Natural Sunscreen Review, Part 2

A continuation of Part 1.

Yes to Cucumbers Lotion

Woo Hoo Factors

• Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
• Titanium dioxide 6.2% and zinc oxide 11%
• Cucumbers, green Tea and aloe (“soothing,” “cooling,” anti-oxidant)
• Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic (non-acne forming), thus meant for body AND face
• Non-staining, washes out of clothing
• Free of petroleum, sodium laurel sulfate, and parabens, which limits risk for allergy
• Non-irritating to the eyes
• SPF 30
• Brand’s sunscreen stick SPF 30 was highly rated by EWG, scoring a 2 out of 10 (1 being the best)
• Able to apply make-up over
• Minimal to no white cast on skin or clothing, virtually imperceptible
• No heavy, greasy or sticky feel
• Mild and pleasant rose and cucumber scent
• White residue minimally evident when perspiring or swimming

Boo Hoo Factors

• While it does not stain, it does cause a white residue on clothing
• Price – $11.99 for 3 oz. or $4.00 per oz. on website
• Consumer Reports found it does have nanoparticles of titanium dioxide 
• Lotion not tested by the EWG, which only reviewed the stick version
• Not favorably reviewed by Consumer Reports, scoring 35 out of 100 
• Per Consumer Reports, does not meet water resistance claim in that it underperformed after water immersion, with SPF of 14, which is significantly under its claim of SPF 30
• Questionable whether it is as effective as a sunscreen containing a chemical ingredient(s), as Consumer Reports suggests (This applies to all of the natural sunscreens.) 

Sunology Lotion, BODY

 Woo Hoo Factors

• Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
• Meets claim for water resistance up to 80 minutes
• Titanium dioxide 7.5% and zinc oxide 10%
• VitaOlefera essential oil complex that moisturizes the skin
• UV Micro Reflexion™ technology to reflect the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays
• FSG Complex to aid skin health
• Great for all skin types 
• Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
• SPF 50
• Non-irritating to the eyes
• Non-staining, washes out of clothing
• Highly rated by the EWG, scoring a 1 out of 10 (1 being the best)
• Pro/Con: leaves a white residue, which makes it easy to identify where it has been applied and results in improved coverage BUT may not be aesthetically pleasing for some

Boo Hoo Factors

• Thick, which means it takes more time than most to rub in and is particularly tricky to apply to a squirming toddler’s face (!) (*Of note, thinner and less  residual than California Baby when rubbed in well)
• Nice texture but feels moderately heavy and slightly sticky; in other words, you are aware that it is on (For the record, my husband reported that it did not feel heavy or sticky to him.)
• Particularly heavy if applied to face, leaving a noticable white cast; thus, I would recommend using a separate product on the adult face, such as Sunology FACE (which I did not test)
• While it does not stain, it does cause a minimal draggy white residue on the skin, even after 30 seconds or more of rubbing in, and on clothing
• White residue particularly evident when perspiring or swimming; you will drip white and feel greasy when wet
• Claims fragrance free but has subtle plastic smell (very mild); I think as neutral as possible, however
• Price – $14.99 for 2 oz. or $7.50 per oz. on website
• Not rated by Consumer Reports
• Questionable whether it is as effective as a sunscreen containing a chemical ingredient(s), as Consumer Reports suggests (This applies to all of the natural sunscreens.)

The Honest Company Lotion 

Woo Hoo Factors

• Very popular, preferred brand by many
• Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
• Meets claim for water resistance up to 80 minutes
• Non-nano zinc oxide 9.3 (claim is that it does not contain zinc oxide nanoparticles)
• Great for all skin types 
• Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
• Non-staining, washes out of clothing
• Biodegradable, “reef friendly”
• Non-irritating to the eyes
• SPF 30
• Minimally perceptible when rubbed in
• Highly rated by the EWG, scoring a 1 out of 10 (1 being the best)
• Pro/Con: leaves a white residue, which makes it easy to identify where it has been applied and results in improved coverage BUT may not be aesthetically pleasing for some

Boo Hoo Factors

• Thick, which means it takes more time than most to rub in and is particularly tricky to apply to a squirming toddler’s face (!) (*Of note, thinner and less residual than California Baby and Sunology when rubbed in well, however)
• Nice texture but feels mildly heavy and slightly sticky; in other words, you are aware that it is on; thus, I would recommend a separate product on an adult face
• Particularly heavy if applied to face, leaving a noticable white cast; thus, I would recommend using a separate product on the adult face
• Price – $13.95 for 3 oz. or $4.65 per oz. on its website 
• Not rated by Consumer Reports
• While it does not stain, it does cause a subtle, draggy white residue on the skin, even after 30 seconds or more of rubbing in, and on clothing

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Lotion

 Woo Hoo Factors

• Well-regarded, time-test, widely recommended brand
• Feel – thin, non-sticky, like moisturizer; easy to forget it is on (*I think it has the best feel among the 5 reviewed)
• Access – able to find at most places that sell sunscreen (*The most accessible among the 5)
• Value – the least expensive at $14.49 for 5 oz. or $2.90 per oz. on its website
• Contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients
• UVA/UVB broad-spectrum protection
• Titanium dioxide 4.9% and zinc oxide 4.7%
• Water resistance up to 80 minutes
• Non-invasive formula, hypoallergenic
• Non-comedogenic (non-acne forming), thus meant for body AND face
• Non-staining, washes out of clothing
• Free of oil and PABA, which limits risk for allergy
• SPF 60+
• Easily able to apply make-up over
• Great feel – thin, easy to forget it is on (*I think it has the best feel among the 5 reviewed)
• Imperceptible white cast on skin or clothing (*Bear in mind that I am fair-skinned, and those with darker skin types may experience some white streaking)
• No heavy, greasy or sticky feel
• No scent, as promised
• Non-irritating to the eyes when eyelids avoided
• White residue barely evident when perspiring or swimming, no dripping

Boo Hoo Factors

• When applied on my eyelids, did minimally irritate (sting) my eyes
• Not favorably reviewed by the EWG, scoring 7 out of 10 (1 being the best)
• Not rated by Consumer Reports, but other Neutrogena sunscreens tested very well
• Questionable whether it is as effective as a sunscreen containing a chemical ingredient(s), as Consumer Reports suggests (This applies to all of the natural sunscreens.)