I’ve written about mineral vs chemical suncreams before - but every year I’m shocked by the number of my friends and family that still use chemical sun creams, seemingly unaware of the dangers they pose to human and marine life.
The global sun cream market is huge, and unfortunately, most suncreams are made using a cocktail of chemicals like oxybenzone (a known hormone disruptor), octinoxate (banned in some places due to environmental concerns), and octocrylene (linked to the production of free radicals and damage to coral reefs) to name just a few.
There’s certainly more awareness than when I first broached the topic in a West Cork People column in 2019, but the paragraph below from a Guardian article this spring shows how big the disconnect is:
"One featured study calculated that, assuming that 50% washes off, if the average person applies 36g of sunscreen with a reapplication of the same amount occurring after 90 minutes, a single beach with 1,000 visitors could lead to 35kg entering the ocean."
- The Guardian, 18th Feb 2025
We're delighted to have recently launched a new range of natural, marine-safe sun protection products here at Organico this May, becoming the first West Cork stockist of SunTribe sun creams from Sweden.
One of the most important things you’ll pick up this summer is a good sun cream. But with so many choices, how do you know which is the most effective and safe for you and your family?
Chemical vs. mineral sun creams
First off, not all sun creams are created equal.
There are two main types: chemical and mineral. And knowing the difference matters more than you might think.
Chemical sun creams work by absorbing UV rays into the skin and turning them into heat, which is then released. Sounds clever, but here’s the thing — these chemicals (like oxybenzone) don’t just sit on the surface. They absorb through our skin into our bloodstream, and research is increasingly linking them to hormone disruption, allergies, and even skin cell damage.
Despite what you might assume, these chemicals aren’t routinely tested for what they do inside the body — just for skin reactions. Not exactly reassuring, is it?
The Lowdown on Mineral Sun Creams…
At Organico, we’re all about keeping it natural and safe — on the land, in the sea, and on our skin. That’s why we’re big fans of mineral sun creams. These use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block the sun’s rays — no chemical reactions, no heating the skin, and no scary absorption into the bloodstream.
Perfect if you’ve got sensitive skin, perfect for children, safe for the ocean, and ideal if you want to avoid slathering yourself with unnecessary chemicals.
What we love about mineral sun creams:
They work the moment you apply them — no need to wait.
They offer broad-spectrum protection (against UVA and UVB).
They’re longer-lasting in strong sunlight and less likely to irritate sensitive skin or clog pores.
They are safe for babies, for marine life, and for sensitive and delicate skin
When it comes to SPF, don’t be fooled by the hype around the super-high numbers. Experts say SPF 30–50 is plenty for most people — what matters more is applying generously, reapplying every two hours, and using common sense (think hats, sunglasses, shade).
Mineral sunscreen brands we love
At Organico, we’ve done the homework for you.
Back in 2019, we reviewed every sun cream we stock and removed any that didn’t meet our clean, safe standards.
SunTribe, the latest to join the ranks, is a sports and family-focused brand of mineral sun cream from Sweden that started in 2016, because three surfers decided to make a sun cream that protected their skin without harming the oceans or the humans who used it.
These days, they are a fantastic company - their fully organic creams are certified by the best natural cosmetics bodies, so we know they are both safe and effective, and even the packaging is carbon neutral (they use sugar cane-based tubes and metal tins).
Psssst: If you want a healthier, safer way to get a natural-looking tan, we recommend trying the MooGoo Tanning Water.
Shop natural mineral suncreams in Ireland
Pop into our shop on Glengarriff Road, Bantry, from Monday to Saturday, 9 am–6 pm, or browse our full range online at www.organico.ie. And if you need help picking the right sun cream, just ask — we’re always happy to chat!
4 Comments