Overheard at Joyous Health: Best Natural Sunscreens

The next topic of hot discussion at the office these days: natural sunscreen!

This past weekend, I spent most of my days outdoors with my little one. The weather was perfect and the sun was beaming! I diligently coated my kid in sunscreen and then proceeded to cover myself, head to toe. It made me think, what are my co-workers at Joyous Health using to protect themselves from UVA and UVB rays? We know that conventional sunscreens don't cut it – they contain a cocktail of chemicals and toxins that can be as damaging to your health as the sun, as well as being harmful to marine life, especially coral reefs. But here's the catch: natural sunscreen has a bad rep for making you look ghostly white, thanks to the zinc, and perhaps not being as effective (not true!).

"On my face, I'm alternating between Coola's Rosilliance Organic BB Cream and everyone's favourite Consonant Perfect Sunscreen, which is Joyous Health Approved, by the way! Both feel great on my skin – they're silky and wonderful and offer amazing protection. In my opinion, these sunscreens set the gold standard for what natural sunscreens should be."

"For Vienna, I've always used Green Beaver! It's gluten-free, fragrance-free and I feel confident knowing Vienna is totally protected when she's having fun in the sun. I apply the spray on her body since it's much easier to get onto a squirmy toddler and, for her face, I'll use the cream. I also use the cream on my body."

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"I am IN LOVE with Coola Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Matte Tint Natural Beige! It doesn't even feel like you're wearing sunscreen! You'll be amazed at how beautifully it applies and absorbs and how it doesn't leave any sticky or white residue, which is why it works great as a foundation base. I used a natural sunscreen prior that left a very sticky white film and was nervous about purchasing a natural sunscreen again, but after reading a ton of reviews, weighing the options and assessing each of the sunscreen's EWG rankings, I felt confident about this one."

"Shout out to Consonant Skincare's The Perfect Sunscreen. While it is slightly sticky, I don't mind it if I'm not wearing makeup as it feels more heavy duty – perfect if I plan on spending the whole day in the sun!

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"I like using Derma E Natural Mineral Sunscreen Oil-Free Face Lotion SPF 30. It’s easy to work into my face overtop moisturizer, it’s non-greasy and light enough to wear underneath makeup." 

"For days where I’m out and about in the sun for quite some time, I’ve been using Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen – I know it’s marketed for kiddos, but it’s got a broad spectrum of SPF 50+ and the EWG gives it a 1. It applies and absorbs quickly and I never feel excessively oily afterward."

I used and loved Consonant's The Perfect Sunscreen all winter long. It's subtly tinted, which means there's no white sheen and I can wear it alone or layer it under makeup.

In the summer, I prefer something more lightweight, so I've been slathering on Beautycounter's Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30. The water-resistant zinc oxide formula protects against UVA, UVB and blue light, plus it’s infused with antioxidants and aloe vera. So far so great – it absorbs beautifully and smells citrusy. Best of all, my daughter can use this one, too.

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• Stay in the shade when possible and wear a sun hat.
• On the ingredients list, look for zinc oxide as the active ingredient or titanium dioxide as a second choice – that's it. The best sunscreens should be a bit challenging to rub in!
• In addition to sunscreen, consider other ways to protect your skin naturally
• When outdoors for an extended amount of time or if you go in the water, reapply and then reapply again.

  Do you have any natural sunscreen favourites to add to the list? Let's hear them in the comments!