Recommended Sunscreens by Protection Mechanism
As per last weeks rundown on the chemicals commonly used as a main staple in everyday sunscreens we issue this guide for some of the popular and easy to find available sunscreen brands. Check out last week post: THE HEALTH BENEFITS AND RISKS OF DIFFERENT INGREDIENTS IN SUNSCREEN for more information on the effects of the main ingredients!
Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide
- Benefits: Broad-spectrum protection, suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: EltaMD UV Clear
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
- Benefits: Lightweight, non-whitening formula suitable for all skin types.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: La Roche-Posay Anthelios
3. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
- Benefits: Water-resistant, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
4. Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide
- Benefits: Organic, non-nano, biodegradable. Suitable for sensitive skin.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Chemical Sunscreens
1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100
- Protection Mechanism: Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octocrylene
- Benefits: High SPF, lightweight, and non-greasy.
- Reef Friendly: No
- Link: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer
2. Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Protection Mechanism: Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Avobenzone
- Benefits: Water-resistant and sweat-resistant, ideal for sports.
- Reef Friendly: No
- Link: Coppertone Sport
3. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Protection Mechanism: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene
- Benefits: Water and sweat-resistant, suitable for active lifestyles.
- Reef Friendly: No
- Link: Banana Boat Ultra Sport
4. All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30
- Protection Mechanism: Avobenzone, Octinoxate
- Benefits: Organic, water-resistant, reef-friendly.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: All Good Sport Sunsrceen
Hybrid Sunscreens (Combination of Physical and Chemical Ingredients)
1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate
- Benefits: Invisible formula, suitable for all skin types, doubles as a primer.
- Reef Friendly: No
- Link: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
2. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Homosalate
- Benefits: Hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin, provides broad-spectrum protection.
- Reef Friendly: No
- Link: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
3. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Octocrylene
- Benefits: Gentle on sensitive skin, water-resistant.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: Aveeno Positively Mineral
4. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide
- Benefits: Organic, reef-friendly, suitable for babies and sensitive skin.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen
5. Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Protection Mechanism: Zinc Oxide
- Benefits: Organic, reef-friendly, suitable for athletes and active lifestyles.
- Reef Friendly: Yes
- Link: Thinksport Safe Sunscreen
These products provide a variety of options across different protection mechanisms, including organic and reef-friendly choices. They cater to various skin types and needs, ensuring you can find a sunscreen that offers effective protection from harmful UV rays while considering environmental impact.
Image of Zink Oxide courtesy: By w:User:Walkerma - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=184569