Top 5 Mineral Sunscreens for Summer Adventures
My skin has always been the part of me that receives the most attention. Being fair-skinned & red-headed, I do not tan.
There are some redheads out there who do tan; quite an oxymoron if you ask me (don't ask me how they won THAT lottery...).Unbeknownst to me, my entire life I've worn sunscreens that were packed with parabens and other nasty chemicals that did keep me sunburn-free, but were typically being absorbed into my skin and bloodstream. When I found this out, I was appalled! Lots of research (I'm no doctor) indicates these nasty chemicals are linked to hormone disruption and potentially to cell damage that may lead to skin cancer.
Ouch! That seems worse than a bad sunburn, right? Wrong.
Us fair-skinned chicas & chicos who tend to burn still need to wear sunscreen, even on the most dreary of days. So, what to do?
Here's our answer: Mineral Sunscreen.
Cue angelic voice, "Ahhhh"Gone are the days of slathering on the thick white globs of sunscreen that leave you looking like a ghost. According to a 2019 study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are just two ingredients for consumers to choose that meet their standards for effectiveness and safety, Zinc Oxide (ZO) and Titanium Dioxide (TO).
These ingredients reflect the sun's UVA and UVB rays, like a mirror.
Any sunscreens with between 6% and 20% ZO will give you ample broad UVB & UVA protection. I didn't find much out there about a good percentage of TO. Just that it didn't offer as good as protection as ZO because some research indicates it partially absorbs into the skin, depending on particle size. Okay, that's enough science talk.At the beginning of this summer, I set out to test drive and review a few different products to save you the hassle, you're welcome. I am an active person who loves to be outdoors so being sweatproof and waterproof was a MUST on my list when I chose.
I chose to buy, try, and rate Five (5) readily available sunscreens from different price ranges and application experiences (spray or spread).
1.
Farmacy Beauty Green Screen Daily Mineral Sunscreen (now called Green Defense)Price: $36Where 2 buy: Farmacy Beauty website, Amazon, SephoraActive Ingredients: Zinc Oxide:5.82%, Titanium Dioxide: 2.4%SPF: 30Apply to face? Yes.Scent: NoneSheer or White? Very Sheer.Greasy? Not at all.Application: Easy to spread andrub in clearly.I really enjoy this sunscreen for how easy to use it is. I will buy again. I use it under my makeup as a daily moisturizer or before goingoutdoors. For the price tag, I would only wear on face vs. all over the body.
2|
Rocky Mountain Soap Co. Face & Body Sunscreen 2.87ozPrice: $18 - $23Where 2 buy: Rocky MountainSoap Co. website and stores, AmazonActive Ingredients: Zinc Oxide: 20.1%SPF: 31Apply to face? Yes.Scent: Vanilla CoconutSheer or White? Sheer, lightly tinted.Greasy? Not at all.Application: Rich and creamy. Does go on a bit thick and needs a little bit of time to soak in and dry.Bonus: Made with Organic Shea Butter; very silky and smooth.All of their products are 100% Natural and Toxin-free. And, they set a goal to be a zero-waste company in the years to come! Check out the fabulous Natural Sunscreen FAQ on their site!
3|
Trader Joe's Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion (purchase in-store only)Price: $9.99Where 2 buy: Trader Joe'sActive Ingredients: Zinc Oxide: 20.5%SPF: 40Apply to face? No.Scent: NoneSheer or White? Sheer.Greasy? Very.Application: Spread onto the skin and rub until clear. Does take a little bit of effort; pretty standard offeringif you don't mind the greasy feel.I felt 'Eh' about this one.
4.
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Spray, 6ozPrice: $11 - $15Where 2 buy: Ulta, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, AmazonActive Ingredients: Zinc Oxide: 14%SPF: 30Apply to face? Yes.Scent: Refreshing CitrusSheer or White? Super Sheer & LightGreasy? Not at all.Application: Sprays on easily and clearly.Top Choice. I loved this sunscreen and would buy it again! Iused this only on my body vs. face when I was planning on beingactive.
5.
Alba Botanica Refreshing Mineral SPF 35 SunscreenPrice: $11 - $15Where 2 buy: Wegmans, AmazonActive Ingredients: Zinc Oxide: 6.4%, Titanium Dioxide: 6.8%SPF: 35Apply to face? No.Scent: Herbal and refreshingSheer or White? White like a ghostGreasy? Not at all.Application: Here's my disclaimer, I didn't read the instructions that specifically told you to shake for 10 minutes before use. In the first use, I only got clear liquid. I applied and burned, terribly. The second time, I shook it & got some white but it was severely clumpy and didn't rub in. Third use, I only got it sprayed some then clumped up and didn't spray anymore.
Overall Summary:
Best Everyday Face Moisturizer:
Farmacy Beauty
Best Everyday All over Sunscreen:
Bare Republic or Rocky Mountain Soap Co.
Best Activewear Sunscreen:
Bare Republic My other top picks for sunscreen based on company mission and values and frankly just love the products are:Coola, Drunk Elephant & Supergoop. Each of these companies has since come out with Mineral Sunscreens (yay!) that I plan on trying very soon!