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.
Dr. Mercola Healthy Skin Natural Sunscreen with Astaxanthin
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
2024 UPDATE: This sunscreen has been discontinued.
Price Range: $$$$
EWG rating: 1 (old formuationn)
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (20%), non nano particles
Other ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Water, Sunflower Oil, Lecithin, Cetearyl alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Jojoba Oil, Shea butter, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, coconut oil, Gluconolactone Potassium Sorbate, Xanthan gum, Punica granatum fruit extract, Tocopheryl, Raspberry Seed Oil, Astaxanthin, Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil.
Antioxidants added: Astaxanthin, and that one is HUGE for sun protection!
Where to purchase: Mercola online, Amazon
Ease of application: + Scent: quite pleasant and sunscreen-y, be careful if you’re sensitive to eucalyptus
Water resistant? Certainly isn’t visible on the skin at all, does not make water bead up, and in fact, it seemed to float right away when immersed in water. ??? BUT I must say that I tested a pre-2017 formulation so quite honestly, I’m not sure any of my experience applies to the new sunscreen!
My experience: I do love that this sunscreen comes in such big bottles and doesn’t cost very much. In fact, it’s really great except that I worry how long it will last in the water. I don’t have any proof one way or the other on this brand, but it sure looks like it comes right off. The flip side of the “waterproof” issue is “how well does it rub in,” which is truly excellent. For running around the neighborhood (and slathering on visiting neighbors), this is one of my picks for sure. The good news? The ingredients in this version are soooo much better than the 2017 version which had Vitamin A, a huge no-no for suncare products, and now Mercola has added raspberry seed oil and Astaxanthin, two powerhouses for sun protection. I can’t wait to get my hands on some to see if it still rubs in well!
Star Feature: Low cost, reef safe, rubs in great.
Pros
- Super easy application
- Less expensive option in big bottles
Cons
- Not sure about water resistance
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!