HEALTHY MINERALS
Mineral Sunscreen: The Oxybenzone-free Alternative
Mineral sunscreen, also known as physical barrier sunscreen, is becoming a hot category in the world of sunscreens, and for good reason. As an oxybenzone-free alternative to chemical sunscreen, mineral-based sunscreens are naturally broad-spectrum, so they provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
Mineral sunscreen contains active ingredients like zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, providing the ultimate barrier against the sun's harmful rays. And unlike chemical sunscreens which penetrate the skin and absorb the sun’s rays, mineral sunscreen works by sitting on top of the skin and deflecting the sun's rays.
WHY OPT FOR OXYBENZONE-FREE SUNSCREENS?
This issue with most conventional sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and other chemicals is that they’ve been shown to bleach and cause damage to the ocean’s coral reefs. Additionally, because chemical sunscreens absorb into the bloodstream, some individuals may experience skin irritation, cell damage, or even hormone disruption. As such, many consumers are turning to mineral sunscreen as a safe and effective solution for both users and the environment.
While certain types of chemical sunscreen work just fine for most individuals, more and more individuals are becoming conscious of oxybenzone-free alternatives. In the case of Watermans, zinc oxide (the main ingredient in most our mineral sunscreen products) is also the only active sunscreen ingredient approved for use on children by the FDA. This makes products like our SPF 55 FacePro Stick a preferred option for parents.
BENEFITS OF MINERAL-BASED SUNSCREEN
To underscore all of the reasons you should be using mineral-based sunscreen, below we list seven primary benefits.
- Provides immediate protection from the sun as soon as it’s applied with no wait required.
- Protects against both UVA and UVB rays, as mineral sunscreen is naturally broad spectrum.
- Less likely to clog pores, making it ideal for those with blemish-prone skin types.
- Lasts longer when in direct UV light (compared to sunscreens with chemicals), but this may vary when doing physical activities that cause sweating.
- Less likely to cause skin irritation, making it a great option for those with sensitive skin
- Better for individuals with heat-activated skin (such as those with rosacea and redness) because it deflects the sun’s heat and energy away from the skin
- Mineral sunscreen often has a longer shelf life
While it ultimately depends on the type of mineral-based sunscreen you choose to use, Watermans can help you find an oxybenzone-free sunscreen that best suits your needs.
Looking for a reef-friendly Oxybenzone-free sunscreen? Find out more about Watermans high-performance products here
