Not all sunscreens are created equal! Here's how to get top level protection from sunscreens that use only safe, natural ingredients (and why it's so important to avoid the sunscreens that don't).

Most of us can spend a small amount of time in the sun without an SPF and benefit from the boost of vitamin D. But for extended periods in the sun (and we’re hoping for lots of those now that summer is here!) and for people with fragile, sensitive skin, it’s absolutely vital to have a healthy sun protocol that includes hats, sunglasses, cover-ups, sunscreen, and after sun care.

In fact, one of the most important things you’ll purchase this summer is a safe, effective sunscreen. But how to choose which to go for?

The Trouble with Chemical Sunscreens

Most mainstream sunscreens—the type you’ll commonly find in a supermarket—are chemical sunscreens. They’re made of a carbon-based compound that penetrates the skin. They work by absorbing UV rays into the skin, changing the rays into heat, then releasing that heat from the skin.

There are more than a few troubling things about chemical sunscreens:

Skin Irritants

Because they create heat in the skin, they can irritate sensitive or compromised skin, particularly skin affected by rosacea. They’re also linked to a higher rate of breakouts in people with acne-prone skin.

Hidden Harm

By inviting UV rays into the deeper layers of skin, they create the possibility for those rays to damage the skin below its surface.

Hormonal Havoc

There’s also evidence that chemical sunscreens disrupt hormone production in females and males of all ages. One very common active ingredient in chemical sunscreen, oxybenzone, has been associated with increased risk of endometriosis in women, weakened sperm quality in men, skin allergies, hormone disruption, and cellular damage.

What’s more, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aren't confident enough to declare the ingredients in chemical sunscreens as safe. They’re currently trying to gather data to determine whether or not the 12 active ingredients commonly used in chemical sunscreens should be evaluated as Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective (GRASE). For now, there’s not enough evidence to definitively make the call. So why run the risk?

Mineral Sunscreens to the Rescue!

Two active sunscreen ingredients that the FDA have declared as GRASE are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. But you won’t find these ingredients in chemical sunscreens; they’re unique to a whole other category of sun protection known as mineral (or physical) sunscreens.

Girl toddler sitting on beach throwing sand
Mineral sunscreens are formulated out of tiny particles that sit on top of the skin where they deflect and scatter UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, they don’t create heat (making them better for people with sensitive skin) and they don’t penetrate the skin (so they’re less likely to clog pores).

More to love about Mineral Sunscreens

  • Mineral sunscreens are naturally broad-spectrum which means they offer strong protection against UVA and UVB rays
  • They start working as soon they’re applied, there’s no waiting for them to kick into effect
  • They last longer in direct UV light than chemical sunscreens

Proper Application

When you’re playing in the sun, all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, but it’s important to reapply mineral sunscreens more often if you’re swimming or sweating, as they easily rinse off.

Which SPF?

The thing about SPF (or ‘Sun Protection Factor’) is that the sunscreen industry wants us to believe the higher the number the better, but experts argue that anything above SPF 50 offers a marginal amount of extra protection. According to the EWG: “When used correctly, sunscreen with SPF values in the range of 30 to 50 will offer adequate sunburn protection, even for people most sensitive to sunburn.”

Woman walking on beach wearing sun hat, long sleeves and holding sunglasses
You see, SPF only refers to protection against UVB rays (the kind that cause sunburn) and not UVA rays (the kind that penetrate the skin and cause damage on a cellular level). It's easy to fall into a false sense of security when you're using a high SPF, thinking you're fully protected so you stay in the sun longer and reapply sunscreen less often, when in fact, you're overexposing yourself to UVA and UVB rays.

If you’ll be out in the sun for awhile, Cancer Research UK suggest wearing an SPF 15 or higher and generously reapplying it at least every two hours. It’s also important to know when to cover up with clothing and hats and when to move to a shaded area or indoors (see their page for more details about all that).

Our Favourite Mineral Sunscreens

BIOSOLIS

BIOSOLIS is sunscreen born from a scuba diver's love for the ocean and a mission to protect our skin and the planet. 

Their Sun Oil SPF20, perfect for jet-setters, is a dream for both your body and hair, offering protection without the sticky mess.

The Sun Spray SPF30 is your go-to for sweet, sun-kissed protection that'll leave your skin moisturised and smelling like a tiare flower (gorgeously light and sunny).

