Clear Zinc Sunscreen

Recently I wrote a post about how I fell for a sunscreen marketing campaign.  It angered me but now I need to find another sunblock so I’m looking at Clear Zinc Sunscreen today.

Skin Care product marketing

The whole reason I started Nutt So Ruff was because of skin issues that I had and the frustration of trying products that didn’t work for me.  I continually fell for marketing campaigns that promised to deliver results but never did.  I constantly either broke out with more acne, had increased sensitivity, or just wasted money on expensive products.  Instead, I realized I could learn how to really care for skin and possibly make my own products that I could use and not have to worry about hidden / secret ingredients.

When it comes to sunscreen, I haven’t dipped into that area so I still have to rely on buying current products.  Sadly, I fell for a marketing campaign recently.  And, while it angered me, I knew that I had to scrutinize the ingredients better.  Lesson learned.  So, here is my first attempt at a new product I am trying out.  You can read the full post about Sunscreen to Avoid here.

Babo Botanicals

I looked at the ingredients of Babo Botanicals and they look ‘OK’.  I decided to buy this Clear Zinc Sunscreen and take a magnifying glass to the ingredients.

First, here is what the product packaging says:

The Marketing:

SPF 30 Clear zinc sunscreen.  100% zinc oxide active ingredient, water resistant 80 minutes, broad spectrum SPF 30, hypoallergenic.  Fragrance free.  For babies, kids, and grown-ups too.

So far sounds OK.  Let’s dig deeper to see.

Babo Botanicals Ingredient list

Active ingredient:  Zinc Oxide 16% – purpose:  Sunscreen – a definite Clear Zinc Sunscreen – so far so good.

Extra sensitive mineral formula

Inactive ingredients:

• Arachdyl alcohol – according to my research, this is considered safe.  It’s used as an emollient.
• Arachdyl glucoside – also considered safe.  I found nothing that showed me otherwise.  So far so good!
• Behenyl Alcohol – this is a non-drying form of alcohol (truly, I was getting worried with all the ‘alcohol’ I saw so non-drying made me feel good).  It’s used as a thickener and also a moisturizer.  It’s considered safe!
• Bisabolol* – a colorless oil, also considered safe.  Plus, the * indicates it’s a certified organic ingredient.
• Butyloctyl salicylate – helps promote clear skin – a bonus for acne sufferers.  This ingredient is safe.
• Butyrospermum parki (Shea butter) – this one is OK because shea butter has vitamins and fatty acids so it can help with inflammation.
• Calendula officinalis flower extract* – this is a flower extract, so it’s good, plus, it’s organic.
• Caprylhydroxamic acid – this is a natural preservative and claims to be good for sensitive skin.
• Caprylyl glycol – reports show this is considered safe but there have been some that show some irritation in some people.  This will go on the ‘to be mindful‘ list for me.
• Carthamus tinctorus (safflower) seed oil – this is an effective moisturizer and looks to be OK.
• Cellulose gum – this is an additive used for the purpose of anti-caking.  Sounds OK but probably could go on the ‘to be mindful’ list.
• Cetearyl alcohol – helps with viscosity and used to thicken products.  It’s a fatty alcohol so isn’t as irritating as other alcohols.
• Cetyl Alcohol – helps to soften and smooth the skin – considered safe.
• Chamomlla recutta (Matricaria) flower extract* – OK, plus, it’s organic.
• Citric acid – this is an OK ingredient but if you read my other post about the Kinship sunscreen, you know that one of the ingredients in that sunscreen reacts with citric acid.
• Coco-glucoside – this is safe to the environment because it doesn’t contain parabens or phthalates.
• Cocos Nucifera (coconut) oil – I like coconut oil as an ingredient but I wish they would have used organic.  Also, coconut oil can clog pores.
• Glycerin helianthus annus (sunflower) seed oil – this is OK, but wish it was organic.
• Methyl dihhydrobetate – generally regarded as safe as it doesn’t have any hormone disruptors.  I may still keep an eye on this ingredient.
• Microcrystalline cellulose – this is wood pulp.  I saw no indication of issues with topical application of this only some digestion issues when taken internally (it’s also used as a food additive).
• Nasturtium officinale flower / leaf extract* – Organic, OK.
• Polyhydroxystearic acid – considered a low hazard ingredient but not enough information.  Let’s keep it on the ‘to be mindful‘ list.
• Pueraria lobata root extract* – looks to be OK and it is certified organic.
• Sodium gluconate – safe, if used correctly.  Let’s put it on the ‘to be mindful‘ list.
• Sodium hyaluronate – looks to be safe and can help with wrinkles – that’s a bonus.
• Sodium stearoyl glutamate – generally regarded as safe.  I’ll add it to the ‘to be mindful‘ list anyways.
• Spiraea ulmaria flower extract* – looks to be OK and it’s certified organic.
• Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter* – I like that this is organic but if Theobroma cacao seed butter it is the same as cocoa butter, which can clog pores.  Not good for acne sufferers.
• Tocopherol – Vitamin E and helps with free radical damage.
• Water – what can you say about water, except that it’s good!  We need hydration!

Conclusion

That’s a lot of ingredients!  To me, the jury is still out.  I’m going to give it a try since I need a sunscreen but I have to see if:

1. It will clog pores / lead to acne or
2. I get any skin sensitivity

I will let you know!  In the meantime, if you have a favorite sunscreen and would like me to do an in-depth check on the ingredients, I am happy to.  Please send me the information via our contact form.

Trust me on sunscreen.  We need to use it but we have to find the right ones!  This clear zinc sunscreen may be what I’m looking for.

Since writing this post, I have tried out the Babo clear zinc sunscreen – see my conclusion here.