The first day of summer is almost here, which for some of you means summer vacation and spending more time in the sun. As we enjoy our time outdoors, it’s important to remember to protect our skin against harmful UV rays. Applying sunscreen regularly is the key to preventing sun damage, premature aging, sunspots, and even skin cancer.
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After years of using a chemical sunscreen, I’m happy to say that I’ve found a mineral sunscreen worth switching for. Not only are the ingredients cleaner, but it’s much better for the environment as well. I’m excited to share a bit of information on the difference between the two and what I’m currently using.
Mineral sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen
A mineral sunscreen reflects the sun’s rays creating a barrier using active ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, whereas a chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays by changing the chemical structure to reduce sun damage. Some common active ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Why choose a mineral sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens are formulated without chemicals and create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays by reflecting it. Active ingredients found in chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to coral bleaching, which negatively impact our marine life.
When coral bleaches (turns white), it’s still alive, but it’s under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to disease and death.
In July 2018, the state of Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. The city of Key West, Florida, followed suit in early 2019.
REI co-op, What is reef-safe sunscreen?
While mineral sunscreens can often leave a white cast or reflect in photos, I’ve found recent formulations from many brands to be as smooth and blendable as a chemical sunscreen. So you don’t have to compromise just for the formula.
Which mineral sunscreen do you recommend?
I’ve been loving NUDESTIX’s Daily Mineral Veil SPF 30. It has the Clean Seal of approval at Sephora. This means the product is formulated without harmful ingredients including parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, coal tar, insoluble plastic microbeads, and more. It also comes in biodegradable packaging.
It’s reef safe, meaning it doesn’t contain any chemical additives to harm marine life. Its lightweight, hydrating, and oil-free formula glides onto the skin without feeling heavy or greasy. It contains purple tea extracts, green algae extract, and passionflower extract which provides defence against free radicals, hydration, and protection from environmental pollutants.
I love the airless pump-tube. It’s easy to gauge how much product to use compared to a squeeze bottle. This sunscreen comes in 4 blendable shades, which acts like a tinted moisturizer. If you don’t like tinted moisturizers, they also have a tint-free option.
How does it wear?
It’s recommended that you do a patch test prior to use, especially if your skin tends to react to new products. I applied a small amount along my jaw line and once there was no reaction after several hours, I used it the next day.
I have fair skin and chose the shade Tan. At first, the shade looked too dark but once I applied it on my skin, it blended out beautifully giving my skin a natural and healthy glow. After years of using chemical sunscreens, I got used to my skin looking very shiny and oily after application, and even more so at the end of a long day. I was surprised to find that my skin didn’t look greasy with a mineral sunscreen.
In conclusion… I love NUDESTIX’s mineral sunscreen. Not only does it wear beautifully on the skin, but it also contains ingredients that are safe for us and for our marine life. If you’re on the hunt for a new mineral sunscreen, I definitely recommend checking it out. What are your thoughts on mineral sunscreens? Do you have a go-to already? I’d love to hear your finds.
I really like the idea of using this sunscreen with the tan shade. I also love that I can either have it shipped to my home or I can pick it up at my local Sephora!
I do too! It gives a really natural summertime glow, so I can skip the bronzer. It’s always nice to have the option of checking it out in stores or ordering online! Thank you for reading Heidi!
I also prefer mineral sunscreens even if it gives off a white cast. I have been looking for a good tinted sunscreen and haven’t found one yet. Have a great weekend!
PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
♥ | instagram.com/iamperlita
Thank you for reading Perla!
I’m always looking for ways to be better to our planet. Thanks for sharing!
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you for reading!
I’m currently using a chemical sunscreen that I was gifted, but I should definitely switch to a mineral sunscreen once I finished it. That’s great to know about NUDESTIX’s SPF, and I’ll definitely have to look for it at the Sephora here.
Oh yes, definitely give it a try at Sephora! Thank you for reading Karalee!
Oh wow this was super helpful and informative.I had no idea I will have to check out NudeStix.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you so much Allie!
Just this year I switched to a mineral sunscreen in April and I’m in love and likely never going back – like you said my skin feels so much better and I don’t feel all shiny. I had no clue about the additional benefits so this post was so informative and helpful – thank you!
That’s wonderful to hear! It’s so nice not having to deal with shiny skin upon application and the aftermath of a long hot day. Thank you for reading Alex Jean!
Thank you for raising awareness about protecting marine life by wearing mineral sunscreens. Agree that they do wear beautifully but shame that they are still quite expensive compared to the chemical ones. I have tried the Eucerin suncscreen which was great but have never heard of Nudestix so will look it up!
That’s very interesting! I went from using Lancôme and Shiseido chemical sunscreens which cost roughly about $10 more than my current mineral sunscreen. I have found that the price of sunscreens in general have gone up significantly though, especially at the drugstores. Thank you for reading Ibti!
This sounds great! I’ve not tried a mineral SPF (thanks for teaching us the difference) but this sounds lovely. Sounds like there’s a tonne of benefits to switching!
Claire.x
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Absolutely! It’s nice knowing what you’re putting on your skin. Thank you for reading Claire!
I’ve read before about mineral sunscreens being better for you and the environment, but so far, the ones I’ve tried haven’t really worked for me. They tended to be very visible on the skin after application. I like the sound of this one as it comes in different shades so it might work better for me!
It can be tricky finding a mineral sunscreen with a good formulation. What I like about Nudestix’s is that they’re available at Sephora locations, so it’s nice getting to test out the sunscreen before purchasing. Thank you for reading Sophie!
We’ve never tried mineral sunscreen, but we have been searching for a reff-safe alternative. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m glad you’ve been also looking for reef safe sunscreen! Thank you for reading!
I like the sound of mineral sunscreens, this is something I would love to try! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
That’s awesome Lucy! I hope you get a chance to give it a try. Thank you for reading!
I’ve learned so much from your post! I’ve been curious about mineral sunscreens but didn’t know where to start. I’m going to give Nudestix a try! Thanks for sharing.
I’m so happy to hear that! Mineral sunscreens are a wonderful alternative. Thank you for reading Jodie!
I use one particular mineral sunscreen that works for me. It works well on darker skin tones.
I’m glad you’ve found a sunscreen that works for you! Thank you for reading Lanae!
Oooh I’ve never actually heard of mineral sunscreens before but they sound like a great option! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yes, so many great benefits! Thank you for reading Jenny!