Summer Sunscreen: Six Organic Products to Protect Your Skin
The skin is the largest, most absorbent organ of the human body, so the sunscreen you put on it matters. While it’s tempting to grab the discount stuff in a big yellow bottle, experts, aestheticians and environmentalists wish we’d all think twice. Many sunscreens are formulated with harmful chemicals that can disrupt the body’s ecosystem as well as the natural environments people interact with while wearing it. In time for summer’s official arrival, we checked in with some of the best organic brands in the business to find out what we should be putting on our bodies.
Eminence
Tropical Vanilla Body Sunscreen SPF 32
A staple in Eminence’s skin-care line, this sunscreen combines the luxurious feel of shea butter with vanilla and zinc oxide while steering clear of parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and oxybenzone. It protects against UVA and UVB rays while keeping the skin soft and moisturized. “Mineral sunscreens are suitable for every skin type, age and gender. With their anti-inflammatory properties, they are gentle enough for the most sensitive of complexions. They are also reef-safe and offer broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays,” says Natalie Pergar, lead skin care trainer for Eminence Organic Skin Care.
Tropical Vanilla Day Cream SPF 32
With all the same luxurious, clean ingredients as the body lotion version, the face cream is gentle enough for daily use but can withstand the heat of a tropical vacation. It leaves your complexion hydrated and safeguarded by using the innate protective properties of its natural ingredients.
Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer SPF 33
This new formulation harnesses the protective power of minerals. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as physical blockers to reflect UV rays while lilikoi (passion fruit) seed oil, satsuma mandarin peel extract and larch tree ensure the healthy glow of hydrated skin. “We take care to formulate with additional ingredients to make the healthiest-possible products. We want to do more than just protect your skin from the sun damage—we aim to simultaneously feed your skin,” says Pergar.
For more information, please visit eminenceorganics.com.
Coola
Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Created using farm-to-face practices, the classic sunscreen is a great go-to option for health and environmentally conscious consumers. Red raspberry seed, buriti palm and meadowfoam seed oils, plus prickly pear extract are a few of the plant-based ingredients that make up this high-performance sunscreen. But the real star is the safflower oleosome technology, which expertly aids in dispersing the product into the skin for maximum efficacy and staying power.
Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Don’t let the easy application fool you. Quick delivery doesn’t detract from the ability to provide full-spectrum protection that can stand up to sweat and water. Antioxidants derived from cucumber, algae, strawberry and red raspberry seed oil enhance UV protection while also nourishing the skin. “All our sprays are non-aerosol. They not only have a delicious feel and smell, but also they protect and work extremely well for even the most active people,” says Suzanne Denby, account executive for Coola.
Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30
With names like Summer Crush, Bonfire and Coral Reef, Coola’s tinted lip balm is a beachgoer’s best friend. It packs serious protection for the most delicate skin of your face, while adding some fun and flare to your outdoor outings. Plus, it can also be used as a blush alternative for extra glam.
For more information, please visit coola.com.
The Spa
Please make a reservation to visit The Spa at the Bellevue Club to purchase sunscreen and a variety of other skin care and beauty products, or email spa@bellevueclub.com.