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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: n/a
Cost: 125ml for $19.90
Comments: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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: Updated for 2017! Grab your FREE ebook now.
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!
Hi!
I was wondering if you could have a quick look at Aesop Protective Body Lotion for me and let me know how it measures up?
http://www.aesop.com/au/gift/protective-body-lotion
It smells AMAZING and I love how light it is but know nothing about its long list of ingredients.
Look forward to hearing from you
Cheers!
Milly
Hi Milly! Thanks for stopping by. I had a (very) quick look at the Aesop, and it’s not one I would choose to use. It’s not exactly natural (although there are natural ingredients they’re a long way down the list), and there are a couple of questionable ingredients like PEGs and some of the chemical absorbers. There’s also a citrus oil which is a bit of a no-no for sun protection, as it’s photosensitising. You can investigate in depth by going to the EWG Skindeep database and entering the ingredients and that will give you more of an idea (it’s here: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/). It’s not the worst product, but there are better choices, in my opinion. Hope that helps! Vanessa xx
I love this list! Thank you. We currently use one we get through a local co-op, it’s called Hara bodycare – sport. It’s not as greasy as some of the natural ones I’ve tried (we particularly find WotNot to stain the kids clothes). It lists all the ingredients on the tube. I’d love to know your thoughts on it.
I’m also interested in the new Billie Goat Soap Natural Zinc sunscreen. I received an email about it straight after your updated list!
Hi Hayley, thanks so much for your comments. Is the Hara one regulated by the TGA? The ingredients look good, but one of the things I’ve discovered in my sunscreen research is that zinc oxide doesn’t always play nice with other ingredients. If it’s not properly processed, it doesn’t mix and spread properly, which means it doesn’t work as effectively as it should. It’s one of the reasons why you should never make your own sunscreen – unless it’s tested, you don’t know if you’re doing it right. I haven’t seen anything about the Billie Goat Soap sunscreen – I’ll check it out and we’ll see about adding it to the cheat sheet. Thanks for the tip!
Hi Vanessa
What do you recommend for a new baby? We’ll be taking him (he’ll be ~5 weeks), his brother (~3) and sister (5) to the gold coast in a fortnight. The older two are pretty fussy with sun cream. The parents will want to wear it too 🙂
Hi Rebecca, thanks for stopping by! Most sunscreens (even the natural ones) aren’t recommended for babies under 6 months. The usual advice is to keep them completely covered up and out of the sun. Having said that, if you also want to use a sunscreen to safeguard against reflected glare, any of the baby sunscreens that we stock have safe ingredients. Hope that helps! Vanessa xx
Hi, Thank you for the cheatsheet, this one and the others!
Would you have time to offer an opinion on the below sunscreens:
http://avasol.com/
https://mandanaturals.com/
We are a fan of the Avasol sunscreen, and would be great if you stocked them!
Thank you.
Hi Fei, thanks for dropping by! It looks to me as though these are only available in the US, and as we’re an Australian based blog we can only review products available in Australia. Sorry I can’t help! Vanessa xx
Hello
Thanks for your work. Is the natural instincts kids suitable for babies over 6 months or would you recommend something different for very little people? My daughter will be 6 months in December so I want to get a nice sunscreen for her to wear this summer.
Thank you for your time.
~bec
Hi Bec, thanks for your question 🙂 The Natural Instinct kids sunscreen is suitable for babies over 6 months. Sunscreen shouldn’t be used on babies under 6 months – they need to be kept completely out of the sun! All our kids sunscreens are suitable for littles ones 6 months +. Hope that helps! Vanessa xx
Hi. This is a fantastic list! Thanks so much for your work on this! I’m currently tracking down sunscreens suitable for swimming – so water resistant. Is there any function on your site somewhere to readily search for/find these to compare? I’m looking forward to selecting one, and feeling great this summer using it (for me and my family). Thanks again.
Hi Terri, glad the sunscreen cheat sheet is helpful! It’s my understanding that all the zinc based sunscreens are water resistant (as they’re oil based as well), although we don’t have any functionality for you to search for these. Probably worth checking with manufacturers on this, though. All sunscreens need reapplying after swimming and towelling off, and at least every two hours even if you’re not swimming. Hope that helps! Vanessa xx
Have you reviewed Arbonne baby care sunscreen? ????
Hi Celeste, I hadn’t reviewed the Arbonne baby sunscreen, but I’ve had a quick look at it and it looks okay. Personally, I’m not a fan of phenoxyethanol as a preservative, but there’s worse out there. I’ll see about adding this to our sunscreen cheat sheet for you shortly! Vanessa xx
Hi Vanessa,
Love your cheat sheets, thank you!
Just wondered if you had come across any natural sunscreens for 8 months old and over with eczema please?
Thank you,
Kathy ????
Hi Kathy, thanks for getting in touch! That’s a really tricky one to answer, because it depends so much on what triggers your baby’s eczema. All the sunscreens that we stock at Hello Charlie are awesome, with great ingredients. They’re all suitable for babies over 6 months. Unfortunately, with eczema it’s often a trial and error process. Check the ingredients first to see if there are any triggers, and then I think you’ll just have to try a few and see how you go. Hope that helps! Vanessa xx
Hey guys, have you rated Badger sunscreens? They are American but you can buy it here. I did a lot of searching and found this one good for the kids as it has the least amount of ingredients in it. Just thought I’d share!
Hi Ina, thanks for stopping by! Badger sunscreens aren’t TGA approved, and they aren’t supposed to be sold here in Australia. It’s not that they’re bad sunscreens, it’s just that they haven’t been approved for sale here. And as I always say, we have the strictest sunscreen laws in the world, so stick with that! Vanesssa xx
Thanks for the list! It makes choosing a sunscreen for my little one much easier. Just wondering which one you would recommend as best to wear on the face under makeup.
Hi Danielle, I’ve been testing out the new Simple As That sunscreen, and that’s the best. It’s lightweight and it’s not greasy, so you don’t end up with an oily face. It also doesn’t look white once you’ve rubbed it in. My new fave! Vanessa xx