10 Natural and Reef-Safe Sunscreens
This article originally appeared on Clean Eating
Summer is in full swing and that means it's time to get even more serious about your sunscreen application. Of course, you're still applying it to your face daily regardless of the season, right? Before you reach for an old bottle from under your bathroom sink or grab whatever's on sale at the store, take a moment to think about how slathering on chemical-laden sunscreens may be harming your health and the health of marine life.
If you're convinced it's time to switch to natural and reef-safe sunscreens -- just as you'd shop for clean skincare brands -- here's a list of 10 products that meet those standards. For good measure, be sure to always check the ingredients panel on any bottle of sunscreen claiming to be "reef-friendly" -- nobody is monitoring that marketing language and there are brands misusing that term.
Related: 3 Reasons to Switch to a Natural Sunscreen This Summer
Attitude Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Protect your skin and body with Attitude Natural Care's SPF 30 sticks for face and body. Not only are they hypoallergenic and formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to form a physical barrier between you and UVA/UVB rays, but the packaging is plastic-free (and a tree is planted for every product sold).
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow
Spend some carefree time in the sun with Colorescience's Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow, with SPF 50 and 12% zinc oxide. It's water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, contains no nano-particles, is cruelty-free, and provides a sheer golden tint with a subtly radiant sheen.
Kinfield Sunglow Luminizing Sunscreen Lotion
Just because you're protecting yourself from the sun, doesn't mean you can't have a healthy glow -- so Kinfield's Sunglow SPF 30 contains a light tint for a little glow. It's 100% mineral, reef-safe, and contains non-nano zinc plus a blend of antioxidants.
Maui Vera Mineral Sunscreen
With a name like Maui Vera, you know this mineral-based sun protection comes straight from the Hawaiian Islands -- and that means the brand adheres to the new ruling that by October 1, 2022, all non-reef-sunscreens are banned from the islands. It contains 20% zinc oxide and 70% of the ingredients are organic.
Sensible Mineral Sunscreen
This brand is designed by moms for moms, which means you and your baby can share a tube of Sensible while having a fun day at the pool. It's made from 25% non-nano zinc oxide and includes nourishing jojoba oil and natural vitamin E.
H2O+ Hydration Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Get your UVA/UVB protection with sunscreen and moisturizer in one from H2O+. With 17% non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, Japanese Green Tea Extract as an antioxidant, and hyssop to soothe the appearance of redness, it's the only thing you'll need to wear to the beach beside a swimsuit.
Everyday California Reef Safe Face Sunscreen
California dreamin' this summer? Then rely on Everyday California Reef Safe Mineral Sunscreen, which is free of all chemical UV filters. Instead, the brand relies on blue algae as a photo-protectant and sea kelp to help skin retain moisture, alongside jojoba, sunflower, and rosemary extracts to reduce redness.
Ghost Democracy Invisible Lightweight Daily Face Sunscreen
If you hate the heavy feeling of sunscreen on your face, Ghost Democracy's lightweight formula may change your mind. It's made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide, niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to minimize the appearance of pores, artichoke leaf extract to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and turmeric extract to brighten the skin.
Odacite Sun Guardian Oceanic Glacial Water
Guard yourself against the sun with Sun Guardian Oceanic Glacial Water, a face cream with SPF 30. Its broad-spectrum, non-nano formulation includes zinc oxide, green tea, and vitamin E, plus calming calendula and aloe vera.
Brush On Block Mineral Sunscreen Face and Body Lotion
Spend even more time in the water with a mineral sunscreen lotion that offers 80 minutes of water resistance: Brush On Block. The active ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide, and coconut, safflower, and jojoba oils play a supporting role in this non-greasy formula.
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