Editor’s Review: Clean Face Sunscreens

Protecting your skin with sunscreen is crucial, but if you have sensitive skin or want to avoid harmful chemicals that can damage our oceans, natural sunscreen is the way to go. Natural sunscreens are mineral-based and use titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide to physically deflect the sun's rays. These sunscreens contain nourishing, natural ingredients, are free from harsh preservatives and synthetic fragrances, and are an excellent choice for a clean skincare routine.

Risks Related to Chemical Sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, contain UV absorbers like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, which absorb UVA and UVB radiation. These chemicals not only absorb into the bloodstream but also harm coral reefs and oceans.

A recent FDA study conducted in 2020 showed that after using chemical sunscreens for just one day, all six chemicals tested were detected in the bloodstream at levels above the safe limits set by the FDA. This means that these chemicals are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream after application and may remain in the body for an extended period, depending on the specific ingredient. Some of these chemicals, such as octinoxate, have been linked to effects on the reproductive system and thyroid, while others, like homosalate, have been linked to endocrine disruption and cell growth in human breast cancer cells.

It's crucial to avoid all chemical sunscreens that contain any of these ingredients and instead choose safer physical blocking alternatives like natural sunscreen. Natural sunscreens are an effective and healthier option for protecting your skin while also preserving our oceans.

The Two Main Ingredients in Natural (Mineral) Sunscreens

Natural or mineral sunscreens have gained popularity due to the potential health risks associated with chemical UV absorbers. These alternatives use physical blockers, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, to reflect the UV rays away from the skin.

Zinc oxide is the primary ingredient in mineral sunscreens and is a broad-spectrum UV blocker, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It's a natural mineral that sits on the skin, creating a physical barrier that reflects the sun's rays. It's also considered one of the safest sunscreen ingredients and is often used in baby products.

Titanium dioxide is often paired with zinc oxide in mineral sunscreens. It's not as effective at blocking UVA rays as zinc oxide, but it can still provide some protection against UVB rays. It's used as an additive in combination with zinc oxide to improve the texture and spreadability of the sunscreen. However, some studies have raised concerns about the safety of nanoparticles of titanium dioxide, which can potentially penetrate the skin and harm cells. To address these concerns, most mineral sunscreens now use larger particle sizes of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are less likely to be absorbed into the skin. Some brands also use non-nano particles that are even larger and less likely to cause harm to the environment.

Benefits of Mineral Sunsceens

Natural sunscreens have several advantages over chemical sunscreens. They are safe for the body, effective at protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, eco-friendly, less likely to cause skin irritation, and have a longer shelf life. Mineral sunscreens are also effective as soon as they're applied, unlike chemical sunscreens that need time to absorb into the skin.

Downsides of Mineral Sunsceens

However, there are a few potential downsides to mineral sunscreens. They can sometimes lead to breakouts on acne-prone skin, feel greasier on the skin, and leave a white film on the skin, especially for those with darker skin tones. They can also be more expensive, depending on the brand.

To compile a list of the most popular clean face sunscreens, I researched social media, as well as popular online stores such as Credo, Sephora, and iHerb, and scanned through various reviews on the internet. I identified 10 products that are marketed as clean and safer alternatives.

During the evaluation process, I discovered that although many of the products had favorable ingredient lists, some contained substances that were either harmful to us or the environment.

1 —

Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscree, Biossance

I recommend the natural face sunscreen from Biossance due to its clean list of ingredients. Unlike some other sunscreens, it doesn't leave a white cast when rubbed in, making it suitable for medium to dark complexions. With a glowy finish, it is generally well-liked, although those with very oily skin may not prefer it. It can be worn on its own or under makeup.

2 —

Time Traveler Ageless Daily Face Sunscreen, Solar Suncare

With a clean list of ingredients and water-resistant formula, this fragrance-free face sunscreen is perfect for beach days and travel.

Although it can be a bit thick to apply, it provides a moisturizing effect and absorbs quickly within minutes. However, it may leave a noticeable white cast on the skin, particularly if you have a darker complexion.

3 —

Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35, Versed

In terms of ingredients, this product has a clean formula without any concerning substances.

The tint in this sunscreen helps to avoid leaving a white residue, and it applies smoothly without feeling oily. It also has a gentle hydrating effect. However, it can occasionally clump up on the skin.

4 —

Zincscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 40, Supergoop!

From a health perspective, Supergoop’s sunscreen lotion has clean ingredients, but the presence of mica raises concern. Mica is a questionable ingredient from a human rights standpoint because it is often mined using child labor in remote parts of India.

In terms of performance, the sunscreen is slightly tinted to combat the white cast and does not clump up or pill on the skin. It is also fragrance-free and applies easily, leaving the skin with a healthy glow. It can be worn alone or under foundation, and has a dry and non-sticky finish.

5 —

Self Reflect Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 32, Kinship

The ingredient list of this mineral sunscreen is commendable, although it includes phenoxyethanol and sodium benzoate, which are mild preservatives that we consider safe, but some users may prefer to avoid them.

This sunscreen is a crowd-pleaser for its lightweight application, non-greasy finish, and moisturizing effect on the skin, leaving it with a healthy glow. It has a subtle vanilla scent that isn't overwhelming and fades away after use.

6 —

Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, Alba Botanica

Alba Botanica’s mineral sunscreen boasts a mostly clean list of ingredients, but dimethicone (silicone) stands out as a negative ingredient due to its tendency to form a barrier on the skin, trapping debris in the pores and inhibiting the skin’s natural breathing.

Despite this drawback, this sunscreen is the most affordable option among the clean face sunscreens reviewed, offering excellent value. While it may leave a slight white cast that fades after ten minutes, it has no added fragrance and contains natural plant extracts that give it a subtle scent.

7 —

Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, Drunk Elepgant

Stearath-2 and stearath-20 are two ingredients in Drunk Elephant's sunscreens that require attention as they may contain trace amounts of 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen.

Although the risk of 1,4-dioxane contamination is minimal with appropriate manufacturing procedures, I cannot recommend this sunscreen above others due to this concern.

8 —

Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant's sunscreens contain two ingredients worth noting, stearath-2 and stearath-20, which have the potential to be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a potential human carcinogen. Although the level of residual 1,4-dioxane should be very low with appropriate manufacturing processes, we cannot recommend this sunscreen over other options due to this concern.

9 —

Mineral Defense Facial Cream SPF 30, Nuori

Although this sunscreen has a clean list of ingredients and receives a "good" rating, it has a thick and heavy texture that may not be ideal for daily use but suitable for a day at the beach. Additionally, considering its high price, we suggest looking for a more affordable alternative.

10 —

Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 Mattifying Face Sunscreen, Ren

Although Ren's face sunscreen has decent ingredients, its performance leaves much to be desired. It is excessively sticky and dry, making it best suited for individuals with oily or combination skin types. The product is thick upon application and leaves behind an obvious white cast, drying very matte. Given its relatively high price, it is more cost-effective to invest in one of the more budget-friendly sunscreens on our list.