Product

Is Dottir Skin a "clean" brand?

While our product would for example score “green” on the ThinkDirty app and our ingredients are highly praised by the clean beauty community, we want to be upfront: we do not endorse or participate in the scare tactics and misinformation that have become common in the clean beauty trend.

Dottir Skin's philosophy is deeply rooted in science, research, and data, but also in transparency, honesty, integrity, and communication. At Dottir Skin, we’re dedicated to cutting through the noise and providing you with accurate information. We believe in empowering you with the knowledge to make confident, informed decisions about your skincare. After all, your knowledge is your power, and we’re here to support that.

We’re committed to safe sun care practices and transparent education. To help you feel even more secure in your choices, here are some great resources:

  • Lab Muffin, created by Dr. Michelle Wong, a PhD in chemistry, provides science-based beauty advice and debunks common skincare myths with easy-to-understand explanations.
  • Kind of Stephen, run by Stephen Alain Ko, a cosmetic chemist and educator, offers expert insights and analysis on cosmetic chemistry and skincare formulations.
  • The Eco Well, led by Jen Novakovich, a cosmetic chemist and science communicator, focuses on evidence-based beauty and covers a wide range of cosmetic topics through rigorous scientific communication.
  • INCI Decoder is a database which helps you understand cosmetic ingredient lists by breaking down the functions and safety of each ingredient.
  • Paula’s Choice Ingredient Dictionary offers detailed information about skincare ingredients, their benefits, and potential side effects.
  • Paula’s Choice Beautypedia provides in-depth reviews and ratings of skincare products based on their ingredients and efficacy.

We believe you deserve all the tools and data to make choices that are best for you, your family, and our planet. Knowledge is power, and we’re here to make sure you have it.

To dive even deeper into skincare science and stay updated on the latest in sun care, sign up for Dottir Skinversity here below. Our Skinversity blog aims to empower you as a consumer with the knowledge to make the best choices for your skin. Join our community and stay informed with us!

Is Dottir Skin sunscreen reef-safe?

While our ingredients haven't been associated with harmful effects on coral reefs, we acknowledge that 'reef safe' is unfortunately, not a scientifically validated term for any sunscreen on the market today.

We totally understand why you’d want to be mindful of our beautiful oceans and marine life. While “Reef-Safe” or “Reef-Friendly” sounds great, the reality is that there’s no regulation around these terms. No official body or reputable third party reviews every ingredient in a sunscreen formula claiming to be “reef-safe.”

The truth is, there isn’t enough research yet, nor standardized tests, to prove that any sunscreen is completely safe for reefs or marine life. There are so many factors that could impact the safety of a sunscreen for marine life, from the ingredients themselves, to the amount of product that ends up in the ocean and how long it stays there. Because science is always evolving, and because we don’t yet have a standard measure for what’s safe for marine life in the long-term, “reef safe” isn’t as clear-cut as we’d like.

For example, after Hawaii banned oxybenzone and octinoxate, they considered adding octocrylene and avobenzone to the list. Maui even took it a step further and banned all chemical sunscreens, only allowing mineral ones like ours that use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. While this may be a safer option, research is ongoing for all sunscreen ingredients, including mineral-based formulas. Only time and science will give us the full picture.

Our sunscreen meets all local regulations banning chemical sunscreens to protect coral reefs. Therefore, it would be more accurate to say that our sunscreen is 'Hawaii compliant,' given the lack of regulation around the term 'reef safe'—as we will prioritize transparency about the products you and your family use.

We’re committed to ensuring our products are safe for you, your family, and our oceans as we learn more through ongoing research.

Can I use Dottir Skin sunscreen under makeup?

Yes, our sunscreen has a glowy finish that looks beautiful under makeup. It's perfect for giving your skin a healthy, radiant look without it feeling heavy.

