OK let’s talk sunscreens… as it gets warmer, it is important to protect your skin. But most of the sunscreens on the market right now are filled with harmful, toxic chemicals that are detrimental to your health. Not only that, but believe it or not, they cause cancer.
That is why I gravitate toward sunscreens that are made with Zinc.
The question is… Is Zinc sunscreen better for you?
Zinc oxide sunscreens work by scattering the sun’s rays, which prevents potentially damaging ultraviolet radiation from getting to the skin. Doctors call sunscreens with zinc oxide “physical” sunscreens because they sit atop the skin and physically block the rays.
The alternative is a chemical sunscreen, which absorbs into the skin, converts the sun’s rays to heat, and releases them from the body.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only FDA-approved sunscreen ingredients that are minerals. Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens work differently.
6 Questionable Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients:
- Avobenzone – also a benzophenone
- Homosalate – hormone disruptor
- Octinoxate – known as octyl methoxycinnamate, a hormone, and endocrine disruptor
- Octisalate – stabilizes avobenzone
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone – known as benzophenone-3, a hormone disrupter
What is SPF?
The SPF shown on a sunscreen only measures its effect on UVB rays. Be sure that your sunscreen offers an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF, or “Sun Protection Factor” is calculated such that SPF 30 means the product is blocking 97% of UVB radiation. SPF 50 means it is blocking 98% of UVB radiation. SPF is important, but not enough. Choose sun protection that’s broad-spectrum, which means that it protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Image source: https://cotzskincare.com/pages/our-science
So I wanted to share with you some of my favorite Zinc sunscreens. While there are many on the market, these are all affordable options… I do not like to spend $50+ for 1 oz. of face sunscreen so these are what I have found to work well for the price. My all-time favorite face sunscreen has to be the brand CoTZ which literally stands for “Contains Only Titanium and Zinc.” It blends well and is not oily but unfortunately, they do not make a body sunscreen. While I highly recommend the body sunscreens listed below – zinc does leave a bit of a white cast so if you have a very important event I would not recommend these sunscreens but if you are just using them for daily use, then yes I recommend the brands below for body sunscreens.
*This post DOES NOT contain any sponsored products or affiliate links
Face Sunscreens
I personally use this face sunscreen daily under my makeup. it is 20% Zinc. It is marketed as “tinted” but it is almost translucent (No white cast)
2. Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Face Shade Coconut Glow
This one is great because it has aloe vera listed as the first ingredient- meaning it is the base of this sunscreen- extra hydrating. Please beware that this has a pretty dark tint so a little goes a long way.
3. Coola – Mineral Sun Silk Moisturizer Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30
*Warning – this is a bit pricer but a nice option if you are willing to splurge. Does leave a white cast but if you top it with makeup or face tint you cannot tell.
Body Sunscreens
This one does leave a white cast but it is pretty subtle.
2. Badger – Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream – SPF 30
This Zinc sunscreen is made with clear zinc and is reef friendly!
3. Pacifica – Mineral SPF 50 Body Butter Coconut
Lip Sunscreens – (Zinc Sunscreen Lip Balms)
1. Badger – Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm – SPF 15
2. Cotz – Lip Balm SPF 45 Tinted
3. Coola – Mineral Liplux® Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30
Please beware with each sunscreen. Just because a brand carries 1 mineral sunscreen *DOES NOT mean that ALL of their products are using zinc for the rest of their products. If it does not clearly state it is a mineral or zinc sunscreen it is likely not. But it is as easy as flipping it over and looking at the ingredient list. *also please keep in mind some of these sunscreens will use zinc AND the combination of the chemicals. So please always read your labels.
Leave a comment below with your favorite zinc sunscreen brands!