> > All-Natural Sunscreen
We carry the purest all-natural and preservative-free sunscreen lotion available. Our sunblocks use a variety of safe ingredients to prevent sunburn and protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. They do not contain aromatic and irritating chemical sunscreen agents like PABA, octyl-methoxycinnamate (octinoxate), benzophenone, and oxybenzone. Instead, our sunscreens use physical (non-chemical) blocking agents, like zinc oxide, to protect against solar radiation. If you plan on being in the sun for extended periods of time, our physical sunscreens offer the safest protection available.
All our products are free of irritating ingredients, petrochemicals (parabens), hydrogenated oils, synthetic fragrances, and synthetic preservatives. We also have many fragrance-free, vegan, and gluten-free selections.
Scroll down to bottom of page to see our Sunscreen FAQ!
All-Natural Sunscreen
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Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 by Miessence
Price:
$27.90
Rating: 
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 2 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O
Comments: New Product! very pleasant tropical coconut scent
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Devita Daytime Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30
Price:
$25.95
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: V, FF*, GF*
Comments: Fabulous facial SPF moisturizer!
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Devita Solar Body Block SPF 30
Price:
$27.95
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: V, FF*
Comments: Fabulous all over body sunscreen! Super light, non-greasy texture!
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Solar Rx Sunblock SPF 30+ by Keys
Price:
$26.95
Rating: 
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 0 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O (84%), V, GF, SF, CF
Comments: Great UVA/UVB coverage - Ideal for those with photo sensitivities and/or want to avoid skin cancer. No refined oils or triglycerides!
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SPF 15 Lip Balm (Unscented) by Badger Co.
Price:
$3.50
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 2 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O, FF*, GF, SF, CF
Comments: No refined oils or triglycerides!
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SPF 15 For Face & Body by Badger Co.
Price:
$16.00
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 2 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O, GF, SF, CF
Comments: UVB & excellent UVA protection (critical wavelength 376 nm) ! No refined oils or triglycerides!
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SPF 30 For Face & Body by Badger Co.
Price:
$16.00
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O, GF, SF, CF
Comments: UVB & excellent UVA protection (critical wavelength 377 nm) ! No refined oils or triglycerides!
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SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen by Badger Co.
Price:
$16.00
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: O, FF*, GF, SF, CF
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Adult Sunscreen SPF 30+ by UV Natural
Price:
$31.50
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: V, FF, GF*
Comments: Protects up to 5 hrs in the sun and 3 hrs in the water!
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Baby Sunscreen SPF 30+ by UV Natural
Price:
$16.90
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: V, FF, GF*
Comments: Protects up to 5 hrs in the sun and 3 hrs in the water!
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Email Me When It Comes In.
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Sport Sunscreen SPF 30+ by UV Natural
Price:
$29.50
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: V, GF*
Comments: Lavender-Patchouli Scented Formula! Protects up to 5 hrs in sun and 4 hrs in water.
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SPF 15 Sunscreen by UV Natural
Retail $16.50
Savings 4
%
Your Price $15.84
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 2 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: FF, GF*
Comments: Protects up to 2.5 hrs in the sun!
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Lip Sunscreen by UV Natural
Price:
$10.95
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
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Sun Shield Moisturizer by The Vital Image
Price:
$27.00
Rating:
Quantity in Basket: none
Ingredient status: O, V, GF*
Comments: Staff Favorite! "Nutrient rich moisturizer that uses antioxidants & natural minerals to protect against UV radiation instead of oxide molecules! Offers medium protection - comparable to an SPF 15". Great for dry skin!
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Keys UV Protection Meter
Retail $39.95
Savings 3
%
Your Price $38.95
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
Comments: Handy little tool for those that burn easily or are on prescription medication that increases sun sensitivities.
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Sport Sunscreen (Tinted) SPF 22 by Elemental Herbs
Retail $8.99
Savings 15
%
Your Price $7.64
Rating: none
Quantity in Basket: none
EWG Score: 1 (0 to 10 scale where 0 is best)
Ingredient status: (>70%)O, V, FF*, GF*
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Sunscreen Related FAQ:
- Where can I learn about sunscreen active ingredients (physical verses chemical), SPF ratings, application advice, etc..? One of the best resources we've found for sunscreen info was published by the EPA in 2006. It is called The Burning Facts and is a PDF document. Great read!
