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.
Brush On Block Broad Spectrum SPF30 Mineral Powder
Overall
-
Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
Price Range: $$$$
EWG rating: not rated
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): Titanium Dioxide (15%) and Zinc Oxide (12%)
Other ingredients: Alumina, Boron Nitride, Chamomile Flower Extract, Green Tea Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Iron Oxides, Mica, Rice Lipids, Rice Starch, Safflower Oil, Silica, Stearic Acid, Triethoxycaprylsilane
Antioxidants added: Green Tea Extract
Water Resistance: rated up to 80 minutes
Where to purchase: Brush on Block, Amazon
Ease of application: –
I discovered a whole variety of natural sunscreens that I have never even heard of before! There are multiple brands that are simply a powder that you brush on your face, I assume — I’m not even sure if these are meant for your whole body.
I have to admit that although my frugal sensibilities fought against this, I spent very good money on Brush on Block and only tested it once in my own bathroom.
The mechanism for delivery is quite fascinating, as the brush itself is filled with the powder and you shake a little bit down from inside the handle to the brush, then apply it to your skin.
Cute, innovative, fascinating… But very concerning and very messy. It got everywhere in my sink, and I wrote down that there was no way to hold my breath long enough to not inhale some of the billowing dust cloud that ensued from trying to apply it to my face. Zinc oxide is not meant to be inhaled, so I’d never use this to keep myself safe from hazards! It seems counterproductive.
While I am on this note, I have noticed since then that most of my powder foundation from natural companies happens to have zinc oxide in it as well. Oh dear. I do try to hold my breath for sure. It’s something to look out for if you can find a brand that doesn’t have zinc oxide… Although if you must have it, at least you have some protection from the sun in your normal makeup routine.
Pros
- Innovative brush and concept
Cons
- Zinc oxide should not be inhaled
- Messy
- Only for face
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!