Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? Good idea! Chemical sunscreen is harmful to humans and to the environment, so it’s worth seeking out a brand that is safe.
My family has tested over 100 natural mineral sunscreens over the last 10 years, so we know what really works. I haven’t tried this particular brand, but I’ll share my thoughts about the ingredient list here. 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.
COOLA Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Unscented Moisturizer, SPF 50
Details:
Readers have also asked about this one. Here are the ingredients in the “baby” version:
- Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (Sunscreen) 7.3%, Zinc Oxide (Sunscreen) 4.3%
- Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Beeswax (ORGANIC), Bisabolol, Butyrospermum Parkii (ORGANIC Shea) Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Cocos Nucifera (ORGANIC Coconut) Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (ORGANIC Carnauba) Wax, Jojoba Esters, Oryzanol, Persea Gratissima (ORGANIC Avocado) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (ORGANIC Sesame) Seed Oil, Silica, Theobroma Cacao (ORGANIC Cocoa) Seed Butter, Tocopherol, Water
My thoughts:
- Very low percentages! Titanium dioxide is not preferred. I’m shocked that this is 50 SPF. Another mineral “face screen” by Coola has only 1.8% and 3.2% respectively of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. I just never see it that low.
- Coola also has a whole conventional line, so I am always nervous recommending a brand when then people still have to be very careful that they choose the “right” one. I’d rather keep it simple. It’s also $11-$13/ounce (2017 price estimate)!
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!