In Part One of this guide we answered some of our most frequently asked questions about natural sunscreens and what to look out for. In this part we give a bit more insight into the 4 different brands of sunscreen we stock.
Green People
We have sold Green People products for many years, and still believe them to be some of the best, natural, ‘clean’ products out there, with great ethics behind them. Here’s what they say on their website about their sunscreen:
- Effective, broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection
- Suitable for sensitive skin and those prone to prickly heat
- Moisture retaining for a longer lasting tan
- Water repellent but non pore-clogging, allows your skin to breathe
- Rich in natural antioxidants to protect delicate skin
- Green People supports the Marine Conservation Society, the UK charity protecting our seas, shores & wildlife. 30p will be donated to the Marine Conservation Society from each sale of this product.
- Suitable for children who may be prone to eczema or psoriasis.
As well as minerals, Green People also use Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate as an additional sun filter. This is what they say on their website:
Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate is a natural compound which is found in the roots of the Indian Galangal plant, a member of the Ginger family. Commercially, it is prepared from Cinnamic acid which is found in the leaves of the cinnamon tree, and is chemically identical to the naturally occurring molecule. We are not aware of any reported skin reactions to Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, and according to all the scientific evidence we have this molecule has not been found to possess any oestrogenic properties.
This is direct contrast to the similar sounding sunscreen ingredient called octyl-methoxycinnamate. This is a semi-synthetic compound, which has been shown to cause isolated skin reactions. More importantly, this compound does possess significant oestrogenic activity as was demonstrated in the study by Schlumpf et al from the Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich.
Until sufficient evidence is available to prove its long term safety, Green People will not use OMC in any of our products. Instead, we use an ingredient called Isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate (IMC). Whilst it sounds similar to Octyl methoxycinnamate this molecule has different properties. This is like taking two different people with the same surname – they may sound similar but they are quite different individuals. For one thing the molecular structure of IMC is larger than OMC which prevents it from penetrating the outer layer of the skin. This means that it cannot come into contact with living skin cells and therefore it is not considered to have photo-toxic effects when used on the skin. Secondly, this ingredient does not have any oestrogenic activity, unlike OMC.
We stock a range of Green People Sun Care products, including scent free (including children’s) SPF30, SPF15 and Hydrating After Sun.
ORGANii
ORGANii is a relatively new brand to us but this is our second year to stock it, its light formulation and high SPFs making it quite popular.
Here’s what they say on their website:
- Offers broad spectrum UV protection
- Is effective immediately upon application
- Is paraben and colourant free
- Is water resistant
- Is suitable for sensitive skin
- Is suitable for vegans
- Has been nickel tested <1PPM
- Has been successfully dermatologically tested
- Is certified organic by ICEA
The ORGANii Sun Milk comes in SPF15, 20 and 50 with a natural formula that is mild enough to be used by the whole family, suitable for all skin types including fair and sensitive skin. The formula has a fluid consistency meaning there is little to no whiteness or residue on the skin after application, protecting your skin from the UVB & UVA rays naturally and safely. It is enriched with organic coconut and jojoba which hydrates and soothes the skin.
Biosolis
It’s the third year we have sold Biosolis, with a strong environmental concern. From their website, their mission statement is:
An alliance between ecological responsibility and fun in the sun.
Respect for the environment, health, and well-being are values that form an integral part of our daily life. Biosolis offers an affirmative and constructive response to the question: “Can I enjoy the pleasures of the sun while protecting myself and respecting nature?”
Derived from plants and minerals, the Biosolis range is designed to protect and nurture the skin naturally from the sun. It was developed in accordance with all European standards for sun protection while using mineral filters guaranteed without nanoparticules. The specific manufacturing process guarantees high protection products without whitening effect on skin. The Biosolis products also contain certified organic and wildcrafted Aloe Vera to hydrate the upper layers of the skin. Suitable for all skin types.
Biosolis also give much thought to their packaging too:
In an effort to avoid over-packaging, the bottles and labels are environmentally friendly (vegetable inks, recyclable bottles). Biosolis’ lab and suppliers are in constant search of ingredients and solutions that guarantee protection, safety, efficiency, and respect for the environment.
Biosolis’ website also goes on to explain more about the damaging effects chemicals in sunscreens can have on marine environments:
Sun care products that contain chemical sunscreens are one of the factors responsible for the destruction of corals. Indeed, these sunscreens promote the propagation of viruses that kill corals. Increasingly, certain regions prohibit the use of chemical-based sun care products on their beaches. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens (Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide) that are free of Nano-Particles remain on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays (like mirrors). Their effectiveness is immediate and their duration longer. The whitening effect on the skin fades very quickly thanks to their liquid texture that, being soft to the touch, is pleasant to apply.
Goddess Garden
Our second year to offer this range, Goddess Garden is an American family company and offers some unique choices in terms of packaging and formulation, with non-aerosol sprays, pumps and sports formulas. All their products are certified organic, vegan and their sunscreen contains no hormone disruptors or harsh chemicals.
They have a comprehensive FAQ section on their website with lots of great information:
I started Goddess Garden because my daughter Paige was allergic to conventional body care products. Because of this, we take care to only include the safest organic ingredients to create our products. I want what is the safest for my family just like you want what is the safest for yours! You will never find any hormone-disrupting chemicals such as oxybenzone in our sunscreens, only great, natural ingredients like minerals, lavender, radish, soy, and sunflower oils!
- Free from hormone disruptors
- Certified organic
- Sheer and non whitening
- Effective immediately
- Non-greasy
- Easy to apply
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection
- Reef-safe and biodegradable
The bodycare team at Infinity spend a lot of time investigating the brands and products we sell, to make sure we are offering a great, and responsible, choice. We have all personally used these products and are happy to offer our insight to keep you and your family safe in the sun!
All information and claims made about products come from the manufacturers themselves and is reproduced here.