Natural Sunscreen: What You Need to Know

More and more people are consciously choosing natural care products - and sunscreen is no exception. But what actually makes a sunscreen natural, and how does that differ from what you usually find in the regular drugstore? In this article we explain it step by step.

What is natural sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen is a sun cream made from ingredients of natural origin, without synthetic chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate or artificial fragrances. The core of a natural sunscreen usually consists of mineral UV filters - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - complemented with plant oils, extracts and other ingredients of natural origin. The big difference from chemical sunscreen is that no synthetic UV absorbers that penetrate the skin are used. Although the term "natural" is not legally protected in the cosmetics industry, you can look for certifications such as COSMOS Natural or ECOCERT as a guide. Products with such labels meet strict standards for the origin and processing of ingredients, and offer transparency about what is really in the formula.

Why choose a natural sunscreen?

Natural sunscreen offers a number of advantages over conventional versions. Firstly, the active ingredients - mineral UV filters - are recognised as safe and effective by the FDA, and have not been linked to hormone disruption. Secondly, they are better for the environment: chemical filters such as oxybenzone damage fragile coral reefs and have meanwhile been banned in several countries. For people with sensitive skin, eczema or rosacea, mineral formulas are also generally less irritating. Natural formulas also contain fewer synthetic preservatives and fragrances, which lowers the risk of allergic reactions. One point of attention is the formula: some natural sunscreens leave a white cast because of the mineral filters, but more modern formulas are getting better and better at avoiding this. Always compare the ingredients list and look beyond just the labelling on the packaging.

Natural sunscreen and the WONDR approach

At WONDR we consciously choose formulas that work without unnecessary synthetic additions. A good sunscreen doesn't need a long list of chemical names to be effective. Mineral filters in a thoughtful, skin-friendly base - that's what we believe in. Whether you need protection every day or spend a lot of time in the sun, there's always an approach that suits you. Browse our range and discover your ideal sun protection.