Sunscreen: why the white cast is a good thing

We are often asked if we offer a sunscreen that doesn't leave behind a white cast on the skin. However, the white cast is something that happens when using natural sunscreens with mineral filters. These filters are better for the skin and the environment and offer immediate protection. So, it's high time that we shift our perception of what constitutes a good sunscreen. Discover why you should stop worrying and learn to love the white cast.

Sunscreen with chemical filters

The first thing you should look for when buying sunscreen is the type of filter used. This determines how well a sunscreen can protect you from the sun. Most sunscreens contain chemical filters. These are absorbed by your skin and react with the UV light from the sun. They convert the UV light into another form, usually heat.

Chemical filters include oxybenzone, avobenzone, mexoryl, octyl methoxycinnamate or octocrylene. They are absorbed quickly and don't leave behind a white cast. However, many people are unaware of the drawbacks of these chemical filters. They are absorbed into the skin and can cause rashes or even eczema. They have also been shown to have endocrine-disrupting effects.

And last but not least, large amounts of the chemicals end up in the ocean. Not just when you're swimming in the ocean, but also when you take a shower afterwards. Research has shown that oxybenzone, a chemical used in sunscreen, mimics the effect of oestrogen and can cause sex change, reduced growth, or reduced egg output in fish. In addition, chemical filters are absorbed by coral reefs, which ultimately causes them to bleach and die.  

Natural sunscreen with mineral filters

Mineral filters, or physical filters, act as a mirror. They form a layer on your skin that reflects the harmful UV rays. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are such mineral filters. They are effective immediately after applying them and are not absorbed by your skin. As such, the chances of skin reactions are low. Mineral filters are therefore safe for babies, children and anyone with a sensitive skin.

These mineral filters do leave behind a slight white cast. Some organic sunscreens have solved this by cutting the mineral filters into super-small nano particles. The downside is that these particles may still be absorbed by the skin.

So, how do you reduce the white cast as much as possible?

Unfortunately, a slight white cast just goes hand in hand with mineral filters that aren't cut into nano particles. This cast will disappear for the most part if you rub the sunscreen in thoroughly. Make sure to not apply too much sunscreen at once, as a thick layer of any kind of cream is difficult to rub into your skin.

Choose an organic sunscreen that is easy to apply. A cream with SPF 50 is usually harder to rub in than one with SPF 30. But did you know that the difference in protection between SPF 50 and SPF 30 is only minimal? The key is to regularly re-apply sunscreen. 

Embrace the white cast!

These days, we are very aware that using sunscreen is essential if we want to protect our sensitive skin. That has been the main focus for a long time. But we have now entered a new stage: be aware of what you use, and use it safely!

More and more people are choosing to eat organic food and use natural remedies for their health issues. But they still need to realise that what you choose to rub into your skin matters too. After all, the skin is the largest organ and it does absorb substances, which then enter the bloodstream. And let's not forget about the environment. Everything we do, affects nature too.

It's really a matter of changing your mindset. Think of it like this: the white cast that mineral filters leave behind helps you to see where you have already applied sunscreen. And every time you see that white cast on your skin or that of your children, you know you're doing the right thing. Your skin is safe! Plus, you are choosing to use a natural product that is also kind to the ocean. 

After a while, you'll learn to love the white cast. And if you don't, you can choose a sunscreen without zinc oxide, such as Biosolis Crème Fondant, or a sunscreen that cuts the mineral filters into nano particles.

The natural sunscreens from Biosolis and Green People are reef safe and leave behind only a minimal white cast.