As mentioned last week,
EWG’s annual Sunscreen Guide has been published. I have been working on my own annual sunscreen review. There are a couple of new brands added to my list this year. Let’s take a look…
All sunscreens included in this review are mineral sunscreens. Why? Because mineral sunscreen is safer and provides better protection than chemical sunscreen. There are some drawbacks – usually thicker and some leave a white coating on skin – but where safety and effectiveness are concerned, mineral beats out chemical hands down.
Last year’s sunscreen guide included
my faves, and I still back them up. For the new sunscreens I am reviewing this year I am going to cover the fundamentals (effectiveness) and the comfort level (how they look and feel) of each product. Here we go:
Raw Elements Eco Formula Lotion – Serious sun protection for active and water-bound users. Raw Elements is a very clean and pure brand.
- Protection: SPF 30+, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
- Water resistance: “Very water resistant beyond 80 minutes”
- Safety: Made with organic and natural ingredients, nontoxic, non-nano particle ingredients, 100% biodegradable and reef safe.
- For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
- Feel: Is slightly greasy on skin. I found this was less an issue if I took the time to rub the product in thoroughly.
- Look: Very slight white cast. Again, less so if the product is rubbed in thoroughly.
- Scent: Unscented
Raw Elements Eco Stick – Same protection as the Raw Elements lotion in a convenient stick. Perfect for face.
- Protection: SPF 30+, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
- Water resistance: “very water resistant” and can be applied under water
- Safety: Made with organic and natural ingredients, nontoxic, non-nano particle ingredients, 100% biodegradable and reef safe.
- For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
- Feel: This stick is pretty matte and non-greasy. Can be put on thick, or rubbed in completely.
- Look: Slight white cast, less so if the product is rubbed in thoroughly.
- Scent: Unscented
Suntegrity Body SPF 30 – Sunscreen is a very grey area for me. I do not love mineral sunscreen. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is totally the way to go for supreme UV protection and is, of course, much safer than chemical sunscreen. Here’s my hang up – the
feel. Sure, you can get mineral sunscreens that are non-white but they are still greasy. Why oh why can’t anyone make a mineral sunscreen that feels like body lotion?
Well, Suntegrity did just that! I am so pleased to fill you in on this little gem. Non-white, feels just like body lotion on skin AND offers that optimal mineral sunscreen protection.
*snap* Oh yeah, it smells good too.
Received a #1 Rating for “Best Moisturizer with SPF” in the EWG’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide.
- Protection: SPF 30, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
- Water resistant: Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc
- Safety: Non-nano particle zinc oxide, free from harmful ingredients
- For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
- Feel: Starts out thick, but rubs right in and skin feels smooth and not at all greasy. I like the way this one feels!
- Look: Goes on clear
- Scent: Lightly citrus
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Protection SPF 30 – This mineral facial sunscreen is made with healthy ingredients and (bonus!) feels great on skin. It actually feels like your regular moisturizer which, really, is what we are all looking for in a facial sunscreen. Another bonus, this one contains antioxidant ingredients (like green tea and pomegranate oil) for added protection. Suited to all skin types.
Received a #1 Rating for “Best Moisturizer with SPF” in the EWG’s 2011 Sunscreen Guide.
- Protection: SPF 30, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
- Water resistant: Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc
- Safety: Non-nano particle zinc oxide, free from harmful ingredients
- For use by: Whole family over 6 months of age
- Feel: Rubs right in and skin feels smooth, not at all greasy. I would actually wear this mineral sunscreen on my face on a regular (non pool) day, and that is saying something.
- Look: Goes on clear
- Scent: Lightly citrus
If you have questions on any of the products covered here, or would like a personal sunscreen recommendation please leave a comment below or email me at liz(at)organicbeautysource(dot)com.
Image: tread at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license.
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