Short reviews of all reef-safe face mineral sunscreens that I have tried
Before I begin my discussion of reef-safe/mineral sunscreens, I need to make one thing clear. More than anything else, climate change threatens coral reefs and their inhabitants. No amount of reef-safe sunscreen changes this fact. The reality is that switching to reef-safe sunscreen will not save them. If you are reading this because you want to save coral reefs, check out these 10 Ways to Fight Climate Change.
However, if you are like me and prefer mineral sunscreens, keep reading for my thoughts on the mineral sunscreens I have tried for my face.
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Why Sunscreen
You already know the importance of sunscreen. Mainly that sunscreen protects against sunburn and reduces your risk of skin cancer. But did you know that the sun’s UV rays cause other forms of skin damage? According to Dr. Heather L. Brannon, “Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light accounts for around 90% of all symptoms of skin injury.”
UV radiation and the free radicals it creates increase the rate collagen breaks down, resulting in wrinkles and the loss of elasticity. Redness around the nose is also expected and has various causes. One of these is telangiectasia (spider veins), in which sun damage leads to a thinning of blood vessel walls near the surface of the skin. And let’s not forget sunspots, also known as age spots or liver spots. Sunspots occur when melanin overproduces in response to sun damage.
Why Mineral Sunscreen?
Two types of sunscreen exist: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreen soaks into the skin, absorbing UVA and UVB rays. Oxybenzone and avobenzone are two common active ingredients of chemical sunscreens. Physical, or mineral, sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays away from the skin. Active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreen is gentler on the skin, making it the choice for those with sensitive skin or acne.
Furthermore, several studies have shown that chemical sunscreen is harmful to marine life, especially coral reefs. Some popular vacation spots, including the state of Hawaii, have banned chemical sunscreens. To avoid harming marine life, mineral sunscreen should not contain nanoparticles, particles less than 100 nanometers in size. In short, when looking for sustainable sunscreen, choose a non-nano mineral one.
Some argue that there is insufficient evidence that chemical sunscreens threaten coral reefs, and reef-safe claims are greenwashing (see Lab Muffin and The Eco Well). Considering the much more significant threat of climate change, I agree with them. However, there is enough evidence that chemical sunscreens can harm marine wildlife to make me wary of them.
Mineral Sunscreen Rankings
When shopping for mineral sunscreen, you need to keep two things in mind. First, the American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends using sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30. Second, dermatologists also recommend using a “nickel-sized dollop” on the face, more than most people use. For this reason, I do not recommend using your SPF foundation as your sunscreen. Nobody looks good with that much foundation.
Here are all the mineral face sunscreens I have tried, starting with my least favorite and working towards my favorite mineral face sunscreen.
Shout out to Chrystal of FifeteenAndFifteen handbags for testing some of these for white cast on a dark skin tone.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30) is one of the first products I reviewed on Beauty and the Planet. It was also the first (and currently only) product I gave one star. Other than reef safety, Blue Lizard provides no evidence supporting sustainability claims.
Derma E Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen
I like most Derma E products I have tried, but this is the one I cannot recommend it. The Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen (SPF 30) is reef-safe, has a 30 SPF rating, and is produced with renewable energy. But it leaves a white cast. I ended up using this as a body sunscreen.
Blissoma Phototonic Light Shifting Solution
I wish I could give the Blissoma Phototonic Light Shifting Solution (SPF 25) a higher rating. In addition to being reef-safe, it comes in a glass jar and uses minimal plastic. It also contains skin hydrating ingredients, vitamins, and anti-oxidants so that I don’t need to use both a moisturizer and a sunscreen. It doesn’t leave a white cast on me or darker skin tones. Unfortunately, it has an SPF of 25, not 30, as recommended by dermatologists.
EleVen by Venus Unrivaled Sun Serum
For the most part, I liked EleVen by Venus’s Unrivaled Sun Serum (SPF 35). My biggest complaint is the uneven texture of this mineral sunscreen. The Unrivaled Sun Serum separates easily and needs to be vigorously shaken each time. This wouldn’t have been so bad if it came with a functioning dropper. More often than not, the dropper clogged. It is an excellent reef-safe mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast. But it is too difficult to apply.
Brush on Block Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen
We all know you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours, but we rarely do. Brush on Block’s Translucent Mineral Powder Sunscreen (SPF 30) makes it convenient to reapply. With refillable cartridges, Brush on Block produces less waste than other sunscreens. I had no problem with a white cast, but I have not tested it on darker skin tones. I also have a hard time knowing how much of it I have put on.
Skin Authority SkinSuit Face
I saved the best for last. Of the mineral sunscreens I have tried, Skin Authority SkinSuit Face is my favorite. It has a nice texture, no greasiness, and doesn’t leave a white cast, even on dark skin tones. And Skin Authority is a sustainable brand! They make their packaging with 97% recycled materials and use environmentally-friendly vegetable-based inks, among other sustainable practices. This is the only mineral sunscreen that I have purchased twice.
I don’t advocate for anti-aging, but I believe in well aging, and protecting yourself from harmful UV rays is key to well-aging skin. I have listed and reviewed six mineral sunscreens for the face, but there are others, like Le Prunier’s Plumscreen (SPF 31) and Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 30), that I want to try.
Do you have a favorite mineral sunscreen? Tell me about it!
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