The use of sunscreen is controversial! In a nutshell, too much sun can cause major damage or even Cancer. Not enough, can cause Vitamin D deficiency (common in Breast Cancer patients)… or Cancer. It’s a catch-22. Either way at some point you’ll have to use something if you don’t want to fry – so it’s important to choose sun prep products that prevent more damage than they cause. Personally, I only slather it on when I’m gonna be in the sun for a prolonged period of time. I do not wear sunscreen daily under my makeup – most has is built in already. I also don’t live on a Tropical Island though – I live in New Jersey, where it’s only summer for a few months a year. I now worship the sun way differently than I used to also – for a healthy dose of the Cancer preventing “Sunshine Vitamin” (Vit. D), … instead of … baking, burning, frying… tanning bed hopping (yes, I’ve done that!)… or spray tans + sunless tanners, which can be extremely toxic, BTW! Ok, so here’s what you need to know…
See the NEW, 2014 Safer Sunscreen Guide here!
Sunscreen Types
Unfortunately, all sunscreens currently on the market in the US (natural or chemical) cause a measure of free-radical damage! In natural sunscreens, it’s caused by the active ingredients. In conventional sunscreens, it’s caused by both the active + inactive ingredients! So natural, physical Sunscreens are always the better choice.
- Physical Sunscreens – natural, reflect + scatter light.
- Chemical Sunscreens – non-natural, absorb UV light.
Understanding UV + Broad-Spectrum
The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 am – 4 pm + at higher elevations, near water (penetrates at least 3 feet) or snow. As a reaction to UV radiation – the amount of brown pigment (melanin) in the skin increases, and is known as a suntan!
- UVB rays (high midday, low morning and night) help skin produce Vitamin D.
- UVA rays (during all daylight hours throughout the year) are constant and penetrate skin more deeply, causing more free radical damage.
- “Broad-Spectrum” protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
The numbers that come after “SPF” on a label only protect from UVB rays, not from UVA rays. Besides the SPF, protection from sunscreen can vary based on:
- Skin type
- Time of day your out in the sun
- Amount + how often applied
- Activities (sweating, swimming),
- Amount of sunscreen that has absorbed.
For example, if your skin normally turns pink after 8 minutes of sun, SPF 8 means it will take 8 x’s as long (64 minutes) before that should happen.
Labeling
The FDA recently mandated sunscreen labeling laws to help consumers better understand what they’re buying, using + what the risks are.
- The term “Waterproof” is no longer allowed, since no sunscreen product is actually 100% waterproof. “Waterproof” has been replaced by the words “Water-resistant” – meaning that it must provide at least either 40 or 80 minutes of protection.
- Only SPF 15 or above is able to claim it helps prevent sunburn.
- Lower than SPF 15, or not Broad Spectrum must use a warning that they have “not been shown to reduce the risks of sun exposure”.
- Can be labeled as “Broad-spectrum” only if it has passed tests showing it blocks both UVA / UVB.
- The maximum Amounts of Titanium Dioxide + Zinc Oxide allowed in the US are 25%. Any more is considered misleading, since sunscreen can’t totally block all of the suns rays.
Active Ingredients
Choose mineral based ingredients like Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or a combo of both. Active ingredients are the ingredients that make sunscreen, well- sunscreen + are now required by the FDA to be labeled like drugs.
Inactive Ingredients
Look for products that contain organic or at least natural, plant based ingredients like Carrot Seed Oil, Green Tea, Coconut oil, Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Aloe Vera, Beeswax, etc. Watch out for common, toxic sunscreen ingredients or sun care products that tout plant-based ingredients, but actually contain only the slightest amount. Imagine trying to sell a batch of home-made muffins at a bake sale + advertising that they’re made with salt because the recipe called for a pinch.
Application
Studies show that we commonly apply only about ½ of the recommended amount to achieve the rated SPF on the label. The recommended dose for the average American (5’4”, 150 lbs.) is about 1 oz. applied evenly to the uncovered body. That’s about 1/3 teaspoon for your face. Sunscreens need to be applied…
- 15-30 minutes before sun exposure, thick enough to protect.
- Reapplied 15-30 minutes after the exposure begins.
- Further applications are only dependent on activities such as sweating, swimming, etc.
What to Buy
When shopping – look for Broad Spectrum protection, uncoated, non-nano mineral-based active Ingredients and natural, plant-based inactive ingredients + reef-safe. Today’s most natural sunscreens contain the active ingredients Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide or a combo of both + come in the form of an opaque lotion. They usually use heavy carrier oils to resist being washed off. Not the most convenient or the most glamorous – but they’re usually the safest.
While I haven’t had a chance to try every single one of these yet (if I did, I’d be sunbathing 24/7 – 365!), I’m recommending them purely based upon ingredients, so you know what the healthiest options are. Please double-check all ingredients before purchasing!
