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.
Neutral Skin & Hair Mineral Sunscreen
Details:
Price: 2017 price estimate: ~$12-17 (8 oz.) ~$1.50-2.50/ounce
EWG rating: not rated
SPF: 33
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (25%), non nano
Antioxidants added: ?
Where to purchase: Amazon
Ease of application: +/- Average for zinc-based sunblocks
Scent: neutral
Water resistant? Likely. Plenty of beading up of water.
My experience: Neutral created a nice, thick lotion that is nearly very easy to rub in, just takes a little effort. If it’s greasy at all, you’ll barely notice.
In a lot of ways, there’s nothing remarkable about this lotion…which actually turns out to be a good thing. It doesn’t smell bad, it rubs in fine, it stays on in water, and it doesn’t do anything weird. Nothing much to report is great in this case!
As for ingredients, the list is very short, which is good and bad. There are two inactive ingredients that are totally natural: coconut oil and beeswax. Then there are 3 that made me research what they are:
* Polyhydroxystearic acid (widely used in conventional cosmetics, no data at EWG, but it has not been detected in human tissue or urine, although it’s unclear if testing has been done or just limited data. Source)
* Triethoxycaprylylsilane (no data at EWG)
* C12-C15 alkyl benzoate (rated 1 at EWG, very safe, but based on limited data. That data say it’s likely not a concern to the environment or human health.)
So that’s a little less natural than I’d prefer, and I’m unsure about there being no antioxidants added that I can tell, but overall, I think this brand did a nice job formulating and is in the running for sure.
Star Feature: Huge size in the field for a tiny price! This one is a great budget option. I would use it on my kids hands down.
The ONLY reason this product is not in the “recommends” section is because I’m unsure of the antioxidant ingredient(s). It’s so close, a month of good experience with it or a breath might push it back up there.
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!