We grew up using chemical sunscreens for one purpose: to protect us from sunburn.
While this is a worthy goal, it underestimates the true impact ingredients have on our health.
A chemical sunscreen will help you avoid sunburn but could introduce many other problems. For example, one study found oxybenzone (a hormone disruptor) present in human blood weeks after one sunscreen application.
Scientists and researchers are just beginning to understand the complexity of our largest organ (our skin). But in recent years, we’ve learned enough to know that chemical sunscreens can be harmful to our health.
On the flip side, a healthy mineral sunscreen is the perfect example of a product that protects and nourishes the skin at the same time. Any product you put on your body is an opportunity to promote healthy aging and revive the skin barrier.
Tallow sunscreen does this perfectly. Here’s why…
Is Sunscreen Bad for You?
Sunscreen does serve an important purpose: protecting our skin from sunburn and sun damage. But not all sunscreen is good for our bodies in the long run. For instance, chemical sunscreens are full of hormone disruptors and even carcinogenic ingredients.
There are better (and yes, even healthy) options. Mineral sunscreens use natural ingredients to block UV rays at surface level. These are healthy alternatives that promote intentional application and whole-body wellness.
Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical Sunscreen
- A chemical sunscreen uses active chemical ingredients to convert and release UV rays. These ingredients are usually oxybenzone or avobenzone. While the full effects of these chemicals are unknown, they are considered hormone disruptors. And they’ve been so damaging to marine ecosystems that they’re banned in many tropical areas.
- A mineral sunscreen (or sunblock) sits on the skin’s surface and blocks UV rays. It uses either non-nano zinc oxide (preferred) or non-nano titanium dioxide to provide a protective coating and minimize direct sun exposure. In general, mineral sunscreens are a much safer option — but it’s important to check the ingredient label for parabens, phthalates, and other common chemicals.
The Benefits of Using Tallow Sunscreen
Why is tallow the main ingredient in our mineral sunscreen? For starters, it naturally has a small sun protection factor (SPF). But more importantly, tallow acts as a moisturizer and carrier for important mineral ingredients. It’s fantastic for easy application and extremely nourishing.
Minimizes the White Cast
Since mineral sunscreen sits on the skin, it often creates a white cast. But with tallow sunscreen, this is less of an issue. Tallow has a light consistency that melts into the skin without leaving residue behind. It’s easy to rub in and it’s noncomedogenic, so it shouldn’t clog pores. Any mineral sunscreen will require more elbow grease to rub in, but we find this significantly minimized with tallow sunscreen.
Skincare and Sunscreen All in One
Sunscreen without nourishing ingredients is a missed opportunity. Any time you apply something to your skin, you’re affecting your skin’s health — for better or for worse. We use tallow sunscreen because it contains natural fat-soluble vitamins and fatty acids that leave your skin hydrated and restored. You get natural sun protection and skincare all in one.
Safe for Children
There are a few reasons why clean ingredients should be the top priority for our children. For one, the fertility rate of Americans is at an all-time low. For two, children are born with a delicate microbiome that protects their skin. Proper care of this microbiome could impact their future skin health. This is why choosing safe ingredients and avoiding hormone disruptors is a top priority for the wellness of our children.
Great for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, it may be time to switch to a mineral sunscreen with skincare elements. Tallow is incredibly soothing and is amazing at calming inflammation. It’s almost bioidentical to human skin, so the application is easy and non-irritating.
No Harm to Marine Ecosystems
One incredible benefit of tallow sunscreen is that it’s considered safe for marine life. The ingredients are all-natural and biodegradable, so they don’t pollute the ocean or impact coral reefs.
Non-Nano Minerals
When a mineral is non-nano, it means the particles are large enough to not absorb into the skin. This helps sunscreen do its job by coating the skin, and it’s also considered safer.
Incredibly Hydrating
Even with ample sun protection, a few days at the beach can leave your skin feeling dry and irritated. Tallow is incredibly hydrating and nutrient-dense, making it an amazing moisturizer. It’s naturally anti-inflammatory and contains many of the building blocks we need to restore and build healthy skin.
Ingredients to Look for in Tallow Sunscreen
Not all tallow sunscreens are the same. Especially with greenwashing, it’s important to check ingredient labels for yourself and not assume every natural sunscreen is safe. One way to quickly check your product is to look for it on the Environmental Working Group (EWG) app.
Here are some ingredients we recommend in tallow sunscreen...
- 100% grass-fed tallow (it’s more nutrient-dense than grain-fed)
- Organic or mindfully sourced ingredients
- Olive oil
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- Beeswax
- Gentle scents like coconut or vanilla extract
Here are some ingredients to avoid in tallow sunscreen...
- Active chemical filters like oxybenzone
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Fragrances
Tallow Sunscreen Is the Next Sun Care Standard
Tallow is the ultimate skincare and suncare ingredient we should have been using all along. It’s nearly bioidentical to our skin and packed full of the same ingredients used in our sebum for a vibrant and healthy glow.