Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? Try my natural sunscreen review instead.
With over 100 sunscreens tested by my family of six since 2010, we’ve had our share of miserable failures. White out? Paint drying? Sticky, chalky, makes you look like an alabaster statue or Casper the ghost?
I will tell you this: it’s entirely possible to find a zinc oxide sunscreen that is reef safe, really works, and goes on smoothly.
This brand is not one of them.
Read the full review below to find out all of its transgressions, and then be sure to go to my ultimate guide to natural mineral sunscreens to find a safe sunscreen that really works.
Babyganics: Various Versions
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
Price Range $$$$
EWG rating: 1-7, depending on product
SPF: 15-50
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octinoxate, octisalate
Other ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Neopentyl Glycol Diethylhexanoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Stearyl/Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Hydrogenated Dimer Dilinoleyl/Dimethylcarbonate Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Glycerin*, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Seed Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil*, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Jojoba Esters, Stearyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Alumina, Ethylhexylglycerin, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Phenoxyethanol *certified organic ingredient
Antioxidants added: sunflower seed oil, cranberry seed oil, black cumin seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, and more
Where to purchase: Amazon
Ease of application: The one I tried goes on like paint drying – meaning that if you don’t rub it in within a second or two, you get white smears that are impossible to do anything with.
Scent: neutral
Water resistant? not sure
My experience: I’m so disappointed in this brand! It came recommended by readers, but when I received 5 different versions (pure mineral sunscreen SPF 30, moisturizing daily lotion with SPF 15 sunscreen, pure mineral sunscreen stick SPF 50, mineral-based sunscreen SPF 50+, and mineral-based sunscreen spray SPF 50+), I was shocked at the BAD chemical ingredients in the spray and SPF 50+ “mineral-based sunscreen” versions, so honestly, why bother with the line? If they’re going to use chemicals sometimes it gets too confusing. I’d rather be able to recommend a brand for being upright and non-toxic all the time and not have to say, “Babyganics is ok but not this version or this version…”
Even in the mineral-based ‘screens of this brand, they use titanium dioxide which is not my preference at all. And it includes phenoxyethanol, which is pretty safe, but wouldn’t you rather have totally non-toxic and the best available?
Pros
- Easy to find at big retail stores
Cons
- Too many versions with varying degrees of safe ingredients
- Not easy to rub in
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!