It's Summer Time: Best Eco-friendly Suncare Products
Our frequent readers might have already discovered our love of everything Mediterranean. Not only do we constantly crave for the taste of sun-blushed tomatoes, we regularly write about grandma inspired simple traditional vegetarian cooking. Every summer, we take a break from our demanding full-time jobs and spend 2 weeks sailing in the Med, discovering little islands and villages one by one. Those trips inspire us the most and keeps Veggie Option going.
Preparing for a sailing trip requires a lot of detail, just like any other summer holiday. Pack light, bring your 3-must have pantry items for quick-fix lunches onboard, think about provisioning... But, perhaps most overlooked is how to protect yourself from the sun.
Between chemical and mineral sunscreen, environmentally-friendly options, deciding on SPF and ensuring products are vegan and biodegradable, choosing sunscreen is complex. Luckily, though, it's getting a little bit easier as more brands commit to producing cruelty-friendly products and being transparent about the ingredients and practices they use. Here are a few options that are clean for your skin and clean for the planet.
Green People Suncream Scent-Free (SPF 30)
Favorite of many celebrity vegans and bloggers, Green People's water-resistant organic sun lotion offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to help support the skin’s immune system and protect against cell damage. Made without essential oils, this sun lotion is perfect for those with ultra sensitive skin. Has a light non greasy feel and is really good.
REN Clean Screen Mineral Mattifying Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum (SPF 30)
This mattifying mineral sunscreen forms a physical barrier to help protect against sun’s rays. Antioxidant passion fruit extract supports the skin’s natural defence against free radicals. Non-nano technology, vegan and made with naturally derived ingredients. With its tube made from 50% post-consumer recycled plastic and cap made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic, REN products are the cleanest possible for the planet.
Organii After Sun Cream
Organii is a Portugese brand selling organic products and natural cloths in some of the trendiest shops in Lisbon and online. Lisbon claims 300 days of sunshine, so we think our friends at Organii know a thing or two about fair trade, cruelty-free and ecological sun-protection. Their after-sun is rich in mint floral water and monoi oil. It's texture is very refreshing and moisturizing, calming the skin like no other after a long day at the beach. Organii range includes great baby products as well. A quick look at their amazon shop will be rewarding.
Powdered Sunshine by Lush (SPF 15)
Perfect for those picky about feeling sticky, this light, loose powder keeps you safe in the sun and gives skin a matte, subtly shimmering tone. Rich in naturally protective zinc oxide - this powder can be applied by a brush or using your hands and will reflect broad spectrum uv rays. Handmade fresh by UK’s favorite ethical company, this product is also recommended by the Vegan Society.
Dead Sea Spa Magik Organic Sunsafe (SPF 50)
A very solid sunscreen with anti-ageing benefits. Dead Sea Spa SPF50 helps the skin to maintain hydration. It has a long waterproof property of up to eight hours. It is a bit sticky but minimises skin pores, and softens the skin for a glowing, natural and soft texture.
