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Mineral Sunscreen Review: Original Sprout

Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? You’re making a smart choice!

Natural Mineral Sunscreens that are good but not great. Over 100 brands tested by one family.

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.

Original Sprout Face & Body SPF 27
Overall
3
  • Ease of Application
  • Clean Ingredients
  • Water Resistant

Details:

Original Sprout SunscreenPrice Range: $$$$

EWG rating: 2

SPF: 27

Active ingredient(s): Zinc Oxide 10%, non nano

Antioxidants added: raspberry and rosemary extract

Other ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Fruit Extracts of Pyrus Malus (Apple), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot), Vanilla Planifolia, Dipteryx Odorata Seed, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple), Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Lonicera Japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle), Extracts of Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Organic Arnica Montana Flower, Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit, Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower, Organic Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit, Polysilicone-15, Citric Acid, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxy Stearic Acid, Sodium Phytate, Xanthan Gum

Where to purchase: Amazon or Original Sprout site

Ease of application: + goes on very smoothly

Scent: tropical vanilla (the kids like it)

Water resistant? Not sure – tube doesn’t claim to

My experience: This cream goes on very smoothly and wintered well in the closet. In one experience, it protected arms from burning better than another brand with a 32 SPF.

My review: I want to love this one because I have nothing bad to say about it, but nonetheless it slides into “other recommended” for two reasons: (1) I’m not confident about how well it stays on in the water and don’t see beeswax to reassure me in the ingredients. (2) I worry about the low percentage of zinc oxide (10%). I usually see fully double that, and if application isn’t perfect (i.e. too thin) people could end up with far less protection than they’re hoping.

I also prefer ingredients that I can pronounce and know I have better options.

Pros

  • Goes on smoothly

Cons

  • Low percentage of zinc oxide
  • Not waterproof (?)

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!

Have you tried this sunscreen? Was your experience similar to mine?

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