Not All Mineral Sunscreens Are Created Equal

We have several informative sunscreen guides on our blog (chemical vs. mineral, etc.), but today we’re focusing on the truth about mineral SPFs, why they’re not all the same, and how to choose the best one for your skin. Plus, we’ll tell you why our Daydream Mineral SPF is, in our opinion, the best mineral sunscreen on the market. Let’s go!

We're going to cut straight to the point here. There are often hidden chemical "boosters" in common mineral sunscreens. Didn't know? It's okay, most people don't thanks to the lack of transparency from these sunscreen companies who are sneaking in toxic ingredients into their "100% mineral" SPFs. I know, so disappointing. 

Hidden Ingredients, False Advertising, & Harmful UV Filters

With that said, one of the most common hidden ingredients in conventional mineral sunscreens is Butyloctyl Salicylate (BOS). This is a synthetic, modified version of the chemical UV filter Octisalate, and is found in more than 300 "mineral" sunscreens on the market. This compound is not natural and is linked to adverse skin reactions, allergies, and is a known endocrine disruptor, among other things. When applied, BOS and similar chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream, and evidence of them has been found in breast milk and blood plasma. These chemicals can linger in the body for weeks after absorption. BOS is listed as an inactive ingredient, which allows brands to market their sunscreens as "100% mineral" even though BOS functions as a chemical UV filter. This loophole misleads well-meaning consumers into thinking they are using a purely mineral sunscreen. Remember, this is just one of several hidden chemical "boosters" commonly found in mainstream "mineral" SPFs.

Additionally, BOS and similar chemicals are often used to reduce the concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide in mineral sunscreens. This outrightly compromises UVA protection and, again, misleads consumers into believing they’re using a purely mineral sunscreen. Why would they do this? Well, by adding in chemicals like BOS, they can achieve a certain texture and and possibly reduce the white cast typically associated with conventional zinc oxide and titanium dioxide suncreens. 

Now that we’ve exposed the hidden boosters, let’s talk about the mineral filters themselves. Even trusted mineral filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide aren’t perfect. Titanium dioxide, for example, doesn’t protect fully against UVA rays. Additionally, when used in its common nano form, it can harm marine ecosystems by washing off into the ocean. Titanium dioxide has also been banned in many countries (and some U.S. states) in food products due to its high toxicity. Inhalation of titanium dioxide particles is toxic to lungs, making it something I really don't want near by body at all.

Nano zinc oxide, another common mineral filter, comes with its own set of concerns. While zinc oxide itself has been used topically for thousands of years and is not inherently toxic, modern processing creates nano zinc oxide particles that are so small they can penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, nano zinc oxide poses concerns such as oxidative stress (free radical damage), cytotoxicity (cell damage), and long-term health risks. It’s also known to damage coral reefs and marine life, contributing to widespread coral bleaching - it harms marine biodiversity and disrupts entire ecosystems. That’s a hard no for me.

The SBA Difference: Non-nano Zinc Oxide + Daydream Mineral SPF 

Enter non-nano zinc oxide, the gold standard for safe, effective sun protection and the key ingredient in our Daydream Mineral SPF. Non-nano zinc oxide particles are larger, meaning they sit on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream. This ensures broad-spectrum UV protection without compromising your health. Non-nano zinc oxide is also reef-safe, making it the most sustainable choice for both your skin and the planet. It protects marine ecosystems from bleaching and ensures you’re doing your part to minimize environmental damage. It checks all the boxes, and that sounds good to me.

Our Daydream Mineral SPF stands apart because it’s crafted with your health and the environment in mind. It’s specifically formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and nourishing organic plant oils and butters to deliver effective, broad-spectrum protection. Our formula is free from harmful chemicals and is praised for its ability to protect under harsh sun conditions. It also features red raspberry seed oil, which on its own has an estimated SPF of 30-50. Nature is so cool. Plus, it’s free of any added fragrance and coconut, nut, or other comedogenic oils. So, acne-prone and combo skin folks, this one's for you! People especially love how seamlessly it blends into their skin. Our SPF is made with organic ingredients, and compared to other natural SPFs, ours is among the highest quality, natural, 100% mineral, reef-safe sunscreens you can find. In our opinion, it’s about the cleanest SPF you can get your hands on. We proudly stand behind one of our most popular products.

Tips for Choosing Mineral SPFs:

If you don't end up going with our Daydream Mineral SPF, we want to give you a few tips when selecting a mineral sunscreen, so you can avoid anything harmful to your body! And remember, harmful ingredients that often find their way into so-called "natural" or "mineral" formulations, so you really need to be checking that ingredient list. Look for chemicals like butyloctyl salicylate (BOS), as we discussed. And keep an eye out for oxybenzone and octinoxate which are known for disrupting hormones and contributing to coral bleaching. Sadly, these toxic ingredients are common in "natural" and "mineral" sunscreens. Also, know that octocrylene can break down into harmful byproducts and irritate sensitive skin. You may find parabens on the ingredient list to....avoid if so! Parabens are often used as preservatives and have been linked to hormonal disruptions. Even nano zinc oxide and nano titanium dioxide, though mineral-based, are toxic to marine life and may penetrate the skin barrier, as we discussed. 

For more informative sources on all things SPF, read the articles below: