Zinc-only/high zinc sunscreens?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sat Sep 05, 2009 4:30 pm

I'm trying to put a list of high-zinc sunscreens together for future reference. I'm a huge fan of zinc-only sunscreens. Anyone know any I've forgotten here?

And man...what is it with 18.6% zinc oxide? Are these companies all just desperately attempting to copy each other, or is this some sort of magic amount?

Natural Instinct Natural Mineral Sunblock SPF 30+ - 20% zinc oxide

Megan Gale Environmental Skin Protector SPF 30+ - 20% zinc oxide

DermaQuest Skin Therapy ZinClear SPF 30 - 18.6% zinc oxide

Pratima Neem Rose SPF 30 - 18.6% zinc oxide

Burnout Zinc Oxide SPF 32 - 18.6% zinc oxide

Purified Skincare Sun-Zinc15 - 15% zinc oxide

Becca Cosmetics Mineral SPF 30 Primer - 17% zinc oxide

Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer 30 - 14% zinc oxide

Osmosis Shelter SPF 29 - 20% zinc oxide

Epicuren Zinc SPF 20 - 17% zinc oxide

Obagi Rosaclear SPF 30 - 15.5% zinc oxide, 2% titanium dioxide

Obagi Physical SPF 32 - 18.5% zinc oxide

UV Natural SPF 30+ - 24.8% zinc oxide

Soleo Organics All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ - 22.3% zinc oxide

Badger Sunscreen SPF 30 - 20.5% zinc oxide

Marie Veronique Creme de Jour SPF 30 - 20% zinc oxide

Graham's SunClear Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+ - 26% zinc oxide

Keys Solar Rx SPF 30 - 18.5% zinc oxide

Mychelle Sun Shield SPF 28 - 11.6% zinc oxide, .67% titanium dioxide

Rosacea Care Zinco SPF 20 - 14.5% zinc oxide

Sat Sep 05, 2009 7:10 pm

Heiko SPF 40 Kids - 25% zinc oxide
Heiko SPF 30 - 14% zinc oxide
Heiko SPF 40 - 18% zinc oxide

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 5:38 am

-Mexitan spf 50/ Tropical Sands spf50/ Dr Mercola all Natural Sunscreen 50 zinc 22.5% titanium dioxide 6%
-NCN All Natural Sun Protection with ZinClear Active Ingredient: ZinClear 50% (25% zinc oxide, Inactive ingredients in ZinClear 25% C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, isostearic acid, polyhydroxystearic acid)
-NCN I’m Covered Day Lotion zinc 15%
-Organic Pharmacy cellular protection spf25 zinc 15%
-Glycolix Elite Sunscreen SPF 30 – Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 17%
-Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 - Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 15%, Zinc Oxide 10%
-La Defense SPF 30+ by Luzern Laboratories - Ingredients: Active Ingredients: 16% Zinc Oxide (Z-Cote)
-Wotnot spf30+ -Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.9%
-Avado baby spf30+ - Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 23.1%
-Armada Baby 50+ by VMV Hypoallergenics Titanium Dioxide - 15%, Zinc Oxide - 15%
-Purple Prairie sun stuff lotion spf 30 - zinc 15% titanium dioxide 10%

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:26 am

stellarfungi wrote:

I'm trying to put a list of high-zinc sunscreens together for future reference. I'm a huge fan of zinc-only sunscreens. Anyone know any I've forgotten here?

And man...what is it with 18.6% zinc oxide? Are these companies all just desperately attempting to copy each other, or is this some sort of magic amount?

They could be using the zinc oxide product from the same supplier.

For example, Z-cote or Zinclear. I'm not sure which one it is that they are using. Even some that claim they are using "microionized" zinc but the preparation that they are using could still potentially contain nano-particles if the particle size is towards the lower limit of the official cut-off for nano-particles. Some of the companies that claim that their zinc oxide is "microionized" is listed on the EWG website as containing nano-zinc oxide. So we don't really know who to believe.

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 10:45 am

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30 with Zinclear - 31% zinc oxide

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 6:50 pm

jom wrote:

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30 with Zinclear - 31% zinc oxide

This looks like it can only be bought through licensed aestheticians or doctors.

