Safer Sunscreens Cheat Sheet – Updated for 2016

We are so lucky, living in Australia, to have this wonderful climate. The flip side of that, of course, is that we also have one of the highest skin cancer rates in the world.

If you did grow up in Australia, you’ll be familiar with the ‘Slip, Slop, Slap’ campaign. I was reading recently that this should really be updated to ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide’. Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek some shade, and slide on some sunnies.

We get asked a lot of questions about sunscreen here at Hello Charlie. Understandable, really, as we’re pretty big around here on getting rid of toxic chemicals in our skincare. You’ll often hear me saying that one of the ways to cut down on unnecessary chemicals in your skincare is to simply cut down on the amount of skincare products that you use. However, sunscreen isn’t one of these. You can get away without using moisturiser, or shampoo, but if you live in Australia, you simply can’t get away without using sunscreen.

In the years since we’ve been doing this sunscreen cheat sheet, not a lot of new sunscreens have come on the market. This is partly because it’s pretty tricky to release a new sunscreen in Australia, thanks to the very strict standards set by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, which regulates sunscreens here.

What we have seen a lot more of are cosmetics with SPFs. They’re not regulated by the TGA, and I’ve explained why in this article. So in this cheat sheet, I’ve included a whole bunch of moisturisers and tinted moisturisers with SPFs for every day use.

Safer Natural Sunscreens

Name: Eco All Natural Sunscreen – Baby SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active Ingredient Zinc Oxide 22%
Inactive ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Silica, Cera Alba (Bee’s Wax), Butyrospermum Parkii Seed (Shea) Butter, Candelilla Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Organic Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado), Organic Rosehips Seed Oil, Carota Sativa (Carrot) Oil, Botswellia Carterii (Frankincense), Organic Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 100g for $19.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Excellent ingredients, great sunscreen. This is my favourite sunscreen.

 

Name: Eco All Natural Sunscreen – Body SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active Ingredient Zinc Oxide 22%
Inactive ingredients:Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Silicon Dioxide, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Butyrospermum Parkii Seed (Shea) Butter, Euphorbia Antisyphilitica (Candelilla) Wax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract*. *Certified Organic
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 100g for $19.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: As with the baby sunscreen, these are great ingredients (although slightly different to the baby one), and a fabulous sunscreen. I buy this in the big tubes and slather it on over summer.

 

Name: Eco All Natural Sunscreen – Face SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active Ingredient Zinc Oxide 22%
Inactive ingredients: Purified Water (Aqua), Isoamyl Laurate, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract*, Rosa Canina (Rosehips) Seed Oil*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract* *Certified Organic
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 65g for $19.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: More good ingredients, and great sun protection. The face version has a somewhat lighter formula than the body version, and it doesn’t irritate sensitive facial skin. It’s too thick to wear under makeup, but that’s not what it’s designed for.

 

Name: Eco Tan Natural Coconut Sunscreen SPF30
Ingredients: Active Ingredients Zinc Oxide 22%, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil; Silica; Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter; Hydrophobically Modified Natural Polymer; Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Plant Wax); Cera Alba (Beeswax); Parfum (Natural Coconut Fragrance); Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil; Tocopherol (Vitamin E); Carthamus Tinctorius Seed (Safflower) Oil; Cucumis Sativus Fruit (Cucumber) Extract; Vegetable Glycerin; Aqua; Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract; Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Oil.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 150 ml for $29.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: This is another good sunscreen, good ingredients and a good amount of zinc for sun protection. I’d prefer not to have the coconut fragrance, but otherwise there’s nothing to argue with in this. I’ve used and like this.