- I have very sensitive skin and have tried many different sunscreens before - what do you recommend? Depending on the type of sensitivity, some of our customers are sensitive to refined fatty acids while others are more sensitive to essential oils/smells and some are sensitive to both. Our sunscreens generally fall into two different formula categories - an unrefined oil base and a coconut fatty acid base. Both are well tolerated by sensitive skin.
For our very sensitive customers - we recommend the unrefined oil base products. This includes;
Although the above sunscreens are scented to a certain degree with solvent-free essential oils, their un-refined oil base is typically much better tolerated than the more refined oil bases like stearic acid/zinc stearate and/or coconut fatty acids (caprylic/capric triglycerides). With sensitive skin we always recommend unrefined products over refined products. Tip for very sensitive skin: Products that do not contain stearic acid seem to be better tolerated than those than do contain stearic acid. Thus caprylic/capric triglycerides-only blends (such as: Reflect Outdoor Balm SPF 15 by Miessence & Devita Solar Body Block SPF 30) are better tolerated than products that contain both stearic acid/zinc stearate and caprylic/capric triglycerides. To learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides and stearic acid please see our About Us page.
For those that are sensitive to scented products, we listed our unscented sunscreens below;
- I burn easily and need really good UV protection, which sunscreen offers the highest UVA & UVB protection? Our UV Natural sunscreen line (Adult, Baby, & Sport) has the highest concentration of zinc oxide (24.8%) in their formula, so they offer the most occlusive protection from UVA & UVB rays - UV Natural is tested to withstand the awesome Australian heat. Our second and third runner ups are Badger SPF 30 Face & Body (20.5% zinc) and Solar Rx SPF 30+ by Keys which has a 15.5% zinc oxide content.
- I prefer lite/quick absorbing sunscreen lotion, what do you recommend? Our lightest sunscreen lotion formula would be Devita's Solar Body Block SPF 30 (for body) and Devita's Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 (for the face). Devita's formulas absorb quickly into the skin and feel super light.
- I'm looking for a body lotion that also contains sunscreen, what do you recommend? Devita's Solar Body Block SPF 30 and Keys Solar Rx SPF 30+ work well as a dual body lotion/sunscreen product. The Keys formula is more moisturizing than the Devita formula. If you have very dry skin you could always apply a layer of either sunscreen first and then apply one of our Hand & Body Lotions on top for extra softness.
- Which sunscreen is best to use on my face under my make-up ? Devita's Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 and Solar Rx SPF 30+ by Keys are our two cosmetic sunscreens (meaning they are great to wear daily under makeup). Devita is our best selling facial sunscreen and is ideal for oily and normal skin types - it is unscented, absorbs quickly into the skin and feel super light. Solar Rx SPF 30+ by Keys is also a best seller. It has a mild-moderate spicy scent from the cumin oils and is great for dry and normal skin types. The Keys sunblock offers more UV protection then Devita. Please note that cosmetic sunscreens are not waterproof. Although both our Badger and UV Natural sunscreens can also be used on your face - most people find them too thick to wear under make-up.
- What is the all the hub bub about nanoparticle zinc oxide and titanium dioxide? The nanoparticle debate has been a hot topic over the last few years. Nanoparticles have been used in sunscreen products since 1990. Their small size is more transparent on skin, thus reducing the infamous white residue of early mineral based sunblocks. Concern has been raised over the safety of these tiny particles - Can they absorb into cells and cause damage? The Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) conducted a review of scientific literature in relation to nanoparticulate zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in sunscreens. The review concluded that:
"There is evidence from isolated cell experiments that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can induce free radical formation in the presence of light and that this may damage these cells (photo-mutagenicity with zinc oxide). However, this would only be of concern in people using sunscreens if the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide penetrated into viable skin cells. The weight of current evidence is that they remain on the surface of the skin and in the outer dead layer (stratum corneum) of the skin."
So, current research seems to support the safety of nanoparticles on healthy skin. However, there is little research about the absorption potential of nanoparticles on damaged skin such as acne, eczema, dermatitis, etc. When applied to damaged skin, we have concerns that the smaller ultrafine particles may be more easily absorbed by our cells and may cause cellular damage when exposed to sunlight. Naturally, we prefere to be safe than sorry, so we found some great tips and tricks on how use sunscreen safely. The following 4 questions (#8, 9, 10 & 11) address our concerns.
