Finding the sun! Jessica Alba‘s The Honest Company has been in the spotlight over the past week for its recently reformulated “Honest Sunscreen Lotion,” which more than one consumer has voiced complaints about via social media. Nevertheless, the oft-celebrated, billion-dollar brand is standing by its product.
In a statement shared with Us Weekly, the company said, “The Honest Company is committed to providing safe and effective products, and we take all consumer feedback very seriously. Our Sunscreen Lotion was tested, by an independent 3rd party, against the protocols prescribed by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration’s (FDA) monograph for over-the-counter sunscreen products. The results showed that our product is effective and safe for use as an 80 minute water-resistant (FDA’s highest rating), SPF 30 sunscreen lotion in accordance with FDA regulations when used as directed (Shake Well. Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours).”
Honest added, “The number of complaints received on our own website about our Sunscreen Lotion constitute less than one half of one percent of all units actually sold at honest.com. We stand behind the safety and efficacy of this product.”
The debate over the sunscreen’s effectiveness began last week, when a number of Twitter users took to the platform to share photos of their sunburned skin. “Don’t buy @Honest sunscreen unless u want to look like this. Second time I’ve tried this stuff and got fried,” @LindsyMarshall from Redondo Beach, Calif. wrote.
Likewise, @TraceyTweetsDC from the Washington, D.C. area expressed her disappointment with the zinc-based formula. “@Honest SPF 30 sunscreen let me down 2X now even w/ white sheen covering my body, just didn’t work. #bummed,” she said.
However, @TraceyTweetsDC, a true fan of the brand’s other products, also offered a followup note: “@Honest For the record, I believe in your mission. Fix the product & I will be the first one to try again.”