 

Name: Graham’s Natural Sunclear Sunscreen SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active ingredients Zinc Oxide 26%, Capric/caprylic triglceride (plant derived), Rose hip oil, Grapeseed oil, Sesame seed oil, Shea butter, Vegetable oil, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Coconut oil, Phenoxyethanol
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 50g for $14.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: The ingredients in this are good, however there is a question mark over the Vitamin A. Vitamin A in the form of retinol can increase skin sensitivity and the chance of sunburn. According to the Graham’s website, though, the Vitamin A in this sunscreen is beta-carotene. Beta-carotene does not increase skin sensitivity, and it is thought that it may even help prevent skin cancer (although recent studies seem to show that this isn’t the case).

 

Name: Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF30+
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22%. Inactive ingredients: Purified water (aqua), Aloe Vera Juice (Aloe barbadensis Leaf Juice), Vegetable Glycerin, Benzoic Acid (coconut derived), Isopropyl Lanolate (lanolin), Magnesium Sulfate (Salt), Calendula C02 Extract Oil (Calendula officinalis), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Isostearic acid (coconut derived), Caprylyl Glycol (coconut derived), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E). Preservatives: Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alchohol
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 100g for $19.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Another good list of ingredients with zinc oxide as broad spectrum protection.

 

Name: Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF30
Ingredients: Active: Zinc Oxide 22%. Inactive: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Grape Vine (Vitis Vinifera) Seed Oil, Silica, Shea (Butyrospermum Parkii) Butter, Candelilla (Euphorbia Cerifera Cera) Wax, Bees (Cera Alba) Wax, Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis Seed) Oil, Vitamin E (Tocopherol), Aqua, Green Tea (Camellia Sinensis) Leaf Extract, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Safflower (Carthamus Tinctorius) Seed Oil, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Rosehip (Rosa Canina) Fruit Oil.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 100g for $24.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: The ingredients list is good. The aluminium starch octenysuccinate is the only one you might question, as there are contamination concerns. But it’s a low concern, and I’m still happy with this sunscreen. My children like the fact that it’s non greasy, and if that’s what it takes to get them to wear a natural sunscreen, I’m happy.

 

Name: Milk Protect Me + Sunscreen SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22%, Preservatives: Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Benzyl Alcohol
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 150ml for $17.95
Comments: This isn’t a full ingredients listing, and Milk declined to provide me with the full list. Fair enough, they’re within their rights to do that under Australian law, but if they won’t disclose, we won’t buy. See their moisturiser with SPF, below, for more reasons why I won’t buy this brand.

 

Name: Modere Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ingredients: Zinc oxide, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, bemotrizinol, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, phenoxyethanol, 1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated at 3 (Moderate Hazard)
Cost: 125ml for $19.90
Comments: There’s a couple of ingredients in this that I’m not super keen on. There’s phenoxyethanol, and there’s also 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. The EU suspects that this one is an endocrine disrupter. There are better choices, so I’d pick something else.

 

Name: Moo Goo SPF 40 Natural Sunscreen
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 25%. Inactive ingredients: Water, Jojoba Oil, Galactoarabinan, Beeswax, Coco Caprylate, Sorbitan Olivate, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Oleic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride (salt)
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 100g for $19.90
Comments: Another good ingredients list and a nice high percentage of zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection.

 

Name: Natural Instinct Natural Kids’ Sunscreen
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22%. Other ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape seed) Seed Oil, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla wax), Cera Alba, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Carthamus Tinctorius (safflower) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Water (Aqua), Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green tea) Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 200g for $21.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Last year when I asked Natural Instinct for their ingredients list, they declined to provide it, saying that it was commercially sensitive and that they didn’t have to provide it. This year, however, I was really pleased to hear that they’ve not only reformulated their sunscreens, but they’re disclosing each and every ingredient. And the best news? The ingredients are awesome! That’s a real win. I’ve used all these sunscreens now, and I like them all. I’ve got more information on all the new Natural Instinct sunscreens in this blog post here.

 

Name: Natural Instinct Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF30+
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape seed) Seed Oil, Silica, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate , Euphorbia Cerifera Cera (Candelilla wax) , Cera Alba, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Aqua, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green tea) Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Oil, CI 77492, CI 77491,CI 77499.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated at 1 (Low Hazard)
Cost: 50g for $11.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Another good natural sunscreen from Natural Instinct. This one is tinted so that you don’t have ‘ghost face’ when you’re at the beach all day!

