We tried all-natural sunscreens because apparently they are way better for you

If you’re super into the chemical-free, all natural, organic ~lifestyle~ then you’ve probably heard of mineral sunscreens. If you’re like WHAT’S THAT and also SUNSCREEN (?) then this post is for you.

If you buy your sunscreen in the sunscreen aisle at a drug store, chances are, you’re wearing a chemical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens usually have ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone listed at the top.

Depending on who you ask, at best chemical sunscreens might irritate acne and make your eyes water and at worst will give you cancer and seep into your skin and do weird things to your hormones.

Chemical sunscreens penetrate your skin. In large amount yes, they could become hazardous. However, most studies have shown that it would need to be a HUGE amount of sunscreen to become truly toxic. However, if you don’t want to worry about it at all and like avoiding chemicals at all costs. There’s another option and they’re called:

Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens, sometimes referred to as all-natural sunscreens or physical sunscreens, forego chemical sun protection in favor of a physical one, meaning, the sunscreen zits on top of your skin like a shield. Mineral sunscreens are usually formulated with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. As a bonus, the zinc can also act as an anti-inflammatory agent. Back in the day, Zinc left your face white as a ghost but it’s fairly easy to find a formulation nowadays that blends into your skin without the white residue.

Nobody on the HelloGiggles staff had ever used a mineral based sunblock and so we tested several out for a few weeks to see what all the all-natural hype was about.

Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense SPF 30

“Admittedly, I don’t wear sunscreen all the time. A recent trip to the dermatologist has changed that since she called my freckles “SUN SPOTS” and said I need to start wearing sunscreen daily. When I first tried out the Drunk Elephant sunscreen, I was afraid because it looked super thick like toothpaste, but it went on smoothly and blended well into my skin. I’ve been wearing it underneath my makeup ever since and love it. I’ll definitely be switching to more natural sunscreens like this one.” – Marie Lodi, Staff Writer.