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🌞 Safe Sun Care: Why Our Mineral Body Sunscreen Is the Best Natural Choice

by Charlene Kenny

Why mineral sunscreen matters

Daily sunscreen use helps prevent premature aging and skin cancer—but not all sunscreens are created equal. Many chemical sunscreens include ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, which have raised concerns for their potential hormone-disrupting effects, skin irritation, and environmental harm (PMC).

  • The European Commission restricts oxybenzone for its endocrine-disrupting and possible carcinogenic effects, and some places like Hawaii and Palau have banned it to protect marine life (Wikipedia).

  • The Australian TGA recently proposed limiting or excluding other chemical filters due to long-term safety uncertainties (Herald Sun).

  • Studies show elevated blood levels of these chemicals, detected months after a single use—raising questions about habitual use and accumulation .

🌿 How our formula protects you—without the risk

At Farmstead Naturals, we trust only non-nano zinc oxide, a physical/mineral sunscreen ingredient recognized as safe, effective, and gentle, especially for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin (Healthline):

  • Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB), unlike some chemical filters that leave gaps (Vogue).

  • It's non-irritating, anti-inflammatory, and ideal for conditions like rosacea and eczema (Healthline).

  • Mineral sunscreens begin working immediately and provide longer-lasting coverage on the skin's surface (Essential Minerals Association).

💧 Our 100% natural body sunscreen includes:

  • Shea butter & coconut oils — deeply nourishing yet light

  • Fractionated coconut oil for smooth, pumpable texture

  • Beeswax to maintain firmness in warm weather

  • Arrowroot powder for a natural matte finish

  • Raspberry & apricot oils rich in antioxidants

  • Vitamin E – for skin health and formula stability

  • Non-nano zinc oxide for clean, broad-spectrum protection

Free from parabens, silicones, synthetic fragrances, preservatives, nano-particles, chemical UV filters, and animal testing.

🧴 Why you can trust and love it

  • Safe for rosacea: No irritating chemicals, only calming, non-comedogenic ingredients (Healthline)

  • Reef-friendly: No oxybenzone or octinoxate to harm marine ecosystems (Essential Minerals Association)

  • Dermatologist-preferred ingredients: Zinc oxide is a skin-soothing mineral praised in clinical skincare

🌤️ Tips for safe daily sun care

  • Apply generously 15 minutes before stepping outside, and reapply every 2 hours, or after swimming or sweating.

  • Continue sun safety with shade, hats, and UPF clothing ☂️

  • Check SPF SPF labels carefully—lab tests show many commercial sunscreens don’t deliver the claimed protection (InStyle, The Guardian)

Choose a gentle, mineral-based sunscreen like ours—because you deserve effective sun protection that’s kind to your skin, your body, and the planet.

♻️ Thoughtful Packaging

We’ve chosen sleek, clear Acrylonitrile Styrene (AS) bottles for our sunscreen — a durable, BPA-free plastic that offers excellent protection for our natural formulation. AS is strong, lightweight, and ideal for safely storing oil-based creams and zinc oxide without leaching or breakdown.

While AS isn’t recyclable in all household bins, we encourage reuse where possible or checking with your local recycling provider for guidance.

We're actively exploring more sustainable options as we grow — your support helps us build greener, low-waste skincare.

🔎 Learn more about healthy sunscreens

  • The Australian TGA recently reviewed chemical sunscreen filters—learn why they’re urging alternatives (Herald Sun)

  • The European Commission and FDA warn that zinc and titanium dioxide are the only Sunscreen “Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective” (GRASE substances) (Wikipedia)

  • Harvard Health debunks myths and affirms the importance of sunscreen (Harvard Health)

 

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