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.
TruKid Sunny Days Mineral Sunscreen
Overall
-
Ease of Application
-
Clean Ingredients
-
Water Resistant
Details:
Price Range: ~$$$$
UPDATE 4/2012: demoted for too many ingredients, including phenoxyethanol (see comments for more information). UPDATE 2013: The ingredients have been considerably cleaned up! I’d love to test the new TruKid; I have a feeling it would pop up into the “recommended” list with its new ingredients.
EWG rating: 2
SPF: 30+
Active ingredient(s): zinc oxide (20%), non-nano (200 micron sized)
Other ingredients: Purified water Aloe barbadensis leaf juice Capric caprylic triglycerides (coconut) Sorbitan stearate (vegetable) Polyglyceryl-4 isostearate Hexyl laurate Cetyl dimethicone (sand) Dimethicone Castor oil Magnesium sulfate (epsom salt) Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil Cucumis sativus (cucumber) fruit extract Camellia sinesis (green tea) oil Tocopherol (Vitamin E) Punica granatum extract (pomegranate juice) Hyaluronic acid Ethylhexlglycerin (vegetable) Polymaminopropyl biguanide TruKid proprietary scent blend
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E, green tea
Where to purchase: Amazon, TruKid online
Ease of application: + creamy, rubs in well, does not separate in the tube
Scent: One of my son’s favorites, smells like oranges
Water resistant? Not sure – it doesn’t claim to be and doesn’t bead up like some others. UPDATE: TruKid does sell a sport version that is “very water resistant.”
My experience: TruKid kind of flew under the radar as one that was unremarkable other than its pleasant scent. It was so easy to put on and never drew our attention by looking odd or allowing a burn, so I guess it’s a winner by default! UPDATE: My only trouble with the product is the plethora of ingredients, many of them sounding chemical-ish although still a “1” at EWG, and the owner explains every single ingredient, where it comes from and what it’s for right here. 2012: The tube is still easy to use and remains a favorite scent!
Star Feature: Started by a mom concerned for her kids, TruKid stays up on safe ingredients and even took Vitamin A right out of their product when its safety was questioned.
Gluten-free product, which can be a big deal! They also have fun shampoo, conditioner and body wash that my kids love and offer a good compromise option between conventional SLS-based shampoos and castile soap. Customer service is prompt, too!
Pros
- Mom-started company with concern for safe ingredients
- Great scent!
Cons
- Long ingredient list
- Original formula is 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!