In today’s world, research is done constantly. As a result, what you thought was safe yesterday is no longer considered safe today. It’s hard to stay up to date on all the research and recommendations. New products are created all the time, regulations change, recommended lists of products have to be updated. As summer comes, everyone starts thinking sunscreen. It’s important to remember that even the winter sun can cause damage and sunscreen should be used year round. I’ve taken the time to come up with a short list of what I feel are suitable sunscreens to keep your family safe. There are other sunscreens out there that could make my list, but I tried to stick with the more common and readily available sunscreens.
Natural sunscreens use Zinc Oxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Zinc Oxide is on the FDA’s generally recognized as safe list. The zinc oxide is responsible for the lovely white appearance you get on use. Micronized Zinc Oxide creates the same barrier, but far more transparent. Nano Zinc Oxide particles are even smaller and therefore even less transparent. However, there is some concern that the nano particles can be absorbed by the skin and the effects of that are still unknown. Since the whole point of “safe sunscreen” is to avoid having chemicals of any kind absorbed, I feel it best to avoid nano zinc oxide.
Titanium Dioxide works in the same way as Zinc Oxide. It comes in the same “sizes” and carries the same hazards. In my research I have found that Zinc Oxide does protect a little more than Titanium Dioxide so I would not rely on a sunscreen consisting only of Titanium Dioxide, but rather one that incorporates both or only Zinc Oxide.
A note on the Environmental Working Group- while I love EWG’s work and use the cosmetics database often, it is important to read and learn about ingredients. EWG is now classifying all titanium dioxide as hazardous. They are not distinguishing between titanium dioxide and nano titanium dioxide. As mentioned above, there is concern that the nano-particles can be absorbed by the skin and the effects of that are still unknown.
On to the list, as with anything, what works for one, may not work for another. It’s all trial and error unfortunately. If you have experience with any of these, please do let us know. These are in the order that I would like to try them as I have not used any of these yet!
Badger All Natural SPF 30 Sunscreen for Face and Body
Contains: Micronized Zinc Oxide
Cosmetics Database Rating: 0
Comments: I like the short ingredient list. I’ve read many great reviews. While I haven’t tried this yet, it’s first on my list.
Soleo Organics Sunscreen, SPF 30
Contains: Zinc Oxide
Cosmetics Database Rating: 0
Comments: This one also has a short ingredient list. I have placed this second on my list to try.
Jason Natural Sunbrellas Chemical Free Sunblock Spf 30+
Contains: both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Cosmetics Database Rating: 1
Comments: This product is also known as Sunbrella and Earth's Best.
Weleda Children's Sunscreen SPF 18
Contains: both Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Cosmetics Database Rating: 4 (I think this is because EWG list Micro Titanium Dioxide and Micro Zinc Oxide where I'm finding regular Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide elsewhere)
Comments: For this one, I’m finding conflicting ingredient lists. Whether is regular Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide or micro, I would like to try this product and feel it should make the list.
Sadly, my faves from last year did not make the list. We’ll use up what we have and replace with something from this list.
A note on SPF- many people associate SPF with the amount of time one can spend in the sun using a sunscreen. SPF actually refers to the amount of protection a sunscreen provides. It has nothing to do with time. Applying a SPF 50 sunscreen does not mean you can go hours longer before reapplying than you would with a SPF 15. A product with SPF 30 provides approximately 97% protection. A product with SPF 60 provides approximately 98% protection. Both should be reapplied after an hour and a half. If you burn easily, you’ll want a higher SPF, those that don’t burn so easily can get by with a lower SPF.