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Better for the planet and sensitive skin, here’s why you should make the switch to mineral SPF
With melanoma skin cancer cases at an all-time high, we’re here to stress how important it is to wear sunscreen – not just when you’re away but at home, too. If you are flying off for a beach break, you might want to pay attention to what’s actually in your chosen sunscreen formula, because some are so harmful to the environment they might even be banned at your holiday destination.
In 2015, a study revealed that a popular chemical UV filter (found in many sunscreens) is toxic to our oceans, coral reefs and marine life. With more research, other chemical filters have been found to be damaging, too. You can easily remember them as the “three Os”: oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene (although, there are other troubling ingredients).
The trouble is, without doing a little research or reading the ingredients label, the task of finding an eco-friendly formula is quite difficult. Don’t be misled by “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” labelling – neither of these terms are officially regulated, so they can’t always be trusted. Your best bet is to stick with mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide and titanium oxide filters instead. They’re also known as physical sunscreens because they sit on the skin’s surface and block the rays getting to the skin – reflecting them rather than absorbing them like chemical filters.
Mineral sunscreens may also be better for your skin: “Unlike chemical sunscreens, there is little chance of mineral products causing skin irritation – especially if you suffer from acne, eczema or sensitive skin,” explains Dr Adil Sheraz, consultant dermatologist. That being said, not all mineral formulations are created equal. If you want an eco-friendly formula, you need to find non-nano or coated ingredients, as nanoparticles can also be toxic to the environment.
We also know mineral sunscreens have fallen out of favour with consumers in the past, as some formulas leave a white cast on the surface of the skin. While some still can, you’ll find the latest offerings much more transparent. We know it’s confusing, but stick with us, as we’ve done the hard work for you by rounding up the best eco-friendly and reef-safe formulas.
The latest eco-friendly formulas were trailed for a minimum of five days, and marked on ease-of-use, feel and finish. All are mineral formulations with non-nano ingredients, making them eco-friendly, so you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind, knowing you’re not causing harm to our waterways, seas or oceans.
“The biggest concern about SPFs for the planet is the pollution that it does to the oceans, thus affecting the ecosystem of these delicate environments,” explains Dr Ross Perry, medical director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics.
According to The Ocean Foundation, an estimated 14,000 tons of sunscreen is believed to be deposited in oceans annually, and it’s a big problem: protectants, preservatives and parabens found in chemical sunscreens, which wash off into the water, can endanger marine organisms and contribute towards coral bleaching.
So, what should we be considering when opting for an eco-friendly or reef-friendly sunscreen? Well, the first thing worth noting is “reef-friendly” and “reef-safe” are not regulated terms. Generally speaking, though, eco-sunscreens are natural alternatives to traditional sunscreens: they are biodegradable and made of non-toxic ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which block the sun’s UV rays and include safe synthetic filters.
The most common mineral sun filters – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are known to leave a white cast, so, this can be an issue for darker skin tones, but with formulas becoming more advanced, a good rubbing in will usually make any white, chalky residue disappear.
Dr Perry also shares this useful piece of advice: “When looking for a coral-friendly sunscreen, ideally, you’re looking for ones that don’t have oxybenzone and octinoxate ingredients, as these are known to cause the most damage to coral reefs.”
You should look out for the SPF rating of at least 30 for UVB; HEV filters to protect against blue light, and, ideally, a five-star rating for UVA.
“Eco-sunscreen is particularly suitable for people with sensitive skin or skin conditions such as eczema,” says Dr Lakhani, cosmetic doctor and skin care specialist at Harley Street’s Cranley Clinic. “Also, if you’re prone to sun rash or other issues like prickly heat, eco-sunscreen can be particularly beneficial.”
It’s estimated 14,000 tons of sun cream end up in the oceans each year (from people bathing and swimming), so, it’s understandable that several countries and US states have banned certain chemical sunscreens from entering their waters.
Tourist hotspots include Hawaii, Florida’s Key West, and parts of Thailand, Mexico and the Caribbean, to name a few. Some are even handing out big fines if you are caught using sunscreen with banned chemical filters, so, checking the guidelines for each destination is highly recommended. Switching to an eco-friendly formulation isn’t just a must if you’re lucky enough to be travelling to these places, but also if you don’t want to pollute your own water here at home or leave a trace wherever you’re travelling to.
Reach for the Pai British summer time illuminating sunscreen for a daily facial sunscreen suitable for all skin types. It adds a lit-from-within healthy-looking glow to the skin as well as meeting all our eco credentials, making it our number-one choice. For holidays, the Sol de Janeiro Rio radiance SPF 50 body spray is a top choice, too, thanks to its lovely fragrance, big bottle and easy-to-apply spray.
For more sustainably sourced products, read our guide to the best vegan and cruelty-free skincare brands