As summer quickly approaches around the corner it is more important now than ever to protect our skin! Dermatologists agree that the most important skincare product is SPF. Making sure sunscreen is included into your summer regimen protects you against various forms of cancer, prevents future wrinkles, dark spots and age marks! Of course, with all the options out there, shopping for the perfect sunscreen can get overwhelming. One problem I found with a large selection of over-the-counter sunscreens is all the chemicals in them that can be harsh on both the body and environment. This further prompted me to begin my journey and explore the world of clean sunscreen. There are tons available, and it is important to keep in mind your skin sensitivity, the level of SPF and overall coverage you are looking for.
People are becoming more mindful of their lifestyles than ever and the impact it has on our health and planet. Deciding what a clean sunscreen actually is has been a discussion among various clean beauty groups. While some consider clean sunscreens to contain no chemical blockers, others identify clean sunscreens as using only organic, sustainably sourced ingredients. Reputable brands will usually talk about their practices on their site for maximum transparency. In general, there are two kinds of sunscreens to choose from and regardless of whether you go with a chemical or physical sunscreen, make sure to always read the ingredients and research the brand!
What is the difference between chemical and physical sunscreens?
The two primary kinds of sunscreens found on the market are chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens use various chemicals to soak in and absorb UV rays. While it may sound confusing, think of chemical sunscreens as a filter for the harmful rays, on the other hand physical or “mineral” sunscreen is more of a direct block. Common chemicals found in chemical sunscreens are found below:
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octisalate
- Homosalate
- Octanoate
Currently these ingredients are approved by the FDA, although there is still a lot of debate in certain groups on whether these chemicals are actually “clean”. There have been two ingredients banned from chemical sunscreens by the FDA, these include aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate. So, who knows, they may end up banning currently approved chemicals in the future. Unless it is deemed “chemically clean”, I try to opt for a mineral sunscreen as recommended by the EWG. (source)
Mineral Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens on the other hand use minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These as mentioned act as a physical barrier to the harmful UV rays of the sun rather than chemicals that are absorbing in your skin. Dermatologists also recommend physical sunscreen for people who have skin sensitivities. In general, physical sunscreens are touted by clean skin lovers more for their simplicity of ingredients and less chemical additives. Some of my favorite clean, mineral sunscreens are below.
- Think Sport Baby: This is a super safe, alternative sunscreen that provides high levels of SPF and is what I used on my daughter when she was a baby. It is available in comes in a lotion, spray and stick.
- Beautycounter Countersun: This is a super clean lotion and makes your skin so silky without leaving any white streaks. A small amount goes a long way, and you don’t need to continuously reapply! My favorites from the Beautycounter line include the sunstick, which is very convenient for children. I use the face sunscreen or Dew Skin every day in the spring and summer.
- Babo Botanicals: A super eco-friendly brand, I love their baby lotions! Their mineral formula is great for those with very sensitive skin.
- Badger Sport: This is a good formula for teens and adults. It rubs in nicely and doesn’t leave a white cast. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes which is great for summer sports and at the pool. It is budget friendly and contains only four ingredients.
- Some formulas of Supergoop get good ratings on EWG. I used a sunscreen from Supergoop last summer and was happy with the coverage. I have also heard good things about Pipette, so I just ordered a lotion to give it a try this summer.
Aerosol Vs. Non-Aerosol Sunscreens
Something else to think about when choosing sunscreens is if you prefer lotion or spray. Both have their benefits and cons and almost all the brands listed above have clean products under both kinds. Aerosol sunscreens often spray on less thick and may need more reapplying. They can also be flammable and often the packaging is less environmentally friendly. Non aerosol sunscreens are your typical lotions and have been the most popular form of sunscreen. Many people prefer non-aerosol sunscreens for the simple fact that they prevent potentially hazardous chemicals from spraying in the air, potentially getting in the lungs or causing more pollution. Sprays often get higher ratings by EWG. But, if you apply safely, you can avoid breathing it right in.
Why choose clean sunscreens?
I know changing products can be exhausting and overwhelming sometimes but a lot of chemicals found in typical sunscreen products can cause damage to the earth and our bodies. Many chemicals found in typical chemical sunscreens get into our waterways, damaging coral reefs and even killing marine life! On top of the eco damage of some of these ingredients, chemicals like octocrylene have also been found to be linked to higher skin allergies and even carcinogenic effects. The EWG’s stance on sunscreen is pretty much physical over chemical: “We recommend opting for a mineral-based sunscreen,” says Carla Burns, MS, a research analyst for EWG based in Washington, DC. She says choosing products made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients offer strong sun protection but less active health concerns. They also stress focusing on SPF when choosing sunscreens. Remember the higher the SPF the less access to the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. For more information on various ingredients in your sunscreen and how to choose based on your desired level of protection, check out the EWG skin deep database https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/. (source)