Diary

What is an organic sunscreen?

There are two main types of sun filters: chemical filters and mineral filters. The chemical filter, thanks to its organic molecules, will absorb the sun's rays instead of the skin. The action of the mineral filter is very different and will act as a barrier thanks to an assembly of mineral microparticles. These will not absorb the rays but rather, reflect them. There are non-organic mineral creams, however, to obtain organic certification, a cream MUST be mineral. But it's obviously not enough! Obtaining the organic label is subject to several other factors: an organic sunscreen must contain a minimum of 95% natural ingredients, a minimum of 95% organic ingredients of all the plants in the product and a minimum of 10% organic ingredients on the total product.

Organic sun screen cream: better for the skin...

While chemical filters can cause allergic reactions, the organic chemical filter, which usually contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, is designed to minimise the risk of allergies. The cream acts as a screen on the surface of the skin and makes this natural protection the ideal sun care for the whole family as it will not penetrate the epidermis. The organic sunscreen does not contain endocrine disruptors, preservatives, silicones, pesticides, fertilizers or synthetic perfumes and will on the contrary use vegetable oils. However, recent research indicates that nanoparticles in the mineral filters of some sunscreens may pose a health risk. The ideal is therefore to choose an organic sunscreen without nanoparticles, by carefully checking its composition. They can be identified by the terms titanium dioxide (nano) and zinc oxide (nano). Without a doubt, you can rely on the brands Alphanova, Laboratoire Biarritz but also Lavera and Acorelle.

...and for the planet!

 Chemical filters in sunscreens are an environmental disaster. More than 25,000 tons of sunscreen are released into the oceans every year, causing the destruction of coral reefs and aquatic fauna. The entire marine ecosystem is thus threatened. An organic sunscreen will always be better for the environment because, as we have seen, it contains at least 95% of ingredients of natural origin. Another element to be taken into account is the packaging. Most organic cosmetic brands make it a point to use recyclable packaging, another valuable point!

Organic sunscreen: how to use it?

An organic sunscreen is just as effective as conventional sunscreen. But to be effective it must be applied very regularly, at least every two hours and after each swim. For children and fair skin, always use a cream with SPF 50.