Organic sunscreens have been on the rise for a few years. But several questions remain: are they effective, adapted, easy and practical? Here is our selection of ten things you should know about organic sunscreens.
1. They are as effective as non-organic sunscreens
Organic sun creams are as effective as traditional sunscreens because they also meet strict standards for SPF.
An organic sun cream with an SPF 50 index is therefore as effective in terms of protection as a classic sunscreen. They do not contain the same ingredients but protect against the sun’s rays.
2. They meet specific standards
Organic sun creams meet the same rules as organic cosmetics with the same labels, namely for the best known: Cosmebio, Nature & Progrès and Ecocert.
To receive the organic name, they must be composed of 95% organic ingredients.
3. They contain mineral UV filters
Classic sunscreens contain chemical filters unlike organic sunscreens that contain mineral UV filters. The minerals are crushed and micronized.
Their principle of action is mechanical: they stay on the surface and repel UV rays. They are generally well tolerated by the epidermis and cause little allergies.
4. They may be more difficult to apply
Mineral UV filters make sunscreen galenical, which can make it hard to spread, thicker and stickier. In addition, they can leave white marks on the skin.
This is especially true on organic sun creams with an SPF of 50.
5. But they are more comfortable than before
Organic sun creams are getting closer and closer to traditional sun creams in terms of ease and comfort of application.
They contain mostly nanoparticles, such as titanium dioxide and zinc, which prevent white marks and make the texture of the cream more fluid.
6. They respect the environment
Organic sunscreens are environmentally friendly because they do not contain chemical residues that eventually land in the oceans and disrupt the marine ecosystem.
Some brands even offer green packaging and are against the overpack policy.
7. They are suitable for fair skin
Since a sunscreen organic has the same effectiveness as a non-organic sunscreen, clear and milky skin, phototype 2, can quite use organic sunscreen and will also be protected.
The precautions are the same as with a classic cream: no exposure to the hottest hours, choice of an index SPF 50, application of the cream every two hours minimum and after each bathing.
8. They do not contain parabens
Parabens, perfumes or synthetic preservatives are suspected to be harmful to health and the environment. They are removed from organic sun creams that instead contain natural fragrances (such as coconut for example).
A bio sunscreen has a deadline of use equivalent to a conventional protection, about 12 months.
9. They are more expensive than conventional creams
Organic sun creams are generally more expensive than conventional sun creams.
According to the brands, they cost from $10 to $30, while the price of their conventional counterparts will be between $5 and $15. The price to pay for protection that is both natural and effective.
10. They are anti-aging
Organic sunscreens contain natural ingredients with a high moisturizing and protective power, including vegetable oils. These have recognized anti-aging effects because they soften the skin.
This is particularly the case of karanja oil, known for its antioxidant action and its ability to absorb UV rays.
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