In our search to bring you the best natural mineral SPF formulas, ones that are safe, effective, and feel beautiful on your skin (and are also Canadian), we hit a surprising roadblock. Many small, independent Canadian brands who formulate SPF products often manufacture it in the US.
At ORESTA, transparency is one of our core values, not just in skincare ingredients, but in how the products we love are made. This is everything we learned about manufacturing sunscreen in Canada, from how sunscreen is regulated and why supporting local SPF innovation is harder than it seems.
In Canada, SPF = Drug
In Canada, SPF products are classified as non-prescription drugs or Natural Health Products. That means any sunscreen sold here needs to be approved by Health Canada, and must have a Drug Identification Number (DIN) or Natural Product Number (NPN).
This classification comes with strict requirements:
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Clinical testing to prove SPF efficacy
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Stability testing over time
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Extensive documentation and regulatory reviews
The approval process can take months, or even over a year, making it a costly and slow journey for small or indie brands.
Manufacturing Limitations at Home
Canada has fewer manufacturers licensed and equipped to produce SPF products to Health Canada’s standards. Those that do exist often have long waitlists, high minimum order quantities, and limited flexibility with custom or clean formulations.
This makes it especially challenging for brands like the ones we love (those focused on natural, quality formulations) to make their sunscreens locally.
Meanwhile, in the US…
In the U.S., the FDA classifies SPF as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug—just like in Canada. But the process to develop and manufacture SPF can be faster and more accessible, thanks to:
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A larger number of specialized SPF labs
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Lower costs for formulation and testing
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Easier access to innovation in tints, textures, and mineral formats
For many Canadian brands, it’s actually more cost-effective and efficient to formulate and manufacture SPF in the US, then go through the process of importing it into Canada with Health Canada compliance.
The Bottom Line
We support Canadian brands and we also understand the roadblocks they face, especially when creating safe, effective SPF products. At ORESTA, we carefully curate SPF options that meet our high standards for performance and clean formulations, whether they're made here or across the border.
Our newest SPF formulas (all are from Canadian brands, but manufactured in the US) include:
Atmosphera Luminous Daily Sun Coverage Lotion Tinted SPF 44 is a lightweight, but nourishing tinted formula that offers a universal glow while reducing redness and evening out the complexion.
Atmophera Solar Defence Sun Coverage Lotion SPF 40 is your daily sun and environmental protection. With no stickiness or white cast it feels good and looks good.
Eminence Sun Defense Mineral Powder SPF 30 A new and improved formula of one of our best selling sunscreens that features new versatile colours with a lighter feel. The cartridge is also more purse-friendly and easier to dispense!
Forah Everyday Sunscreen SPF30 Bursting with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and collagen-boosting ingredients, it shields, calms and revitalizes your skin while also blocking out UVB and UVA rays and blue light.