Did you know your favorite natural sunscreen brand may be already discontinued?!  Due to new recent European regulations that require SPF to be much higher than any mineral sunscreen could provide, brands like Dr. Hauschka and Weleda have decided to discontinue their sunscreen products rather than reformulate with synthetics.  A noble stance on their part, but disappointing nonetheless for those who love their favorite sun protection from these brands. 

There are conflicting opinions and many questions when it comes to the topic of “natural” sunscreens…”is Zinc Oxide better than Titanium Dioxide?”, “is that Titanium Dioxide coated with Dimethicone and is it safe?”, “what about nanoparticles?”….and on and on it goes.  Conventional sunscreens are often loaded with petrochemical, toxic junk and one has to wonder….are we getting cancer from the sun or from our sunscreen, or both? 

A juxtoposed fact is that Americans are severely Vitamin D deficient.  Like plants, we need sunshine, but we also need to use caution because skin cancer is also a big problem.  If you’re trying to wade through your options of safe, natural sunscreen, the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep website may be a good place to start since they try their best to rate products based on safety. 

The good news is that these regulations don’t affect U.S. brands like California Baby and Badger who both received very low marks in the Skin Deep database.  Erbaviva has also received some really great reviews.  Since Soleo is an Australian based brand, they won’t have to reformulate but word is they are currently experiencing stock issues; perhaps due to increased demand in light of the new European regulations.   

 So, if Dr. Hauschka, Weleda or Lavera are some of your favorite natural sunscreen brands, you’d better stock up before they’re gone!