Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? Good idea! Chemical sunscreen is harmful to humans and to the environment, so it’s worth seeking out a brand that is safe.
My family has tested over 100 natural mineral sunscreens over the last 10 years, so we know what really works. I haven’t tried this particular brand, but I’ll share my thoughts about the ingredient list here. In my opinion, if you’re looking for the cleanest ingredients and smoothest application, then head over to my ultimate guide to natural mineral sunscreens and grab one of my top recommended zinc oxide sunscreens instead.
Adorable Baby Sunscreen
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
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Effectiveness
Details:
2022 UPDATE: Adorable Baby has been reformulated, and I haven’t tested the new formula.
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!