Natural sunscreens are sun protection products that use naturally-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that absorb UV light and convert it to heat. The only active ingredients in a natural sunscreen are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which are naturally occurring minerals. These mineral sunblocks form a physical barrier on the skin to reflect and scatter UV rays rather than absorb them. They are considered non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and reef-safe. Natural sunscreens are also free from potentially harmful actives like oxybenzone and benzene, which research shows have negative effects on the skin and the environment.
One disadvantage of natural sunscreens is that they can leave a white cast on the skin due to the mineral ingredients. However, some brands have addressed this issue by adding iron oxide to the formula, which gives color to the white cast and also protects the skin from UVA and visible light, particularly blue light.
To ensure that a sunscreen is truly natural, it is important to read the ingredient labels carefully and avoid sunscreens with chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and parabens, which can irritate the skin and damage coral reefs. It is also recommended to choose sunscreens that are certified organic, containing at least 95% organic ingredients with no toxic heavy metals, parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
Overall, natural sunscreens provide gentle, eco-friendly protection, and by choosing them, anyone can achieve comprehensive sun protection on their own terms while supporting autonomy over health and wellness and contributing to a greener world through simple everyday choices.