 

Name: Simple As That Natural Sunscreen SPF30+
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide. Inactive Ingredients: Aqua, Isoamyl Laurate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Fragrance, Glycerin, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Sorbitan Stearate, Glyceryl Isostearate, Xanthan Gum, Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Glucoside, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sucrose Cocoate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil, Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG
Cost: 100g for $29.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: A brand new one to the Australian market. The ingredients are good (the fragrance is natural), and this performs really well. I’m impressed with this!

 

Name: Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen – SPF 30+
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 22.3% (active ingredient), Vitis vinifera seed oil (grapeseed) , Helianthus annus seed oil (Sunflower) , Capric/caprylic triglyceride, Vegetable Oils, Candellia Cera, Cera alba (beeswax) , Camellia sinesis leaf extract (green tea), Anthemis noblis flower extract (roman chamomile), Lecithin Carthamis tinctorius seed oil (safflower), Cucumis sativus fruit extract (cucumber), Natural Vitamin E
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low Hazard
Cost: 150g for $35.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Another excellent choice – great ingredients and zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection. This is another one of my favourites, and I usually have a tube of this stashed somewhere.

 

Name: UV Natural Baby Sunscreen SPF 30+
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24.8%, Zinc Stearate, Grape Seed Oil, Macadamia Oil, Natural Vitamin E, Green Tea Extract, Grape Seed Extract, Colloidal Silica, Iron Oxide
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 150g for $34.10 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Another good ingredients list. I personally find this one a little greasy, but it’s really moisturising and offers great sun protection. The straightforward UV Natural sunscreen version of this, and the sport version of this brand have very similar ingredients, and they’re just as good.

 

Name: UV Natural Sport Lip Screen
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 25%. Inactive ingredients: jojoba oil, macadamia nut oil, castor oil, carnauba wax, iron oxides.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low Hazard
Cost: 5g for $11.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Good, moisturising ingredients and a high percentage of zinc. This is great protection for if you’re at the beach or playing sport.

 

Name: Wotnot SPF 30 Sunscreen
Ingredients: Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%. Other ingredients: Grapeseed oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, candellila wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, shea butter, gmo-free vitamin e, purified water, certified organic aloe vera, silica, naticide (all natural preservative).
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 150g for $28.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Yet another good choice of sunscreen. A nice high percentage of zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection, and lots of nice moisturising oils.

 

Cosmetics with Sunscreens

Name: Alaffia Everyday Coconut Face Lotion SPF15
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 10%, Other ingredients: Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Water, Neem (Azadirachta indica) Extract (aqueous), Papaya (Carica papaya) Extract (aqueous), Virgin Coconut (Cocos nucifera) Oil*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Copra (Cocos nucifera) Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Lavender Essential Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 345ml for $14.95
Comments: I’m not super keen on the phenoxyethanol as a preservative, as I’ve mentioned before, but otherwise the ingredients in this are pretty good. There’s not a high percentage of zinc, so it’s definitely a lotion, not a sunscreen.

 

Name: Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses CC Cream Sheer Nude with SPF 30
Ingredients: Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20%. Inactive ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) and Helianthus Annuus (Sun ower) Oils*, Sorbitan Stearate, Glyceryl Stearate, PhytoCellTec (Alpine Rose, Malus Domestsica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Soothing Complex: [Hyaluronic Acid, Magnolia Of cinalis Bark, Phoenix Dactylifera (Date) Leaf Cell and Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) Extracts], Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Rosa Damascena (Rose) Distillate*, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) and Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oils*, Algae and Cucumis Melo (Melon) Extracts, Iron Oxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts*†, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Pelargonium Graveolens (Rose Geranium) Oil*, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Oil. Non-GMO verified, *Organic † Fair Trade
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 58ml for $24.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Nice list of ingredients, and a good percentage of zinc oxide for an everyday cream. This is a fairly new brand to Australia, so I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m pretty keen. It looks good!

