Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? Try my natural sunscreen review instead.
With over 100 sunscreens tested by my family of six since 2010, we’ve had our share of miserable failures. White out? Paint drying? Sticky, chalky, makes you look like an alabaster statue or Casper the ghost?
I will tell you this: it’s entirely possible to find a zinc oxide sunscreen that is reef safe, really works, and goes on smoothly.
This brand is not one of them.
Read the full review below to find out all of its transgressions, and then be sure to go to my ultimate guide to natural mineral sunscreens to find a safe sunscreen that really works.
Sunology: Face, Body & Kids
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
Price: 2020 price estimate: $$$$
EWG rating: 1
SPF: 50
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (10%), titanium dioxide (7.5%) I’d guess at least micronized zinc as the website describes its technology as “micro mirrors”
Other ingredients: Aluminum Hydroxide, BIS-PEG-12 Dimethicone Candelillate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, C18-38 Alkyl Hydroxystearol Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Feruloyl Soy Glycerides, Glyceryl Isostearate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) oil, Hydrated Silica, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Moringa Oleifera Seed oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propylene Carbonate, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, Tocopherol.
Antioxidants added: Ferulic acid, apparently…!
Where to purchase: Sunology and Amazon
Ease of application: +/- Average for zinc-based sunblocks
Scent: slightly unpleasant
Water resistant? rated to 80 minutes
My experience: Before even opening them, here’s what I notice:
- All 3 types (face, body, kids) have exactly the same ingredients in exactly the same order. They might use slightly different amounts, I suppose, but it seems fishy to me.
- All the ingredients are chemical sounding. None set off alarms in my head, but they’re not the epitome of “from natural sources” or whatever the box says.
- Its star ingredient, Ferulic acid, is derived from soybeans. Again, not exactly a star performer in the real natural living world. Bah.
When you start reading all the ingredients, take into account that I don’t like titanium dioxide anyway, and look at the expensive price…it’s just not worth writing any more about this brand.
Pros
- EWG rating of 1
Cons
- Soy ingredients
- Slightly unpleasant scent
- Uses titanium dioxide
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!