Have you tried it? How is the texture?

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 7:20 pm

m1rox wrote:

jom wrote:

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30 with Zinclear - 31% zinc oxide

This looks like it can only be bought through licensed aestheticians or doctors.

Have you tried it? How is the texture?

I use this on days I'm going to be out in the sun a lot or on particularly hot, sunny days. It is a great sunscreen with antioxidents in it too, so it's good for anti-aging. It does have the sunscreen sheen but I put some powder on over it and it's fine. You can buy it here http://skincarebyalana.com/ but you have to call to order it, you can't buy it online. If I remember correctly it was about $34 for 4 ounces.

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:04 pm

jom wrote:

m1rox wrote:

jom wrote:

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30 with Zinclear - 31% zinc oxide

This looks like it can only be bought through licensed aestheticians or doctors.

Have you tried it? How is the texture?

I use this on days I'm going to be out in the sun a lot or on particularly hot, sunny days. It is a great sunscreen with antioxidents in it too, so it's good for anti-aging. It does have the sunscreen sheen but I put some powder on over it and it's fine. You can buy it here http://skincarebyalana.com/ but you have to call to order it, you can't buy it online. If I remember correctly it was about $34 for 4 ounces.

The price is not bad for 4oz compared to some other Zinclear sunscreens.

Thanks so much for the link.

Do you apply 1/4 teaspoon to the face or less than that?

free skin care · Sun Sep 06, 2009 8:12 pm

m1rox wrote:

jom wrote:

m1rox wrote:

jom wrote:

Image Skincare Solar Defense Organic SPF 30 with Zinclear - 31% zinc oxide

This looks like it can only be bought through licensed aestheticians or doctors.

Have you tried it? How is the texture?

I use this on days I'm going to be out in the sun a lot or on particularly hot, sunny days. It is a great sunscreen with antioxidents in it too, so it's good for anti-aging. It does have the sunscreen sheen but I put some powder on over it and it's fine. You can buy it here http://skincarebyalana.com/ but you have to call to order it, you can't buy it online. If I remember correctly it was about $34 for 4 ounces.

The price is not bad for 4oz compared to some other Zinclear sunscreens.

Thanks so much for the link.

Do you apply 1/4 teaspoon to the face or less than that?

I've never measured it out but I would say I use at least 1/4 teaspoon if not slightly more.

Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:46 am

The reason you see a lot of manufacturers of micronized or nano-sized zinc oxide sunscreens use a concentration of 18.6% is because 18.6% is the isotope of choice for studies of zinc oxide due to cost considerations.

Below are some additional Zinc Oxide based sunscreens to add to your list -

Loving Naturals SPF 30 24.8% (non-nano Zinc Oxide)

Kabana Green Screen SPF 20 (25% non-nano Zinc Oxide)

San Re Skinfood (9% Zinc Oxide)

Karen's Botanical Simple Sunblock SPF 30 (21% micronized zinc oxide)

Petite Marie Organics Sun Cream SPF 30

Elemental Herbs SPF 20 (25% non-nano Zinc Oxide)

Burnout Ocean Tested SPF 30 (18.6% micronized Zinc Oxide

Mon Sep 07, 2009 11:49 am

Although it is not yet reflected on their website, Osmosis Shelter no longer contains 20% micronized zinc oxide. It is now being formulated at 18% micronized zinc oxide.

Mon Sep 07, 2009 12:00 pm

Jom - do you have a complete list of ingredients for the Image Skincare sunscreen you mentioned?

Mon Sep 07, 2009 1:55 pm

Wow, thanks for all the help!

I have put together a notepad on MUA with many zinc-only sunscreens, their ingredients and prices. am I allowed to link to it here?

free skin care · Mon Sep 07, 2009 2:35 pm

I am new on this board. This is a GREAT board. I never knew there were people out there that loves skincare as much as me if not more.

This is a great list of sunscreens. I have tried a ton of them on the market. Before I knew anything about sunscreen, I would always use Coppertone and Neutrogena (it'd be so oily).

I have very oily skin, so it's a constant challenge to find a quality sunscreen that doesn't feel oily and break me out.

