Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? You’re making a smart choice!
My family has tested over 100 natural mineral sunscreens over the last 10 years, so we know what really works. This brand is pretty good, but in my opinion, if you’re looking for the cleanest ingredients and smoothest application, then head over to my natural mineral sunscreen review and grab one of my top recommended zinc oxide sunscreens instead. My standards are really high though, so this one is still pretty good. 🙂
You can read all the details below to find out why this safe sunscreen brand did not make my top recommended list.
Coppertone Baby Pure and Simple Sunscreen
Overall
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Clean Ingredients
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Ease of Application
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Water Resistant
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Effectiveness
Summary
Triple check that you’re getting the one with 100% zinc oxide and no other active ingredients!!
EWG rating: 5
SPF: 50
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (24.08%), no nano particles
Other ingredients: WATER, C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, ETHYLHEXYL ISONONANOATE, CETYL PEG/PPG-10/1 DIMETHICONE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, BIS-OCTYLDODECYL DIMER DILINOLEATE/PROPANEDIOL COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCRYLENE, POLYESTER-27, TEA (CAMELIA SINENSIS) LEAF EXTRACT*, GIANT KELP (MACROCYSTIS PYRDERA) EXTRACT*, SACRED LOTUS (NELUMBO NUCIFERA) EXTRACT*, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYSILANE, BEESWAX, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, PEG-12 DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, TOCOPHEROL, 1,2HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SODIUM CHLORIDE
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E, lotus extract, tea leaf extract, giant kelp extract
Where to purchase: Amazon, HerbsPro, big box retailers
Ease of application: +/- Super thin, which makes it easy, but it also makes it run and drip all over. And if you leave the bottle open at all, it can make a mess, even on its side! User beware.
Scent: nothing to write home about.
Water resistant? Unsure, potentially problematic because it’s too easy to apply a layer that’s just too thin to be effective. One member of my team did use it and said she noticed water beading up, so that’s good news.
My experience:This product is one of the thinnest formulas we’ve ever reviewed, so it’s definitely easier to apply a thicker layer. My husband was really impressed with how it rubbed in and liked the consistency. I thought it didn’t rub in as well as the other product we were testing it against.
People switching from conventional sunscreen may be very used to the consistency, but they will be surprised at the slight white cast. To be fair, it does eventually rub in but takes more effort.
We are watching Gabe’s face because he has a bit of a rash on that side only after a day at the beach…
It’s funny of course that the only product with 100% zinc oxide from Coppertone is labelled “baby,” which I think would make a lot of adults hesitant to use it as their default, don’t you? I think it is so thin that it doesn’t cover as well!
Pros
- easy to find in any big box store
- 100% zinc oxide
- brand recognition
Cons
- thin and runny
- easy to mix up which formula you’re purchasing
- “baby” label may throw off adults!
Wondering if this one is the very best natural sunscreen for your family?
I organized alllll the sunscreens we reviewed in each one’s recommendation category – one page, at-a-glance to find out what is safe to buy AND works! Print it or save to your phone for reference!
The guide also includes answers to questions people ask me all the time:
- Which brand rubs in the clearest?
- What’s the best for all day outdoor sports?
- How do I save money on natural sunscreens?
- What looks good on ladies’ faces?
- Is there an option that is FAST to apply to wiggly kids?
I’ll send a copy to your email so you can see it right away and find it again later!