 

Name: Andalou Naturals Age Defying DIY Booster Facial Serum Unscented SPF 30
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%, Zinc Oxide 0.1%. Inactive ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Juice*, Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Alcohol, Stearyl Alcohol, Camelina Sativa Oil*, Lauric Acid, Fruit Stem Cells (Malus Domestsica, Solar Vitis) and BioActive 8 Berry Complex*, Resveratrol, Ubiquinone (CoQ10), Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus (Guar) Gum*, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch*, Grapeseed Polyphenols, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea), Aspalathus Linearis (Rooibos) and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extracts*†, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Non-GMO verified *Organic † Fair Trade”
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 3 Moderate hazard
Cost: 58ml for $24.95
Comments: This facial serum uses chemical absorbers and a tiny bit of zinc oxide to get the SPF 30. This means it goes on clear and you can wear it under makeup without it affecting the rest of your look. Andalou have chosen the safest of the chemical absorbers, so it seems to me to be a good choice if you want a daily moisturiser with sunscreen, but don’t want the coverage of zinc.

 

Name: Antipodes Immortal SPF15 Face & Body Moisturiser
Ingredients: Aqua, (water), Zinc oxide & Caprylic capric triglyceride, Polyhydroxystearic acid & isotearic acid, Prunus dulcis (Sweet Almond) oil, Prunus ameniaca (Apricot) oil, Glycerine, Cetearyl glucoside & Cetearyl alcohol, Glyceryl stearate, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) oil, Vitis vinifera & Actinidia chinensis (Vinanza grape & Kiwi extract), Hyaluronic acid, Rubus idaeus (Raspberry seed) oil, Punica granatum (Pomegranate) extract, Gandoderma lucidum (Reishi mushroom), Xanthan gum, Gluconolactone, sodium benzoate, calcium gluconate, Vitamin E
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 60ml for $49.55
Comments: The ingredients look pretty good, and there’s zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection. Not sure I’d be using this on my body at this price, but otherwise I don’t have a problem with it.

 

Name: Every Man Jack Face Lotion with SPF 15 Fragrance Free
Ingredients: Active Ingredients Octinoxate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Oxybenzone 3%
Inactive Ingredients Aqua/Water/Eau, Glycerin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Glyceryl Stearate, Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Sodium Carbomer, Allantoin, Panthenol, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Arnica Montana Flower Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract*, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Lecithin, Dimethicone, Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate, Hexyl Laurate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Benzyl Alcohol. *Certified Organic
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 4 Moderate hazard
Cost: 95ml for $13.45
Comments: While most of the ingredients in this look okay, the sunscreen ingredients aren’t awesome. There’s octinoxate and oxybenzone, and while I understand that not everyone wants zinc, there are better sunscreen choices. There are worse, though, and it’s good to see daily SPF protection aimed at men.

 

Name: Green Foot Mama Sun Balm
Ingredients: Coconut Oil*, Natural Beeswax, Unrefined Shea Butter*, Nano-Free Uncoated Natural Mineral Zinc Oxide, Raw Cacao Powder*, Pure Essential Oils of Roman Chammomile, Lavender and Myrrh. *Certified Organic
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated it at 1 (Low Hazard)
Cost: 120g for $34.95
Comments: The ingredients in this look good but be aware that this is not a sunscreen. It’s NICNAS approved, rather than TGA approved which is why it has an SPF 15 rating despite the high zinc volume. So it’s a moisturiser or balm with SPF, rather than a sunscreen. Make sure you’re using a TGA approved sunscreen for full sun protection.

