A guide to organic sun cream

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most important things you can do, which is why adding an effective natural sunscreen to your daily routine is vital. Sun cream not only helps to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation and stop sunburn, but it can also help prevent signs of premature ageing and significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Choosing the right organic sun cream for you will depend on the level of UV protection you are looking for and any skincare preferences you may have.

If you’re looking for more information on what organic suncream is and how it differs from the traditional SPF options available on the market, keep reading as we delve into everything you need to know about organic sunscreen and what option may be best for you.

What is organic sun cream?

Organic sun cream is a skincare product made from natural, organically sourced ingredients that helps to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Unlike conventional sun cream which usually contains synthetic chemicals and fragrances that can irritate the skin, organic sunscreens typically use plant-derived ingredients that are free from harmful additives such as parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances.

When it comes to organic sun cream, most SPFs are made from naturally sourced minerals like zinc oxide that help to physically block UV rays, as opposed to traditional chemical sun cream formulas that instead work by absorbing UV light and converting it to heat. As the world slowly shifts towards adopting more natural, sustainable habits in everyday life, organic SPF formulations have become more popular due to their lack of chemicals and additives, making them better for your skin and the environment.

What are the benefits of organic sun cream?

Switching to an organic sunscreen is not only beneficial for your skin but also for the planet. There are many benefits to using an organic alternative to conventional SPF that make it an attractive option for those looking for eco-friendly sun protection, including:

Kinder to your skin

Organic sun creams are free from chemicals and use natural ingredients that are kinder to your skin and can reduce the risk of skin irritation. This not only makes them perfect for those with sensitive skin due to their hypoallergenic formulas but also means that our skin is at less risk of absorbing harmful chemicals found in traditional sunscreen products that may cause skin irritation.

Better for the environment

Organic sun creams are free from chemicals that can cause harm to marine life and coral reefs, therefore by switching to organic SPF formulas, you can help prevent environmental damage. Additionally, most organic sunscreens also focus on packaging their products in recyclable or biodegradable materials, helping to further reduce their environmental impact.

Improve skin’s appearance

A lot of organic sunscreens are infused with ingredients that have many skincare benefits such as brightening skin tone, improving skin texture and reducing dark spots. Mineral sun cream often contains natural oils that help to hydrate your skin whilst protecting it against UV. Skincare experts recommend wearing SPF every day to keep your skin looking and feeling its best and with organic sunscreen formulas designed to nourish your skin, organic SPF can be highly effective.

How to choose the right organic sun cream 

Whether you’re looking for the perfect sunscreen to keep you protected on your next holiday or an everyday SPF that is compatible with your sensitive skin, we’re here to advise on choosing the right organic sun cream for you. It’s important to keep in mind that not all sunscreens labelled ‘natural’, ‘eco-friendly’ or ‘vegan’ are organic, therefore, it's important to read the labels and ingredient lists carefully when picking out your chosen SPF.

With an understanding of the benefits of organic sun cream, the ingredients they are made from and the best ways to apply, you can make an informed choice on which organic SPF best suits your skin type and lifestyle to help you enjoy the sun safely and sustainably. There are several factors to consider when choosing the right organic sun cream to ensure it meets your skin’s needs and provides adequate sun protection, they are as follows:

Check the SPF rating and broad-spectrum protection

It is recommended that you should wear an SPF of 30 or higher every day in order to keep your skin suitably protected from UV rays. If you live in a warmer climate or vacationing somewhere that has a high UV count, we suggest looking for an organic suncream that has a higher SPF, especially if you’re going to be outdoors for extended periods of time. It’s also important to consider what broad-spectrum protection your organic sunscreen offers, making sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Read the ingredients carefully

Organic sunscreens are mostly made using mineral-based ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide effective broad-spectrum protection whilst being gentle on the skin. Other natural oils and extracts such as coconut oil, shea butter and green tea extract are also often added to organic sunscreen to provide extra moisturisation and antioxidant protection.

When reading the ingredients of sunscreen, make sure to look out for any harmful chemicals, parabens or phthalates that may have been added such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals are commonly found in conventional sunscreens and are said to be linked to coral reef damage.

Consider your skin type 

If you have sensitive skin, organic sunscreen is a great choice as it contains mostly natural ingredients which are gentle on your skin and often hypoallergenic. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, most organic sun cream is made from mineral, non-comedogenic formulas that prevent clogged pores. If you have particularly dry skin, we suggest choosing an organic SPF that also contains added moisturisers such as glycerin or hyaluronic acid.

Check brand reputations and certifications

Sometimes brands that claim to sell organic products can be responsible for greenwashing, therefore it's important to look out for certifications that signify your sunscreen meets organic standards. Certifications to look for include Soil Association Certification, USDA Organic, Ecocert and COSMOS.

To help make your search for the right organic sun cream easier, below we have listed several organic SPFs available to shop here at Planet Organic.

Green People Suncream SPF30 and Green People Kids Suncream SPF30 

Green People is one of our most popular organic sun care brands that is dedicated to providing natural skincare products made for those with sensitive skin. With a focus on using planet-friendly packaging and organically-certified ingredients, Green People sunscreen has been formulated using natural, plant-derived ingredients that can be traced back to the crop it was grown from. 

The Green People organic sun cream with SPF30 offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a formula infused with antioxidants and vitamins A, C & E from green tea, olive, avocado and rosemary extract. This water-resistant organic SPF is ideal for those with sensitive skin due to its gentle, scent-free formula and is also reef-safe to help protect the oceans as well as your skin. They also offer a gentle, naturally water-resistant organic SPF for children that is perfect for active, outdoor kids to ensure they stay protected from harmful UV rays. Made with organic aloe vera and elderflower, this scent-free, non-greasy sun cream is suitable for children with sensitive skin, especially those prone to eczema, dermatitis and other skin irritations.

Alteya Organics Sunscreen and Urtekram Aloe Vera Gel 

Alteya also offers an organic sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF30 that helps to defend against damaging sun rays and premature ageing caused by sun exposure. Enriched with essential oils and botanicals that help to hydrate and protect the skin, this organically certified sun cream provides reliable protection from the sun whilst nourishing the skin at the same time without the presence of harmful chemicals.

Protecting your skin after sun exposure is just as important as protecting it from the sun itself, especially if you have sunburn. Investing in an organic after sun such as this Urtekram aloe vera gel can help to soothe any skin irritation caused by sun exposure, keeping your skin moisturised. Containing hydrating hyaluronic acid and hexapeptide to help boost collagen and elastin, this organic after-sun helps to moisturise and heal dehydrated or damaged skin cells after a day in the sun.

Protect your skin with Planet Organic

Keep your skin looking and feeling its best with regular organic SPF application. Browse through our full range of organic sun protection and aftercare products to find the right fit for your skin’s needs. If you’re looking for more organic alternatives to revamp your everyday skincare routines, take a look at our collection of natural skincare and beauty products.