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 ultimate guide to natural mineral sunscreens 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.
Alba Botanical Very Emollient Mineral Protection Sunblock
Overall
-
Ease of Application
-
Clean Ingredients
-
Water Resistant
Details:
DISCONTINUED (in this formulation)
Price: 2019 price estimate: $$$$
EWG rating: 2
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (12%), non nano, titanium dioxide (1%)
Other ingredients: Aqua (water), aloe barbadensis leaf juice, caprylic/capric triglyceride, dimethicone, ethylhexyl palmitate, sorbitan sesquioleate, glycerin, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, polyglyceryl-3 ricinoleate, vitis vinifera (grape) seed oil, calendula officinalis flower extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract, magnesium sulfate, silica, sodium chloride, tocopheryl acetate, benzyl alcohol, …
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E, grapeseed oil
Where to purchase: Amazon
Ease of application: +/- Fairly standard for mineral sunblocks, separates slightly in the tube
Scent: Yum! (Aloe Vanilla scent)
Water resistant? Not sure, but it claims to be
My experience: The box arrived while I was finishing up this post! Alba Minerals is slightly tinted, so the pale-skinned look is reduced a bit. It went on well and the kids were excited (still!) to try a new sunscreen. “Just put it on half, Mom,” my son said when I opened the box. [I do have to say that Lucky Vitamins uses too much packaging for one little tube of sunscreen! Why such a big box?] In spite of the no. 2 rating, there is one ingredient rated at a 6. I’m not sure how to feel about this one! The price, on the other hand, is quite nice.
Star Feature: UPDATE: We enjoyed the Alba the rest of the summer, and it’s one of my son’s ultimate favorites because it smells so good. However, I let it freeze in the van during the winter, killing any further testing. Sorry about that! For a sunscreen you might be able to find in a regular store, this is an excellent frugal option. No parabens.
Pros
- Low priced option
- Great scent
Cons
- One ingredient rated a 6 by EWG
- Some separation in tube
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!