 

Name: Hurraw Lip Balm SPF15 Tangerine Chamomile
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 10%
Other Ingredients: Prunus amygdalus dulcis (sweet almond) oil, ‡Euphorbia cerifera (candelilla) wax, *Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, *Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, *Ricinus communis (castor) seed oil, Olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, *Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed, *Hippophae rhamnoides (seabuckthorn) seed oil, *Punica granatum (pomegranate) seed oil, Tocopherols (sunflower), *Citrus reticulata (tangerine) peel oil, *Anthemis nobilis (chamomile) flower extract, *Vanilla planifolia (vanilla) bean
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 4.3g for $6.45 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: Good lip balm with great ingredients, and the 10% zinc oxide will give your lips some protection when you’re out and about. A good, everyday choice.

 

Name: Kelapa Organics SPF15 Face Moisturiser
Ingredients: Purified Water, Jojoba Oil, Zinc Oxide, Cetearyl Alcohol, Vegetable Glycerine, *Organic Coconut Oil, *Organic Aloe Vera Juice, Glyceryl Caprylate, *Organic Shea Butter, Bitter Orange Extract, Lavender Essential Oil, Sandalwood Essential Oil, Vitamin E, *Organic Rosemary Extract, *Organic Lavender Extract, Rosehip Extract *Certified Organic Ingredients
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 75ml for $34.95
Comments: The ingredients are good, except for the bitter orange extract. It’s photosensitizing (meaning that your skin is more likely to get sunburned). It’s a way down the ingredients list, so there’s not much of it, so I’m happy with this one.

 

Name: Kosmea Moisturising Lotion SPF 30+
Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 200mg/g, Other Ingredients Purified Water (Aqua), Isoamyl Laurate, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Sorbitan Stearate, Sucrose Cocoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Xanthan Gum, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Seed Extract, Rosa Canina (Rosehip) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 50ml for $47.95
Comments: This has a high percentage of zinc (20%), so offers good broad spectrum protection. The rest of the ingredients look fine, too.

 

Name: Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15
Ingredients: Certified Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Zinc Oxide, Certified Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Fruit Butter, Certified Organic Unrefined Cera Alba (Beeswax), Mixed Tocopherols (Natural Vitamin E), Certified Organic Copernicia Prunifera (Carnauba) Wax, Natural Coconut Extract, Aroma (Proprietary Blend Of Essential Oils), Certified Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil , Certified Organic Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) C02 Extract, Certified Organic Daucus Carota (Carrot) CO2 Extract
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 1 Low hazard
Cost: 100g for $37.95 (Buy at Hello Charlie)
Comments: I couldn’t seem to find out the zinc content in this one, but the ingredients in this are great. Miessence prefer to make this in their own organic certified factory, rather than have it made externally by a TGA approved sunscreen manufacturer, which is why it’s an SPF 15. It’s NICNAS approved, but not TGA approved, so it’s a moisturiser with SPF rather than a sunscreen. Read more about this in our article on why you won’t find organic sunscreens in Australia.

 

Name: Milk Face Moisturiser + Sunscreen
Ingredients: Aqua, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Cera Alba, Paraffinum Liquidum, Isopropyl Myristate, Silica, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Peg-15 Cocamine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Methylparaben, Triethanolamine, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Benzyl Alcohol, Peg-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Oil, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 150ml for $19.95
Comments: Here’s a good example of why Milk is not one of my preferred brands. They don’t disclose the ingredients in their Protect Me sunscreen, so you don’t know what’s in it. This one, however, is a cosmetic product, not a sunscreen, and by law they have to provide full ingredients. So what do we have? There’s parabens, PEGs, petrochemicals (paraffin), octyl methoxycinnamate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, triethanolamine and phenoxyethanol. Thanks, but no thanks!

 

Name: Moo Goo Cover-Up ButterCup Natural Moisturiser with SPF 15
Ingredients: Aqua, Zinc Oxide (19%), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalene (Olive), Coco-Caprylate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Isostearate, Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Polyhydroystearic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Piroctone Olamine, Allantoin, Guar Hydroxypropyltrimonium Chloride (Guar Gum), Sodium Stearyl Glutamate, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 200g for $29.90
Comments: Another one from Moo Goo that looks good. There’s a nice amount of zinc oxide to give broad spectrum protection, and the rest of the ingredients look good, too!

