Allergy Free Sunscreen
Mineral Sunscreen
This post mentions brands of allergy free sunscreen and mineral sunscreen. This summer sunscreen brands got the memo. There is a generous offering of allergy free sunscreens on the market.
As people continue to develop food allergies it’s important more now than ever to provide allergy free sunscreen products.
We’ll take a look at;
- Ingredients in sunscreen
- What is SPF?
- Brands of mineral sunscreen
- Application of sunscreen
Many of the sunscreen brands have created mineral sunscreen for the face and body. Perhaps you are wondering, “What can I use if I am allergic to sunscreen?”
Ingredients used in sunscreen
All sunscreens are not created the same. Most sunscreens have coconut oil. It is a natural sun protectant and is a good base to build upon. This does not always work for everyone. If you are allergic to tree nuts coconut oil could be an allergy trigger for you as well.
Other ingredients that may trigger an allergy are derivatives of peanuts, soy as well as preservatives typically found in skin care products.
I always suggest an allergy test for most common irritants. Contact your insurance company or doctor to see what tests can be performed. If you happen to have had a reaction to sunscreen bring the bottle with you to the doctor.
Even if your insurance does not cover allergy testing in full they should cover a portion of the testing along with the medicine. They will also be able to answer your question, “What can I use if I am allergic to sunscreen”. Show your physician this blog post!
Is SPF an ingredient?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It’s a measurement of how well a sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB (Ultraviolet Rays type B). SPF is not actually an ingredient, in other words it is more like a ranking system. UVB rays are the type of radiation from the sun that causes sunburn. It can damage the skin and cause skin cancer.
You will often see a number beside SPF. This number indicates the amount of time you should be able to stay in the sun with the sunscreen on without burning. So for example, you should be able to stay in the sun 10-15 minutes while wearing a product marked SPF 15.
If your face is burning from sunscreen it is very possible that it may not be a strong enough formula to protect you. It is also possible that you are not re-applying the sunscreen often enough.
For your sunscreen to work it is important to use as directed. Did you know that most people are not applying enough sunscreen? Most people are using ¼ to ½ of the amount required for protection. That leaves you with virtually no protection. Using an SPF 30 sunscreen can leave you with as little as an SPF of 5.5 value. What a waste!
Brands of Mineral Sunscreen
In no certain order these brands of mineral sunscreen are offering allergy free sunscreen. Mineral sunscreen has a base of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you are allergic to the food based ingredients these brands of sunscreen will provide some relief.
Eleven by Venus Williams
This sunscreen is 25% Zinc Oxide. The Unrivaled Sun Serum provides SPF 35 protection. It is vegan and reef safe. Perfect for daily use.This allergy free sunscreen leaves a demi matte glow finish. It’s also dermatologist approved!
Specially formulated to meet the Credo Clean standard. This standard requires formulation without over 2,700 questionable ingredients. Safe and sustainable product. Notable ingredients; prickly pear stem extract which calms, firms and hydrates skin. It also contains safflower oil.
Banana Boat Kids Mineral 50+
100% mineral based sunscreen that provides UVA and UVB protection. Composed of 4.5% titanium dioxide and 6.5% zinc oxide. A real rockstar, this mineral sunscreen is tear free and pediatrician tested. In addition to that it is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Nationally accepted by the National eczema association! Try this brand, it is also oxybenzone and paraben free.
Banana Boat Sensitive Mineral 50+
A trusted brand in sunscreens, they also provide a sensitive formula. This formula of allergy free sunscreen is hypoallergenic. There are no additional oils or fragrances along with the same benefits of the Banana Boat Kids Mineral 50+
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc kids mineral sunscreen 50+
This allergy free sunscreen is available in a stick and a cream. This tear free formula is safe for the face. Free of dyes and parabens. Neutrogena is a trusted brand and actually the number one dermatologist recommended brand.
Application of sunscreen
Method of application should always be followed as indicated by the specific brand and composition. Allergy free sunscreens are usually offered in stick, spray and lotion or cream form.
Here are a few things to consider;
Sprays
If you are traveling via airplane you will not be allowed to carry large aerosol cans. It might be best to keep this for local use.
Even if the spray is not in an aerosol it might be best to not pack a pump spray. The pump bottle can leak in transit. Nothing worse than having something ruin your luggage. Well, maybe being out of sunscreen as well.
Sprays can be super fast and convenient but also dangerous. Keep these out of the reach of school aged children. It’s too easy for them to spray themselves in the eye, mouth or inhale it.
We know how independent and self assured little ones can be. We want them to be confident that they can help themselves but we also want to keep them safe.
It’s also important to keep in mind that this is the easiest form to misuse. Everyone sprays differently so be sure to follow the directions on the can.
Stick
This is my favorite form of application of sunscreen! It’s not messy, packs easily and can easily be reapplied.
As good as this method is, there is the risk of getting the stick dirty and possibly not wanting to use that same stick for every family member.
If you decide to try sunscreen in stick form keep in mind that it is something you may be less likely to share with friends.
Lotions & Creams
My least favorite but most effective, especially when it is really hot. Try to remember to massage or shake the tube or bottle well. Ingredients can separate and we want the application to be effective.
Please make sure the lotion or cream is well mixed. This is the easiest to apply because you can see how much you are applying right away.
What makes it my least favorite is how messy it can get. I also find that these are usually tinted which leaves me with orange hands.
No matter which allergy free sunscreen you choose or what mineral sunscreen brand you choose be sure to follow the directions and double check the ingredients. Have an amazing summer!
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If you have a child with allergies check out our post about dairy free lunches.
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Tara Kamiya has been a content creator and blogger for over 10 years.
She homeschools her children in North Carolina. 
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