Orders, Tax Exemptions and Website Info Questions About Our Sunscreen Regulations & Ingredient Questions General Sunscreen Questions Application Questions Skin Care Questions
Orders, Tax Exemptions and Website Info
What if our company is tax exempt?
Tax exempt companies can now place orders online! NEW CUSTOMERS: Please create your account and email us your tax exempt number and which email you created your account with and we can mark it tax-exempt. EXISTING CUSTOMERS: you have to re-activate your account since we switched to Shopify! 
What do I do if my order is damaged during shipment?
Please reach out to us immediately so we can begin working on a solution. Please keep the damaged item in its original packaging. The typical process for damages is as follows: 1) we ship a replacement item 2) we submit a damage claim with shipping carrier 3) shipping carrier will arrange a time to pick up the damaged package.
What if I'm not happy with the product I received?
Please reach out to us with any concerns about your order. Refunds are approved on a case by case basis. Product that has been transferred/stored in an non-FDA approved container is not returnable or refundable.
Questions About Our Sunscreen
Is it safe to transfer sunscreen to another bottle or container?
All Rocky Mountain and Corals Isles Sunscreen bottles go through FDA testing and are safe to refill. By transferring sunscreen to a bottle or container that has NOT gone through FDA testing: the effectiveness of sunscreen can be compromised, RMS Formulas are no longer guaranteed, and a potential liability may incur.
Is Rocky Mountain Sunscreen tested on animals?
No. Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is NOT tested on animals. Our sunscreens are tested on people to measure their efficacy. Some of the active and inactive ingredients may have undergone prior scientific assessments by organizations unrelated to RMS. For example, the New Jersey Medical School performed skin testing on rats in 1995 and determined that Oxybenzone, an active sunscreen ingredient, was safe and non-toxic when applied to the skin.
What's the difference between Regular and Kids sunscreen?
All of our sunscreen formulas are kid friendly: hypoallergenic, fragrance free, gluten free, nut-oil free, and formulated for sensitive skin.
As the leader in sun safety for the child care industry, providing quarts and gallons in a Kids package enhances our marketing program.
Does Rocky Mountain Sunscreen contain any gluten?
 
 

All of Rocky Mountain Sunscreen's formulas are 100% Gluten Free. In addition, our lip balm is also gluten free. Please see our product specifications page for more information.

