My Favorite Cruelty-Free and Eco-Friendly Sun Protection Products
You probably already know that I never go a day without applying sunscreen. Protecting the skin from sun damage is so important for preventing cancer and pre-mature aging (not to mention the pain of a red-hot burn after a day at the beach – OUCH!). Which is why I’ve rounded up three of my favorite sun-protection products just in time for the heat of summer (we’re getting a late start here in Seattle)!
- For Over-Makeup Application
I’ve been loving Seriously Fab’s ZINC IT OVER sunscreen mist (SPF 25)! The formula is made to be applied over makeup (How cool is that?!), but can also be worn alone. Seriously Fab is a nontoxic, cruelty-free, vegan, all-natural brand that manufactures it’s travel-friendly products in the U.S. Now that’s a brand I can get behind! Their mist also does not contain any oxybenzone (the ingredient that kills corals), and is therefore reef safe!
ZINC IT OVER is super sheer, lightweight, and has no white cast. It sets makeup and protects skin against sun damage, in addition to providing hydration and nourishment.
I’ve used ZINC IT OVER both with and without makeup, and think its great both ways. I also think it would be great misted over the top of my hair to protect the scalp, although I haven’t tried it yet. I used it a ton when was in eastern Washington earlier this summer for a music festival, and it was so refreshing in the 90 degree heat.
This product is the perfect size to carry with you in your bag for reapplication throughout the day. Sunscreen wears off after two hours, so applying only in the morning isn’t adequate enough if you’re spending all day in the sun. I know I will be using this mist between work and roof-top happy hours all summer long (cue the margaritas and patio string lights!).
2. For Beach or Poolside Lounging
Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist (SPF 30) is the perfect all-over sunscreen to protect you from getting burnt while soaking up those rays. Beautycounter is nontoxic and cruelty-free. Their sunscreen is reef-friendly, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and sprays at any angle (they have a lotion too, if that’s more your thing). This sunscreen has the least whiteness of any mineral sunscreen I’ve ever used, and you really don’t even have to worry about it if you apply carefully and make sure not to over-do it. Everything in moderation.
Beautycounter also just came out with a tinted version of this formula (in two shades) – perfect if you’re darker skinned and mineral sunscreens always show up white on you!
3. For the “I’m going swimming!” Day
Pacifica’s Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic (SPF 30) is approved by surfers and for good reason. This formula is sun-care and skincare in one with coconut probiotics and zinc oxide. It is 100% vegan and cruelty-free, formulated without SLS, sulfates, parabens and petroleum, and free from chemical UV absorbers, PABA, octisalate, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. It provides UVA and UVB protection, and is water resistant up to 80 minutes.
I love this sunscreen because it nourishes the skin while protecting it, plus it truly lasts while swimming in the ocean. The tube lasts a long time because you don’t need a lot – in fact, you don’t want to use a lot in order to prevent white cast. Oh and I almost forgot to mention that the coconut scent is literal heaven!
Choosing the right sunscreen can be hard, but I hope that you feel more confident in finding one that’s good for you, the environment, and animals after reading this post. Now go enjoy some sun!
This post is in partnership with Seriously Fab. Be sure to check out the interview I did with them over on their blog!