5 Best Natural Sunscreens

Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for overall health and wellness.

The best way to get optimal amounts of Vitamin D is through daily sun exposure (the 2nd best way is through a daily D3 supplement).

However, while daily sun exposure is good for health, you can have too much of a good thing. Daily overexposure to sunlight can age your skin and cause other unwanted consequences.

This is were sunscreen comes in. 

It provides the perfect way to protect your skin from sun overexposure, while allowing you to spend time outdoors, which has numerous health benefits.

But sunscreens are often filled with toxic chemicals that we absorb right into our bodies. 

Not only can these toxic ingredients impact our health, they can also impact the environment as well. The most common and dangerous chemicals include Oxybenzone, Butylparaben, and Octinoxate.

The Answer:

The safest sunscreens for you, and for the environment, are mineral-base sunscreens.

These sunscreens contain Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. These minerals work by reflecting UV rays off of your skin, and, as long as these minerals are non-nano particles, they are considered reef safe (i.e. they don't harm coral reefs).

So what are the best mineral sunscreens to use?

Read on!

The Best Mineral Sunscreens:

Below are our top picks for effective, safe sunscreens.

Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen

Thinksport was created with the intent to be the safest sunscreen possible. With sound science behind their product and sustainable, eco-friendly packaging, Thinksport is focused on safe, effective product for you and the environment.

We recommend Thinksport's Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50 for reef-safe heavy duty sun exposure.

Australian Gold

Australian Gold is a brand created to protect the sun-loving outdoors men and women all over the world.

Australian Gold is focused on creating gentle and effective sun protection using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is also reef-safe, as well as Paraben and Phthalate free!

We recommend Australian Gold's Botanical Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 as it contains antioxidant rich plants like Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae.

Badger

Badger sunscreen is not only reef-friendly, but it’s also organic and GMO free! Badger is focused on keeping families, and the environment, happy and healthy.

We recommend their Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion - SPF 30 with it's moisturizing aloe and sunflower oil.

Supergoop

Many sunscreens contain pore-clogging oils that can cause breakouts.

Supergoop is an excellent option, especially for those who have acne-prone skin.

You can try out their facial sunscreens or their whole body options. We recommend Supergoop’s 100% Mineral Mist Sunscreen as it isreef-safe too!   

All Good Sunscreen

All Good SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen is made from of zinc oxide and several skin nourishing ingredients including aloe, calendula, green tea, and rose hips. They recommended using after moisturizer for a smoother application. This product is reef-friendly too!

Conclusion

So you know which sunscreens to use, but how should you use them?

Try these tips!

• Follow the directions given by the sunscreen maker. Different brands have different recommended usages and reapplication times.
• Always do a patch test to make sure you don't react to any of the ingredients before applying all over. Apply a small amount to the inside of your elbow, and wait a few minutes. If burning, itching, or redness occurs, do not use the product!
• Test out sunscreen before major sun exposure! Should a brand not work for you, you don't want to find out halfway through your day! Try out new sunscreens on a day where you don't need to be in the sun for hours, should you start to burn.
• Pack a rash guard and a hat, you may need more sun protection around midday or if you start to burn.
• Don't forget your scalp, ears, and lips can burn too! Apply sunscreen or keep them covered!

Don't see your favorite brand? Let us know! We'd love your feedback!