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 natural mineral sunscreen review 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.
Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
Price: 2020 price estimate: $$$$
EWG rating: 3
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (6%), non-nano, titanium dioxide (5%)
Other ingredients: Larch Tree Extract, Algae Extract, Natural Vitamin E, Grape Seed Extract, Cocoa Seed Butter, Vitamin C, Comfrey Plant Extract, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Jojoba Seed Oil, Rose Hip Oil, Deionized Water, Glycerin
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E and C, green tea leaf extract, alpha lipoic acid, grape seed extract
Where to purchase: Amazon, online retailers
Ease of application: – Sticky and thick, almost like toothpaste (see photo below), extremely hard to rub in
Scent: neutral
Water resistant? Maybe?
My experience: This one turns my arm hair white! I’m surprised that the percentage of zinc is less than some of the others because it is so thick and white. You definitely feel protected with this one. It doesn’t release any oils into the water, but it also doesn’t bead up as much as some of the others, so I’m not sure if it feels “water resistant.” One company spokesperson said it passed their “kitty litter test” and doesn’t clump up and make sand stick to your skin.
Note: Beyond Coastal also sells active sunscreens with chemical ingredients, but they are some of the safest chemical sunscreens available as well.
Star Feature: Green initiatives, U.S. made, family-friendly company.
2020 Update: It appears Beyond Coastal reformulated in 2019, and we have not yet tried the new formulation. It did get bumped down from 3 to 2 by the EWG. There is also a Face & Lip tin which, while still having titanium dioxide, has only super clean ingredients otherwise.
Pros
- Lots of antioxidants
- U.S., family-friendly company
Cons
- Extremely hard to apply
- Higher EWG rating
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!