If you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to the sunscreen options out there, you’re not alone. There’s a lot of information to sort through, like should you use chemical or mineral sunscreen? Go for nano or non-nano? We’re here to make it all a little bit easier by breaking down everything you need to know about the world of sunscreen—and show you why our new SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion checks all the right boxes.
Chemical vs Mineral Filters
When it comes to sunscreen, there are two types: chemical and mineral (also called physical). Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays using chemical ingredients, like oxybenzone and octinoxate. While chemical sunscreens tend to go on sheer, there are downsides when it comes to safety. Ingredients in chemical sunscreens can be absorbed into the blood stream, causing potential health issues. (Studies have linked oxybenzone to hormone disruption.) Chemical sunscreens can also have a negative impact on the environment, causing coral reef bleaching.
Mineral sunscreens work by physically blocking UV rays. These sunscreens sit on top of the skin and are made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. We chose to formulate using zinc oxide filters because safety is always our top priority. Our zinc oxide is not only reef safe, but it's safe for sensitive skin, safe for the entire family, and safe for use during pregnancy.
Nano vs Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Now that we’ve outlined the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens, let’s focus on mineral sunscreens. The FDA has approved both nano and non-nano particle sizes for zinc oxide filters; these particle sizes impact both the performance on skin and your safety. Nano filters tend to spread easily on the skin but offer less SPF protection and can potentially enter the bloodstream.
Non-nano filters (particles larger than 100 nanometers), like our SheerTech Zinc™, offers higher protection (SPF 50) in a safe-for-skin particle size that sits on top of the skin without being absorbed into the bloodstream. The downside to non-nano filters is that they tend to be thicker and leave behind a white cast—but not our new SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion! We use a patented process that evenly coats every single non-nano zinc oxide particle with a protective film that delivers the sheerest, lightweight, and fast-absorbing UV protection. No white cast, no clogged pores. It’s the reason our sunscreen feels like your favorite skincare product.
What Our Moms in Medicine Say
We developed this breakthrough technology by working closely with our team of Moms in Medicine, who understand firsthand the importance of UV protection and the use of mineral filters. “In my opinion, using nano sunscreen is almost as bad if not worse than using chemical sunscreen,” says Dr. Sarina Elmariah, Evereden Scientific Officer and Professor of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School. “I have seen for myself the potential harm from the absorption of nano sunscreens into the bloodstream and accumulation in our thyroid glands, which disrupt our hormonal and endocrine systems. For my children, I always only use 100% mineral, non-nano sunscreens, and I recommend the same for my patients." Her pick? Our new SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion.
Meet SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
We worked tirelessly for two years on this formula and we’re so proud of what we created. Our SPF 50 Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide broad-spectrum protection that’s safe enough for the entire family. With an innovative serum-like texture, our new formula has a fluid, silky, velvety texture that is unlike any mineral sunscreen you’ve tried before. (That means the days of trying to get thick, draggy sunscreen to absorb into your little one’s skin are officially behind you.) We also added Safflower Oleotech™, a unique time release technology that infuses skin with vitamin E for continuous, all-day hydration. Just when you thought the perfect sunscreen didn’t exist, we’re bringing you safe, mineral protection and nourishing hydration in one.