- What is safer - nanoparticle mineral based sunscreens (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide) or chemical based sunscreens (Aminobenzoic acid [PABA], avobenzone, benzophenone, cinnamates etc)? Physical UV blocking sunscreen agents like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are much safer than chemical UV absorbing agents like PABA and oxybenzone. The EWG supports the use of nanoparticle zinc & titanium over chemical based sunscreens! We posted their major points below;
- Consumers who use chemical sunscreen blockers are likely exposed to more UV radiation and greater numbers of hazardous ingredients than consumers relying on zinc and titanium products for sun protection.
- Chemical sunscreens accelerate by an average of 20% the skin damage, premature aging, wrinkling, and UV-induced immune system damage linked to UVA exposure, compared to zinc and titanium sunscreens.
- Chemical sunscreens contain four times as many high hazard ingredients known or strongly suspected to cause cancer or birth defects, to disrupt human reproduction or damage the growing brain of a child.
- Chemical sunscreens contain more toxins on average in every major category of health harm considered: cancer (10% more), birth defects and reproductive harm (40% more), neurotoxins (20% more), endocrine system disruptors (70% more), and chemicals that can damage the immune system (70% more).
- Pure Complexions prefers zinc oxide over titanium dioxide based sunscreens. Why are zinc oxide based sunscreens safer than titanium dioxide based sunscreens? In vitro (in the lab), oxide molecules are photo-reactive, which means when they are exposed to sunlight, they begin to react with biological systems and can cause the formation of free radicals. If left unchecked, free radicals can cause cellular damage. Titanium dioxide is more photo-reactive than zinc oxide, thus titanium dioxide has the potential to produce more cellular damage. Ironically, sunburns also cause free radical damage. So, if you can't avoid the sun, we believe zinc oxide is the safest FDA approved sunscreen agent available.
- How can I maximize the safety of my zinc oxide sunscreen? To minimize free radical exposure, we have several tips and tricks:
- Re-apply Frequently: By re-applying sunscreen every 2 hours you can reduce the amount of free radicals produced. You see, the oxide particles must absorb deeper into the skin to cause free radical related cellular damage. If application of sunscreen is frequent enough, it will prevent sunlight from reaching any deeper seated oxide particles [see study].
- Antioxidants: To minimize free radical damage, we reccommend applying an antioxidant rich skin cream to any damaged/broken skin areas and then applying a layer of sunscreen on top. The antioxidants will neutralize any free radicals generated by the zinc oxide and ultimately protect against cellular damage. PRL's DNA Repair Cream is the most potent antioxidant formula on the market. Another option is to rub a few drops of Super Nano Green Tea Extract into you skin before applying your sunscreen. Green tea is a potent antioxidant and UV protectant!
- Coated Zinc Oxide: If you have a busy schedule and only have time to apply one product. Try a sunscreen with coated zinc oxide particles. See next question for details.
- What is the difference between coated and uncoated zinc oxide? Our zinc oxide based sunscreens contain either coated or uncoated zinc oxide particles. Coated zinc particles are encased in some type of protective coating that prevent our biological systems from reacting to the zinc oxide. There are several different types of coatings on the market (ex. silicone, aluminum, paraffin, triethoxycaprylylsilane, capric/caprylic). Our manufacturers use either a silica derived coating called triethoxycaprylylsilane or a more natural coating derived from coconut oil called capric/caprylic triglycerides. These coatings cause zinc oxide to become photo-stable. Photo-stable zinc oxide is less likely to form free radicals when exposed to sunlight. The coatings do not effect SPF value or UV absorption of the zinc. Uncoated zinc is simply plain zinc oxide particles. Plain zinc oxide has many natural therapeutic qualities including; anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory effects. We offer both types here at Pure Complexions.
- Uncoated:
- Coated:
- UV Natural Line: Adult, Baby, Sport, & SPF 15. UV Natural uses a more natural coating agent that is derived from coconut oil called capric/caprylic triglycerides. Capric/caprylic tryglycerides are solvent-free and very well tolerated by sensitive skin.
- Badger Line: SPF 30 Face & Body, SPF 15 Face & Body, SPF 15 Lip Balm. Badger uses a triethoxycaprylylsilane coated zinc oxide. Triethoxycaprylylsilane is derived from silica and has an EWG safety score of 0 (scale = 0-10, where zero is the safest). The formal name for triethoxycaprylylsilane coated zinc oxide is Z-COTE® HP1.
- I'm confused, you mention that Devita's sunscreen contains uncoated zinc oxide, but I see capric/caprylic fatty acids listed as an ingredient in Devita's Sunscreen? Although capric/caprylic fatty acids are one of the ingredients manufacturers can use to coat zinc oxide (see question #11), capric/caprylic fatty acids are also used as the fatty base for many natural lotions and creams. Thus the capric/caprylic fatty acids used in Devita's formula are not occlusively coating the zinc oxide particles. In order to qualify as "coated" the zinc particles must be coated in a lab.
