Sunscreens: what works in natural cosmetics?

So sorry for the late, late post! I've been playing catch up at work and at home we started a new project: building a raised bed for our veggies next year. Very exciting, but it's more work than we initially anticipated.
I'll definitely dedicate a post to the whole build and all the work around it once we are ready!

Anyway, today is all about sun care. I tried a few sunscreens in the natural cosmetics sector and found a brand that I so far like a lot. And when you find something that you like and it works, well you stick with it!

So without further delay I present to you Eco Cosmetics!  

The Eco Cosmetics sunscreens are really good and in the picture above you can see which products I currently have in use. The ingredients are limited, no thousand incomprehensible components, no parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, silicons, synthetic sunscreens, or nanoparticles. The main sunscreen they use in their products are titanium dioxide and for some products karanja oil. For the rest nice and caring oils and plant extracts and waxes. They don't cover you in a white sheen like some mineral sun screens and they are pretty economical in their use, so although the aren't the cheapest products around, they last quite a while.

I use sunscreen on my face every day, especially since I've had some moles removed and a pre-cancerous spot on my nose treated. So I usually use the green Eco Cosmetics face cream that contains SPF 15. This is a tinted lotion, goes on lightly and does not take too long to sink into the skin. The colour is suitable for everyone, as it really blends in well and does not add or take away much from the natural skin tone. It is a light enough product to wear under make up or on its own. A little goes a long way and so far I've not had any issues at all when using this product on my face.

If I know I'm going to be out in the sun I use the Eco Cosmetics SPF 30 face gel, on the left of the face cream. It's thicker and feels and looks like a yellow/gold oil. It goes on quite easily, but here a little goes a long way too and it takes longer to really settle on the skin without looking like an oil slick. I use less than one pump and that is enough for my whole face and neck. It protects really well and does not have an unpleasant fragrance, reminiscent somewhat of unripe peaches.

At the beginning of summer I used the tinted SPF 30 cream. Especially my legs look whiter than white so this is a bit of help when you want to wear shorts but not scare the little children in your neighbourhood! It is quite thick, but spreads nicely and gives a very light hint of colour. Watch out for stains when wearing lighter clothing as it is mineral based it will rub off! This cream works really well and I like its protection. No sunburn, and at the end of the day still a hint of colour even though I don't sit out in the sun on purpose.

For ease of use I bought the Sun Oil SPF 30, which has similar ingredients as the SPF 30 face gel, just a little more liquid. I really like this one, but if you are going to be bothered by the shine from the oil, I would sooner use the cream... This does not make you look white, purely because it's an oil and does not contain zinc oxide.

And finally on the far left, my SPF 50 lotion, which I use for days that I know I can't avoid being in the sun. I have to say it goes on quite easily and does not leave behind a too noticeable white film when you spread it well. Works a treat and so far I've found here that it is the nicest consistency and has served me very well on those extra sunny days when gardening work has to be done or when I was in Barcelona and could not avoid the midday sun.

Last but not least the lip balm SPF 30: It is useful and works well but I don't love the consistency. It's quite waxy and thick. But I only use it if I know I'm going to be in the sun. Otherwise I use my trusted Weleda Everon balm.

For after sun if I really need it I have a huge aloe vera plant at home. I just cut off a leaf, scrape out the gel and apply. Works a treat for almost any skin problem! Alternatively I really like the Soothing Gel Serum from Dr Alkaitis, it is a miracle in a bottle! I often use it straight after cleansing my face in the morning or in the evening. It is for the whole body, so not just used as a face care balm.

I have some Melvita Prosun to try out: still haven't gotten round to it, as I've not had or made the time! I bought some bodypeeling from Melvita too, and thought as a preparation for the selftanner I could scrub with the body scrub and then moisturise with the fragrance free Body Oil from Balm Balm and then the next day apply the Prosun... So far, no go!

For a nice glow I've been using the Melvita L'Or Bio, which I love! It gives a really nice natural shimmer and really smells like summer! Very nice and coconutty! Definitely worth investing in, as it lasts forever because a little goes a really long way. Also suitable for face and hair. It's a dry oil, so you don't look like an oil slick after applying. Not suitable to use as a sun screen of course, as it does not have SPF!


Here a quick picture of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona... Already a lot further in the build than last time when we visited Barcelona three years ago.

We really had a lovely time and of course came home with lots of delicious foods from the local market... The other day we had a dinner consisting of tapas, really nice and a little bit of Spain in our own back garden!

Next time I'll write up a little about my delicious chorizo garden vegetable pasta/rice/anything sauce and I plan to discuss my face care routine as well!

xxx C.