 

Name: Moo Goo SPF 15 Anti-Ageing Face Cream
Ingredients: Aqua, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Aloe Vera), Zinc Oxide (15%), Squalene (Olive), Coco-Caprylate (Coconut Based Conditioner), Cetearyl Glucoside, Cetearyl Alcohol, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate (Stabilized Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Natural Vitamin E), Mel (Honey), Acetum (Apple Cider Vinegar), Piroctone Olamine, Allantoin, Caffeine, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Extract, Humulus Lupulus (Hops) Extract
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 75g for $34.90
Comments: The ingredients all look pretty good, and there’s a good amount of zinc oxide to give broad spectrum protection.

 

Name: Mukti Tinted Moisturiser SPF 15+
Ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf juice*, zinc oxide, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Nut) butter*, Macadamia ternifolia (Macadamia) nut oil*, Terminalia ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum), Melaleuca alternifolia (Snowflower), Citrus glauca (Desert Lime) & Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) extracts*, Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) & Rosa canina (Rosehip) oils*, cetearyl glucoside (vegetarian)*, glycerin (vegetarian)*, phenethylalcohol (natural)*, Calendula officinalis (Calendula) absolute*, tocopherol (Vitamin E). Essential oils of Citrus grandis (Grapefruit), Citrus madurensis (Mandarin), Citrus aurantifolia (Lime), Citrus aurantium (Petitgrain) & Rosa damascena (Rose) Absolute*. Tint: Mica, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499). Citral, citronellol, eugenol, farnesol, geraniol, limonene, linalool from essential oils *Certified organic.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 50ml for $59.95
Comments: This looks really good, with a great, organic ingredients list, but again with the citrus oils – they’re photosensitizing. But they’re way down the list, so I’m happy with that.

 

Name: Sun & Earth Natural Sun Zinc
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, Organic Olive Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Raw Cacao Powder, Organic Cacao Butter
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated it at 0 (Low Hazard)
Cost: 50g for $20.00
Comments: Another one with good ingredients, but no TGA approval. See my comments on the Surf Mud zinc below.

 

Name: Surf Mud Natural Zinc
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano), Organic Bees Wax, Mineral Oil, Natural Lanolin, Coconut Oil, Australia Clay and Iron Oxides for Natural Colour.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated it at 1 (Low Hazard)
Cost: 50g for $19.95
Comments: Again, the ingredients in this look good, but this is not a sunscreen. It’s not TGA approved. Despite what Pete Evans says, there are good natural sunscreens available in Australia. We have the strictest sunscreen laws in the world, because we also have the highest skin cancer rates in the world. I like natural, but I also like properly formulated. Zinc is notorious for clumping together and leaving holes in your sunscreen (see this article). You need full sun protection when you’re out in the sun, so you need a TGA approved sunscreen.

 

Name: Suvana Paw Paw & Acai Lip Balm SPF20
Ingredients: Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Cera Alba (Beeswax), *Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) oil, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-3, Theobroma Cocao (Cocoa Butter), *Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Oil, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candella) Wax, Tocopherol
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 7g for $5.95
Comments: I really like the non-SPF version of this pawpaw balm, but I don’t like this. There are definitely better choices for sunscreen ingredients than ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and benzophenone-3. I can’t understand why the manufacturer would choose such great, natural ingredients, and then choose to combine them with these two toxic sunscreen ingredients. I’ll be avoiding this one.

