Every parent I spoke to this week is befuddled with the news that there are new concerns about sunscreen ingredients that could make them harmful, especially to children. So I am deciding to post my simple view on this after much reading of opinions on the internet.
It seems every season I have to dump $200 of unexpired premium quality sunscreen products in the garbage. I buy the best I can afford and I like to keep several types handy for stroller, diaper bag, camp bag, purse etc. It easily adds up.
This year is no exception.
The industry concerns this summer are raising issues with the ingredients used in sunscreens that penetrate skin. Chemical VS Mineral sunscreens.
In short, penetration of these ingredients is potentially risky since it can release free-radicals into the body. Free-radical damage and sunburns are the entire point of wearing sunscreens so this is counter productive to wear sunscreens that leak into our bodies this way. Plus there are other concers of sunscreens containing other nasties like preservatives, chemical fragrance and toxins.
(If you want more technical detail, here's a very good link:
So I went on the search for a new set of "mineral" sunscreens and discovered Lavera organic sunscreen. I didn't find this type on the original Safemama list of "approved" sunscreens but I tested it out for myself and found it very acceptable.
1) It does not contain the currrent list of nasties.
2) It offers organic ingredients where possible
3) It does not contain nano micro-particles (particles of anything so small no matter what it might be, it's no good to have it on your skin because it is small enough to penetrate into the body through the skin)
So far Lavera is mild smelling, protects well, goes on reasonably easy, hasn't burned my eyes when using on face, after it is on for a short while, it is not sticky and after I've worn it for a few hours it doesn't get that sour yukky old sunscreen odour. It's not horribly shiny and they have options of a pump or tube.
Definately recommend it this summer.
By the way: I am in no way affiliated with any company or manufacturer.
Just little old green me who cares about little old you whoever you are.