ph/shop) and our Shopee account (https://shopee.ph/magwaiph).

It can also be purchased through our partner stores (http://www.magwai.com.ph/where-to-buy). However, due to the pandemic, most of the resorts and shops are closed. Feel free to message the resort/shop first to make sure that they are still open.

All orders thats are purchased through our website can be delivered nationwide. Shipping fees apply.

As of now, MAGWAI only delivers within the Philippines.

We accept payments through Cash on Delivery, bank deposit (BPI and BDO), GCash, and Paypal.

For payments done through bank deposit and GCashplease note that orders will only be processed once we receive the transaction slip or proof of payment.

Shipment to addresses within Metro Manila takes 1-3 business days*
Shipment to addresses outside Metro Manila takes 3-7 business days*

*Count starts 1 day after courier picks up the order from our warehouse.
This is based on the standard timings of our courier Ninjavan.