You've likely heard of 'reef-safe' and 'ocean-friendly' sunscreens, but what about 'skin-safe' and safe for the planet?
If you're looking for the best sun protection option for your family, while also keeping in mind environmentally-friendly packaging & clean ingredients - you've come to the right place! We've done our research and selected some of the cleanest sun protection products on the market, from companies which care for your body as well as work to minimize negative impacts to the environment. To browse FILL's selection of mineral sunscreens, click here.
Mineral Sunscreen - the basics.
There are two types of sunscreen: chemical and mineral. Chemical sunscreens absorb UVA and UVB light, while mineral sunscreens physically block them with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
While you can find chemical sunscreens that don’t have those environmentally-concerning ingredients, experts recommend choosing a mineral sunscreen instead.
What are some ingredients to avoid?
According to a recent article in The Washington Post ('How to find sunscreen that’s good for the environment — and you') "...mak[e] sure the sunscreen is non-nano zinc oxide based and that does not contain the following ingredients of concern: oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate." If these ingredients cannot be avoided, ensure you are opting for a zinc-based, non-nano, paraben-free sunscreen whenever possible.
Which style is best for me? Stick, aerosol or cream?
Although many contain chemical propellants and aerosols, for busy families and kids on the go, continuous spray sunscreens can be the easiest and most convenient way to protect from sun burns. We offer choices for adults and kids with the convenience of a spray, yet safer and cleaner ingredients for the body & the planet.
Stick sunscreens offer the added benefit of being plastic free, often in completely biodegradable and/or compostable packaging tubes. To dispense, push gently from the bottom and rub the sunscreen over your exposed skin. Many stick sunscreens offer larger size sticks for the body as well as smaller easier to maneuver sizes marketed as 'face sticks'.
If you prefer the classic cream-style sun protection, you're not alone or without choice when it comes to mineral sunscreens. We offer sun cream for the body as well as tinted facial moisturizer with SPF!
What is 'Tinted Mineral Sunscreen' and do I need it?
Zinc-based, mineral sunscreen can leave a white colour behind on the skin, which isn't everyone's go-to look (...let's leave it to Mark Zuckerburg!).
To balance the white residue, some mineral sunscreen products are offered as tinted versions. The 'universal tint blends beautifully into all skin tones and has a sheer tint that rubs in clear without leaving a heavy, filmy residue.' (Attitude Tinted Suncreen).
Don't forget your lips! One of the most painful and awkward places to sunburn, our lips deserve a natural SPF just like the rest of our skin!
Try our vanilla orange SPF 18 lip balm in plastic-free packaging enriched with softening ingredients like shea butter & argan oil.
The Final Verdict?
With such a great selection of mineral sunscreen on the market, you can select one that aligns with your environmental values, while still providing effective protection from burns & skin-loving ingredients you can feel good about using anywhere the sun kisses your skin!
Browse our Sun Care products online, or visit us in-store where we are happy to talk you through our selection!