ZoLi's Sunscreen Recommendations 2021

May 27, 2021

It's that time of year again! The sun is coming up, weather is getting warmer, and the beach is calling our names! While a day at the beach or a weekend out camping is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather, it's important to remember sunscreen during any outdoor activity. 

Applying and re-applying sunscreen lotion can be hard to remember and, lets face it, an annoying task.  And with seemingly thousands of sunscreen options, the choice can be a bit daunting.

Luckily, gone are the days where sunscreen application means a white, greasy paste that is both bad for the environment and your body. Now, we have plenty of non-toxic and reef safe sunscreen choices!

Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your sunscreen:  

  • Ensure your sunscreen is reef-safe, avoid the following ingredients: 
    • Octocrylene, PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid), Enzacamene, Octisalate, and Homosalate
  • Choose SPF 30 or higher.  (as recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology)
  • Look for Broad Spectrum sunscreens that protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
  • Avoid sunscreeens with the ingredients:  oxybenzone and/or octinoxate
  • Water resistant sunscreens (whether you’re swimming or not!) to ensure it stays put no matter what activity you're enjoying.
  • If choosing mineral based sunscreen, look for zinc oxide as active ingredient and avoid titanium oxide in powder or spray form. Click for more info on nanoparticles.
  • If choosing chemical based sunscreen, look for ones that contain avobenzone at 3% (a low-hazard chemical according to EWG)
  • In addition to using sunscreen daily, The Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommends using the following techniques to protect yourself further:
    • Wear clothing to shield your skin from UV rays
    • Plan your activities around the sun - go outside in the early morning or late afternoons
    • Find or make your own shade! Bring umbrellas or pop-ups to provide a nice, shady spot for you and your family.
    • Sunglasses are essential to protecting your eyes from UV rays

Now that you know what to look for on your own, we’ll share our top sunscreen picks for 2021!
(This post does not contain affiliate links. All listed items have been chosen based on ZoLi team member preferences and safety ratings from EWG)

 

 

Our Favorite Facial Sunscreen Picks:

 1. SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40   |   EWG rating: 2
We love this pick because of its lightweight and invisible formula that is perfect to wear on its own or under makeup. It provides ultimate sun protection for daily wear while also creating a natural finish.
Supergoop-Unseen-Sunscreen-2021

2. Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face, SPF 25   |   EWG rating: 1 
An EWG certified facial sunscreen! This option is formulated with zinc oxide and protects from UVA, UVB, and HEV blue light rays. It absorbs quickly so you won't be left with any residue.

BeautyCounter-Facial-Sunscreen
3. Avène Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+   |   EWG rating: 2 
If you prefer a mineral sunscreen for your face, Avène provides a great option with their mineral sunscreen fluid. It is available in tinted and non-tinted versions and provides SPF 50+ protection without any residual white residue.
Avene-Mineral-Facial-Sunscreen

 

 

Our Favorite Body Sunscreen Picks:

1. Blue Lizard Sunscreens   |   EWG Rating: 2 to 3
We love Blue Lizard because of their dedication to the environment and their superior ingredients! All of their sunscreens are long-wear and easy to apply, although we recommend any of their options that are SPF 30 or higher.  
Blue-Lizard-Australian-Sunscreens-2021

2. All Good Sunscreens   |  EWG rating: 1 to 2
All Good sunscreens are natural and reef friendly! This brand of sunscreen seems to have a little something for everyone – Sunscreen sticks, spray on, lotions, and even tinted sunscreens for your face.This brand is also available at popular retailers like Target so you can grab them easily.
All-Good-Sunscreens-2021

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sport Activewear Sunscreen Lotion   |  EWG rating: 3
La Roche-Posay is a company originally based in France that has made its way to the United States. They have been pioneers in UV protection research for over 15 years and are trusted by dermatologists world-wide. 
We love their sport active option because it is long-lasting and defends your skin from environmental aggressors!
Top Sunscreens 2021




Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.