How does a Bonding Base formula prevent the buildup of undesireable body heat?
Bonding Base sets into the top layers of the skin (stratum corneum) where it prevents build up of undesirable body heat, better allows for natural perspiration, and does not tend to rub off onto towels or critical equipment. This "Bonding Base" feature maintains the sunscreen on the skin longer and more comfortably than other formulations.
Regulations & Ingredient Questions
Does sunscreen damage coral reefs?
There is plenty of recent scientific evidence that certain ingredients in sunscreen are toxic to coral reefs. These include Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Parabens, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. As of 2017, our SPF 30 and 50 lotions and sprays will no longer contain these ingredients, and can be considered a "reef-friendly" sunscreen choice.
What are the childcare regulations in my State regarding sunscreen?
Generally, over-the-counter ointments and creams do not require a written authorization from a primary care provider with prescriptive authority. Parent/guardian written permission is required and all label instructions must be followed. Regulations vary by State however, so it's important to visit your State's website for information for your locale.
How can I obtain an MSDS sheet for an RMS formula?
Material Safety Data Sheets can be obtained by calling our toll-free number (1-888-356-8899) or emailing us at info@rmsunscreen.com with your request.
What are Nanoparticles, and are they used in Rocky Mountain sunscreen?
Nanoparticles are very small mineral ingredients designed to reflect UV rays. The most common nanoparticles in sunscreen are Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. They are specifically sized so as to NOT penetrate the skin. Instead, they remain on top of the skin’s surface where they reflect and scatter the UV radiation. Rocky Mountain Sunscreen does not use nanoparticles in any of our formulas.
What do the 2019 FDA Regulations mean to me?
In 2019 the FDA announced an update on sunscreen requirements: The deemed final order and the proposed order. The following ARTICLE (current as of 12/16/22) is a comprehensive tool to help consumers evaluate the sunscreen they use.
General Sunscreen Questions
How does sunscreen work?
Sunscreen lotions work by absorbing, reflecting or scattering UV light. Sunscreen ingredients are either physical (reflecting) or chemical (absorbing, scattering) in nature. Many products contain a combination of ingredients. Regardless of the combination of ingredients, it is important to select a product that is labeled “Broad Spectrum UVA UVB.”
Do I really need a sunscreen higher than SPF 30?
SPF 15 sunscreen is meant to allow the user 15 times their normal level of protection in the sun without sunscreen—if applied properly. For example if you typically burn in 15 minutes, by wearing a SPF 15 sunscreen you should have [15 (minutes to burn) x 15 (SPF)] 225 minutes in the sun before your skin will begin to burn. No sunscreen product provides 100% UV protection. Typically, a SPF 15 protects from 92% of UVB rays, SPF 30 from 97%, and SPF 45 from 98%. If you are fair-skinned, or expect to be in the sun for long periods of time, it would be wise to select an SPF that best matches your needs.
What is meant by UVA, UVB and UVC rays?
Ultraviolet radiation can be divided into UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. The UVA region of the UV spectrum extends from 320nm to 400nm. While there is still much research to do regarding the effect of UVA rays, they are known to contribute to aging and skin cancer. The UVB region of the UV spectrum extends from 290nm to 320nm. These rays produce sunburn, skin cancer, and photo aging. The UVC region of the UV spectrum extends from 200nm to 290nm. UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer of the stratosphere and does not reach the surface of the earth.
How is the UV light spectrum measured?
Solar radiation consists of a continuous spectrum of wavelengths that reach the earth’s surface. The unit of measure for this radiation (UV and light) is the nanometer. One nanometer (nm) equals one billionth of a meter and spectrum ranges from 100 to 106 nanometers. At one end of the spectrum you will find invisible ultraviolet light, with visible light somewhere in the middle and infrared light at the opposing end.
What happens to sunscreen stored in extreme heat or cold conditions?
All of our sunscreen products have gone through freeze-thaw testing. Once sunscreen is frozen it will stay stable for long periods. We do not know the results of continuous freeze-thaws. Sunscreen containers should be protected from excessive heat and direct sunlight.
If I wear sunscreen, am I getting enough Vitamin D?
Your body only requires a few minutes of daily sun exposure to produce enough Vitamin D. For people who spend a lot of time in the sun, safety measures like wearing protective clothing and sunscreen has little effect on Vitamin D levels. The overwhelming evidence is that most of us get TOO MUCH sun, which is why skin cancer rates continue to rise. Remember, if you have fair skin, about 15 minutes of sun a couple times a week should be sufficient to get your Vitamin D. Also, a person with dark skin requires about 3-6 times more sun than a person with fair skin. If you happen to live in an extreme northern or southern climate where there is very little sun in winter, you may require a Vitamin D supplement to get the Vitamin D you need.
Can any single sunscreen product provide complete protection?

No product is a total sunblock. The normal range of protection is between 92-98% depending on the SPF rating and Broad Spectrum designation. The best available sun protection on the market is the sunscreen that meets the FDA claims: Broad Spectrum Protection, SPF 15 or higher, and Water Resistant (80 Minutes).

IMPORTANT: Practice a combination of sun-safe measures to insure optimum protection, such as avoiding the mid-day sun and wearing sun protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt. Please review our TEN RULES to Save your Skin.

What's the difference between sunscreen brands with the same SPF?
Formulation. Many sunscreens have the same or similar active ingredients, but the difference is the base formula in which those active ingredients are placed. It is the formulation that determines how well a sunscreen works. That is why Rocky Mountain Sunscreen uses a Bonding Base formula that stays on the skin better, and lasts longer without clogging the pores of your skin.
Application Questions
What is the correct amount of sunscreen I should apply?
It is true that people really do not apply enough sunscreen which results in decreased UVA/UVB protection. A thin application could reduce a sunscreen's SPF from 30 to 15! Another common problem is missed spots. Almost everyone who has used a sunscreen has at one time or another missed spots and received a sunburn. Often large parts of the body are missed. Frequent applications normally don’t help because the same application pattern that missed the spots the first time is repeated again and again.
Is it that important to reapply sunscreen?
The first application of the day is the most important and it is crucial to take the time to do it properly. Many things can affect the need to reapply sunscreen. Excessive sweating, toweling off, wind, and swimming all hamper the ability for sunscreen to remain on the skin and make reapplication important. Sunscreen should be reapplied after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating; immediately after towel drying; at least every 2 hours.
If you apply half the recommended amount of sunscreen, do you get half the protection?
When you use less sunscreen than recommended, large areas may end up with decreased or no protection at all. A good rule to follow is to always be able to feel the sunscreen under your fingertips as you apply.
Is it safe to transfer sunscreen to another container?
All Rocky Mountain Sunscreen bottles go through FDA testing and are safe to refill. By transferring sunscreen to a bottle or container that has NOT gone through FDA testing: the effectiveness of sunscreen can be compromised, RMS Formulas are no longer guaranteed, and a potential liability may incur.
Is it safe to use sunscreen on an infant?

