Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended

Skin Cancer Foundation Recommendation

The Skin Cancer Foundation is the only international organization devoted solely to education, prevention, early detection, and prompt treatment of the world’s most common cancer. To earn the Seal of Recommendation, a manufacturer must provide scientific data showing that its product sufficiently and safely, “aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin.” The data is reviewed by a volunteer committee of photo-biologists — experts in the study of the interaction between UV radiation and the skin. Wallaroo’s sun protection hats have received this seal of approval.

Wallaroo Hat sitting on a post in front of a mountain

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the material of every Wallaroo and Carkella hat with a UPF rating and a 3+ inch brim as an effective UV protectant.

Woman in Gaby hat lying in a hammock

Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation requirements:

  • An ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 or higher
  • Acceptable test results according to the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists method or AS/NZS Standard
  • For hats, in addition to the fabric requirements specified above, a minimum brim width of 3 inches
Man in Outback hat sitting on bleacher
UPF 30+
UPF 50+

UPF Fabric Protection

Look for our sun icon on our sun protection hats to determine which ones have a UPF rating of 30+ or 50+. These fabrics are tested by the Australian Radiation Protection Agency and block 96 to 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Ultraviolet radiation, or UV, is present in sunlight. The Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) shows how well a fabric protects your skin from solar UV. Always remember that a Skin Cancer Foundation approved hat only protects the skin it covers. Safeguard the rest of your body by wearing sunglasses and sunscreen.

Man in Palmer hat in the mountains playing with a dog

What’s the difference between SPF and UPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is the rating for sunscreens and other sun-protective products. It measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden. SPF is for creams and cosmetics.

UPF measures the amount of UV radiation that penetrates a fabric and reaches the skin. The tightness of the weave, the weight, type of fiber, color and amount of skin covered all affect the amount of protection provided. UPF is for clothes and fabrics.

Wallaroo Sun Protection Commitment

Wallaroo Hat Company has donated to many organizations over the years and is pleased to have started a 1% donation program in 2008 specifically targeted to help in the elimination of skin cancer.

Each year, we will donate 1% of our profits to skin cancer research, education and prevention in the United States.

This year, Wallaroo donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation (read more about them here), which is the only international organization devoted solely to combating melanoma, the world’s most common cancer now occurring at epidemic levels. Through working side-by-side with The Skin Cancer Foundation, we can truly start to emphasize the awareness in our community.

In 2012, 1% of profits were donated to the SHADE Foundation, which provides free, sun-safe indoor activities for children during the summer months. During the past ten years, SHADE foundation has made possible 155 shade structures to schools, community parks, and other non-profit institutions. Together, Wallaroo Hat Company and the SHADE Foundation share the mission to eradicate melanoma through education of children and the community and to promote the detection of skin cancer and sun safety. More than a million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US every year.

Melanoma Research Foundation

The MRF is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and a cure for melanoma, they educate patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis, and the treatment of melanoma.

Colorado Melanoma Foundation

The Colorado Melanoma Foundation’s mission is to promote melanoma awareness in Colorado by educating residents about melanoma and sun-safe behavior, delivering preventative skin screening services with The Sun Bus, and providing support for current patients.

Boulder Community Health Foundation

Boulder Community Health Foundation's mission is to provide our community with the highest value healthcare in an innovative, patient-centric environment.

Additional Donation Recipients

  • Airline Ambassadors International
  • American Cancer Society
  • American Red Cross
  • Puerto Rico Hurricane Relief
  • Adaptive Sports Center
  • The Breast Cancer Fund
  • Boulder Community Health Foundation
  • Boulder Flatirons Rotary Club
  • Boulder Valley Public Schools
  • Boulder Valley Women’s Health Center
  • Children’s Hospital Denver
  • Colorado Melanoma Foundation
  • Commerce Children’s Center
  • Global Education Fund
  • Hanuman Festival
  • Humane Society of Boulder Valley
  • I Have a Dream Foundation
  • Impact on Education
  • Jaipur Literature Festival
  • Lead with Love Foundation
  • Melanoma Research Foundation
  • MESA, Moving to End Sexual Assault
  • Miles for Melanoma
  • Rocky Mountain Team Survivors
  • Rocky Mountain PBS
  • Skin Cancer Foundation
  • Tebo Cancer Center
  • UVA Skin Cancer Screening
  • Dermatology Education
  • The White Isle Foundation
  • Women’s Wilderness Institute