Sunscreen Saga: a Defense From Jessica Alba

Attention The Honest Company sunscreen users: Jessica Alba is here for you. But whether or not the brand is going to do anything about their potentially faulty sunscreen formula is still unclear.

After a slew of complaints from users reporting horrible sunburns after using the product, the company initially issued a statement backing the sunscreen.

“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 statement concludes.

But last night, co-founders Jessica Alba and Christopher Gavigan posted a lengthy, more apologetic statement on The Honest Company website, which Alba also linked to on her Instagram account.

“Protecting our loved ones and yours is the reason we founded The Honest Company,” she writes. “As parents, it pains us to hear that anyone has had a negative experience with our Sunscreen. We develop and use Honest Sunscreen to protect our own children – Honor, Haven, Luke, Evie, and Poppy – at the park, in the pool, outside, every day. As with everything we do, we take sun protection seriously here at Honest.”

Alba and Gavigan indicated that their team is working on reaching out to everyone who posted a sunburn photo on social media. They add: “For those who have expressed concerns about our Sunscreen Lotion, we want you to know that we hear you and we’re here for you. As always, we’ll do what it takes to make it right. You can reach us at: 1.888.862.8818.”

Still, the majority of the post is a defense of the product: it was redesigned for longer water resistance based on user feedback; it’s gone through third-party testing; it received the highest Environment Working Group score; it meets government regulations. The Honest Company will hear your complaints, but it won’t necessarily do anything about them.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.