It was previously believed that infants under six months should not wear sunscreen. However, according to the team at the American Academy of Pediatrics, “there's no evidence that using sunscreen on small areas of a baby's skin causes harm". In the August 1999 issue of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Pediatrics released a policy statement that claims parents may use sunscreen on infants younger than six months when proper clothing and shade are not accessible. It is still recommended to avoid sun exposure all together or dress babies in lightweight long sleeved shirts and pants. Experts now say sunscreen is far less risky to babies than once thought, and not nearly as risky as unprotected exposure to the sun.

Children may have undetected allergies and sensitivities. Before going into the sun for the first time, test a sunscreen on a small spot on the skin. If the spot turns red or shows signs of irritation overnight, avoid the use of sunscreen and keep the child out of the sun until a dermatologist can determine the cause of the problem.

Skin Care Questions
Why should I be concerned about a sunburn or daily sun exposure?
You never completely recover from sunburn. The effects of daily sun exposure and especially sunburn are cumulative. The skin gradually loses its protective capabilities until symptoms of skin aging and cancer develop. A recent study shows that short periods of exposure to UVB radiation reduce the skin's ability to produce collagen and elastin. This is the hallmark of long-term exposure to UV radiation and is believed to be responsible for the wrinkled appearance of sun-exposed skin.
I'm young. Why should I worry about skin cancer or my skin aging?
Daily sun exposure isn’t trivial. Even if you have limited daily exposure, it is still possible to get about as much sun in one to three months as in an afternoon at the beach. Sun damage is cumulative and it never completely heals. By wearing a daily sunscreen and practicing other sun safe measures, it will help reduce the dangers of skin cancer and premature aging.
How does the human body protect itself from sunburn?

UV rays cause the skin to produce Melanin, a brown pigment, which acts as the body's natural sunscreen. In addition, gradual exposure to sunlight produces a thickening of the outer skin. These both exist to defend the skin from harmful radiation. Skin peeling after a sunburn is another way the body protects itself. If a cell has a small amount of damage to its DNA, the damage will be repaired and continue to function normally. However, if the damage is excessive, the cell(s) will die because of an internal mechanism that won’t allow the cell to survive with such a mutation. It is the death of these gene-damaged cells that causes the skin to peel after a sunburn.

According to a study by Laurie Owen-Schwab, a protein named Fas is the key to this cell elimination process. For more information on this study, please READ THIS ABSTRACT at Sciencemag.org abstract.

What things can affect my sensitivity to the sun?

Some medications shift the skins UV sensitivity to a different area in the light spectrum where sunscreens don't provide protection. Some examples include diuretics, antibiotics, heart medications and NSAIDs. In some instances, sunscreens may impact or interfere with the effectiveness of the medication. Always check medications, including common OTC drugs, for sun warnings. Insect repellents and fragrances are examples of products that may produce an irritation or rash similar to an allergic reaction.

Here is a link to a WebMD feature by Leanna Skarnulis and reviewed by Brunilda Nazario MD that helps identify some of the culprits that can increase sun sensitivity: BEWARE OF SUNBURN BOOSTERS.

What is Melanoma?
Melanoma, a very serious skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning but can also develop from or near a mole. They are found most frequently on the upper backs of men and women or on the legs of women, but can occur anywhere on the body.
How common is Melanoma?
The American Cancer Society's estimates for melanoma in the United States for 2022 are: About 99,780 new melanomas will be diagnosed (about 57,180 in men and 42,600 in women). About 7,650 people are expected to die of melanoma (about 5,080 men and 2,570 women).
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