Commercial sunscreens are full of toxic endocrine disrupting chemical compounds, make sure you're choosing non-toxic sunscreens. With summer right around the corner you’ll surely see every big box store, pharmacy, and even grocery market sporting displays of sunscreen. Everything from SPF formulas created especially for children to concoctions that contain shimmer to give your skin a glow will be in front of your eyes. This is all fine and dandy. I mean, you really should be protecting your skin from the sun’s powerful UV rays, right?
The short answer is, yes. However, the sunscreen you choose to slather all over your skin needs to be formulated with ingredients that won’t harm your wellbeing. For a long time, I was using sunscreen that contained toxic ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These are all forms of chemical sunscreen ingredients that can absorb into the skin and cause issues like hormone disruption and allergic reactions. In fact, a recent study (1) published in the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that even after just one use, these ingredients can show toxic levels of chemicals in the bloodstream.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the sun is very good for you, but it has to be in small doses if you aren’t donning a proper sunscreen. After all, that beautiful fire ball in the sky provides us with lots of vitamin D and gives serotonin levels a boost. So, with that, let’s be responsible with our sun exposure and the sunscreen we choose to use. Here are my top 5 favorite non-toxic sunscreens that are perfect for your summer beach outings.
Sanre – Vanilla Sensation Organic Body Sunscreen SPF 30
So, this sunscreen is pretty much amazeballs. For real. It smells like cake! Who wouldn’t want to protect their skin from UV rays AND smell like a bakery? Honestly, it smells good enough to eat, although I wouldn’t recommend doing that. It’s great for protecting your skin from sunburn and it also functions as a moisturizer. This particular sunscreen isn’t waterproof, so wearing it to the pool is a no-go. However, using it as a daily UV ray blocker is perfectly fine.
What’s in it…
This yummy sunscreen contains an all-natural formula of coconut oil, macadamia oil, vanilla extract, aloe vera, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
EIR NYC – Surf Mud Pro Organic Sunscreen SPF 50
In terms of application, EIR NYC is epic. It comes in a convenient stick (think deodorant tube) that you can simply roll-up and rub on your body. You won’t get your hands full of sunscreen. This type of applicator works particularly well for squirmy kids who simply want to get out of your grasp and into the sand.
The scent is light and sweet and resembles tropical coconuts. I find it to be a classic beach scent. It’s definitely not overpowering. Feel free to splash and play in the water like a mermaid because this sunscreen concoction is completely water-resistant.
What’s in it…
You’ll find the 100% safe and chemical-free ingredients of zinc oxide, cocoa powder, beeswax, cocoa butter, and coconut oil in this product.
Nature’s Brand – Unscented Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
This is for all of you folks who don’t like your sunscreen smelly. I, for one, enjoy a nice beachy scent when I’m headed to the pool or ocean. However, in my day-to-day life, I don’t enjoy my sunscreen scent interfering with my essential oil perfume or DIY all-natural lotion. This skin-loving product protects your flesh from harmful UV rays, and it does it without making you smell like a tiki bar.
While it keeps your skin protected from sun damage, it also moisturizes. That’s the thing about many of these naturally formulated sunscreens…they nourish your skin. Nature’s Brand is no exception. It contains a plethora of non-greasy and non-toxic ingredients. Plus, it won’t leave a white residue on your skin.
What’s in it…
This stellar formula is composed of 20.5% non-Nano zinc oxide, organic olive oil, organic lavender, organic jojoba oil, and organic burdock root. Other than the ultra-gentle lavender, this product contains no essential oils, so it is pure and safe for even the most sensitive skin types. Some people claim it has also been great for their acne-prone skin.
All Good – Organic Sport Sunscreen Butter SPF 50
Don’t let the fact that this sunscreen is a “butter” fool you. Yes, it is rich and creamy in texture, but it applies smoothly on the skin and finishes with a light, whispery feel. I was impressed by how easily the butter rubbed into my skin and it didn’t feel heavy at all. Plus, it’s completely water-resistant so feel free to dive right off that boat you’re cruising on when you need to cool off a bit.
This is one of the best non-toxic sunscreens for the active person. It's perfect for a variety of outdoor activities. The packaging is compact, so it fits nicely in your beach bag, purse, fanny pack (Do people still wear those?), etc. You’ll enjoy the light coconut scent of this product.
What’s in it…
All ingredients in this product are organic except for the vitamin E. Natural coconut oil, beeswax, calendula, and jojoba oil make up the composition of this skin-nourishing sunscreen.
Babo Botanicals – Super Shield SPF 50 Natural Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals is a great brand when it comes to affordable non-toxic sunscreens. If you are seeking out a natural sunscreen for your entire family, Babo Botanicals is the way to go. It’ll definitely give you more bang for your buck plus not expose you to any weird chemicals. This product protects you for up to 80 minutes against sweat and water so it’s perfect for playing in the pool and sports.
Babo Botanicals Sunscreen is balm-like in consistency and very easy to apply due to its stick applicator. Don’t worry! It goes on smooth and is non-greasy. The formula is supercharged with moisture-rich ingredients that nourish, heal, and protect the skin.
What’s in it…
Contains 17% non-Nano zinc oxide, organic tamanu seed oil (smells heavenly), avocado oil, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and shea butter.
Protecting your skin, whether you’re a man, woman, or child, is so very important!
I know we all tend to hop on the sunscreen bandwagon when summer comes rolling around. However, skin protection shouldn’t be just a seasonal thing. It doesn’t matter if you live on the sunny shores of California or if you’re in Winterfell with Jon Snow, you still need to protect your skin. The sun is a powerful star and just because the skies are gray, and the air is cold doesn’t mean you can’t get sunburnt.
Using high-quality non-toxic sunscreens for both body and face will keep you looking young and decrease your risk of sun-related skin cancers. Just make sure to choose a sunscreen that contains natural, non-chemical ingredients. Mineral and plant-based formulas are the way to go.
So while you're lounging at the pool or lake munching on grilled fennel this summer you can rest assured that your skin is protected.
I hope you’ve found this list helpful! Feel free to leave a comment. I’d love to hear about your favorite all-natural sunscreen.
References
- Murali K. Matta, PhD1; Robbert Zusterzeel, MD, PhD, MPH1; Nageswara R. Pilli, PhD1; et al. Effect of Sunscreen Application Under Maximal Use Conditions on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients: A Randomized Clinical Trial. [document on the internet]; JAMA. Published online May 6, 2019. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586. Available from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2733085?guestAccessKey=e1ad4492-fe70-4f53-970d-d63bfa1cdccd&utm_source=For_The_Media&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=ftm_links&utm_content=tfl&utm_term=05062019 .
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