The Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin The Natural Way

What is zinc oxide? 

To explain exactly what zinc oxide does, you first need to understand the difference between physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays into the skin, convert those rays into heat, and then re-release them back into the environment. On the other hand, physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral sunscreens) physically block UV rays and basically create an invisible shield on the skin. The rays immediately bounce off physical sunscreen–no absorption here. 

Zinc oxide is an active ingredient in almost all physical sunscreen formulas as it's one of the most effective physical blockers available. It's a naturally reflective material and does an excellent job keeping harmful UVA and UVB rays at bay as well as other environmental stressors like free radicals.

Is zinc oxide safe?

After recent regulation changes, zinc oxide is actually one of the only two ingredients approved for use in sunscreen by the FDA. (The other is titanium dioxide.) It's non-comedogenic, antimicrobial, and only causes irritation in extremely rare cases. For this reason, zinc oxide sunscreens are generally what dermatologists recommend to people with sensitive skin.

The best zinc oxide sunscreens

Now that you have a better understanding of what zinc oxide is and how it works, here are a few products that use the mineral as an active ingredient.

1. COOLA SUNCARE Full Spectrum 360° Mineral Sun Silk Crème Organic Sunscreen SPF 30

This hydrating sunscreen combines 15 percent zinc oxide with a host of other skin-loving ingredients. It comes infused with COOLA's proprietary blend of supercharged antioxidants which fight against harmful free radicals. You'll also find niacinamide here, which has breakout-taming properties that acne-prone skin types will love. This ingredient can also help with rosacea, pigmentation issues, and wrinkles. Sometimes zinc oxide products can feel thick and heavy, but this oil-free formula goes on super light and can easily be applied under makeup.

2. ANDALOU NATURALS CannaCell® Sun Buddy SPF 30

Here's a natural, vegan formula that pairs 20 percent zinc oxide with hemp stem cells, organic hemp seed oil, and pure plant essential oils. Hemp seed oil is rich in vitamin E and emollient fatty acids, aiding in nourished, hydrated skin. This zinc sunscreen also adds an extra layer of protection by including a host of antioxidants that keep you protected from free radical damage. Oily skin types are likely to love the hemp seed oil in this mineral lotion as this ingredient can help to regulate oil production in the skin.

3. JERSEY SHORE COSMETICS AMH Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30

For those times when you need sun protection that can fit in your pocket, bring this small but mighty mineral sunscreen stick. This SPF 30 sunblock combines zinc oxide with red raspberry seed oil, coconut oil, and buckthorn oil. Red raspberry seed oil is an antioxidant and is thought to contain natural UV-blocking abilities; hydrating coconut oil allows for a smooth application and leaves the skin feeling soft; meanwhile, buckthorn oil comes with anti-aging benefits.

4. PETER LAMAS Sheer Zinc Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

In this formula, zinc oxide meets innovative ingredients like photosomes and grape stem cells. While zinc oxide provides solid protection against the potential of skin cancer and any future skin damage, photosomes and grape stem cells work together to reverse any sun damage that's already been done, leaving the skin both protected and more radiant overall. To round things out, trusty hyaluronic acid steps in to help keep the skin nicely hydrated.

5. ERBAVIVA Sunscreen

For those who love to keep their beauty products super clean, ERBAVIVA focuses on using farm-to-table ingredients in all its skincare products. Here, zinc oxide provides SPF 30 while aloe, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, chamomile, and lavender work together to soothe, moisturize, and provide additional UV protection. This coral reef safe-option can be used on the face or as a body sunscreen.

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