Subscribe with Feedburner

SafeMama Sponsors

Eco-friendly products for family, pets and home

Fellow Safe Mamas

Grab Our Badge!

Missions We Support

GoGoShopper.com: Daily Coupons

PR Web Coupons

Know you are protected with great local car insurance

Filed Under ** Cheat Sheets!, Eco-Mama, paraben free, Phthalates Info, Skin Care, Toy Safety

sunscreen

Please visit our updated 2010 Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet for more brand recommendations!

It was high time to redo last year’s Safer Sunscreen Showdown.. spring is here and summer is around the corner! So here’s the scoop:

SafeMama™ Sunscreen Criteria: All sunscreens we approved needed to be free of parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, propylene glycol, SLS, dioxanes, and synthetic fragrances. Another ingredient we watch out for is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful. Below are our selections of safer natural sunscreens that use mineral (or sometimes referred to a physical) sunscreen which is typically Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or any combination of those two.

A note about the Skin Deep ratings. Their ratings are a good start, but take them with a grain of salt. They have a big job over there and sometimes formulas change and their information gets a little outdated. Which is why we stress learning to read the labels! Concerning sunscreen, the EWG’s Skin Deep published a sunscreen guide last year and while we generally respect the research and efforts of EWG, we don’t agree 100% with their top picks. For example the top choice on their Top 10 list is Blue Lizard without oxybenzone, but all Blue Lizard products contain multiple parabens, Propylene Glycol and PEG’s not to mention the giant list of chemical ingredients on every label. So, again… read labels and don’t just take anyone’s word for it.

* A note about Micronized and Nano: This is a controversial topic and there have been many reports that micronized vs. nano particles of titanium or zinc oxide have the ability to pass through the skin more easily (which is why they aren’t as white as others). There is also a concern that nano titanium/zinc dioxide particles have higher photo-reactivity than coarser particles and may generate free radicals that can cause cell damage. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by coating the particles to prevent free radical formation. We have listed the exact active ingredient in each sunscreen for a reason. So you as a consumer can decide which is right for you. We will continue to investigate these materials further and share with you our findings. We are comfortable recommending sunscreens with Micronized zinc or titanium (most natural sunscreens ARE). NANO zinc or titanium is something we feel should be avoided if possible.

These are NOT in order of recommendation… this is a random list.

Badger All Natural Sunscreen for Face & Body (SafeMama’s Top Pick)

badger30 Protection: SPF 30+ / SPF 15
Active Ingredient: Micronized Zinc Oxide 20.5% (read this)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) SPF 15: 2 (last updated 03/07)

Price: ~ $14.00
Reviews: Kathy says, “I had heard Badger sunscreen was like spreading toothpaste, but I’ve got to say that totally isn’t the case at all. Goes on thick (like any natural sunscreen) but spreads pretty easily, doesn’t have an overpowering smell and really protects nicely. One of my new favorites! Badger says its naturally water resistant and I’d have to agree. One of the few that are 100% chemical free.” Read our full review here!

Notes: For extra protection, choose Badger Lip Balm SPF 15 – safe for you and the kids.

Mama Rose’s Naturals Sunblocker All Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (inquiring further information)
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $15.00 – 18.00

Notes: Seems to be chemical free, comes in an SPF 50 which is the highest natural sunscreen SPF we’ve seen. Available online through the companies website.

TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide 8%
Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 3/08)
Price: ~ $8.99
Reviews: Kathy says “I carry one of these in my bag for those ‘oops I forgot’ moments or unexpected uses. I rub a little on faces and cheeks for quick protection. Makes getting tops of ears and noses easy too…stays on well. ”

Weleda Children’s Sun Screen

weleda Protection: SPF 18
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 7.6%, Zinc Oxide 0.4%
Skin Deep Rating: 4 (last updated 6/08)
Price: ~ $14.00

Reviews: Statia Says: “Neither of us has tried this sunscreen yet, however by the ingredients listed, we feel it makes the list and is considered one of the safer sunscreens out there.”

JASON Cosmetics Chemical Free Sunblock (Sunbrella’s version too)

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.0%), Zinc Oxide (2.5%)
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 12/08)
Price: ~ $12.49

Reviews: Kathy Says: “I really liked the way this goes on, and the scent is beachy, not chemical smelling. It reminds me of old school Coppertone. I use this on myself too. Be careful when shopping for this one though. JASON Cosmetics has several sunscreens available but only chemical free version is recommended by SafeMama.com”

Soleo Organics Chemical Free Sunscreen

soleo Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.3%
Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 03/08)
Price: ~ $9 – $23.00

Reviews: Coming Soon

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunscreen

cababy Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 18)
Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 03/07) Skin Deep Rating SPF 18: 2 (last updated 03/07)
Price: ~ $17.99 – 19.99 No fragrance: $17.00 – 19.00 With Citronella: $19.00 – 25.00

Reviews: Kathy Says: “CA Baby SPF 30 goes on thick and works well but it’s sticky.”

