15 Natural Sunscreens and SPF Moisturizers That Save Your Skin and the Planet

On the surface, the sun is a confusing entity. Plants need it to live, but you can’t stare at it or you’ll go blind. It’s natural and necessary for life, but too much of a good thing can be bad for you, too. While moderate exposure helps your body naturally develop much needed Vitamin D, overexposure to its powerful UVA and UVB rays can cause wrinkles and skin cancer.

When looking for a safer sunblock or moisturizer with SPF, look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - both are proven to provide great sun protection without extra exposure to potentially harmful toxins. Some people are allergic to one or the other, so read the label carefully! Creams and lotions are better than sprays and powders, and mineral sunscreens offer some of the best protection.

Natural, green and eco-friendly moisturizers and sunscreens with the most adequate SPF, or sun protection factor, will bring the best of both worlds – protection from the sun’s harmful rays and less waste and chemical use to keep both you and the earth healthy.

For Face:

From left to right:

• John Masters Suncare Natural Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 30 – $32.00
• LaVanila The Healthy Sunscreen Face Cream with SPF 40 – $28.00
• 100% Pure Organic Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration with SPF 20 – $26.00
• 100% Pure Argan Oil Hydration Moisturizer with SPF 30 – $26.00
• Badger Unscented Sunscreen Face Stick with SPF 30+ – $8.50

All of the above products use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to protect your skin, and some use organic ingredients.

For Body:

From left to right:

• PurplePrarie SunStuff Mineral Lotion with SPF 30 – $11.99 – $19.99
• Coola Organic Suncare Moisturizing Suncare for Body with SPF 30 – $30.00
• Soleo Organics All-Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 – $21.98
• TrueNatural Active Sunscreen with SPF 40 – $17.99
• Badger Lightly Scented Sunscreen with SPF 30+ – $16.00

All the above natural sunscreens are ideally for the body and paraben-free. Some are water resistant. All use either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect your skin.

For Baby and Kids:

From left to right:

• Badger Chamomile Baby Sunscreen with SPF 30+ – $16.00
• Coola Sun Care Baby Unscented All Natural Mineral Sunscreen with SPF 45 - $34.00
• Goddess Garden Baby Natural Sunscreen with SPF 30 – $15.99
• All Terrain Co. KidSport with SPF 30+  -$11.99
• California Baby No Fragrance Sunscreen with SPF 30+ – $39.99

All the above sunscreens are safe and formulated for babies and/or children, and suitable for adults with sensitive skin. Paraben-free and uses zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to protect skin.

Staying safe under the sun and living green is easy

Guard yourself against prematurely aging your skin and possible cancer while helping the environment with natural SPF sunscreens and moisturizers. Most come in recyclable or reusable packaging, or use biodegradable materials so you can stay safe and keep Mother Nature happy!

More sun safe tips:

• For extra sun protection, use umbrellas, wide-brimmed hats, clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) and full coverage sunglasses.
• Avoid going outside or stepping in sunlight between 10am and 4pm.
• The sun’s around all year, so wear sunscreen or moisturizers with SPF all year as well.
• For the best overall protection, aim for SPF 20+ on face, and SPF 30 for your body. Any more than that isn’t necessary.
• Use your sunscreen 30 minutes before heading out to let it absorb your skin completely.
• Don’t touch a tanning salon with a 20 foot pole. Seriously, just stay away from them.

Are you using sunscreen (I hope you are)? What brands work for you, and why do you like them? Leave a comment and share your thoughts!