![]() No matter if you use a mineral or chemical sunscreen, remember to reapply, especially if you're sweating or getting wet at the beach or pool.Īt the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Beauty Lab scientists regularly test and evaluate all kinds of sunscreens, including sunscreens for kids and babies, natural sunscreens, sunscreen for sensitive skin and more. Unlike their chemical counterparts that work by absorbing the sun's harmful UV rays, these mineral sunscreens protect you from the sun by sitting on top of skin and physically blocking or reflecting that radiation. The FDA is continuing to evaluate chemical actives and has not reached a conclusion on their safety yet (but recommends using both mineral and chemical formulas until then). Currently, the FDA has concluded that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two sunscreen actives that are safe and effective. SPFs with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered mineral sunscreens, a popular alternative to chemical formulas. You've probably heard the term "zinc oxide" a lot recently, and it's for a good reason. ![]() Seek out organic certification emblems like USDA Organic, NSF and EcoCert on product packaging or brand websites.We updated this article in April 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock we also added several new picks to the list. Keep in mind that there aren't 100% organic sunscreens, but you can find formulas that are made with organic ingredients like plant extracts and oils. "70% naturally-derived ingredients") to help ensure a product contains the type of ingredients claimed. Look for an ingredient percentage listed (i.e. ✔️ Naturally-derived or organic ingredients: Many brands indicate these keywords (like "made with natural ingredients") on product packaging. ✔️ Free from potentially harmful actives: Avoid products that contain ingredients like oxybenzone and benzene, which research shows have the potential to be problematic for health. "Iron oxide is often added to mineral sunscreens to give color to the 'white cast,' but also protects the skin from UVA and visible light, particularly blue light," Dr. ✔️ Mineral active ingredients: Seek out naturally-derived actives made from minerals including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which sit atop the skin to reflect sun's rays instead of absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. Other sunscreens shield only UVB, leaving you vulnerable to damaging UVA rays. ✔️ Broad-spectrum protection: One of the most important features to look for in any sunscreen is that it's labeled "broad-spectrum," meaning it "effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays," Dr. Keep these points top of mind when seeking out the best natural or organic sunscreens, according to GH Beauty Lab scientists and dermatologists: Sunscreens are then thoroughly evaluated on consumer testers for both sun protection efficacy and cosmetic properties (texture, scent, application, look and feel of skin during wear and more) to find the formulas that perform above the rest, including those that are natural and organic. GH Beauty Lab scientists keep current regulations at the forefront when considering sunscreens for testing and in the most recent test, started by surveying 1,139 adults on their sun protection habits. The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly tests all types of body and face sunscreens on a range of skin types, tones and ages, from sunscreens for oily skin to sunscreens for sensitive skin, sunscreens for kids and babies, and more. The term "organic" on sunscreen product packaging implies that the product contains organically-produced ingredients, though the SPF active ingredients could be mineral or chemical and cannot be organic themselves because they are not derived from living matter. Hale, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. Mineral SPF formulas are gaining popularity because they're free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients like oxybenzone, and because "in general, there's been a movement toward natural and organic skincare," says Elizabeth K. "Mineral sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB radiation, and visible light," says Sara Hogan, M.D., a dermatologist at the Luxe Dermatology and Aesthetic Center in McLean, Virginia. ![]() "N atural" sunscreen usually refers to mineral SPFs, which use naturally-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that absorb UV light and convert it to heat. When it comes to sunscreens, there are two main types: chemical and mineral. We carefully reviewed this article in March 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock, available and reflected accurate prices.
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