Launchpad: Eco-Friendly Mineral Sunscreen

While there’s been much attention around the lack of ingredient regulations in the beauty industry by executives, lawmakers and celebrities, little has been done to change legislation in more than 80 years. However, on May 1, Hawaii passed a bill banning oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemicals commonly found in sunscreen that are said to harm coral reefs, making it the first bill of its kind. The legislation has put a spotlight on mineral sunscreens, which are said to be more eco-friendly than chemical options. Here, just in time for Memorial Day weekend, the latest mineral sunscreen launches that protect against environmental and sun damage.Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Light Mattifying Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+A staple in French pharmacies, Eau Thermale Avène’s new sunscreen is geared toward users with acne-prone or sensitive skin. “Mineral filters are more adaptive to sensitive skin and have less potential of reactivity,” said Jacqueline Flam, vice president of retail and salon division at Pierre Fabre USA. “Chemical filters are efficient, but for someone with sensitive skin, they can be more irritating.” While Avène offers mineral and chemical sunscreens, most products are free of octinoxate and oxybenzone and the brand is working to reformulate older sunscreens that still contain the ingredients.Eau Thermale Avène Mineral Light Mattifying Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+, $28, is available on the brand’s e-commerce site and at C.O. Bigelow, Dermstore and Amazon.Girl Undiscovered Wild Abandon Decorative Gold Zinc SPF 30Protecting the environment is extremely important to Girl Undiscovered founders and New Zealand natives Charlotte Devereux, Sara Orme and Philly Gebbie. “We grew up around the sea, so sea life and reefs are important to us,” Devereux said, noting of the brand’s new launch: “It’s essential that we are using a natural mineral filter that sits on the skin. There is no need to use chemicals when there are more natural ways that protect the environment.” This sunscreen takes inspiration from Myanmar, where field workers grind thanaka from trees and wear it on their skin as a natural SPF.Girl Undiscovered Wild Abandon Decorative Gold Zinc SPF 30, $29, will be available on the brand’s e-commerce site and Neimanmarcus.com on June 1.Priori Skincare Tetra Fx250 Broad Spectrum SPF 50 SunscreenAfter rebranding in January with products that are said to adapt to each user’s skin, Priori is launching a mineral sunscreen that provides four levels of protection. Made with a genetic protection factor, DNA enzyme complex and high-intensity radiation complex, this sunscreen is said to shield the skin from pollutants, free radicals and sun damage. “So many knowledgeable skin-care consumers request mineral sunscreens because they believe it’s more gentle on their skin,” said Regis Haberkorn, president of the brand. In July, Priori will launch a tinted version.Priori Skincare Tetra Fx250 Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen, $90, is available on the brand’s e-commerce site and Amazon.Bare Republic Mineral Whipped Mousse Broad Spectrum SPF 30While mineral sunscreen brand Bare Republic launched a slew of products this year, one of its hero items is its Whipped Mousse. Infused with plant extracts, like mangosteen and macadamia nut oil, this lightweight sunscreen is meant to give users a fun application while serving as an eco-friendly and healthy alternative to chemical options. “Historically, there has been less innovation in this space given the challenges in formulating with mineral actives and how it looks and feels on skin,” said Tyler Porteous, vice president of marketing and business development.Bare Republic Mineral Whipped Mousse Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $16.99, is available on the brand’s e-commerce site and at Ulta Beauty.Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30The Hawaii legislation coincides with Beautycounter’s latest launch: a collection of mineral sunscreens all formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate. The Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist, the hero product, is formulated with zinc oxide to shield against UVA, UVB and blue light rays. “Mineral sunscreen is the gold standard in safer sunscreen protection,” said Gregg Renfrew, Beautycounter’s founder and chief executive officer. “Because mineral sunscreens physically sit on the surface of the skin, the potential for irritation is significantly lessened, versus a chemical sunscreen that absorbs into the skin.”Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30, $36, is available on the brand’s e-commerce site.Glo Skin Beauty Daily Mineral Defense SPF 30Glo Skin Beauty aims to offer personalized skin-care products by tailoring each item to different skin types. Daily Mineral Defense SPF 30 is a mineral option geared toward customers with dry skin. “Consumers more than ever are seeking natural personal-care options that deliver high-performance benefits,” said Robin Olson, vice president of marketing. “Mineral sunscreens work just as effectively as chemical SPFs by deflecting UV rays like a mirror, as opposed to absorbing them.”Glo Skin Beauty Daily Mineral SPF 30, $44, is available on the brand’s e-commerce site.

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