The choice of sustainable sunscreen has become increasingly important in recent years. This switch started for us while getting our diving license in Curaçao. The underwater world is beautiful, but we discovered that many of the colorful corals were fading due to the use of traditional sunscreens. This is one of the reasons why destinations such as Hawaii and Bonaire prohibit the use of "normal" sunscreen. Sunscreen is essential for your skin, but it's important to choose ocean-friendly sunscreen that won't harm the environment. In this article, we explain why this is so important and share the best sustainable sunscreen brands.
Regular sunburn versus long-lasting sunburn: what's the difference?
When you rub your skin on vacation with sunburn and then diving into the seawater, you may see oily circles around you. This is because the sunburn gets into the water, even if you use waterproof sunscreen. These harmful substances can damage the underwater life seriously disrupt. They kill plankton, are toxic to fish and cause coral death. Moreover, the chemicals from sunburns can also end up in your blood and urine, something you obviously would rather not have either.
Sustainable sunscreen, on the other hand, is made from natural ingredients and is not only good for your skin, but also for the ocean and marine life. It does not leave an oily residue in the water, and the ingredients that get into the sea are not harmful. The non-nano particles in sustainable sunscreen do not penetrate your skin, but form a protective layer on your skin, just as they should.
What should I look for when buying long-lasting sunscreen?
The reason we apply sunscreen is that we want to protect our skin from the effects of the sun. And we prefer to do that in the best way possible. Not every tube of sunscreen that says "sustainable" on it is actually sustainable. It is important to pay attention to the following when consciously buying a sunscreen that is good for your skin and the environment.
Avoid sunscreen with oxybenzone, Benzophen-3, bp-3, octinoxate and PABA;
Choose a sunscreen with non-nano varieties of zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and tinosorb;
For sensitive skin, avoid sunscreen that contains alcohol and perfume;
Check that the sunscreen is animal-free (preferably even choose vegan);
Preferably, always choose a cream.
Tip: wait at least 30 minutes before going into the water after you rub in!
Top 5 sustainable sunscreens for the body
The following 5 long-lasting sunscreens are recommended for the body:
1. Drs Leenarts Suncare SPF 50
The sun spray from Drs Leenarts Suncare is a sun spray that contains a high concentration of sun filters, making this sunscreen a good protection against the sun. In addition, the spray is also rich in nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, vitamin E and sunflower oil. Ingredients that keep your skin hydrated. In addition, the spray is free of fragrances and alcohol. Another nice benefit is that the spray is easy to spread and does not leave a white haze.
2. Biodermal sun milk SPF 50
Biodermal is one of our favorite brands when it comes to skincare, and so is the Biodermal sun milk For sun protection. It is a fine cream to apply that is free of junk and is especially for people with sensitive skin. Added to the sun milk are nourishing strains and good sun filters. In short, a sun milk that belongs in our top 5!
3. Beauty of Joseon SPF 50
A fairly unknown but very nice brand for sunscreen is Beauty of Joseon, especially the sunscreen Relief SUN with SPF 50. A subtle cream that is easy to apply to the skin (with no white haze), and features rich ingredients such as rice extract and grain probiotics that nourish the skin.
4. Seventy One Perfect SPF 50
For those who love water sports, the Seventy One Perfect Eco Sun Shield THE perfect long-lasting sunscreen. Not only is this cream water resistant, the cream is also sweat resistant. You can apply the sunscreen to both wet and dry skin. Therefore, this makes the product so suitable for water sports enthusiasts. Ingredients used in the cream are organic sunflower oil and jojoba oil. Oils that nourish, soften and make the skin supple.
5. Speick Sunscreen SPF 30
The sunscreens from Speick are 100% natural and protected against UVA and UVB. They are free of fragrances, dyes, aluminum and mineral oils. The cream spreads easily, absorbs quickly and does not leave a white haze. An added bonus is that the packaging is made from renewable resources!
Top 5 long-lasting sunscreen for the face
These are 5 sustainable sunscreens you can apply to your face responsibly.
1. Biodermal sunscreen SPF 50
This sunscreen from Biodermal we have been using for several years and with that can agree that it is a fine sunscreen for the face. The cream for sensitive skin is particularly pleasant. This cream contains 4 safe sun filters that together form a high factor (SPF 50). So you protect your skin well from the sun and reduce the risk of sunburn.
Added to the cream are nourishing ingredients such as glycerin, diglycerin, propanedio, canola oil and vitamin E, which together provide protection against skin aging and dehydration.
2. Drunk Elephant
A sunscreen that is great for slightly older skin (wrinkles and/or age spots) is the cream of Drunk Elephant. In fact, the cream contains many fine ingredients that protect your skin from aging. In addition, the number of antioxidants in the cream is also high. And for those who did not know, antioxidants contribute to a powerful protection against free radicals and improve skin hydration.
3. Paula's Choice SPF 30
A brand that we are also very excited about and should not be missed in this list is the DEFENSE Glow day and sunscreen from Paula's Choice. The cream is packed with antioxidants and also contains extracts from kiwi and licorice root. These were specially chosen because the extracts have a positive effect on the skin and effectively protect against pollution and blue light. It is a light cream that is easy to apply.
4. SMPL facial sunscreen SPF 30
What appeals to us in SMPL's facial sunscreen is that this 100% is natural, vegan and fragrance-free. The sunscreen contains caring and moisturizing ingredients (such as mango butter, aloe vera, vitamin E) that are suitable for sensitive skin. We speak from our own experience when we say that the cream does not leave a white haze, which is of course very nice.
5. Avène sunscreen lotion SPF 50
Last but not least, Avène sunscreen for the face. The cream is not only free of junk but also very skin friendly. Just like the other creams, this sunscreen contains a lot of powerful sun filters so your face is well protected from the sun. There are no fragrances and essential oils added to the cream making this sunscreen suitable for normal to sensitive facial skin.
Even more sustainable travel tips
Choosing sustainable sunscreens is a great way to protect both yourself and the ocean. By switching to products with natural ingredients, you contribute to the preservation of marine life and avoid the harmful effects of traditional sunscreens. This is a small change that makes a big difference, both for your skin and for the planet.
Want to discover more about sustainable travel? We have some valuable tips for you! Read more about our sustainable travel tips To make your trip even greener. Or dive deeper into the concept of slow travel and discover why this slower travel style is not only good for you, but also for the earth.
