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.
Bare Belly Organics SPF 30 Tub, SPF 34 Body Stick, SPF 34 Face Stick
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:
2020 Update: DISCONTINUED
Price: 2019 price estimate: $$$$ (stick and tub) $$$$ (face stick)
EWG rating: 1
SPF: 30-34
Active ingredient(s): non-nano uncoated zinc oxide (15-25%)
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E
Other ingredients: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Sesame Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Beeswax – the same in both tub and stick – must just be more beeswax in the stick??
Where to purchase: Amazon: body stick, set of all 3
Ease of application: +/- Average for zinc-based sunblocks – tubs are always very easy to apply quickly, and we love sticks for faces (BUT I read and would agree that people using sticks tend to not apply a thick enough layer on their body – it just takes too long!)
Scent: neutral, almost unpleasant
Water resistant? Probably with the beeswax, more testing needed.
My experience: The tub arrived very gritty and often separated a lot. I could shake it but did not go “all in” and just stir it. So it’s ok. It unfortunately has a track record of allowing some light burns, so although I love the ingredients, I can’t put it up in the “recommends” list. If you don’t have very light skin, this still might be a good choice.
The stick actually protected an arm for 6 hours at a picnic better than another brand at SPF 32, but because of the typical not-applying-enough problem, I don’t recommend sticks for body use. The face stick is just too expensive per ounce! I would use the body stick on faces personally and highly recommend that.
Pros
- Super clean, organic ingredients
Cons
- Gritty texture to tub
- Allowed burns
- Almost unpleasant scent
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!