I’ve been given many things a certain consideration, be it our backpacks, our clothes or where to stay… you name it. But one little decision was quite a challenge: finding the perfect sun protection…
Being most of the day outside and often in the mountains really requires a thorough sun screen agent. I didn’t want any chemical products but when I checked the ingredients of mineral sun protection products (Codecheck really is the site to go for this stuff) I found that nearly every single one has titandioxide in it. And although there might be no proof (yet) recent studies made me not so trusting in this stuff. I mean if something is likely harmful in form of nanoparticles is it really so safe in a larger shape? Better safe than sorry so I decided to completely try to avoid it.
I looked around quite a long time found Biosolis Sunoil spray SPF +20 which is a sun protection based on oil as active agent, no chemicals and no titandioxide. I tried it during a 25 km hike with a few hours in the sunlight but at the end of the day wasn’t really convinced. I found the smell quite nice, very earthy and natural, it was very easy to apply, no white stains and no greasy skin. Nearly perfect. But then I found it not 100 % perfect as a sun protection because the skin on my cheeks and shoulders got a little red. It was definitely no sunburn because the next day everthing was fine again though I wasn’t really very happy.
I started with my search again and finally decided to go with Badger Balm Sunscreen Cream SPF 30, also no titandioxide though zinc oxide (which – according to Codecheck – is obviously harmless to health). Badger Sunscreen is organic, biodegreable and safe for the ecosystem. And the ingredients are very few and clear: Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E), Hippophae Rhamnoides (Organic Seabuckthorn)
And if you’re looking for a good online shop for organic natural cosmetics check out Ecco Verde (good, wide choice and reasonable prices).