Badger Balm
SPF 16 Antioxidant Face Sunscreen Lotion, Damascus Rose, $18
Inactive Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 10.55%. Inactive Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Extract, *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Sucrose Polysoyate (from Soybean), *Ethyl Palmate (from Palm), Aqua (Purified Water), *Sucrose Cocoate (from Coconut), *Glycerin (from Palm), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Xanthan Gum, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, *Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (from Soybean), *Rosa Canina (Rosehip) CO2 Extract, *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) CO2 Extract, *Rosa Damascena (Rose Otto) Oil, *Anthemis Nobilis (Roman Chamomile) Oil, and *Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) CO2 Extract. * = Certified Organic
SPF 16 Sunscreen Lotion, Aloe Vera, $16
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 10.55%. Inactive Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Extract, *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Sucrose Polysoyate (from Soybean), Aqua (Purified Water), *Ethyl Palmate (from Palm), *Sucrose Cocoate (from Coconut), *Glycerin (from Palm), *Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Chondrus Crispus (Carrageenan) Extract, Xanthan Gum, and *Hydrolyzed Soy Protein (from Soybean). * = Certified Organic
SPF 30 Sunscreen Cream, Lavender, $16
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75%. Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Essential Oil of *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), and CO2 Extract of *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn).* = Certified Organic
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75%. Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), and CO2 Extract of *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn).* = Certified Organic
SPF 30+ Baby Sunscreen Cream, $16
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75% Inactive Ingredients: *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, *Cera Alba (Organic Beeswax), CO2Extracts of *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Organic Seabuckthorn), and *Calenduls Officinalis (Organic Calendula), *Anthemis Nobilis (Organic Chamomile) Essential Oil, and Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E). * = Certified Organic
SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion, Tangerine Vanilla, $18
Active Ingredients: Uncoated, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 12% Inactive Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Juice, *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, *Sucrose Cocoate (fromCoconut), Water, *Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Citric Acid (from Non-GMO Corn), Leuconostoc Ferment Filtrate (from Radish), *Glycerin (from Sustainable Palm), *Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Essential Oil, *Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Extract, Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E), Gluconolactone (from Non-GMO Corn), *Vanilla Planifolia (Vanilla) CO2 Extract, Xanthan Gum, *Lecithin (fromSoybean), Cellulose Gum. * = Certified Organic
SPF 34 Anti-Bug Sunscreen Cream, $17
Active Anti-Bug Ingredients: (15.5%): 10% *Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil & Essential Oils of 2.5% *Cymbopogon Nardus (Citronella), 1.25% *Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass), 1% *Cedrus Atlantica (Cedar), 0.5% *Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), and 0.25% *Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium). Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 20%. Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, and *Cera Alba (Beeswax) * = Certified Organic
SPF 15 Sunscreen, Lightly Scented, $16
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Uncoated Zinc Oxide 10%. Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, *Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Butter, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Essential Oil of *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), and CO2 Extract of *Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn). * = Certified Organic.
SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen Stick, $9
Active Sunscreen Ingredient: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 22.5%. Inactive Ingredients: *Olea Europaea (Organic Extra Virgin Olive) Oil, *Cera Alba (Organic Beeswax), *Theobroma Cacao (Organic Cocoa) Butter, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Organic Shea) Butter, and Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E). * = Certified Organic
SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen, Unscented, $16
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 22.5%. Non-Active Ingredients: *Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, *Cera Alba (Organic Beeswax), *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E) * = Certified Organic
Eco Logical Skin Care
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22%. Inactive Ingredients: Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Silicon Dioxide, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii Seed (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Antisyphilitica (Candelilla) Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*. *Certified Organic
Eco Face SPF 30+, $14
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%. Inactive ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Isoamyl Laurate, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*. *Certified Organic
Eco Baby SPF 30+, $18
Active Ingredients: : Zinc Oxide 22%. Inactive Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Silica, Cera Alba (Bee’s Wax), Butyrospermum Parkii Seed (Shea) Butter, Candelilla Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado), Organic Rosehips Seed Oil, Carota Sativa (Carrot) Oil, Botswellia Carterii (Frankincense), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract.
Active Ingredients: 22.5% Zinc Oxide (nano-free). Inactive Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Zinc Oxide, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Natural Vitamin E.
Active Ingredients: 22.5% Zinc Oxide (nano-free). Inactive Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Zinc Oxide, Organic Rosemary Extract, Organic Eucalyptus Essential Oil, Natural Vitamin E.
Mexitan
Tropical Sands / Coral Safe SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion $20
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (22.5%), Titanium Dioxide (6%), Inactive Ingredients: Deionized Water, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Coconut Oil, Glycerine, Xanthan Gum, Green Tea Extract, Jojoba Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Shea Butter, Eucalyptus Oil.
Loving Naturals
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7% Inactive Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Honey, Sea Salt, Purified Water.
