Woman applying safe sunscreen to her nose and wearing a large hat

Our Favorite Approved Sunscreens

If you’ve been watching our awkward Facebook videos lately you’ve probably heard us talk about potentially harmful ingredients in sunscreen. We’ve been getting some inquires lately on what sunscreens are best to use, so I put together this little SPF guide just for you! 

At Skin Essentials we are adamant about avoiding common sunscreen chemicals like Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone and Octisalate because of their potential harmful affect on the body and the environment. This list is free from all of those things.

Skin Essentials Approved Sunscreens:

1. Brush on Block

It’s a powder not a cream so you can leave it in a hot car, take it on an airplane and wear it over your makeup! With 15% Titanium Dioxide and 12% Zinc Oxide you are protected from harmful UV rays. With naturally occurring minerals and soothing botanicals, this formula is one of the safest sunscreens on the market. It’s also kid-friendly and refillable!

2. Suntegrity 5 in 1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer

This one is a BB (Beauty Benefit) cream that hydrates, protects and primes. It provides mineral broad spectrum SPF 30. It wears like a light foundation and comes in 4 color variations. Besides getting effective sun protection it’s also loaded with skin-friendly ingredients like hyaluronic acid, red algae, all vera, jojoba, pomegranate and cucumber to name just a few!

3. 302 Mineral Moisturizer

Light, fast absorbing, slightly tinted 100% mineral moisturizer is easily spread, dries quickly and protects with natural micronized minerals zinc and titanium oxide. You can wear this one over your regular moisturizer or on it’s own. It’s great for evening out skin tone in fairer complexions. 

4. Kari Gran Essential SPF 28

This mineral sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide as an active barrier to shield you from UVA and UVB rays. It’s made with organic botanical oils and protects while it hydrates to promote healthy, glowing skin. This one has a luxurious, silky, serum feel and leaves the skin slightly dewy.

5. Blissoma Photonic Light Shifting Solution SPF 25 Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen + Moisturizer

This green beauty cult favorite is great for all ages and all skin types. It wears like a rich serum with a clean, elegant feel and is made with a base of organic herb infusion and vitamin rich seed oils. 

Other sun-safe considerations

  • Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure you have one that is broad spectrum, meaning it protects you from both UVA and UVB rays (think A for aging and B for burning).
  • Remember the fairer your skin is the more protection you will need.
  • Darker skin types are not as vulnerable to burning from UV light but they still need protection from UV damage.
  • If you are acne prone, don’t use the sun’s rays to dry up your acne! It’s tempting, I know, but the long-term effects and risks to your health are not worth it! See an esthetician for better acne clearing methods.
  • Check your expiration dates. If there is no expiration on your SPF, then assume it’s only good for one year.
  • Don’t forget to protect the ears and the scalp, these commonly get forgotten.

Sunscreen is only one line of defense agains UV damage. Throw in a sun hat, sunglasses and consider a little time spent in the shade!—By Pam Edmondson