This product is also safe to use on your little one from birth. And the natural ingredients make it perfect for people with sensitive skin! SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Spray Commission Regulation (EU). (2020). Allowed UV filters: Annex VI, Regulation 1223/2009/EC on cosmetic products, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1684, 13 November 2020. Official Journal of the European Union. https://echa.europa.eu/cosmetics-uv-filters. Accessed 4 Aug 2021. Dr. Akhavan is a fan of this 100 percent mineral-based sunscreen—which uses a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—and recommends it to all of his patients, especially those with acne-prone skin. “It feels super lightweight and has anti-inflammatory niacinamide added into the formula, as well,” he says. Before we can answer that question, we need to look at the different types of sunscreen. If you’ve been reading our blog for a while, you’ll know how much we advocate for mineral sunscreen over chemical sunscreen. The second non-nano zinc oxide diaper cream we’ll mention is our Diaper Cream with Olive Oil and Aloe.

We highlighted above some of the dangers that chemical sunscreens can pose to your family as well as the environment. Our favorite water-resistant formulas include Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 for the face and Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Milk Sunscreen SPF 50 for the body—both of which are good for up to 80 minutes of splashing or sweating. One thing to note is that it has a light pink tint that leaves a subtle glow on the surface of the skin, but it also lightens it too. The downside to this is that on darker skin tones this could leave behind a white cast, so we’d advise testing this out before purchasing a full-size bottle.Webb, A. R., Slaper, H., Koepke, P., & Schmalwieser, A. W. (2011). Know your standard: clarifying the CIE erythema action spectrum. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 87(2), 483–486. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2010.00871.x This modified form of zinc oxide is referred to as “nano zinc oxide”. A nanoparticle refers to a particle that is smaller than 100 nanometers. It’s very, very small! We’re proud to say that it meets EWG Verified™ criteria, which means it avoids EWG's ingredients of concern. Our easy-to-apply, dye, fragrance, and talc-free formula is safe for even the most sensitive of baby skin. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide For The Win!

To earn the Best Overall spot, a sunscreen must be affordable, effective, and well-rated regarding performance, feel, and environmental safety. Two Peas Organics Unscented Mineral Sunscreen Lotion in SPF 30 hits all these marks and then some. Sayre, R. M., Dowdy, J. C., Gerwig, A. J., Shields, W. J., & Lloyd, R. V. (2005). Unexpected photolysis of the sunscreen octinoxate in the presence of the sunscreen avobenzone. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 81(2), 452–456. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2005.tb00207.xSunscreens are one of the most effective methods to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Sunscreens also prevent premature aging and skin cancer. There are two types of sunscreens, chemical and physical barriers. Of the two, physical barriers work by reflecting or scattering the UV rays away from the skin. [1] They are not absorbed into the skin. Research shows that barrier emollients may help prevent and treat diaper rash. However, people should only use diaper rash creams alongside safe skin care practices to protect a baby’s skin barrier. What can you do for severe diaper rash? Maugh, T. H. (2011, June 15). FDA issues new rules for sunscreen labeling. Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/health/la-xpm-2011-jun-15-la-0615-sunscreens-20110615-story.html. Accessed 26 Mar 2021. Ultimately, any concern around nanoparticles is not worth putting your skin in jeopardy by bypassing sunscreen. As more and more people are switching to reef safe, natural sunscreens, we‘re seeing tons of new zinc oxide sunscreen drops this summer. Chemical sunscreens vs natural sunscreens are a hot topic, but as long as you are protecting your skin from the dangers of UV rays that’s what matters! From familiar clean sunscreen brands like Babo Botanicals to clean beauty brands launching their very first sunscreen, there is no shortage of safe new sunscreens to try summer. I’m sharing the best new natural sunscreens that are reef friendly and zinc oxide based.

When you’re out being active, it’s easy to forget the delicate skin of bare lips — and much harder to notice when they’re getting sunburned — even in snow conditions. A long-lasting, moisturizing lip balm with sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is ideal for both outdoor adventures and general daily protection. They are formulated with gentle, naturally derived ingredients and are certified by NEA, making them great for people with sensitive skin The olive oil we use in this product is sourced from family-owned groves in the South of France, and the olives undergo a cold-pressed extraction process to maximize potency and skin-nourishing properties.

Do mineral sunscreens really leave behind white casts?

In addition to eliminating the risk of being absorbed into the skin, non-nano zinc oxide is also the safest choice for marine life and coral reefs. Zinc oxide (in its non-nano form) has been shown to not harm marine wildlife.

Gueymard, C. A., Myers, D., & Emery, K. (2002). Proposed reference irradiance spectra for solar energy systems testing. Solar Energy, 73(6), 443–467. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0038-092X(03)00005-7 There are two main active ingredients in mineral sunscreen: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And mineral sunscreens can have either (or both) nano and non-nano zinc oxide particles. Moloney, F. J., Collins, S., & Murphy, G. M. (2002). Sunscreens: safety, efficacy and appropriate use. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 3(3), 185–191. https://doi.org/10.2165/00128071-200203030-00005In addition, if you’re planning to enjoy a day at the beach, the coral reefs can also ingest these tiny particles when the sunscreen washes off in the ocean. Because of the way nanoparticles act on your skin. When you apply sunscreen with nano zinc oxide, the super-small particles can penetrate your skin cells and end up in your bloodstream (and even in your lungs).