It's not on the list here, but I have one skincare secret. It's probably my biggest secret for skin.

MINUS-SOL Sunscreen! It's an SPF 30+++ (PA). It has 5% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide, but it is excellent. It is creamy and has a moouse texture. It feels wonderful, doesn't leave a white cast, and is not oily!

I call it my beauty cream. It feels like foundation! I actually believe it covers up my breakouts!!! Laughing

I also today tried New Neutrogena Sensitive Skin SPF 60+. It has 4.9% zinc oxide and 4.7% titanium dioxide. I used it for my face, neck, hands, and arms. I was impressed. Oil Free! It's much better than the Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Baby SPF 60+.

Which sunscreens on the list are not oily that feel like foundation are the best to try?

free skin care · Mon Sep 07, 2009 4:52 pm

rlook wrote:

The reason you see a lot of manufacturers of micronized or nano-sized zinc oxide sunscreens use a concentration of 18.6% is because 18.6% is the isotope of choice for studies of zinc oxide due to cost considerations.

Below are some additional Zinc Oxide based sunscreens to add to your list -

Loving Naturals SPF 30 24.8% (non-nano Zinc Oxide)

Kabana Green Screen SPF 20 (25% non-nano Zinc Oxide)

San Re Skinfood (9% Zinc Oxide)

Karen's Botanical Simple Sunblock SPF 30 (21% micronized zinc oxide)

Petite Marie Organics Sun Cream SPF 30

Elemental Herbs SPF 20 (25% non-nano Zinc Oxide)

Burnout Ocean Tested SPF 30 (18.6% micronized Zinc Oxide

That's another great list. Have you tried all of those? Which is the most user-friendly? In terms of texture.

free skin care · Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:22 pm

rlook wrote:

Jom - do you have a complete list of ingredients for the Image Skincare sunscreen you mentioned?

Here are the ingredients:
Water (aqua), cyclomethicone, glycerin, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stereate, sorbitol, imperata cylindrica root extract, ployacrylamide & C13-14 isoparaffin & Laureth-7, caprylyl glycol & phenoxethanol & hexylene glycol, lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), xanthan gum, dipottassium glycyrrhizate, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, disodium EDTA

Active ingredient: 31% zinc oxide

And here's more info about it:
http://www.imageskincare.com/sun_solar_defense_organic_spf30.html

free skin care · Mon Sep 07, 2009 6:28 pm

This is probably a dumb question, but why is it that some of the sunscreens with lower percentages of zinc have the same SPF as those with higher percentages of zinc?

Tue Sep 08, 2009 6:23 am

mlrox - below is a list of the sunscreens I have personally tried this year.

Osmosis Shelter SPF 29

Pratima Neem Rose SPF 30

Vivesana Solar to Polar Ultra SPF 40

Azur Advanced Pro Cellular SPF 30

BurnOut Eco-Sensitive Zinc Oxide SPF 32

Mexitan SPF 30

Caribbean Sol SPF 25

Marie Veronique Creme de Soleil SPF 30

Sweetsation Sun*Brella Triple Action Moisturizer SPF 30+

Arcona Reozone SPF 30 & SPF 40

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

I was looking for an SPF moisturizer to use on my face daily as well as one for the body. For the face I prefer a light feeling, non-whitening, non greasy sunscreen with a preference toward a matte finish. For the face I switch off among Osmosis Shelter, Pratima Neem Rose and Sweetsation Sun*Brella Moisturizer. Burnout Eco Sensitive is also a good option, but it will feel heavier on your face compared to the three mentioned above even though it does leave a matte finish. I tend not to use tinted versions, but if you are looking for a tinted spf moisturizer for the face, I think the new Arcona Reozone SPF 40 is a very good option.

Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:48 am

stellarfungi wrote:

Wow, thanks for all the help!

I have put together a notepad on MUA with many zinc-only sunscreens, their ingredients and prices. am I allowed to link to it here?

yes! I think once you reach 10 posts (?), the ability to post links will kick in. Smile

Tue Sep 08, 2009 8:53 am

rlook wrote:

mlrox - below is a list of the sunscreens I have personally tried this year.

