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 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.
Vanicream for Sensitive Skin
Overall
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Ease of Application
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Clean Ingredients
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Water Resistant
Details:
2022 UPDATE: Vanicream sunscreens have been reformulated with just zinc oxide. I hope to test the new formulation but I haven’t yet. If you have, let me know your thoughts! 
Price Range: $$$$
EWG rating: 3
SPF: 60
Active ingredient(s): titanium dioxide (7.5%), zinc oxide (7.5%) , nano particles (<100 nm according to EWG)
Other ingredients: C20-40 Alcohols, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Cocoglycerides, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Dimethicone, 1,2 Hexanediol, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Magnesium Chloride, Octadecene, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Purified Water, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Squalane, Stearyl Dimethicone, Tridecyl Salicylate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ubiquinone (coenzyme Q10)
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E
Where to purchase: Amazon, Vanicream site
Ease of application: + very creamy
Scent: smells like sunscreen
Water resistant? Not sure (claims water resistance up to 80 minutes)
My experience: Whenever I read ingredients and can’t pronounce or recognize at least half, I sort of glaze over. I just think, “Why bother with this one when there are so many truly natural brands available?” However, somehow this is the ONLY mineral sunblock I’ve seen that lists a rating of SPF over 30, so I can say I’m very happy that at least the active ingredients are not chemicals. It was listed as the very favorite of a friend who tested a handful of creams, who said it was “so creamy” and rubbed in the best of those she tried.
Star Feature: I suppose if you’ve got someone who just won’t wear anything that’s labeled below a 50, this is a great safer option.
Pros
- Very creamy, easy to apply
- SPF over 30
Cons
- Ingredients are unpronounceable and unrecognizable
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!