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west coast beauty

Best Beach-Friendly SPF

Save the planet… and your skin. Mineral sunscreens that won’t murder the reefs.

Written On 3/7/2022

Any derm will tell you that the most important skincare product in all of the land is sunscreen.

They will tell you that not only should you be wearing it Every. Single. Day. but also that you must faithfully reapply often.

That said, not all sunscreens are created equal. And did you know: Chemical SPF can be hurtful to our oceans. For example, traditional ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate were actually recently banned in Hawaii due to their coral-harming effects. And mineral sunscreens—which rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays—are not only better for the environment, they’re gentler, better options for sensitive skin, and they work right away (as opposed to needing to apply and wait around for like 15 minutes before sun exposure. Like, who actually does that!?).

So, without further ado, behold, mineral SPFs you won’t mind wearing like, all the time.

The Gold Standard

This sheer, tinted sunscreen adapts to skin tone (without leaving an ick white cast) and the formula is silky smooth. Trust: it goes on like buttah. It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and besides titanium dioxide, it leverages artemia salina, a plankton extract that helps protect skin and boost UV-resistance. No parabens, no fragrance, non-comedogenic… this stuff is the real deal for serious skincare connoisseurs.

The Complexion Savior

A lot of people with oily and combination skin types tend to avoid sunscreen because so many formulas exacerbate these conditions and feel greasy. Not the case here! Supergoop! is basically the bomb when it comes to innovative, customized formulas that do the trick depending on your steeze. This mineral formula offers broad spectrum SPF 40 and leaves a mattified look for shine control. Like.

The Fun Sidekick

Remember way back when we mentioned that technically you’re supposed to be reapplying your SPF throughout the day to achieve maximum benefits? Know you’re not trying to hear that because it’s hella inconvenient, but it’s true. And this little pony will help you accomplish that goal. Just stash in your bag or glove compartment and brush on mineral sunscreen goodness in powder form whenever the need suits you.

The Hippie Chick

We are totally vibing on this organic, chemical- and cruelty-free, reef safe option that uses non-nano zinc oxide to repel harsh rays. But what else does this pasty powerhouse bring to the table? Delicious-sounding ingredients such as all-natural and sustainable coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter and cinnamon oil, Sign us up, we’ll take a few!

The Kid Stuff

If it’s good enough for babies, it’s good enough for us (and our kids, obvi). This high SPF mineral sunscreen comes in super-convenient sprayable form and the price is just totally right. The clean formula is free of PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances, and nano-particles, but we like that it does include a comforting proprietary blend of blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin and raspberry seed oils, which is cool for kids of all ages.

stay protected

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