- I've tried many titanium dioxide/titanium-zinc based sunscreens, they all had a white tint and I still was burned. How are zinc oxide based sunscreens better? The concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide used in a formula is critical to how effective it is against UV radiation. The more zinc a sunscreen formula contains the better it will protect against burns. Zinc oxide concentrations above 15% offer strong UVA & UVB protection (the higher the better). So if you use a sunscreen that contains >15% zinc oxide - it is very unlikley you will get burned (if applied appropriately). Also studies show that micronized zinc oxide has much better protection against UVA radiation than micronized titanium dioxide. Micronized zinc is also less white than titanium dioxide at any given concentration, thus more transparent on the skin.
- Do zinc oxide sunscreens leave a white tint on your skin? Depending on your skin color, mineral-based sunscreens can leave a subtle white tint on the skin. Generally, people with light and light-medium complexions do not experience any significant color change once the product is fully absorbed (5-10 minutes). Since the zinc particles are white in color, customers with yellow undertones and darker skin pigment are more likely to notice a white tint than those with lighter pink/cool/neutral complexions. The concentration of zinc used in a sunscreen formula will also impact the degree of whiteness it can cause. Naturally, sunscreens with higher zinc concentration have the potential to cause more white tint. Also, sunscreens that use smaller zinc oxide particles are usually less white than those that use larger zinc particles. When compared to titanium dioxde, zinc oxide based sunscreens are less white than titanium dioxide based sunscreens at any given concentration. We posted our sunscreens with the least amount of white residue below;
- Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30 (Devita uses a smaller concentration of zinc oxide (14%) in their formulas (compared to UV Natural and Badger, so it has a very low risk of feeling heavy or creating a white tint).
- Devita Solar Body Block SPF 30
- Solar Rx Sunblock SPF 30+ by Keys (Keys uses a very small zinc particle in their formula, so it has a low risk of causing a white tint)
- Sun Shield Moisturizer (does not contain zinc oxide - so it does not leave any white residue)
- What is the difference between UV Natural and Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen? Many people ask this question because both products are marketed as "natural" Australian Sunscreens and both have similar EWG ratings. Blue Lizard, however, does not meet our purity standards. As of this writing (11/5/07) Blue Lizard sunscreens contain several different syntehtic preservative agents (such as parabens and diazolidinyl urea). Some Blue Lizard sunscreens also contain chemical sunscreen agents like OCTINOXATE, OCTOCRYLENE, OXYBENZONE. UV Natural, on the other hand, is a much safer and purer product!
- What are some sun protecting alternatives to zinc oxide?
- Sun Shield Moisturizer: The Vital Image uses non-oxide minerals and nutrients to help protect against solar damage. They compares it to a SPF 15 protection.
- Green Tea: Green Tea is a very potent antioxidant that offers excellent protection from UV radiation. Many of our clients prefer to rub PRL's Super Nano Green Tea Liquid Extract directly into their skin and take 1/2 tsp of it orally prior to going out in the sun to help protect against UV damage.
- Hydrate & Moisturize: In order for skin to burn, it must first get dehydrated. If you drink plenty of water and keep your skin moisturized with a chemical-free facial moisturizer or body lotion, it can offer some UV protection. Generaly spaking - people with healthy well-hydrated and well-moisturized skin are more likely to tan rather than burn.
- Limit Exposure: The sun is necessary for all living things, if you don't over do it - it can be a therapeutic experience! Limit direct sunlight exposure to 15-30 minutes at a time. Stay indoors during peak temperatures (usually around noon to 1 pm) and during high UV Index days (see EPA's website for UV Index info).
- Wear Protective Clothing: Big sun hands, sun glasses, long sleeved loose cotton clothing with a tight thread weave.
- I have read all of your sunscreen FAQ and am still confused - Is zinc oxide safe? We only offer products we feel are safe. If you are going to be exposed to the sun for extended amounts of time and are at risk of burning - zinc oxide based sunscreens are the safest FDA approved sunscreen on the market. We have other products that have sun protecting qualities (such as Sun Shield Moisturizer and Super Nano Green Tea Extract), but they do not offer the ultra high UV protection that zinc oxide can provide. So if you have to be in the sun for extended periods of time - zinc offers the highest protection.
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