Hitting the gym or planning an outdoor workout? Slap on their Sun Milk Sport SPF50+, designed to stay put through sweat and water, without the ghostly white residue.

Their Face Cream SPF50+ is packed with aloe vera and organic vegetable oils, offering heavyweight protection minus the perfume. Your skin and the environment will thank you.

Green People

Green People Sun Protection Products Available at Organico
This certified organic company comes out of the UK and is committed to using only cruelty-free, ethically-sourced natural ingredients. Their line of healthy, natural sun protection uses non-toxic UV filters and a blend of antioxidant-rich rosemary, green tea and edelweiss to protect and nurture the skin.

The face cream is non-comedogenic, non-greasy, non-whitening and suitable for sensitive skin, perfect to wear on its own or under make-up.

The sun lotion with tan accelerator gives 25% more tan that lasts (through moisture retention) 50% longer. Its collagen-boosting and antioxidant properties provide additional protection from UV rays.

The self tan lotion allows you to build a natural looking tan without exposure to the sun.

The children’s sun lotion is waterproof, moisturising, non-greasy, and suitable for sensitive skin, including skin prone to eczema and psoriasis.

Even better, all of Green People’s sun products now come in plant-based packaging.

Organii Everyday Organics

Organii Sun Protection products available at Organico
Organii’s range of mineral-based natural sun protection is certified organic and made for the whole family. The sun cream is waterproof, perfect for a day in the water, and fragrance free which makes it suitable for sensitive skin.

The sun milk SPF 50 has a lightweight fluid consistency that blends effortlessly and dries quickly, leaving no residue on the skin. Moisturising extracts of olive fruit, jojoba, sunflower and argan oils keep the skin soft and supple in the heat.

If you’ve ever wished for a facial sunscreen that offers anti-aging benefits, Organii has you covered with extracts of argan oil, coconut, carrot seed and flax seed oils that firm and hydrate the skin.

Finca Skin Organics (Irish)

Finca Skin Organics is an Irish brand that's got your sensitive skin covered with minimally-crafted, plant-based goodness.  

The brainchild of Finola Fegan, who got tired of the lack of effective skincare for her sensitive skin, including rosacea, and decided to do something about it.

Their Tinted SPF 30 sunscreen is designed to reduce the appearance of redness and shield your skin from those pesky UVA/UVB rays. 

With just 7 ingredients, this sunscreen stays on top of your skin rather than sinking in, meaning less irritation for those with sensitive skin.

And it contains non-nano zinc oxide, the safest form of UV protection. 

Comes in light/medium and medium/dark shades, because one size doesn't fit all when it comes to skin tones.

After Sun Care

Finished with the sun for the day? Your sun protection routine isn’t over yet! Now’s the time to give your skin the after sun care it needs to stay healthy and hydrated. Even if your skin didn’t burn in the sun, sun exposure can accumulate in its layers and, over time, result in visible signs of damage including premature aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

Woman walking on beach wearing sunglasses and sun hat
The key to avoiding damage from sun exposure is to keep the skin hydrated and the skin barrier strong and supple. That means getting moisture deep into the layers of your skin where it can soothe any irritation from the sun before it becomes a visible side effect. Plus, effective after sun care will help your tan last longer!

Organii After Sun Cream

Organii’s after sun care deeply moisturises the skin with organic shea butter while it also cools and soothes with aloe vera gel that reduces dryness and peeling.

Organic Aloe Vera Gel

If a day in the sun results in a burn, it’s so important to take therapeutic action as soon as possible to control the damage and stimulate healing.

Bioactive organic aloe vera gel brings cooling relief to the skin—so a burn becomes less painful—while antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and polysaccharides stimulate the healing and regrowth of skin.

The Protection Doesn't End There

Visit our sun care and bronzers category to shop even more mineral sunscreens and after sun care to treat your lovely skin to the best protection.

Want a more scientific approach to choosing your sun protection based on your skin type? Head over to Hannah's article How to calculate your sun protection period and tan naturally.

Fun in the Sun

If all this sun protection seems like a hassle, remember that your beautiful body and your precious skin deserve the extra care. Here’s wishing you a happy and safe summer with many glorious days in the sunshine!

For more on why mineral sunscreen is the safer choice, head over to: 5 reasons for you to love mineral sunscreen, especially these non-streaky versions