The tricky thing about organic sunscreen products is the white film that can result from mineral filters (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). Different sunscreens give different cosmetic results. I have therefore tested a bunch of organic sun protection products that I will compare and review. My skin is generally dry with a medium-dark tone. I always use only organic sun protection, as it is a more sustainable choice and better for both skin and the environment. Read more about what differentiates an organic, physical sunscreen from a chemical one.
Dr. Sannas SPF 30, 100 ml
Dr. Sannas sunscreen is relatively new to me. My first impression is a white, runny yet thick feeling on the skin. As I continue to massage in the cream, I can see how quickly it absorbs and leaves a barely noticeable light film on my skin. I imagine it wouldn't be visible at all on lighter skin tones. The feeling transitions to a dry and almost matte result.The best thing is that when I wear facial oil under the sunscreen, the glow still shows through. The sunscreen works excellently under makeup. The only time it doesn't work so well is with gel products (e.g., gel serum, aloe vera gel). If a gel product is on the skin, this sunscreen tends to crumble. It is very lightly scented and formulated without known allergens, which is a big plus. An added bonus is that it contains probiotics that balance the skin's microflora. It also has a touch of mild apple acid that breaks down dead skin cells (great for acne-prone, congested skin). I like this on both body and face during sweaty summer days, as it's non-sticky and matte.
Eco Cosmetics Sun milk SPF 50, 75 ml
This is a thick and nourishing sunscreen. Somewhat difficult to spread (compared to the others I've tested), but once worked in well, it leaves a slight white film. I find that the whiteness disappears after a while in the sun. That's not bad for an SPF 50. I know many people with fair skin who like to use this on their face, as the white doesn't show on lighter skin tones. Extra 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 snap lid. The opening could have been smaller as it tends to dispense too much product. Eco Cosmetics Sun Milk is vegan-friendly.
Alga Maris Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, 100 ml
This is a sun spray that becomes matte and non-sticky on the skin immediately. Despite being a spray, it still creates a fairly thick layer that stays put perfectly. This is ideal for those times when you need really good sun protection and don't want to get sunburned. It truly provides high sun protection throughout the day. It leaves a white film on my medium-dark skin. I didn't expect anything else since it's an SPF 50+. I use SPF 50+ when it's super hot, when everyone is shiny from either sweat or sunscreen anyway.It's so hot that it's not even worth wearing lots of makeup. A big plus is that it stays put, with its matte finish - slightly white but at least matte and protected. It's also fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin. A tip if you want to look good in the city is to first moisturize your skin with oil. Yes, Alga Maris sun spray works well with oils. Just massage until the white film disappears completely. However, you won't get a matte finish afterward because of the oil. Choose a thin oil like argan oil to minimize stickiness. Overall, I think this is a very good, if not the best, SPF 50+ I've tried. A sun protection you can rely on when it's extremely hot. If you're looking for a sun spray with a nice summery coconut scent that doesn't leave a white film, check out Alga Maris sun spray SPF30.
Eco Cosmetics for children & baby SPF 50+, 50 ml
A sunscreen you can rely on. This one is thick, sticky, and white, but has done its job every time. It's easy to apply a thicker layer, which is what you want for active children. The whiteness becomes less noticeable after some time in the warm sun. Of course it also works wonderfully for adults when the sun is beating down intensely. Available both with and without fragrance. The sunscreen comes in a 50 ml pump bottle with a lid (which often stays in the bag).
More Sunscreen
If you want to see our entire range of sunscreens, you can find some of the finest options available for those who prefer organic and toxin-free products.
If you're specifically looking for sun protection suitable for children, we've collected them in their own category.
If you're interested in seeing all products in Glimja's range that in some way protect against the sun or soothe sun damage to the skin, check out our sun protection category. There you'll find sunscreens, cold-pressed oils with natural SPF, as well as aloe vera and after sun products.
