Learn why Earth Mama mineral sunscreen is an excellent choice for non-toxic and eco-friendly sun protection, with formulas for babies, kids and adults.
Thank you to Earth Mama Organics for sponsoring this post. I may receive a small commission from items purchased through affiliate links in the post (at no extra cost to you.)
One day there is snow on the ground, and the next day – poof! – it is pool time! Ha! At least that’s what it seems like here in Minnesota.
Regardless of how much transition time you have between the seasons, it’s super important to have your sunscreen at the ready. Waiting until the last minute to buy sunscreen could mean running into the drug store and grabbing the nearest tube or spray, without time to consider whether or not the ingredients are healthy for you and your kids, or for the planet.
Why You Should Avoid Chemical Sunscreens
The first thing you should know about MOST sunscreens on the market today is that they are loaded with chemicals. You see, the personal care and beauty industry is not well-regulated, so companies can use almost any ingredient they want, without regard to safety. Sounds crazy, but it’s true.
Not only is the lotion base for most sunscreen products a chemical soup (including paraben preservatives, artificial fragrances and more), but the active sunscreen ingredients are chemical-based as well.
Sunscreen chemicals like oxybenzone, oxtinoxate, homosalate and octisalate are linked to negative health effects like hormone disruption and allergic reactions. The most worrisome sunscreen chemical, oxybenzone, is added to nearly 65 percent of non-mineral sunscreens and is so prevalent that it has been found in over 96% of the American population. (Read more about the problems with sunscreen chemicals here.)
Chemical sunscreen ingredients are also damaging to coral reefs. When people go swimming, sunscreen chemicals wash off in the ocean, where they can be absorbed by corals. Studies have shown that those chemicals disrupt coral’s reproduction and growth cycles, which can ultimately leading to bleaching.
Because of these negative effects – both for health and the environment, I recommend that you avoid chemical sunscreen products and look for mineral-based sunscreens instead.
How Mineral Based Sunscreens Work
Unlike chemicals sunscreens which absorb into the skin and bloodstream, mineral sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the skin. Instead, natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, form a barrier on the skin and reflect UV rays.
Mineral sunscreen ingredients are not harmful to humans, although it is important that they be non-nano – meaning that the particle size is not so small to be considered a nanoparticle. There is some concern that nanoparticles could penetrate skin or be dangerous when inhaled, so caution is suggested.
A couple other advantages of mineral sunscreens is that 1.) they start to work immediately after application (chemical sunscreens take 20 minutes to absorb) and 2.) they stay put on the skin and don’t break down in the sun like chemical sunscreens do.
RELATED: Non-Toxic Sunscreen Guide – Find the Best Sunscreen Types for Everyone in the Family
Why All Ingredients Matter in a Sunscreen
When shopping for a sunscreen, it’s important to look at ALL the ingredients in the product, not just the active ingredient.
In my research of sunscreens, I’ve seen all sorts of crazy combinations – including products that boast a mineral ingredient, but then use a chemical sunscreen as well. Those types of products usually contain paraben preservatives and other harmful ingredients as well.
The best sunscreens should be made with a base of natural, non-toxic ingredients, with a mineral like zinc oxide as the only active ingredient. Better yet, those natural ingredients will be formulated with other ingredients that naturally boost SPF and that are safe for sensitive skin.
Why I Trust Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure
Me and Earth Mama go way back – although to be honest, I sadly didn’t know about them when I was pregnant or had a newborn.
However, I’ve used many Earth Mama Organics products over the years – from their yummy Sweet Orange Baby Lotion and Calming Lavender Baby Wash, to the Bright Citrus Deodorant, and even the Organic Nipple Butter which I used as an herbal salve.
All Earth Mama Organics products are specifically formulated for the sensitive skin of pregnant women, new mamas, children and babies, by an herbalist and nurse, who has in-depth knowledge about the healing power of herbs. I’ve met her and she is a wonderful person!
So let me tell you a little bit about Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen!
First of all, the active ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide. No chemical sunscreen ingredients are added so you don’t have to worry about that. You also don’t need to worry about being pasty white like a lifeguard’s nose. Earth Mama’s zinc oxide goes on sheer with just enough white to see the spots you missed.
In addition, Earth Mama chooses natural ingredients that boost the sunscreen’s natural SPF value – like organic red raspberry seed oil, with the highest SPF value of all the plants on the planet.
Other ingredients include reparative argan oil, calming calendula flower extract and nourishing shea butter. Whenever an ingredient is available organic, it is used. Because Earth Mama knows that what’s IN sunscreen matters just as much as what’s NOT.
Speaking of what’s NOT in Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen – any chemicals that are potentially harmful to people, coral reefs or the planet, such as oxybenzone or octinoxate, artificial fragrance, or parabens. And because there’s no water in the sunscreen, there are no preservatives needed. Whether you are in the ocean or a pool, you are not adding to the chemical soup in the water you are swimming in.
Earth Mama Sunscreen is also:
- Dermatologist tested and clinically tested for irritation
- Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection
- Rated a 1 (best score) on the EWG’s Skin Deep database
- Water Resistant (40 Min)
- NSF/ANSI 305 Certified by Oregon Tilth
Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen has specific formulas for adults, kids and babies and those with super sensitive skin:
- Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
- Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 25
- Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
- Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
- Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
You can find Earth Mama products at Whole Foods Markets, BuyBuyBaby.com, EarthMamaOrganics.com, and on Amazon. Use the store finder to find retailers near you.
Mindful Momma readers – use code MINDFULMOMMA for 10% off regularly priced US orders (does not include travel kits or bundles) when you purchase on the Earth Mama website. Time to stock up!!
Are you ready for sunscreen season?
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