Statia Says: “We have the bug blend and it goes on well, not as sticky, but it has a strong smell.”

Variations: These come in a No Fragrance version and a Citronella version (which Kathy can never find)

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunblock Stick

cababystick Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $14.99

Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen (w/ or w/o Hemp Seed Oil)

burts2 Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 15)
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (8.58%) (EWG claims it’s Nano Titanium Dioxide)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 3 (last updated 06/08) SPF 15: 3 (last updated 06/08)
Price: ~ $9.99 – 11.00

Reviews: Statia Says: “I wasn’t really that impressed with this stuff. It was immediately cakey upon contact with the skin, and yet, I still felt really sticky. I felt gross all day.”

Kathy says, “I made friends with the SPF 30 version… it is a little tough to get on but it protects like the rest. It’s not my first choice, but it works.”

Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

erbaviva Protection: SPF 15
Active Ingredient: Micronized* Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $26.00

Reviews: Kathy says, ” This sunscreen blends in wonderfully and there is no over powering scent whatsoever – great for faces too.” Full review here.

SuperGoop Dr. T’s Quickstick

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 8%, Zinc Oxide 5%
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $9.00
Important Editor’s Note: This is the only SuperGoop product we feel comfortable recommending. The other sunscreen’s and products they offer contain Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Padimate O, Propylene Glycol, PEG’s, and several parabens which of course are ingredients we adamantly avoid. We listed the Quickstick as an option but if we had to choose, we’d opt to support companies who have made a commitment to safer skin care in general.

Kabana Skin Care Green Screen

Protection: SPF 20
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: ~ $16.50 40z.
Company Website: KabanaSkinCare.com

Notes: Made from 8 edible-grade organic and natural ingredients and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide for protection. This only has an SPF of 20 (also available in tinted SPF 22 and SPF 15) but it a great option as far as safe ingredients go. We’re anxious to give it a try. Kathy says “I tried a sample of this and I love that its mostly natural, but it makes you look pretty white and powdery looking. Does protect and isn’t greasy.”

Notes: For extra protection, choose their Liplovers™ Natural Lip Balm with 10% Zinc Oxide sunscreen protection – safe for you and the kids.

Sunscreen Usage and Sun Tips

Follow the directions on the sunscreen you use for proper sun protection. However, our motto is “everything in moderation”. This means sun exposure too of course. It’s ok to be out in the sun for 20 minutes without covering every square inch of your kid with SPF 80. Sun exposure is good for us, (Vitamin D!), and it’s been studied that people – especially kids - with regular moderate time in the sun are healthier and may have less risk of developing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other auto-immune deficiencies. But sunburns are not good, so choose a safe sunscreen and apply according to the directions for days when extended sun exposure is on the docket!

When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure. No need to bake in the sun all day… keep cool and stay in the shade! Investing in some SPF Protected clothing for the kids is a good idea too. Reduces the need for so much sunscreen and can have a UVB protection of up to 50. Snapper Rock makes great SPF Swimwear for kids. We also like Baby Banz Sun Hats for baby and kids… they also have a wide brimmed bucket hat with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+. The wide brim helps keep sun off kids faces.

After Sun Soothers

I got the idea to include these after a day at the beach on Easter Sunday (I know, I know… my mom already told me it was 30 degrees in New York, I swear I’m not trying to rub it in!) when we were in the sun for a particularly long day. I sometimes use after sun lotions or balms to hydrate my skin. A few I like:

Badger Balm Bali Balm. We’ve never tried it but it’s an organic balm designed just for after sun exposure. Cocoa and Shea Butters, with Olive and Jojoba to make a soothing body balm good for after sun, or for dry skin. Has a tropical scent! made completely with natural and organic ingredients.. not a synthetic ingredient in the bunch. We love Badger!

Burt’s Bees After Sun Lotion with Aloe, Linden Extract and nourishing Coconut Oil. This has a really fresh scent and feels great on hot skin. I actually put this in the fridge before I leave so it’s extra cold. Like with many of the Burt’s Bees products this isn’t 100% natural (or organic for that matter but it’s easy to find in stores.