 

Name: Swisse Natural Defence Moisturiser SPF 15
Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Niacinamide (Vitamin B3), Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium PCA, Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Seed Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata (Mountain Pepper) Fruit/Leaf Extract, Polygonum Aviculare (Knotgrass) Extract, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Fruit Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract, Silica, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polysorbate 60, Cetearyl Glucoside, Hydroxypropyl Starch Phosphate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/ VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid. 95.2% naturally derived ingredients.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: Not in EWG but we calculated it at 2 (Low Hazard)
Cost: 60ml for $24.99
Comments: Personally, I avoid Titanium Dioxide as it irritates me, but this looks okay for an everyday moisturiser with SPF. Nothing to be too concerned about.

 

Name: The Jojoba Company Moisturising Protective Day Cream SPF 15
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Myristate, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Cape Rose Geranium) Flower Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Bark Oil, Cymbopogon Validus (African Bluegrass) Oil, Chondrus Crispus Powder, Xanthan Gum, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Alcohol, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Citronellol^, Geraniol^, Linalool^. ^ From natural essential oils.
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 60ml for $39.95
Comments: The ingredients in this look pretty good, too. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide together offer good full spectrum protection. Personally, I find titanium dioxide irritating, and I can’t wear it at all, so if you’ve got sensitive skin this might be an ingredient to watch out for.

 

Mainstream brands – cosmetics with SPF

Name: Natio Tinted Moisturiser
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Mineral Oil, Isopropyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Triethanolamine, Cellulose, Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Lecithin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Phenoxyethanol, Polysorbate 60, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben. May contain (+/-): Kaolin, Titanium Dioxide, CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 50ml for $18.95
Comments: Oh dear. Petrochemicals, propylene glycol, parabens, perfume … and that’s just the P’s! Then we’ve got ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, palm oil (issopropyl palmitate), and triethanolamine. I think that’s enough. You can see why I’d avoid it!

 

Name: Invisible Zinc Tinted Daywear
Ingredients: Active: Zinc Oxide (18%) Other: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Cyclomethicone, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Methyl Glucose Dioleate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Polyethylene, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Iron Oxide, Iron Oxide, Iron Oxide
EWG Skin Deep Rating: n/a
Cost: 50g for $32.00
Comments: It’s not an awful ingredients list. The zinc is good, obviously. But there’s silicones (cyclomethicone) and phenoxyethanol, which I’d prefer to avoid. However, I’d use it in a pinch, especially against some of the other mainstream brands.

 

Name: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser SPF20
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Octyl methoxycinnamate & menthyl anthranilate
Other Ingredients: Purified water, cetearyl alcohol (and) PEG-40 Castor Oil (and) POE-20, dimethicone, polyglyceryl-4 isostearate, cyclomethicone, DEA-ceryl phosphate, hexyl laurate, kalaya oil, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E acetate), cetyl dimethicone copolyol, diazolidinyl urea, sodium dehydroacetate, sodium hyaluronate, allantoin, carbomer, methylparaben, magnesium aluminum silicate, sodium ascorbate (vitamin C), propylparaben. May Contain: Titanium dioxide, iron oxides, mica
EWG Skin Deep Rating: 5 (Moderate Hazard)
Cost: 50ml for $78.00
Comments: Parabens, silicones (dimethicone and cyclomethicone), octinoxate, PEGs, and diazolidinyl urea. Too many nasties for me, especially when there are so many better, more natural choices.

 

Disclaimer:

I started Hello, Charlie! because I was concerned about some of the products that I was using on myself and my children. I’m no chemist, I’m just a mum who does plenty of research on products before I use them and before I’ll stock them at Hello Charlie.

Lots of customers and friends ask me about products that I’d recommend, and what they should be looking for when buying for their own families. These guides are the results of my research and reading.

I’d love to hear from you if you’ve read differently, or have opinions or great products that you’d like to share. Teaching yourself about better choices for our families and our environment is a journey, and I’d love for you to join me on it!

If you’d like to share this information with other parents, please feel free to do so. However, please bear in mind the time that it takes for me to do this research, and do the right thing by attributing this article back to me here at Hello Charlie. Thanks!

What’s your favourite natural sunscreen? Let us know in the comments!

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