Clear SPF 30+ Sunscreen Stick, $15
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7% Inactive Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Honey, Sea Salt, Purified Water.
Baby SPF 30+ Sunscreen, $22
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7%. Inactive Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Purified Water.
Clear Face SPF 30+ Sunscreen $13
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7% Inactive Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Gel, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol (derived from Organic Coconut Oil without the use of chemicals), Non-GMO & Organic Corn Starch, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Raw Sugar, Sea Salt, Wild Harvested Aspen Bark Extract.
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7%. Inactive Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Honey, Purified Water.
Clear Vegan SPF 30+ Sunscreen, $19
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 24.8% Inactive Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from Coconut Oil), Soy Wax (Non-GMO), Organic Sesame Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Cocoa Butter (Fair Trade), Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Cocoa (Fair Trade), Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Organic Green Tea, Sea Salt, Water.
True Natural Cosmetics
SPF 30 Caribbean Coconut Sunscreen, $20
SPF 30 Baby + Family Water-Resistant Sunscreen, Unscented, $20
SPF 15 Face Sunscreen, Unscented, $16
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (3.5%), Zinc Oxide (3.5%). Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Deionized Water), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sunflower Lecithin,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin-E), Xanthan Gum.
SPF 50 Neutral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, Unscented, $25
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (6.0%), Zinc Oxide (22.5%). Inactive Ingredients: Aqua (Deionized Water), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sunflower Lecithin,Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin-E), Xanthan Gum.
SPF 30 Face + Body Sport Stick, $15
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (8%) Zinc Oxide (5%). Inactive Ingredients: Butyospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Cera Alba (Beeswax) Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil Expressed, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut Oil), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil and Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Rosemarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Tocopherol (Vitamin E).
Mercola
Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide (3.5%), zinc oxide (3.5%), Inactive Ingredients: deionized water, sunflower oil, lecithin, coconut oil, glycerine, xanthan gum, green tea extract, jojoba oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), shea butter, eucalyptus oil.
Natural Sunblock Stick for Face SPF 30, $10
Active Ingredients: titanium dioxide (8%), zinc oxide (5%). Inactive Ingredients: sunflower seed oil, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe leaf extract, sweet almond oil, tocopherol, orange oil, rosemary leaf extract.
Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $17
Active Ingredients: titanium dioxide (22.5%), zinc oxide (6%). Inactive Ingredients: sunflower seed oil, beeswax, shea butter, coconut oil, aloe leaf extract, sweet almond oil, tocopherol, orange oil, rosemary leaf extract.
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide (22%), Inactive Ingredients: certified organic olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, certified organic butyrospermum parkii (shea) fruit butter, certified organic unrefined cera alba (beeswax), mixed tocopherols (natural vitamin e), avena sativa (oat) kernel flour, certified organic copernicia prunifera (carnauba) wax, natural coconut extract, aroma (essential oils), certified organic simmondsia chinesis (jojoba) seed oil, certified organic rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) CO2 extract, certified organic daucus carota (carrot) CO2 seed extract.
Raw Elements USA
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 23% , Inactive Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E ***All Ingredients Marked Organic Are Certified Organic. 
Eco Stick SPF 30+, $16
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22.75%, Inactive Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Candelilla Wax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E, ***All Ingredients Marked Organic Are USDA Certified Organic
Eco Tint Stick SPF 30+, $16
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22.75% lnactive Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Candelilla Wax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E, Iron Oxides, ***All Ingredients Marked Organic Are Certified Organic
Ava Anderson Non-Toxic
SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion, $19
Active ingredients: zinc oxide (21%, non-nanoparticle). Inactive Ingredients: beeswax (organic), theobroma cacao seed butter (organic cocoa butter), butyrospermum parkii (organic shea butter), olea europaea oil (organic olive oil), simmondsia chinensis (organic jojoba oil).
Moisturizer with SPF 15, $21
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide (15% non nanoparticle) Inactive Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis, (organic aloe vera), grapeseed oil (organic), butyrospernum parkii (organic shea butter), sesamum indicum (organic sesame oil),, rosa canina fruit oil (organic rose hip oil), melia azadirachta (organic neem extract), xanthum gum.
SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick (set of 2), $24
Active Ingredients: zinc oxide (21%, non-nanoparticle) Inactive Ingredients: cocos nucifera (organic coconut oil), helianthus annus (organic sunflower seed oil), butyrospermum parkii (organic shea butter), beeswax (organic).
