Australia has a reputation worldwide for having some seriously hot summers, that can often be accompanied by some seriously intense sunburns (ouch)! We all know by now how important it is to apply SPF every single day (as well as reapplying when getting wet or every few hours, wearing protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and seeking the shade wherever possible), but which sunscreens are best at successfully defending against the harsh Aussie sun?
Thankfully in Australia we can trust that every sunscreen available for purchase has gone through rigorous testing by our government authority responsible for making sure that products are safe – the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).
The TGA is widely considered one of the strictest sunscreen regulatory bodies in the world. For a sunscreen to be approved for purchase in the Australian market, the TGA must give the product their golden seal of approval. To get that coveted seal of approval, the product undergoes rigorous testing to make sure the ingredients are safe, effective and can handle the Aussie heat! 🔥 (Ok – maybe that last point is not actually tested for, but we think it should be.)
However, not all sunscreens are created equal! It’s important to understand the different types of sunscreens available as well as the ingredients that are best left firmly in the ‘avoid’ basket.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the ultraviolet (UV) rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Active ingredients in chemical sunscreens do the heavy lifting of absorbing the UV rays and protecting our skin from nasty burns. However, many of these active UV filters present in chemical sunscreens can be irritating for young or sensitive skin. In fact, some actives in sunscreen are best avoided by all skin types.
Oxybenzone is an ingredient firmly on the “we’re leaving you behind in 2023” list. While it is an effective UV filter, studies have shown it may be an endocrine disruptor (huge red flag) and further, can cause skin irritation for some people. Oxybenzone can also be harmful to marine life and reefs (also a huge red flag) ) hence why we like to opt for natural, all around safer and more sustainable sunscreens instead!
Natural sunscreen (or physical sunscreen, or mineral sunscreen… she gets around town with a few names) works by creating a physical barrier on the skin that reflects and scatters UV rays. The actives in natural sunscreens are minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and are usually better for young and sensitive skin (but we reckon they’re better all around for everyone!).
Most natural sunscreens are also considered safe for the environment, although it’s best to double check on packaging to see if the product itself is claiming to be reef safe. The last thing we need in 2023 is for more delicate ecosystems, beautiful beaches, and coral reefs to be destroyed because of toxic sunscreens!
So let’s cut to the chase; here are our sunscreen top picks available at WholeLife and in bullet-point form because you’ve read this far and deserve a break.
We Are Feel Good Inc. Signature Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Why we love:
- Australian made & owned
- Oxybenzone free
- Contains no preservatives or parabens
- Have a bottle recycling program
- Water resistant up to 4 hours
- Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E
- Good packaging design (nice squeezy lid)
WotNot Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love:
- Certified Organic & clean ingredients
- Mineral zinc oxide shield (natural sunscreen!)
- Reef friendly
- Eczema friendly
- Enriched with shea & jojoba
MooGoo Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 40
Why we love:
- All natural ingredients (zinc oxide active)
- Water resistant
- Can use on face and body
- Suitable for all ages from newborns to adults
- Very transparent about their ingredients and have thoroughly tested the formula
Eco by Sonya Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
Why we love:
- Natural ingredients with zinc oxide UV blocker
- Up to 3 hours water resistant
- Reef friendly
- Enriched with rose hip oil and vitamin E
- Safe for the whole family to use
Standard Procedure Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why we love:
- Australian made on the Sunshine Coast in a 100% solar powered factory (how cool!)
- Developed especially for the harsh Aussie sun
- Oxybenzone, octinoxate and paraben free
- Enriched with Australian superfruits and contains vitamin A, B and C
- 4 hours water resistant