Marie Veronique Creme de Soleil SPF 30

I'm using the Pratima SPF right now but wondered how the Marie Veronique one compares? I also liked the Osmosis SPF.

free skin care · Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:04 am

rlook wrote:

mlrox - below is a list of the sunscreens I have personally tried this year.

I was looking for an SPF moisturizer to use on my face daily as well as one for the body. For the face I prefer a light feeling, non-whitening, non greasy sunscreen with a preference toward a matte finish. For the face I switch off among Osmosis Shelter, Pratima Neem Rose and Sweetsation Sun*Brella Moisturizer. Burnout Eco Sensitive is also a good option, but it will feel heavier on your face compared to the three mentioned above even though it does leave a matte finish. I tend not to use tinted versions, but if you are looking for a tinted spf moisturizer for the face, I think the new Arcona Reozone SPF 40 is a very good option.

Many thanks for your opinions on the sunscreens. I am waiting for Osmosis Shelter to arrive and I also ordered Elta MD Physical SPF41. I wish to stop using foundations as my skin seems to be in better condition without foundations. As I still have some blemishes from post-acne scars and sun damage, I thought a tinted sunscreen would be a good option. But I am very fair and yellow-toned so most tinted sunscreens would be too dark on me. I was hoping to mix a tinted and non-tinted sunscreen to get a suitable combination.

Tue Sep 08, 2009 9:35 am

Skippie wrote:

This is probably a dumb question, but why is it that some of the sunscreens with lower percentages of zinc have the same SPF as those with higher percentages of zinc?

How the zinc is prepared within the formulation matters. Zinclear sunscreens usually achieve greater SPFs because zinclear distributes the zinc particles very evenly, as opposed to having little clumps form. There are also ingredients which are not sunscreen filters but will provide a little bit of SPF in a test.

And it's legal to mark your sunscreen as a lower SPF than it actually is, although it's obviously not legal to mark it higher.

havana8 wrote:

yes! I think once you reach 10 posts (?), the ability to post links will kick in.

Argh! Gotta get my post count up then Smile

Tue Sep 08, 2009 11:46 am

havana8 wrote:

rlook wrote:

mlrox - below is a list of the sunscreens I have personally tried this year.

Marie Veronique Creme de Soleil SPF 30

I'm using the Pratima SPF right now but wondered how the Marie Veronique one compares? I also liked the Osmosis SPF.

Havana8 - I was expecting great results from the Marie Veronique Creme de Soleil, but unfortunately, it did not work for me. I have what I consider a normal skin type - - not too dry and not too oily. Creme de Soleil does contain an impressive list of ingredients, but I found it to be too drying. I would expect it to work well for those with oily skin. It was also somewhat difficult to apply and it did leave a noticeable whiteness/dullness on my face. Also, I did not care for the natural herbal-like fragrance. Compared to Creme de Soleil, Pratima is much easier to apply, is better absorbed by the skin, feels lighter on the skin and does not leave any noticeable whiteness on the face. The Creme de Soleil is a good product, but it just did not work for me.

free skin care · Tue Sep 08, 2009 4:46 pm

havana - I am another one for whom Marie Veronique Creme de Soleil did not work at all. As in the post above, it was too drying, and left residue.

free skin care · Tue Sep 08, 2009 5:13 pm

I'm kind of suspicious that it's really 31% zinc oxide, I bet it's 31% *zinclear* which itself is 50% zinc oxide. So that would make it 15.5% zinc oxide, still not bad. (I'm just speculating)

jom wrote:

rlook wrote:

Jom - do you have a complete list of ingredients for the Image Skincare sunscreen you mentioned?

Here are the ingredients:
Water (aqua), cyclomethicone, glycerin, glyceryl stearate (and) PEG 100 stereate, sorbitol, imperata cylindrica root extract, ployacrylamide & C13-14 isoparaffin & Laureth-7, caprylyl glycol & phenoxethanol & hexylene glycol, lecithin, ascorbyl palmitate (vitamin C), xanthan gum, dipottassium glycyrrhizate, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, disodium EDTA

Active ingredient: 31% zinc oxide

And here's more info about it:
http://www.imageskincare.com/sun_solar_defense_organic_spf30.html

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.