What is a Performance Sunscreen? Defining a New Standard in Sun Protection

Sun protection is not a one-size-fits-all solution, especially for those who push their limits in outdoor sports and activities. The idea of Performance Sunscreen was born out of a need to create something more—something that didn’t just protect, but enhanced the experience for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. But what exactly defines a Performance Sunscreen?

For Jeff and Josie Kletter, founders of BU Sunscreen, the journey began at the 1994 Commonwealth Games in Victoria, BC, where they introduced their first sport body care line, Kinesys, which included topical analgesics, daily-use products, and their revolutionary Performance Sunscreen.

The Moment That Changed Sunscreen Forever

In 2001, while sitting around a table with Brian Maxwell, co-founder of Powerbar, the Kletters discussed what made their products different. When they mentioned their innovative line of Performance Sunscreens, Brian posed a powerful question: "What would the attributes be of a Performance Sunscreen?"

This conversation sparked a new standard—one that Jeff and Josie would define and champion. They envisioned a sunscreen designed for people who live actively, love the outdoors, and care about what they put on their skin. For them, performance didn’t just mean protection—it meant optimizing every aspect of the experience.

The Core Attributes of a Performance Sunscreen

The Kletters set out to create a sunscreen that would not only stand up to the rigors of sport but also reflect their commitment to health and the environment. Here’s how they defined the Performance Sunscreen:

• Oil, Alcohol, PABA, Preservative, Paraben, and Gluten Free
• Broad Spectrum Protection from both UVA and UVB rays to defend against skin damage and aging
• Hypoallergenic and Non-Comedogenic: Designed to minimize skin reactions and keep pores clear, allowing the skin to breathe—a crucial factor for athletes who need to perspire to regulate their body temperature
• Water & Sweat Resistant for 80 Minutes: Perfect for high-intensity activities where endurance matters
• Cruelty-Free and Vegan: No testing on animals, and no animal-derived ingredients
• Free of Nuts, Nut Oils, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, and Colorants: Ensuring safety for even the most sensitive skin types
• Enriched with Topical Antioxidants: Ingredients like Vitamin E to combat free radicals and enhance skin health during exposure to the sun

Performance for People and the Planet

The Kletters knew that their vision for Performance Sunscreen had to go beyond just protecting people—it needed to protect the planet too. They introduced sustainable practices early on, setting a new bar for environmentally conscious sun care:

• Recyclable Packaging: BU Sunscreen bottles are 100% recyclable, reflecting the Kletters’ commitment to reducing waste
• Clean Energy Production: Every BU product is produced using solar-powered, GMP-compliant manufacturing, making it nearly carbon-neutral
• Continual Innovation: The Kletters continue to evolve their formula, eliminating synthetic fragrances and constantly searching for even more sustainable ingredients whenever available

Performance Sunscreen: A Category Redefined

When the Kletters defined these attributes, they weren’t just creating another sunscreen—they were setting the gold standard for what sun protection could and should be. They called it Performance Sunscreen, and with BU, that category continues to evolve today.

BU Sunscreen builds on this legacy with products designed for active individuals who care deeply about their health and the environment. Every spray of BU Sunscreen reflects years of passion, innovation, and a commitment to creating a sunscreen that truly performs—without compromise.