Mineral Sunscreen Review: Liquid Aloha

Details:

Price: 2021 price estimate: $$$$

EWG rating: not in database

SPF: unrated, but I would guess 35+ based on experience

Active ingredient(s): Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Other ingredients: Virgin Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Virgin Cocos Nucifera Coconut Oil, Helianthus Annuus Sunflower Oil, Cera Alba Beeswax, Vegetable Glycerin, Red Raspberry Seed Oil, Sunflower Lecithin, Lactobacillus Ferment Leucidal Liquid, AMTicide Coconut, Green Tea Extract, Vanilla Extract and Coconut Extract, Helichrysum Italicum Oil and Algae Source

Antioxidants added: green tea, red raspberry seed oil, sunflower oil and more

Where to purchase: A Wholesome Home’s Etsy Shop

Ease of application: + so smooth and creamy, and it rubs in very clear with less work than some of the other brands. It resulted in a slight sheen on my face a few times, but I never noticed that anywhere else. I often grabbed this tub especially for myself when we were running off somewhere. The only negative side I could even think of to list is that you might look a little shiny…that seems to be the trade-off if you’re not going to look white, you’ll be a little greasy or shiny. Scent: It smells nice, a bit earthy and not fruity at all, but it makes me feel crunchy and natural.

Water resistant? Adequate and more (but not listed officially on packaging)

My experience: I really love this little tub of “mineral skin protection” from a small home based business out of California. This brand was going to be in my top recommended category until I learned more about FDA regulations and realized it doesn’t have the drug facts box. That simply means that it is unregulated, which is why it is not titled a sunscreen officially.

I was intrigued to hear a friend testing out the sunscreens with us say, “I liked the feel but it made me nervous.” She felt that it looked a little too homemade, and perhaps she was on to something.

Star Feature: Easy application and “perfection” ingredients

My review: I’m bummed that this brand can’t be in the top tier because of FDA regs! However, if you trust my own testing, I will say that I used this one a lot in a lot of sun, and I even left one shoulder completely unprotected one day just to make sure it worked. I would vouch for its efficacy as my unprotected shoulder got quite pink, while the A Wholesome Home side remained perfectly unaffected. I would take this on vacation as my only lotion, which is a pretty good litmus test to know if something we’ve tested is very good! If you are looking for a very clear protection option, this gets a very high mark from me. And while you’re ordering, grab “Da Balm Diggity™” too, our new favorite balm for after sun care and pink cheeks!

UPDATE 6/25/21: The Wholesome Home Etsy shop hasn’t been open since December 2019, citing “growing pains.” We wish them the best and hope to see Liquid Aloha back in production!