Loving Naturals SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Active Ingredient

Zinc Oxide (Non-Nano, .12 Microns, physical, mineral sunscreen from naturally occurring zinc ore)

We have researched this ingredient extensively. It is the only ingredient we have found that effectively provides superior protection against UVA and UVB and which we feel comfortable using on our children.  Zinc oxide has a long history of use as a safe sunscreen agent, skin protectant, and as a treatment for skin disorders. It is also widely known as the main ingredient in most diaper rash creams and is considered safe for use on infants and sensitive skin.

A note about Titanium Dioxide:
Many sunscreen companies that consider themselves natural and safe use titanium dioxide. After doing our own research, we became very uncomfortable with this ingredient. It is a mineral like zinc oxide, but it is highly photoreactive, meaning it generates harmful free radicals when it reacts with light and can even cause a severe burn, worse than if no sunscreen was used. Irradiated particles of titanium dioxide can cause oxidative damage to DNA, which can lead to the development of skin cancers.  (7)(8)(21)

A note about Nanoparticals:
A nanometer is used to define the diameter of a fine particle.  Fine particles cover a range between 100 and 2500 nanometers. Ultrafine particles or nanoparticles are sized between 1 and 100 nanometers.

Many sunscreen companies that consider themselves natural and safe use nanoparticle zinc oxide and choose not to disclose this fact. There are numerous concerns regarding the use of nanotechnology, specifically related to skin care products. Most of these are due to the high surface to volume ratio, which can make the particles very reactive or catalytic. They are also able to pass through cell membranes in organisms, and their interactions with biological systems are relatively unknown.  (9)

The nanoparticle, zinc oxide, is used because it is so ultrafine it goes on transparent. We don't believe this effect is worth the risk. We also believe that, though our sunscreen has a slight white tint to it, this is very helpful in applying to your children and yourselves so that you can see if you have missed any spots. Once the sun has warmed the skin, the tint can hardly be seen. This will vary depending on skin tone and how heavy the sunscreen is applied. 

The zinc oxide we use in our sunscreen is  NOT nanoparticle and measures at 120 nanometers or .12 microns, a large enough size that there is no concern that it could be absorbed into your body.

A note about coated zinc oxide:
Many leading sunscreen companies that consider themselves natural and safe use a coated zinc oxide with a nanoparticle size of 70-200, which is formulated by BASF, The Chemical Company. The coating is called triethoxycaprylylsilane, also known as silicone. They like to say that coated zinc oxide is safer than uncoated because it protects against photoreactivity. Regular zinc oxide is considered completely photostable. Zinc oxide nanoparticles, on the other hand are very photoreactive and therefore can cause the formation of harmful free radicals when exposed to sunlight just as the titanium dioxide can. This coated zinc oxide has gone untested for safety and poses serious health risks, which have not been disproved. Among these are the possibilities that at 70 nanometers it could be absorbed into the body, not to mention what possible risks the coating itself could pose. It is questionable whether this coating prevents the wonderful health benefits of regular zinc oxide to work on your skin at all.

Ingredients:

Our 100% Natural ingredients contain NO Synthetic chemicals or solvents from their minimal processing and the majority or our ingredients are either USDA certified organic, grown without chemicals or wild harvested!

Grape Seed Oil is an emollient that is non greasy and an ideal skin moisturizer for all skin types, especially stressed skin because it has regenerative and restructuring qualities. It is high in antioxidants and contains vitamins E, C, D and Beta-Carotene. Studies have even shown that it can destroy cancer cells. Grown without pesticides or herbicides. (10) (11)

Sunflower Oil is an emollient rich in essential fatty acids. Used as a protective barrier that resists infection on the skin of preterm infants in hospitals. Rich in vitamin E, an excellent preservative. USDA Certified Organic (12)

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient and essential fatty acid derived from coconut oil (skimmed off the top of heated oil). It contributes to the excellent stability of the sunscreen and is noted for its anti-microbial, antifungal properties. (14)

Soy Wax is an emulsifier and contributes to the water resistance of the sunscreen. Non-GMO, biodegradable, and free of pesticides and herbicides.

Macadamia Nut Oil is an emollient rich in essential fatty acids. It has a high oxidative stability making it especially suitable for sunscreen. USDA Certified Organic (20)

Sesame Oil is an emollient rich in essential fatty acids. It is considered to be an excellent oil for young skin to help control acne and maintain a healthy complexion as well as for use on infants skin. Rich in vitamin E, an excellent preservative.

Cocoa Powder is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which can help to protect the skin from pollution and free radicals, encourage cell growth, and aid in overall skin health. It smoothes the skin and is a natural colorant. Fair Trade and USDA Certified Organic
 
Candelilla Wax is an emulsifier and contributes to the water resistance of the sunscreen. The candelilla wax we use is handpicked from the candelilla shrub. Grown without chemicals or wild harvested.

Cocoa Butter provides moisturizing qualities, is a natural preservative, rich in Vitamin E and has a faint, pleasant scent. (13)
 
Hemp Seed Oil is an emollient extremely rich in essential fatty acids. Hemp seed oil is also one of the only oils to contain the direct metabolites of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is particularly a critical fatty essential oil important for healthy skin. Hemp seed oil is a highly effective skin care and cosmetic product. Its lipid constituents allow it to permeate through intact skin, nourishing skin cells directly while also carrying therapeutic substances with it into the skin. USDA Certified Organic (16)

Plum Kernel Oil is an emollient rich in essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and E (an excellent natural preservative), and antioxidants. It is has a pleasant scent and is non-greasy. Grown without chemicals or wild harvested. (17)

Green Tea is rich in anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which can help to protect skin from pollution and free radicals, encourage cell growth, and aid in overall skin health. One study found that an extract of green tea and hot water, applied to the skin could help people with skin damaged from radiation therapy. USDA Certified Organic (18)