Eco-friendly sunscreens that don’t pollute: the best to protect you and the environment

Sunscreen is a formulation of cream, oil or gel to be applied before sun exposure to protect us from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Each product has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) that indicates its sun protection index, that is, the ability to protect the skin from the sun’s rays, but perhaps you do not know that dispersing the cream in the sea can be harmful to the marine ecosystem. .

There are many ways to make more informed choices when choosing solar energy. First, you can check if the product has certifications from recognized organizations like Ecocert, COSMOS, or USDA Organic. Look for products that are labeled “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” (i.e. a product that complies with the “Hawaii Treaty” (or Hawaii Reef Bill), which came into force in 2021 to ban two of the most polluting substances found in UV filters, such as oxybenzone And octinoxate). You can also opt for mineral sunscreens such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are less harmful to the oceans than chemical filters and, more generally, favor sunscreens with natural and organic ingredientsavoiding parabens, phthalates, sulfates and synthetic fragrances.

Let’s discover some of the most eco-responsible and particularly effective brands to protect you from the sun and give you a golden, even tan.

Eco-friendly anti-tan sunscreens

In recent years, the growing environmental awareness has driven more and more people to seek environmentally friendly solutions in all aspects of their daily lives, including sun protection. Many brands have responded to this emerging demand by developing eco-friendly sunscreensthat protect the skin without compromising the health of marine ecosystems and the planet. Here is an overview of the most innovative, effective and environmentally friendly brands.

Badger is a pioneer in the natural and organic skincare industry. Their sunscreens use only mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide, avoiding harmful chemical filters. Badger is also known for their commitment to sustainable packaging, using recyclable and compostable materials.

Badger Sports with SPF 40, it is hypoallergenic and offers broad spectrum protection, is waterproof (80 minutes) and contains 98% organic natural mineral ingredients. The brand is Reef Friendly certified, QAI certified according to NSF/ANSI and certified by NSF (i.e. it guarantees that the components, products, materials that come into contact with drinking water comply with the requirements required by most North American and Canadian government agencies, which regulate the supply of drinking water).

Alba Botany offers a wide range of biodegradable sunscreens that are safe for the marine environment and uses only natural ingredients and vegetarian formulas from terrestrial plant sources such as rich plant and nut oils, pure vegetable waxes, plant extracts and pure essential oils, avoiding harmful chemicals and supporting fair trade practices.

It is water-resistant and provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection; free from active ingredients that can damage coral reefs. Alba Botanica is committed to providing the best possible formulations for maximum effectiveness and benefits for skin and hair using ingredients derived from terrestrial plant sources such as rich plant and nut oils, pure plant waxes, herbal extracts and pure essential oils.

Raw elements is a brand that stands out for its commitment to total sustainability. Their sunscreens are biodegradable and packaged in recyclable and reusable packaging. The company uses only natural ingredients, with a focus on non-nano zinc oxide as a sunscreen.

This UVA and UVB brand offers broad spectrum sun protection and is biodegradable, hypoallergenic, reef safe and does not migrate. The eco 30+ formula is all natural. It offers high performance and is extremely water resistant after 80 minutes, but in a delicate and moisturizing way, it is perfect for our little ones. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and biologically active extracts, it protects our skin while respecting the environment.

ThinkSport offers a range of sun protection formulated to be safe for the environment and the skin even during sports, both for athletes and for those who train on the weekend. It offers optimal sun protection without chemicals for all types of sports, including marathon, running, surfing, skiing, Ironman triathlon, cycling, all water sports and other outdoor activities.
ThinkSport sunscreen is SPF 50+ and has a mineral formulation that uses 20% zinc oxide (not nanoparticles) to effectively protect the skin from UVB and more penetrating UVA rays and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The annual report of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) of the United States gave this sunscreen a rating of “1”, the highest rating for the safety and effectiveness of the ingredients. It has a light citrus scent which is very pleasant, non-greasy and non-oily, it spreads easily and is well absorbed.

Echo Elio has always fought to create products that respect the skin, body and sea, becoming Eco Sun Pass certified. The brand is an accomplice in the growing awareness aboutimpact of sunscreens on marine ecosystemswith special attention to the well-being of coral reefs. This is where the sustainable Eco Elio SPF 50 150 ml “Solar Splendor” sunscreen was born, without octocrylene or microplastics and without perfume. Ideal for the whole family.

Eco-sustainable solar products, here’s why to choose them

Adopting eco-friendly sunscreens is an important step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Brands like Badger, ThinkSport, Raw Elements, Alba Botanica and Eco Elio offer products that are environmentally friendly without compromising on sun protection. By choosing these brands, you can enjoy the sun safely, while also helping to conserve marine ecosystems and protect our planet. In fact, these brands use ingredients that are biodegradablewhich are on average degraded by 60% in 10 days and are Water resistantthey are therefore less likely to disperse in water; also, the use of ingredients vegetable and organicfrom controlled supply chains, guarantee the quality and sustainability of every drop of product. Remember that you too make a difference: use the amount of product needed to reduce waste.

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