Given the presence of Dimethicone and other ingredients, such as Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride in our sunscreen, which are emollients that create a smooth, silky finish–the best foundations to pair with your sunscreen are oil-based or silicone-based foundations. These types of foundations will complement the texture and performance of your sunscreen, for a seamless and long-lasting finish.

Oil-Based Foundations:

Benefits: Oil-based foundations provide a rich, hydrating finish that blends well with the emollients in your sunscreen. They are excellent for dry skin and can help maintain a dewy, radiant look throughout the day.

Examples:

  • Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation
  • Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick
  • Helena Rubinstein Prodigy Reversis Foundation

Silicone-Based Foundations:

Benefits: They often provide a smooth, flawless finish and can help to fill in fine lines and pores. Silicone-based foundations work well with the Dimethicone present in our sunscreen, creating a compatible layer that enhances the overall texture and wear time.

Examples:

  • Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Foundation
  • L'Oréal Infallible 24 Hour Fresh Wear Foundation
  • Benefit Cosmetics Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
  • Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation

Application Tips:

  • Apply as a Base: Use our sunscreen as your base layer before makeup. It preps your skin, ensuring your makeup goes on smoothly and stays put.
  • Wait a Few Minutes: Let the sunscreen absorb fully into your skin before applying makeup. This helps to create an ideal surface for your foundation.
  • Don't Forget Your Ears: Remember to apply sunscreen to your ears as well. They are one of the most common places for skin cancer, so it's important to protect them too.
  • Blend Well: Make sure to blend the sunscreen well, especially around the edges of your face and neck, to avoid any uneven patches.

Our sunscreen is designed to keep you looking fresh and radiant all day long. Enjoy the natural glow and feel confident knowing your skin is protected!

Does Dottir Skin sunscreen leave a white cast?

Our advanced formula minimizes the white cast commonly associated with mineral sunscreens. For our POC, you might notice a slight white cast when you first apply it. But don’t worry. As it absorbs into your skin, it’ll blend in and become clear as day. Just give it a few minutes, and you’ll be good to glow.

Is Dottir Skin sunscreen fragrance-free?

Yes, our sunscreen is completely fragrance-free to reduce the risk of irritation.

Is Dottir Skin sunscreen cruelty-free?

Yes, Dottir Skin sunscreen is absolutely cruelty-free! Our sunscreen is not tested on animals in any way, shape, or form, in line with the EU's strict prohibition on animal testing for cosmetic products since 2009. We believe in compassionate beauty, and we're proud to say that our products adhere to these high ethical standards.

Even though our product is inherently cruelty-free according to EU cosmetic regulations, we intend to apply for certification from The Leaping Bunny Program, which is the international gold standard for cruelty-free consumer products managed by Cruelty Free International. This will further solidify our commitment to ethical practices.

Additionally, we want to assure you that we do not plan to extend our sales to China, where animal testing for cosmetics is still a requirement. Our priority is to create products that are not only effective and safe but also ethically produced.

We’re dedicated to providing you with products you can feel good about using, knowing they align with your values and ours.

How should I apply Dottir Skin sunscreen?

Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure (the more, the better) and reapply:

  • At least every 2 hours
  • After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating
  • Immediately after towel drying

P.S. Don't forget your ears and your hair part!

Can I use Dottir Skin sunscreen on my face and body?

Yes, of course! Our sunscreen is safe and effective for use on both your face and your body!

Orders & Refunds

Where can I buy Dottir Skin sunscreen?

You can purchase our sunscreen directly from our website. For our beloved Icelanders, we’re excited to announce that we'll be available in stores in Iceland in early 2025! Until then, you can order online and pick up your sunscreen at Crossfit Reykjavík (Katrín and Annie's favorite spot).

What is your return policy?

Email our team at support@dottirskin.com (please include your order number) within 14 days of receiving your order, and we’ll assist you ASAP.

How long does shipping take?

Shipping typically takes 3-5 business days within the United States.

Do you offer international shipping?

Unfortunately, we aren't shipping international at the moment. However, we plan to offer this service as soon as possible. Stay tuned!