Dolphin Organics
DO Naturals SPF 32 Mineral Sunscreen, $20
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 6%. Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Aqua (Deionized Water), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin-C), Avena Sativa (Oat) Betaglucan, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Cetearyl Olivate, Citric Acid, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lactic Acid, Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia Nut Oil), Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate, Theobroma Cacao (Coca Butter), Tocopherol (Vitamin E, Xanthum Gum
DO Naturals SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen, $22
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 23.00%, Zinc Oxide 6.00%, , Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe Vera Gel) Juice, Aqua (Deionized Water), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin-C), Avena Sativa (Oat) Betaglucan , Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter , Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract , Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes , Cetearyl Olivate , Citric Acid , Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil , Glycerin , Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil , Lactic Acid , Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia Nut) Oil , Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter , Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate , Theobroma Cacao (Coca Butter), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Xanthan Gum
Pratima Skincare
SPF 30 Neem Rose Face Sunscreen, $24
Active Ingredients: Non-nano Micronized Zinc Oxide 18.6%, Inactive Ingredients: Ionized Water, Organic Extracts Of Neem, Brahmi, Shatavari, Licorice, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Organic Essential Oil Of Rose, Xanthan Gum. 
SPF 30 Neem Vetiver Body Sunscreen, $32
Active Ingredients: Non-nano Micronized Zinc Oxide 18.6%, Inactive Ingredients: Ionized Water, Organic Extracts Of Neem, Licorice, Imperata Cylindrica Extract, Vitamin E, Lecithin, Organic Essential Oil Of Vetiver, Xanthan Gum.
9 Comments
Jamie
July 9, 2013 at 9:19 pmHave you heard of Purple Prairie Botanicals SunStuff Mineral Lotion. The ingredients are:
99% Natural Ingredients: active ingredient: 20% micronized zinc oxide. non active ingredients: aqua(water), organic cold pressed olea europaea(olive)fruit oil,hamamelis virginiana(witch hazel) kosher vegetable glycerin, organic cocos nucifera (coconut), cetearyl alcohol, butyrospermum parki (shea butter), organic theobroma cacao (cocoa butter), sunflower oil, polysorbate 60, rosemary extract
I tried Badgers Aloe sunscreen and got the worst burn ever and I lived outside growing up being a swimmer. Hopefully it was a fluke because I love Badger products! I did email them and they sent me their After Sun Balm and researched the lot my tube came from :)
Danielle
July 10, 2013 at 11:40 pmHey Jamie!
I have heard of it – but I don’t use Polysorbates, which sucks – because it’s the only bad ingredient in there.
As for the issue with Badger, you are the second person who mentioned that (not sure which Badger Sunscreen the other person used though). That’s so strange. I’ve never experienced that + am happy you’ve contacted them! Love their After-Sun Balm!
xo
Danielle :)
The GG
Jamie
July 11, 2013 at 12:34 pmI emailed Purple Prairie Botanicals letting them know this one ingredient is keeping people from buying their product when all they have to do is use a natural/organic emulsifier. If they say anything promising I will let you know :)
Danielle
July 11, 2013 at 7:53 pmThanks Jamie!
I don’t use it due to contamination risks, see here.
xo
Danielle :)
The GG
Blythe
August 14, 2013 at 5:51 pmMychelle has the best physical facial sunscreen I have tried (and I’ve tried way too many). It’s called Replenishing Solar Defense 30 and has no white cast.
Emili
August 26, 2013 at 2:40 amHey! I just came across your blog and I love it!
I was wondering if you have ever tried Josie Maran Argan oil moisturizer with SPF 40? Ive literally tried alllll different kinds of sun screen from Clarins (they aren’t totally organic but compared to most high end name brands they use more natural ingredients) badger products and I couldn’t find a good one, especially since I wear makeup on top, the organic sunscreens didn’t work because it would start flaking once I put makeup on it. But this Josie Maran one is great and I can finally wear makeup over it everyday without it flaking :)
Katie
December 29, 2013 at 9:33 pmThanks so much for all the info, reviews, etc. you have on your site! I currently use California Baby sunscreen and was about to order more but thought I’d see if there are any others out there that are titanium dioxide-only. I break out in a rash from zinc oxide so those are all out of the question for me. If you happen to come across any titanium dioxide-only sunscreens, I’d love to check them out. Thanks!!
Jamie
May 26, 2014 at 8:04 pmI know this post is pretty old but couldn’t find a 2014 sunscreen post. I’ve just run out of my Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 16 sunscreen lotion and discovered it’s discontinued until 2015! Do you have any recommendations for something that would be as similar to that as possible? I have extremely sensitive skin and anti-aging acid-y things (which are in practically everything these days) and alcohol irritate my skin badly. I like my daily lotion/sunscreen to be as light and natural as possible since I hate feeling like I have stuff on my face. Thanks for any advice!
Danielle
May 27, 2014 at 2:56 pmHey Jamie! I know. While I don’t use sunscreen daily, (because almost all makeup has it in there already) I did really like the feel of Badger’s SPF 16 Lotion. The 2014 Sunscreen Guide should be up sometime this week! So check back soon! :)