Raise your hand if you love summer!
Here at Body Bark, we sure do. We especially love a good day at the beach, or pool, or lake, or park, or mountains. But with all that time out in the sun — and even in the shade or by a window — we know we need to make sure we’re protecting our skin from those UV rays. No one wants un-induced skin damage, so whenever we head outside we arm ourselves with the basics: Sunblock? Check! Hat? Check! Sunglasses? Check! SPF clothing? Check! Beach umbrella or shady pavilion? Check!
But we also want to make sure we’re only putting the best, safest products on our skin. So as you gear up for a sunny summer, here are a few of our favorite organic sunscreens and products that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing your skin’s safety.
Protecting your lips from turning bright red and looking like you’re ready for the red carpet doesn’t have to be mutually exclusive, thanks to this little powerhouse from All Good Products. (This is a good option for everyday use, but for more intense sun exposure, consider using a higher SPF.)
Beautycounter Protect sunscreens
This sunscreen — which comes as a stick for your face, a liquid for your body or a tube for your lips — is moisturizing and packed with zinc oxide to block the UV rays from your skin and leave it feeling soft and refreshed.
California Kids super sensitive SPF 50+ sunscreen
If you or your family members have sensitive skin, this is the product for you! It’s non-greasy, allergy-tested, and doesn’t have any added fragrance so it won’t sting if it gets in your eyes, which is a win all around.
California Kids super sensitive SPF 30 sunscreen
This is similar to the SPF 50+ California Kids sunscreen, but we love that this comes in a handy pump container. So when you’re lathering up a posse of kids, plus yourself, you’re not left with a messy bottle or rogue spray.
Goddess Garden sport sunscreen spray
If you’re headed to a vacation spot that requires reef-safe sunscreen, try this biodegradable sports spray option from Goddess Garden.
Goddess Garden kids sport sunscreen stick
When you’re on the go (or if you have young kids who aren’t ready for spray-on sunscreen), this sleek tube is a great option — stick it in your purse and always have it on-hand.
Kiss My Face Organics mineral continuous spray sunscreen
When you’re in a hurry, sprays are often your best friend. There’s nothing faster than spray, rub in, and go. This fragrance-free, aloe-and-tea-leaf-extract-filled spray is one of our favorites.
Physicians Formula tinted moisturizer
Have a work lunch where you’ll eat outside? A long commute where you’ll drive or sit near a window? Sunscreen doesn’t always mean smelling like the beach (although we’re all for that) — we like to wear an everyday SPF moisturizer under our makeup year-round.
Helen Kaminski Tahani organic raffia big-brimmed hat
Finally, sun protection is about so much more than sunscreen. Other essentials include sunglasses, shade, and — you guessed it — hats. Try this classic floppy wide-brimmed hat made with organic raffia.
Have questions about a certain product? Check out the Environmental Working Group’s website, where you can find ratings for a slew of sunscreen brands and read any toxicity concerns for each ingredient in each product. EWG, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, provides research and consumer guides for a variety of everyday products to allow families to make their own decisions on the healthiest products for themselves. You can also use their mobile app to scan products and read up on their ratings.
