Frequently Asked Questions

We've got quite a bit of info on our site and you might have some questions. We've collected some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers here for you!

FAQ

  • Product Details

    What's changed?

    First off, we've expanded and now carry bath & body products to transport you to a tropical vacation anytime, anywhere.

    We listened closely to feedback from our community to now offer multiple sizes and better value across each product, and we upgraded our fragrances (so long 🍌 !)

    We've also formulated (and re-formulated) our products to adhere to updated clean and sustainability standards, both for the formulas themselves and the packaging they are in.

    Don't worry - in terms of results, we've kept the same active ingredients at the same concentrations - so you'll still see the same great tanning results with Base Tan and healing effects of Over Exposed.

    How much should I use?

    We always think you should ✨treat yourself ✨ and use a generous amount of each product as part of your self-care routine. That said, we've formulated our products to be super effective so a little goes a long way!

    A good general rule to follow for applying shower products is to use about a nickel-sized amount for each arm, and a quarter-sized amount for each leg. For our products, this should be about one pump per arm and one and a half pumps per leg.

    What order should I use the Tropic Labs body care products in?

    We recommend starting off cleansing your skin with our Washed Up Shower Oil, followed by exfoliating with our White Sands Scrub, and then finishing off with our High Tide In-Shower Moisturizer before patting dry.

    What do the bath & body products smell like?

    Our Coconut Orchid scent. Gently floral, nutty nuances, super comforting.

    Where are your products made?

    Our products are proudly manufactured in FDA-certified facilities in the US.

    Is your SPF reef safe?

    Absolutely! We use only non-nano zinc in our sunscreen formulation and we never use reef-damaging ingredients like Oxybenzone or Octinoxate. We are also a proud sponsor of the Coral Restoration Foundation, the world's largest coral restoration effort.

    Are your products safe to use during pregnancy?

    Our products should be perfectly safe to use during pregnancy. Of course we recommend you share the ingredients list with your doctor or pediatrician to be certain they are safe for you!

    Can I use the In-Shower Moisturizer on dry skin?

    The ingredients in High Tide are designed to emulsify with water droplets on your skin to create a rich moisturizer while you're applying it. While you could use it on dry skin, it will just be a much thicker and richer lotion. Since your skin’s best at absorbing when it’s wet, we recommend simply turning off your shower, applying the lotion all over then patting dry.

    How often should I use White Sands scrub?

    This varies depending on the area you’re exfoliating and the sensitivity of your skin. Typically, we suggest once or twice a week.

    Why doesn't the Washed Up Shower Oil get really foamy?

    The most common foaming agents in body washes are sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), both of which can have a drying effect and diminish your skin’s ability to retain moisture. We opted for a low-foam formula that still gives you a great clean feeling, without stripping your skin of precious moisture. Remember: just because it’s low on foam doesn’t mean it doesn’t clean!

    Can I use your products if I have sensitive skin or a skin condition?

    It really depends on your particular sensitivities! For example, some people with eczema are extremely sensitive to ALL fragrance ingredients, while others have only mild reactions which appear as dry, scaly patches of skin and have no issue with most products.

    One of the reasons we've introduced minis of our products is so that you can try them out and make sure they work for you before buying the full-size!

    If you have any additional questions about specific concerns, please send us a message to aloha@tropic-labs.com and our team will be happy to help 😊

    Can I use your products on my face?

    Our White Sands Scrub is not intended for facial application. While our products otherwise are considered safe to use on the face, it is worth noting they contain a variety of natural plant oils that can congest the skin depending on your level of sensitivity. If you have acne-prone skin, it's probably best to avoid using the products on your face for the time being. We are working on launching some face-specific products - if this is something you'd like to see please let us know at aloha@tropic-labs.com!

    What does the candle smell like?

    This incredible soy wax candle is fragranced with our signature Coconut Orchid scent. Gently floral, nutty nuances, super comforting.

    How should I use the candle?

    For best results burn for 4 hours at a time and away from flammable materials. Keep the wick centered and trimmed to 1/4". While lit, keep away from drafts, children and pets. Do not move the candle while it is burning or if wax is hot, and never leave a burning candle unattended. Discontinue use when only 1/4" of wax remains. This candle is for regular use only, it is NOT a massage candle and should not be applied to skin.

    I have an idea for a new product, who can I tell!?

    We love getting feedback and suggestions from our community 🤩 Please send your ideas to aloha@tropic-labs.com and check out our exclusive Lab Partners Group where you'll have a say in shaping the future of Tropic Labs!

