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.
Keys Solar RX Broad Spectrum Sunblock
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
2023 UPDATE: DISCONTINUED
Price Range: $$$$
EWG rating: 1
SPF: 30+
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (18%), uncoated nano particles
Other ingredients: Shea Butter 10%, Avocado Oil, Carrot Seed Oil, Black Cumin Oil, Essential Oil Blend, Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Vegatable Wax, Rosemary Extract
Antioxidants added: ?
Where to purchase: Keys website, Amazon, and independent seller Angela Regali
Ease of application: +/- creamy, but rubs in about average for a zinc-based block; I like the applicator pump
Scent: great – smells like oranges!
Water resistant? Not at all, and it doesn’t claim to be
My experience: Keys Soap was the first zinc block we tested, and my 2-year-old daughter ended up with red bumps on her arms afterwards. It may have simply been as a result of her first exposure to the sun for an extended period this year, or an initial reaction to the zinc, but it never happened again with this or any zinc product. I’m not crazy about any sunscreen that isn’t water resistant, because we’re either going to be sweating or swimming if we’re in need of a sunscreen. It visibly ran down my friend’s skin as he sweated playing volleyball.
Star Feature: “Our nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) is uncoated to provide healing therapies associated with zinc oxide. The uncoated zinc has also proven to be anti-bacterial and antimicrobial and can reduce redness, rosacea, age spots and melasma.”
Other products: I got to test all sorts of little samples from Keys Soap, and I do love them all! They have great healing lotion for eczema and after sun, a bug itch spray that helped my son sleep when the mosquito bites were keeping him awake, and even shampoo and conditioner with zero chemicals. I use about 4 drops of the shampoo on my kids’ heads, and it all smells yummy like oranges.
Keys Soap on the left, Miessence on the right. The difference is striking! Can you see the the Keys is actually dripping down the skin just from sweat?
Pros
- Great scent
- Unique applicator pump
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Cause one child to break out in red bumps
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!