What are the best organic sunscreens out there, and what are the sunscreens with a safer ingredients list?
You’ve probably been told countless times to always apply sunscreen before going out during the day.
But did you know that the active ingredients that are used to give sunscreens their UV protective properties tend to be associated with potential health concerns, such as immunological toxicity or carcinogenicity.
For example, physical (mineral) sunscreens usually contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide as a nanoparticle has been investigated for potential harmful effects in humans, including cancer.
Topical titanium dioxide are still allowed in sunscreens in Australia. Unfortunately, without the addition of titanium dioxide, purely mineral sunscreens tend to rely on zinc oxide, which leaves much more of a white cast and is a lot harder to spread.
The advantage with physical sunscreens is that they are effective almost as soon as they are applied. Did you know that you need to apply chemical sunscreens 30 minutes before you go into the sun? This is because you need to give the active ingredients (such as avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone) time to absorb into the skin. Some of these actives, such as octinoxate, have been shown to produce damaging reactive oxygen species upon exposure to sunlight and to be an endocrine disruptor in humans.
If you prefer physical (mineral) sunscreens, we use the Shiseido Urban Environment Extra Mild (note this contains ethanol). For a more affordable option, we like the Missha All Around Safe Block Mild Sun. We are constantly on the hunt for other safe physical sunscreens that leave minimal white cast, sit well with makeup, spread easily, and are lightweight - so subscribe to our newsletter to receive monthly updates.
If you choose chemical sunscreens instead, some of our favorite non-greasy chemical sunscreens with a safer ingredients list are:
- Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum (contains both mineral and chemical sunscreen, as well as niacinamide)
- Shiseido Anessa Mild Sunscreen For Face and Shiseido Anessa Essence UV Sunscreen Mild Milk (this is more lightweight compared with the Anessa Perfect)
- Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush On Sunscreen
- KraveBeauty Beet The Sun (we find this better suited to dry skin)
- Hera Sun Mate Daily (contains titanium dioxide)
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P.S…this is probably obvious, but the information presented doesn’t constitute medical advice - always check with your own doctor!
