4 Reasons You Need to Switch to Mineral Sunscreen

Important reasons why mineral sunscreen is better than chemical sunscreen both for your health and for the environment.

Thank you to Goddess Garden for sponsoring this post.

It’s that time of year again!

Time to scrutinize your sunscreen supplies and see what’s still good and what needs to be tossed. First, check the expiration date. Then give the tube a squeeze to see if the sunscreen has separated or smells bad. Better now than right before your first trip to the beach!

Before you run out and stock up on that same old brand you’ve been using for years, listen up! You know how I love to help you find natural, non-toxic beauty and personal care products for you and your family. Today I’m on my soap box about sunscreen! 

This is not the first time I’ve written about the importance of buying safer sunscreens. In fact, my Mom-Tested Guide to Non-Toxic Sunscreen is very popular this time of year! There are good reasons to skip the traditional chemical-based sunscreen and make the switch to mineral sunscreen instead. Let me tell you why….

Why Mineral Sunscreen is Best

When I was a kid, zinc oxide was the pasty white stuff that lifeguards wore on their nose. Today, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the most trusted active ingredients in sunscreen. Both are natural minerals that reflect UV rays and thank goodness – someone found a way to help them rub in sheer on skin, instead of being solid white!

Here are 4 reasons why mineral sunscreen is better than chemical sunscreen:

1. Physical, not Chemical

Natural minerals form a physical barrier on the skin. Unlike chemicals sunscreens which absorb into the skin and bloodstream, minerals reflect UV rays and aren’t absorbed into the skin. Sunscreen chemicals are linked to health issues from allergies and skin reactions, to an increased risk of infertility and cancer. Natural minerals, on the other hand, avoid those negative health effects and are perfect for sensitive skin.

2. Effective Immediately

You know the rule about waiting 20 minutes after applying sunscreen before heading out into the sun? Well that’s not true for mineral sunscreen! Mineral sunscreens are effective immediately and don’t break down in the sun like chemical sunscreens do. That means the kids can jump into the water right away – oh joy!

3. Broad Spectrum Protection

Until recently, most sunscreen only protected from UVB rays (the burning type). Now we know that broad spectrum protection, covering UVA (aging and damaging) rays too, is extremely important. Minerals provide broad spectrum protection naturally, while most chemical sunscreen is UVB only or requires mix of chemicals to achieve both.

4. Safe for Coral Reefs

Studies have shown common chemical sunscreens like octinoxate and oxybenzone are damaging coral reefs. In fact, researchers estimate that 4000-6000 metric tons of sunscreen washes off swimmers and snorkelers into coral reef environments, and that up to 10% of the world’s reefs are at risk for bleaching due to sunscreen runoff. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide come from the earth and are safe for reefs and the environment.

Why Goddess Garden is My Go-To Sunscreen

I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article. Full Disclosure

Take a look in my beach bag and you’ll find the usual suspects – sunglasses, a reusable water bottle,  a good book to read – and some Goddess Garden sunscreen. Sure, I used to buy those other brands of sunscreen, back before I understood the difference – but now Goddess Garden is my go-to brand. Here’s why:

• Mineral based sun protection ( no nano particles)
• No sunscreen chemicals used
• Certified by NSF for a minimum of 70% organic ingredients
• 100% GMO-free
• Reef safe
• Biodegradable formula
• Lightly scented with lavender or unscented
• Company is a B Corp
• Very affordable pricing
• Available everywhere – Target, CVS and other drug stores, Whole Foods and other natural stores, and of course Amazon

Favorite Goddess Garden Products

Another thing I like about Goddess Garden is they keep it simple. All sunscreens are SPF 30. They have 5 sunscreen lines – Everyday, Sport, Kids, Baby and Facial. Products include sunscreen lotions, non-aerosol sprays and sunscreen sticks. My kids are especially partial to the sprays – which are safe to use, unlike the aerosol kind. And the sunscreen sticks are perfect to throw in your purse!

• Everyday Sunscreen
• Kids Sunscreen
• Baby Sunscreen
• Sport Sunscreen
• Facial Sunscreen
• Continuous Spray
• Sunscreen Sticks

Goddess Garden also has a lovely daily facial care line, which is a skin care line developed to protect skin and repair sun damage.

So instead of buying that same old chemical sunscreen you usually get, I invite you to #GiveChemicalsTheBird with Goddess Garden!

Have you made the switch to mineral sunscreen yet?