The Best “Green” Sunscreens

I heard that the cosmetics database had spent a lot of time testing sunscreens, so I went in to look for a really good sunscreen. Since I live in high altitude (8500′) and there is an outdoor swimming pool near by, I basically have to have the best coverage I can find for myself and my kids. We are all pale, and in this place, you can burn to a crisp if you don’t wear the right kind of sunscreen.

My criteria were very strict: I wanted a product without parabens, preferably totally ”green,” but I am willing to go to the lower end of the moderate zone if I have to. It has to cover both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ones that burn you, but they have now found that UVA rays are harmful, too. Although the UVA rays are responsible for giving you a tan, they penetrate the skin deeper than the UVB rays, and can therefore create more damage through oxidation, which in plain English means signs of aging! Therefore, a good sunscreen should cover both.

And, I am not willing to endorse any product that uses nano particles, either, even if they are supposed to protect very well against sundamage. I just don’t trust that the nano particles aren’t going to create some kind of havoc in my system since they are tiny enough to get into absolutely anywhere. I have heard that in nano particle form, even non-toxic and harmless substances can become toxic and dangerous. So, no nano particles for me, thanks!!!

However, the problem with natural sunscreens that contain mainly titanium oxide and zinc oxide, is that they are often thick and oily, and they leave a white film on the skin, which to me is very unattractive. Besides, you can’t possibly put makeup on top of that! The alternative is basically a compromise – a little bit of minerals and a little bit of chemicals.

So, naturally, my list became very short. Here it is:
Zinc Only
Soleo/Wyland Organic Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30+ – rated green
Contains 22.3% zinc, water resistant
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
All their sunscreens are rated green, contain natural ingredients.
Badger Sunscreen SPF 30 – rated green
Contains 20.5% zinc, water resistant
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
Feedback: thick, tacky, leaves white color, too oily for makeup base, contains too many essential oils, hard to rub in, contains natural ingredients.
Marie Veronique Organics SPF 30 – rated green
Contains 20% zinc
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Doesn’t use micronized zinc. Feedbacks states that the cream is thick and colors the skin slightly yellow, but that it works great.
All their sunscreens are rated green. Contain natural ingredients.

Titanium Dioxide only
California Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – rated green
Contains 18% micronized titanium dioxide, water resistant
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
Feedback: Goes on white, then turns somewhat clear with rubbing, too oily to use under makeup, all their products are green. Contains mostly natural ingredients.

Zinc + Titanium
Mexitan Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
Contains 22.5% zinc + titanium dioxide 6%, water resistant
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
Feedback: Better than badger and California Baby, long lasting, long wearing, sweat proof, doesn’t go on white, although some people say it goes on white, and that if you rub it in too much, it flakes off -contains natural ingredients.
Tropical sands SPF50 sunscreen lotion – rated green
Contains 22.5% zinc, 6% titanium
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
Contains all natural ingredients. Made by Mexitan!
Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stick SPF30 – rated green
Contains 10% zinc, 10% titanium
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Both their sun products are rated green. Contains all natural ingredients.
Tess Sun in your Face SPF30, oil free sunscreen – rated green
Contains 8.4% zinc, titanium 7.4%
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Contains mostly chemicals.
Goddess Garden Kid’s Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 – rated green
Contains 6.4% zinc, 6% titanium
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Both their sun products are rated green. Contains mostly natural ingredients.
Tropical Sands SPF 30 sunscreen lotion – rated green
Contains 6.4% zinc, titanium 6%
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
This one offers moderate protection and contains really natural ingredients.
Both their sun products are rated green

Zinc + Chemicals
Estion Sunscreen with zinc, SPF 38 – rated green
Contains 7.5% zinc + chemicals, water resistant
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 0
Contains all chemicals, but no parabens.
Solar Sense Face Protection SPF45 – rated green
Contains 6.65% zinc + chemicals
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Both their sun products are rated green. Contain mostly chemicals.
Ole Henriksen Sun-light protection creme, SPF30 – rated green
Contains 6.1% zinc + chemicals
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Contains some chemicals and some natural ingredients, no parabens.
California Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 – rated green
Contains 6.1% micronized zinc + chemicals
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Contains mostly natural ingredients.

Zinc + Titanium + Chemicals
Eucerin – rated 3 (yellow), which is at the bottom end of the moderate hazard spectrum
Contains micronized Zinc 6.1%, micronized Titanium 4.5% + chemicals
UVA hazard 0
UVB hazard 1
Feedback: not greasy or oily, works well, inexpensive, can be used under makeup, doesn’t contain parabens. Contains all chemicals.
Just Chemicals
Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen SPF32 – green score 2
UVA hazard 1
UVB hazard 1
Uses all chemicals. This is the only sunscreen by Alba that is rated green. All the others are Yellow (moderate hazard with low SPF) or Red (high hazard). Contains chemicals and natural ingredients.

So, what should you choose? If you don’t mind chemicals, Estion seems to offer excellent protection. However, if you prefer natural ingredients, I would probably go with Tropical Sands or Mexitan. If you don’t mind a combination of chemicals and natural ingredients, Ole Henriksen might be worth trying, even though it will probably cost a small fortune. Good luck with your sunscreen buying, and please leave a comment if you find a favorite sunscreen that really works. I would love to know, what is your favorite sunscreen, and why do you like it? Please share with the rest of us!
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This entry was posted on Friday, April 24th, 2009 at 9:43 am and is filed under Skincare. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.