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Best Natural Sunscreens of 2012

We’ve talked about EWG’s annual Sunscreen Guide, a great resource to start your sunscreen search or see how your favorites rank.  But remember:  Always. Read. Your. Labels.

Never more true than with sunscreens.  Why do sunscreens fall under a category all their own?  Two reasons – effectiveness and feel.  You wouldn’t be using it if it weren’t doing something for you, right?  Providing protection from UV rays is the reason we use sunscreen.  Next, you most likely will not use it if you do not like the way it feels on your skin, no matter how good the protection.  So, effectiveness and feel are the two main components in choosing and using your sunscreen, and safety of ingredients often ranks third.

We should be able to have it all in a sunscreen: effectiveness, comfort and safety of ingredients.  This year I have rated the sunscreens I’ve reviewed (some new, some old favorites) on the fundamentals (effectiveness, safety of ingredients) and comfort level (how they look and feel on skin).

All sunscreens I have listed are mineral sunscreens, not chemical.  Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) provide better protection against both UVA and UVB rays, and are safer than chemical sunscreens.

Two brand new brands this year are Raw Elements and Suntegrity:

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

TRUE Natural is not a new brand, but they do have a couple of new sunscreens out this year.  Love the brand and love their new products:

TRUE Natural Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Anti Aging for Face – This light facial moisturizer with a whopping 50 SPF goes on totally clear.  Comes in Vanilla-Coconut and Unscented.

  • Protection:  SPF 50, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
  • Water resistant:  Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc.
  • Safety:  Non-nano particle zinc oxide, all-natural biodegradable formula
  • For use by:  Whole family over 6 months of age
  • Feel:  Easy to apply, feels great on skin and smells good too.
  • Look:  Goes on clear
  • Scent:  Vanilla-Coconut

TRUE Natural Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Lotion for Babies and Sensitive Skin – This unscented lotion is light, transparent and very gentle.  Many are sensitive to sunscreen – ending up with broken or irritated skin.  This one works for even the most sensitive skin types.  Also comes in Vanilla-Coconut lotion and Vanilla-Coconut spray.

  • Protection:  SPF 50, UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum
  • Water resistant:  Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc.
  • Safety:  Non-nano particle zinc oxide, all-natural biodegradable formula
  • For use by:  Whole family over 6 months of age
  • Feel:  Easy to apply and feels great on skin.  Works for those with the most sensitive skin.
  • Look:  Goes on clear
  • Scent:  Unscented

Then there are the tried and true.  My sunscreen review would never be complete without a few of my faves:

Lavera Anti Aging Facial Sunscreen SPF 15 – I am hard to please when it comes to moisturizer and even harder to please when it includes sunscreen.  It can’t be white or greasy, and has to feel like regular moisturizer.  If it is going to make me breakout I will not use it, and you are most likely the same.  This one I have on hand year after year.  It will go on white-ish if you apply it too thick.  Here are my tips on use:  squeeze a small amount onto fingertips and blend slightly, then apply to face in a thin layer, making sure it is well absorbed.  You will not end up white if you apply this way and it really does work.  My non-sunburned, less-freckled face proves it.

  • Protection:  SPF 15, UVA/UVB protection + anti aging ingredients
  • Water resistant:  Waterproof.  I applied a thick dab of this to an area of my chest that got sunburned, sat at the pool for few hours, and it was still in place when I left.
  • Safety:  Micronized, coated zinc, made with nontoxic ingredients
  • For use by:  This is the perfect moisturizer for a day at the pool or when you are out in the sun.  My husband also likes to use it.
  • Feel:  If applied using my tips above this sunscreen is not greasy and keeps skin hydrated.
  • Look:  Does not look white on skin if applied using tips above.
  • Scent:  Very light scent

Note:  Unfortunately, Lavera Anti Aging Facial Sunscreen will no longer be carried, but the good news is you can score a two-pack for only $15 while supplies last.

Erbaviva Children’s Sunscreen SPF 15 – Still love this versatile sunscreen.  It truly covers all the bases:  effective, non-greasy, goes on clear, and super gentle.  Gotta love it.

  • Protection:  SPF 15, Full Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection
  • Water resistant:  Not water resistant, apply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, etc.
  • Safety:  Non-nano particle zinc, made with nontoxic ingredients.
  • For use by:  The whole family over 6 months.  This sunscreen has been my go-to for the past couple of years.  Can be used on face, body, kids…
  • Feel:  Not at all greasy and stays put.
  • Look:  Not white on skin
  • Scent:  Unscented

GoScreen! – How much do I love this product?  I take it with me everwhere!  Perfect for when you need facial protection and won’t be swimming or sweating a lot.  I use this at soccer games, when I golf, or when I am out and not at the pool.  Have even been known to brush it on shoulders, décolleté, shins when in a pinch.  So easy to apply and feels like…nothing.

  • Protection:  SPF 30, Provides UVA/UVB Protection
  • Water resistant:  Not water resistant
  • Safety:  Non-nano particle zinc, made with nontoxic ingredients.
  • For use by:  The whole family over 6 months.  Our family loves this stuff.  Simply brush it on and you are good to go.  Can be used over moisturizer and under makeup.
  • Feel:  Can’t even feel it on skin.
  • Look:  Will be white if you apply to heavily.  If so, simply blend in with fingertips.
  • Scent:  Unscented

[Image by Hacklock at Flickr.com, Creative Commons license]

Written by Liz Thompson

I am an organic beauty expert, writer, and mom of two young environmentalists who can already spot a toxic product when they see one. Read more about me at Organic Beauty Source.com, and find me on , Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.

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