What can be tricky with organic sunscreens is the white film you can get from mineral filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). Different sunscreens give different cosmetic results. I have therefore tested a bunch of organic sunscreens that I will compare and review. My skin is generally dry with a medium-dark tone.
I always use only organic sunscreen, as it is a more sustainable choice and better for both skin and the environment. Read more about what distinguishes an organic, physical sunscreen from a chemical one.
Dr Sannas SPF 30, 100 ml
Dr Sannas sunscreen is relatively new to me. The first impression is white, runny but thick feeling on the skin. When I continue to massage the cream in, I see how quickly it absorbs and leaves a barely noticeable light film on my skin. I imagine it doesn’t show at all on lighter skin tones.
The feeling turns into a dry and almost matte finish. The best part is that when I wear facial oil under the sunscreen, the glow shows through. The sunscreen works excellently under makeup. The only time it doesn’t work so well is with gel (e.g., gel serum, aloe vera gel). If a gel product is on the skin, this sunscreen tends to flake.
It is very lightly scented and formulated without known allergens, which is a big plus. The bonus is that it contains probiotics that balance the skin’s microflora. It also has a touch of mild malic acid that loosens dead skin (great for acne-prone, congested skin).
I like this on both body and face during sweaty summer days, as it is non-sticky and matte.
Dr Sannas Sunscreen SPF 30
Eco Cosmetics Sun milk SPF 50, 75 ml
This is a thick and nourishing sunscreen. Slightly difficult to spread (compared to the others I have tested) but once worked in, it leaves a faint white film. I think the white disappears after a while in the sun. That’s not bad for SPF 50. I know many fair-skinned people who like to use this on their face, as the white doesn’t show on lighter skin tones.
Plus points for being developed for sensitive skin and scented with non-allergenic essential oils. Personally, I find it a bit too sticky for my taste and only use it when I’m abroad in strong sun and need a thick layer of SPF 50.
The sunscreen comes in a tube with a flip cap. The opening could be smaller as it tends to dispense too much. Eco Cosmetics Sun Milk is vegan-friendly.
Eco Cosmetics Sun Milk SPF 50
Alga Maris Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, 100 ml
This is a sunscreen spray that immediately becomes matte and non-sticky on the skin. For a spray, it still forms a fairly thick layer that stays put. This is perfect for times when you need really good sun protection and don’t want to get sunburned. It really provides high sun protection all day long.
It leaves a white film on my medium-dark skin. I expected nothing else since it is SPF 50+. I use SPF 50+ when it’s super hot, as everyone is shiny anyway from either sweat or sunscreens. It’s so hot that it’s not even worth wearing a lot of makeup. A big plus is that it stays put, the matte finish, a little white but at least matte and protected. It is also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
A tip if you want to look good in the city is to first apply oil to the skin. Yes, Alga Maris sunscreen spray works well with oils. Just massage until the white film disappears completely. However, it won’t feel matte afterward because of the oil. Choose a light oil like argan oil to minimize stickiness.
Overall, I think this is a very good, if not the best, SPF 50+ I have tried. A sunscreen you can trust when it’s hottest. If you’re looking for a sunscreen spray with a nice summery coconut scent that doesn’t leave a white film, you can check out Alga Maris sunscreen spray SPF 30.
Alga Maris Sunscreen Spray SPF50+ 100 ml
Eco Cosmetics for children & babies SPF 50+, 50 ml
A sunscreen you can trust. This one is thick, sticky, and white, but has done its job every time. It’s easy to apply a thicker layer, which you want on lively children.
I think the white becomes less visible after a while in the warm sun. Of course, it also works great on adults when the sun is really strong. Available both with and without fragrance.
The sunscreen comes in a 50 ml pump bottle with a cap (which usually stays in the bag).
Eco Cosmetics Organic Sunscreen for children SPF 50
More sun protection
If you want to see our full range of sunscreens, you can click here to find some of the finest options available for those who like organic and toxin-free products.
If you are specifically looking for sunscreens suitable for children, we have gathered them in a separate category here.
If you are interested in seeing all products in Glimja’s range that in some way protect against the sun or soothe sun damage to the skin, we have our sun protection category. There you will find, among other things, sunscreens, cold-pressed oils with natural SPF, as well as aloe vera and after sun.