  • Ingredients

    Is your fragrance Phthalate free?

    Absolutely! Phthalates are known carcinogens and we would never include them in our products.

    Why is there fragrance in your product?

    When it comes to fragrance in products, there are only two categories; essential oils or synthetic fragrance chemicals. Over Exposed uses strictly essential oils (Peppermint) to fragrance the product, whereas in Base Tan & Tan Smart we opted to use a synthetic fragrance. As Base Tan & Tan Smart are intended to be used in/around sun exposure, this called for synthetics for two reasons; 1. Many essential oils are photosensitizing - meaning they can increase your sensitivity to the sun 2. Essential oils are volatile and can rapidly destabilize a product formulation when exposed to heat or UV, thereby reducing its safety and effectiveness. Our fragrance blend was custom-made for us by an FDA-approved facility in the USA. We were sure to make safety a top priority when developing it. While we always strive to use strictly natural ingredients as much as possible, safety and effectiveness are crucial and we wanted to create products that we could 100% stand behind and that provide maximum benefits.

    Is your Mica responsibly sourced?

    Yes! We work with our manufacturers to evaluate every ingredient and supplier for the best quality and most sustainable and ethical procurement practices.

    Is your Zinc non-nano?

    Of course!

    What is Tan Boost Technology? How does it work?

    Tan Boost Technology is our proprietary blend of melanin-boosting ingredients including Tyrosine, the amino necessary for melanin production. Melanin is your body’s ’built-in’ protection from sunburns, its first defense against UV rays, and is what gives our skin its colour. The darker your skin, the more melanin naturally present in your body. When you apply products containing our Tan Boost Technology to the skin, you are 'feeding' your skin the essential amino acids it needs to boost melanin production. Resulting in a deeper tan, with less sun exposure required.

    What’s the difference between physical and chemical exfoliation?

    Physical exfoliation works by gently rubbing an abrasive material (such as quartz) on your body to polish off the outer layer of dead skin. Chemical exfoliation, on the other hand, uses naturally-occurring alpha hydroxy acids to dissolve the glue-like substance which binds your dead skin cells together. Combine the two? You get an exceptional exfoliant that’s big on results and gentle on skin.

    How does an oil clean your skin?

    While oils are known for their moisturizing properties, they’re also solvents — they can dissolve similar substances. The fact they’re lipophilic means they’re naturally attracted to other oils… like the sweat, dirt and grime that can build up on our skin. The surfactant in this formula allows the oils (and what they’ve dissolved) to combine with water and be easily rinsed off. And the best part? You’re not only cleansing your skin, you’re softening and hydrating at the same time.

    What kind of wax is the candle made with?

    Our candles are handmade with natural soy wax & cotton and paper cored wicks.

    Are the candles in real beakers?

    Yes! Our candle vessels are custom designed borosilicate glass beakers. When you're done burning your candle, we recommend keeping and reusing the beaker. To remove leftover wax, just place the beaker in freezer for an hour and pop the wax out using the handle end of a spoon. Tag us on social to show us your beaker's second life! @tropiclabs

  • Packaging

    Is your packaging recyclable?

    Most of our packaging is designed to be recyclable. Our bottles are #5 PP, the pumps are the same material and contain no metal springs, and the labels on our bottles are PET. Our tubes are 100% recycled and made of #4 PE.

    Our cartons are made with FSC certified materials and our shipping boxes are made of recycled paper, both are printed with vegetable and water-based inks and are 100% recyclable!

    Recycling programs vary greatly by region, so we encourage you to check locally to see what is currently recyclable near you. 😌

    Is any of your packaging made from recycled materials?

    Yes! The tubes used for our White Sands Scrub are 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, and our shipping boxes are 100% recycled materials as well.

  • Orders

    How long will it take to get my order?

    For orders placed with Standard Shipping: Please allow 2 business days for processing time. All orders with Expedited or Priority Shipping will be shipped next business day.

    Where do you ship?

    We currently ship to all of the United States. Let us know where else you'd like to see us and we'll move you to the top of our waitlist! Just send a message to aloha@tropic-labs.com or select your location on this list

    Do you offer free shipping?

    Yep! We offer free standard shipping on all orders over $75.

    Can I return or exchange my order?

  • Media

    Want to collab?

    Thanks so much for thinking of us! We’d love to hear from you. Please reach out directly to pr@tropic-labs.com

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