Each year the Environmental Working Group releases a list of approved sunscreens that meet strict criteria: free from chemicals of concern and made with the highest expectations of transparency. But here’s the problem for women like us: most of them are mineral sunscreens.
Mineral sunscreens tend to be white and goopy, don’t play well under makeup and tend to be sticky and streaky on your body. While chemical sunscreens are much more pleasing to use, they contain questionable ingredients, some of which can actually change our hormonal systems over time as well as damage the environment. In 2018, Hawaii banned a number of chemical sunscreens, widely available in drug stores, because of their harmful effects on coral reefs.
Finding a sunscreen that is safe and wearable
It is not an easy task to find a sunscreen approved by the EWG but also ranked highly by women reviewers. That’s because the main focus of the scientists at the EWG when evaluating sunscreens is threefold: ingredients of concern, transparency of disclosure and manufacturing practices.
EWG ratings range from one to ten, with one being the lowest hazard and ten being the worst. However, women who want to protect their skin from the sun tend to be most concerned with a sunscreen’s ease of use, its texture, and its pleasing feel on the skin. Like diets and exercise equipment, sunscreens have to be easy to use with some degree of convenience. If not, they won’t become a good habit.
We choose these sunscreens for women over 60
We undertook the difficult task of finding sunscreens that were not only verified by the EWG but also well reviewed by users. EWG’s list only includes mineral sunscreens because they are not absorbed into the body; they sit on the surface of the skin and act as a barrier.
[The right sunscreen can save your life. Here’s why…]
In selecting these sunscreens, we used following criteria:
- Must be an EWG verified product
- Must offer full spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Must have minimal white cast
- Some formulated for sensitive skin, preferable for facial sunscreen
- Some unscented, preferable for facial sunscreen
- Must have a pleasant “finish” on the skin, i.e., not sticky or clammy
- Must work well under foundation, ideal for facial sunscreen
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (Face and body)
While not specifically labeled for face use, it’s excellent for face and body. It’s highly rated by EWG and suitable for sensitive skin. Reviewers say that it has a runnier texture than most sunscreens so it goes on more like a lotion. There is a slight white cast that disappears quickly. It has an 82% rating on amazon. Amazon review: “Makes applying mineral sunscreen SO much easier! No white goopy mess!” Buy it at amazon.com.
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Sensitive SPF 50
Another highly rated option by EWG, though not exclusively for facial use. It is an Allure Magazine Award Winner, is unscented and originated in Australia where they know a thing or two about sun protection. Blue Lizard meets the Australian requirement of 230 minutes of water resistance, far higher than the requirement in North America. It has a 79% rating on Amazon. Amazon review: “This sunscreen works well and blends well into the skin without an overly white sheen. Good protection and safe for sensitive skin.”Buy it at amazon.com.
Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30
Suntegrity is an ideal facial sunscreen. It comes in four tints and offers an SPF of 30. Suntegrity has a whopping 80% rating on amazon, no easy feat for a facial sunscreen, but also a very low EWG rating; (remember, low is good). Amazon review: “This product is the best. For months, I’ve been researching non-toxic tinted mineral sunscreens that look natural and replace foundation, and this one wins the prize on all fronts.” Buy it at amazon.com.
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen
This unscented sunscreen, EWG verified, is made with just four simple ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax and vitamin E. Its light sunflower base makes it easy to apply, unusual for a mineral sunscreen and making it perfect for face and body. It is 80 minutes sweat and water resistant, which means you stay protected longer. Amazon review: “This stuff is AMAZING! I have dry skin so I love how moisturizing it is, plus it leaves no white cast!!! It’s definitely a thick paste when it comes out of the tube, but I like how it kind of melts into your skin and leaves you with a soft glow.” Buy it at amazon.com.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Babo Botanicals is a non-greasy mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF30. It is fragrance free, ideal for facial application and water resistant to 80 minutes. It is made with 24 plant-based ingredients including shea butter to moisturize and soothe skin. It has a gentle hydrating formula is great for sensitive skin. Amazon review: “This is the first sunscreen I’ve used that doesn’t leave my skin white. I’ve been looking for a clean brand to replace what we’ve been using, and this is amazing! It’s not thick and pasty like some… this feels more like a regular lotion and is quick and easy to rub in.” Buy it at amazon.com.
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