Conventional sunscreens contain chemical ingredients like Oxybenzone, which is the last thing want to put on your skin (learn why). While physical sun blockers are effective and contain safe active ingredients, there are also several natural oils that here at PVO we use in sunscreens to nourish and protect the skin from the sun’s UV damaging rays.
Do Natural Botanicals Protect You From UV Damage?
If you were to use a single natural botanical as a replacement for sunscreen – the answer is ‘No’. This is because natural botanicals usually have very low SPFs (about 2-6), which is not effective in giving you complete sun protection.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), an effective sunscreen needs at least have an SPF of 30, which can block about 97% of the UVB rays.
The only EWG-approved ingredients that provides maximum protection against UV rays, without side effects are – Zinc Oxide (in our Natural, Non-toxic SunProtect SPF 30+) and Titanium Di Oxide with at least 20% in the formula. These minerals provide broad-spectrum sun protection (shields against UVA, UVB, and UVC rays) and reflect about 98% of the UV rays (learn more).
What is SPF?
Before we enlist the best botanicals with natural SPFs, it is important to learn understand what the meaning of SPF, or Sun Protection Factor in Sunscreen. SPF is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent skin damage against UVB rays – the one with the shorter wavelength.
Explanation: Theoretically, a sunscreen with SPF 15 will prevent reddening of the skin for about 15 times longer that is ~ approximately 5 hours, compared to unprotected skin.
Ingredients with Natural SPFs
As explained above, the following ingredients cannot be used by themselves as a sun protecting agent. However, as a part of our organic broad-spectrum sunscreen, these botanical provide added lightweight sun protection and skin benefits:
1. Sesame Oil (SPF 4)
Sesame Oil is an effective UV damage repair oil which treats sunburn, reduces dryness and the appearance of blemishes and scars. Sesame oil resists 30% of the UV rays, which increases the efficiency of the key sun-protecting ingredients and allows you to spend more time in the sun without burning,
2. Almond Oil (SPF 5)
Cold-pressed Sweet Almond Oil is a lightweight barrier for protection against both UVA and UVB rays and is a great source of Vitamin E that deep-moisturizes and provides nourishment to even the most sensitive skin.
3. Grapeseed Oil (SPF 4)
Grapeseed Oil contains polyphenols, which are effective in reducing free radical damage and provide anti-aging action, especially that caused due to photoaging.
4. Jojoba Oil (SPF 4)
Vitamin E and antioxidants in Jojoba oil protect skin from sunburn and the cold-pressed natural oil is an effective natural relief for after-sun care. Besides skin softening, the anti-inflammatory elements in Jojoba oil provides soothing relief to the skin.
5. Carrot Seed Oil (SPF 38-40)
In a recent pharmacological research study it was reported that Carrot Seed Oil has an SPF value of 38-40. However, the clinical/dermatological significance of this botanical is beyond its SPF value. Carrot Seed Oil has high levels of Vitamin A and significant antimicrobial properties that nourishes the skin and reduces the signs of aging.
6. Hemp Oil (SPF 6)
Hemp seed oil is one of the best-known protective, repairing, and moisturizing botanicals that is easily absorbed into the skin. This versatile skin superfood has Gamma Linoleic Acid and Essential Fatty Acids, which strengthens the skin barrier by promoting production of keratin. This oil’s close resemblance to our body’s natural lipids makes it a suitable ingredient to heal damaged skin, while you enjoy the sun.
7. Shea Butter (SPF 3-6)
With exceptionally high levels of fatty acids, Shea Butter or Karite forms a strong protective barrier on the skin. Its moisturizing and soothing power can last up to 24 hours. Antioxidants and Vitamin A & E in Shea Butter prevent free radical damage and work as an anti-aging elixir.
