Let’s talk about sunscreen. We all know or at least should be aware of how harmful ultraviolet rays can be. For a quick refresher UVA rays can penetrate deep layers of skin and are responsible for signs of aging (wrinkles, uneven skin tone). While UVB rays penetrate the outermost layers of the skin and are responsible for burns, blisters and tans. Sunscreen is essential for protecting our skin from UV rays which can lead to melanoma and skin cancer. Yes, the “C” word!
There are 2 main types of SPFs. There is a physical type (which is my preferred choice) and a chemical type. I can go into details about these two in another blog but just know physical sunscreens is my personal favorite.
The 3 mineral (physical) sunscreens I mentioned below are in the low hazard level according to EWG. (p.s. I search all my skincare products on EWG Database which is super helpful when verifying if the product is safe for myself and the environment.)
Let’s get to the fun part now! My recommendations for mineral sunscreens.
*My first choice
BIOSSANCE Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA + (EWG Verified) is one of my favorite sunscreens ever! I love the Biossance brand and how well it works for my skin so when I found out that they were releasing a sunscreen, I had to get my hands on it. It's a lightweight sunscreen that has a nice slippery feel to it. It feels like a light weight lotion rather than a heavy cream while still providing moisture to the skin. It contains plant-based Squalane derived from sugarcane. It doesn’t leave me oily or with a harsh white cast which is very common in many physical sunscreens.
EltaMD UV Elements Tinted Face Moisturizer with Broad-Spectrum SPF 44 is my second favorite mineral sunscreen. EWG scored this sunscreen as a 2 meaning there is a low health hazard from the ingredients EltaMD uses. This sunscreen has a tint which I really enjoy on my light / medium skin tone. It blends effortlessly into my skin while providing me with an even skin tone look. However, I am not sure how well it will blend into pale or dark skin tones. Think of this sunscreen as a tinted moisturizer with yummy antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients your skin will love. The sunscreens main ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide which are UV ray reflecting ingredients. Vitamin C (an antioxidant that help brighten skin tone and diminish visible signs of aging) and Hyaluronic Acid (a humectant which helps keep the skin supple). I love to use this sunscreen on my no makeup days, it truly is an amazing sunscreen. I would also highly recommend this to anyone who has tried a mineral sunscreen and didn't like the white cast most physical sunscreens may leave.
Dye-free | Fragrance - Free | Gluten - Free | Oil - Free | Paraben - Free | Non-Comedogenic |
Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion has an EWG score of 3 which is still considered a low health hazard concern. This formula is a lightweight that spreads easy and blends into the skin so nicely. I love that it contains carrot, raspberry, and grape seed oil (which is amazing for the skin) are all great antioxidant ingredients. Also, I haven't found that this sunscreen causes peeling under my makeup. To my oily girls and guys beware this can get oily throughout the day and we do want to avoid that greasy sweaty look. This is a great affordable option if you are not too sure if mineral sunscreens are for you. This also has a slight white cast so just be aware.
Vegan | Cruelty-free | Reef-safe | Fragrance - Free