Top 4 natural sunscreen brands for surfers
Do you love the ocean? I know many of you do. Whether you’re a surfer or you just like going to the beach, the ocean is important to all of us. Still, humans bring a lot of harm to the oceans. But why? Let’s give something back instead. These top 4 natural sunscreen brands are LITERALLY lifesavers and make you feel protected against the sun, on hot summer days.
OUR SUNSCREENS ARE KILLING THE OCEAN’S REEFS
Many regular sunscreens contain the chemical “Oxybenzone”, which is highly toxic to coral reefs and marine life. Only the smallest amount of Oxybenzone causes coral to bleach, and eventually die.
Approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen enters water around coral reefs each year (source: National Geo Graphic).
Making the switch to natural sunscreens is good for your body and will literally save marine lives.
WITHOUT REEFS, WE WOULD BE F*CKED…
Oceans provide us with the air we breathe, regulate the climate around us and absorb almost a third (!!) of all carbon dioxide that humans have ever produced. (source: World Economic Forum)
We are very dependent on the oceans.
The coral reefs are very important to keep the oceans healthy. The reefs in the ocean cover only 1%, and still provide home to 25% of the marine life. Reefs also protect coastlines from erosion and tropical storms. They act as a barrier to rising sea levels. 200 million people rely on coral reefs to safeguard them from storms.
Without reefs, we (along with marine life) would basically be f*cked…
5X NATURAL SUNSCREENS FOR SURFERS
Your skin is your biggest organ and observes the products you apply on it. Therefore, it’s super important to avoid toxic chemicals and take good care of it. After all, you don’t want these chemicals to enter your body.
Natural sunscreens are toxic free and good for body and mind. They protect your skin just as well as regular sunscreens and won’t harm marine life.
And for surfers? Well… There are highly water resistant, natural sunblocks, that will protect your skin during extra long surf sessions underneath heavy sunlight.
Most are plastic-free, vegan, water resistant, reef & ocean safe and will give you all you need to enjoy the sun without having to worry about polluting the water or harming your skin.
SUNTRIBE
Suntribe is a Swedish brand, founded by 3 friends who want to protect where they feel most at home; Nature. They want their products to be for everybody.
Suntribe offers Natural Zinc tins (45g or 10g) and Zinc Sticks. Both SPF30 and available in the colors White, Mud, Retro Red and Oean Blue. These sunscreens are both highly water resistant and therefor perfect for surfing and other outdoor sports.
Along with natural sunscreens, they also offer skin care products such as body butters, lip balm and after sun balm which provide your skin deep replenishment after a sun intensive day.
Sunscreens available at Suntribe or Plastic Free Amsterdam // Instagram @suntribesunscreen
AMAZINC!
Amazinc! is based in the Czech Republic. It’s created by surfers and snowboarders, who want to protect what they enjoy most. Whether it’s the mountains or the ocean. They use aluminium for packaging, which is lightweight, plastic-free, strong and fully recyclable. It also looks pretty cool.
Their Sunblock and Mineral Stick (both SPF50) are highly water resistant and are able to protect the skin during extra-long sessions underneath heavy sunlight. Perfect for surfing!
They also offer skincare products with SPF such as Raspberry Body Butter (with SPF15+) and moisturizing Tanning Oil (with SPF10). Perfect For those who prefer watching the surf from the beach, rather than going out for a paddle.
Sunscreens available at Amazinc! or Plastic Free Amsterdam // Instagram @amazincskincare
SOL DE IBIZA
Sol de Ibiza was founded by Alessandro. He is Italian and moved to Ibiza several years ago where he fell in love with the Mediterranean waters. When he was faced with the smell of chemicals in the water, he came up with the idea of starting a natural sunscreen brand; Sol de Ibiza.
Sol de Ibiza offers vegan and natural mineral sunscreen. All are reef & ocean safe and plastic free. They have a Sunscreen Stick (SPF50), as well as Sunscreen in a Tin (SPF30). Both are suitable for face, body and kids but not ideal for water sports. It will last up to 40 minutes when in contact with water.
For packaging they use aluminum tins, which are widely recyclable and can be kept and re-used for multiple purposes. The sunscreen sticks are made out of cardboard, and also recyclable.
Sunscreens available at Sol de Ibiza or Plastic Free Amsterdam // Instagram @soldeibiza
WE LOVE THE PLANET
We Love The Planet is a natural cosmetic brand, based in the Netherlands. Beside natural cosmetics, they offer sunscreen sticks in SPF 20 and SPF30, based on 100% natural ingredients. These sunscreens are vegan, hypoallergenic and water resistant. The packaging is plastic free and made out of cardboard.
The consistency of these sunscreen sticks is not as thick as sunblocks and are therefor not ideal for long surf sessions or other water sports. Drying off after swimming or sweating can also reduce the protection factor. Certainly in this case, reapply regularly.
Other than that, it’s great for beach days, where you can repeat applying sunscreen every now and then.
Sunscreens available at We Love the Planet or Plastic Free Amsterdam // Instagram @welovetheplanet_official
FEELING GOOD ABOUT THESE NATURAL PRODUCTS? THERE IS MORE!
One of my favorite places to look for natural and plastic free products, is the online store of Plastic Free Amsterdam. Beside natural sunscreens, they have a wide range of natural skincare products. Soap bars, safety razors, toothpaste and deodorant. Also, for inside your home, they offer plastic free candles, cleaning products storage containers and cooking essentials.
All products are plastic free ad created by sustainable companies and individuals that care and share the same vision for a better and sustainable future, they make the switch to plastic fee ling much easier, given ther wide range to choose from.
Excited to make a little step towards a less wasteful life? Check them out HERE!
