I put my heart and soul into finding the best natural mineral sunscreen over the last 10 years. My family of 6 has personally tested over 100 reef-safe sunscreen options, putting two on our bodies every time we are in the sun.
Our a/b tests have been stringent, and we really know what mineral sunscreens are effective, rub in well, and last a long time.
Of all those well over 100 choices, we only have about a dozen that we love and this brand is one of them.
If you’re looking for one of the best natural sunscreens, you’re in the right place!
As you’ll read in the full review below, this zinc oxide sunscreen covers all the bases and keeps your family safe from sunburn. It uses pristine ingredients to the highest standard, goes on smooth, and actually lasts.
If you’d like to see how it stacks up against other natural mineral sunscreen brands that use reef-safe zinc oxide, then head over to my ultimate guide to natural mineral sunscreens for the complete list of safe sunscreen reviews.
Adorable Baby Sunscreen
Overall
-
Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
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Effectiveness
Details:
This sunscreen has been rebranded – we tried and disliked Loving Naturals sunscreen as seen below. It has been discontinued, but the new “Adorable Baby” formula fared much better.
SPF: 30+
EWG Rating: 1
Active ingredient: zinc oxide (24.7%) uncoated/non-nano
Other ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Organic Lavender Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Purified Water
Antioxidants added: sunflower oil
Where to purchase: Amazon, Loving Naturals site
Ease of application: + This formula is so different from any others. Although it does have a very high percentage of zinc oxide, and it’s non nano-sized, it rubs in so perfectly clear and the lotion itself is tinted yellow like it’s made of olive oil, not like any other zinc lotion. It’s a bit shiny/greasy, but I will take that over a white sheen any day. It’s amazing how well this one rubs in!
Scent: almost neutral, beginning to smell like old oil after a winter 🙁
Water resistant? yes, beeswax works
My experience: Because it seems so clear, I wasn’t sure if it would be effective. Over multiple tests however, including in Florida, we had zero burn incidents. This brand may struggle to take in families with older children because of its name, but I would get over that quickly if I were you.
I thought about all my reviewed options and think that Adorable Baby might be the best for non-white complexions, or Earthley if one did not worry about missing out on the zinc.
The Original Review For the Old Formula:
Price: 2017 price estimate: ~$10-$12 (2.7 oz.) ~$14-$16 (5 oz.) ~$3-4/ounce
EWG rating: 1
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (24.8%), no nano particles
Other ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from Coconut Oil), Soy Wax (Non-GMO), Organic Olive Oil, Organic Plum Kernel Oil, Organic Sesame Oil, Candelilla Wax, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Cocoa (Fair Trade), Organic Green Tea, Vitamin E Oil
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E, green tea
Where to purchase: Amazon, online retailers and some small stores
Ease of application: +/- rather thin and goes on white, separates in tube
Scent: smells like clay, not so pleasant
Water resistant? Not sure
My experience: UPDATE 2012: Although I love the ingredients and origins of Loving Naturals, my husband said I have to demote it. Once we got the larger bottle to test in late summer 2011, we realized that it goes on extremely pasty. He was appalled as to how white his face became and actually had to use soap to get it off before he would leave the bathroom. Now, months later, the sunscreen is so thick that I can’t really shake it up, but it has separated into a bit of liquid that needs to be incorporated back in. I no longer recommend!
Original review: This was a small sample, so it had limited testing. It is a bit tinted, thus it doesn’t make people look quite so ghostly, but it’s still a bit tricky to rub in.
Star Feature: Very low EWG rating and reasonably priced, founded by parents and a responsibly-run company that discloses EVERY ingredient and source. UPDATE 2011: Gluten-free! This is a big deal, as gluten-free sunscreens and sunblocks can be hard to find. I also have an appreciation for the emphasis on organic and non-GMO ingredients
Pros
- Rubs in clear
- Clean ingredients
- Gluten free
Cons
- somewhat greasy
- smelled strange after sitting for a while
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!
