Fragrances can make you so ill. I had multiple chemical sensitivity and finding products that I could use was a real challenge. Though my sensitivity is not severe any more I still prefer more natural and fragrance free products.
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Block Island Organics contacted me and asked if I’d like to try their sunscreen and write a review on it. This was actually a prefect timing since I had planned to look for a new sunscreen!
Though I received a product to write a review, all opinions in this review are mine.
Natural Mineral Fragrance Free Sunscreen
Even though I don’t get sick any more from every scent floating around me, I like to be careful about what I put on my skin. What goes on goes in.
Block Island Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Basic Info:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 3.4 oz
- Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22 %
- Other Ingredients Include: Aloe Vera Gel, Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Eucalyptus Oil…
- Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Gluten, Dyes, Artificial Fragrances
- Shelf Life After Opening: 24 months
- Cruelty Free: Yes
- Vegan Formulas: Yes
Active Ingredient
The active ingredient is zinc oxide which is white powdery mineral often used in non-toxic sunscreens.
Zinc oxide protects against UVA and UVB light rays and is used to heal rashes, wounds, and acne. I know everyone’s skin is different but I think it is great that zinc oxide is good as an acne and rash treatment… so hopefully this sunscreen won’t cause any!
Inactive Ingredients
I was curious about the eucalyptus oil and just quickly reading about it I found out that it has a natural low SPF which can enhance the effectiveness of the sunscreen.
The same is true for coconut oil. It has a natural low SPF and it is also antioxidant providing protection against harmful radiation from the sun.
Shea butter is moisturizing and anti-inflammatory.
Aloe Vera gel stimulates the growth of cells, soothes sunburns, and is anti-inflammatory.
My Experience
Before I buy or use products I like to check the rating that the Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives it.
Block Island Organics sunscreen does really well. EWS gives it a rating: 1! Which means that according to EWG it is a “low hazard” product. That is the best rating that you can get from EWG.
It is mid-May now as I’m writing this post and since I live in Michigan I have not had a chance yet to try Block Island Sunscreen at the beach. But I have used it as I go about my day, sitting on the deck, going for walks etc.
When I opened the bottle the first thing I noticed that this product is not too thick. It actually is really smooth and easy to apply. It is also not greasy.
The sunscreen is lightweight just the way they claim it to be!
This natural mineral sunscreen dries quickly and it does not give me a pasty look. Yes!
Block Island Sunscreen does definitely NOT have an artificial scent.
Of course, every product has some kind of “smell”. And this one does too. I can’t say that it is a lovely smell but not offensive either besides it goes away as soon as I apply it.
This is a product I would have been able to use even with the severe multiple chemical sensitivity.
As I said I have not been able to put this product through a beach test… spending hours in the sunlight but it has kept me from getting sunburned during the hour or two I spend spend in the direct sunshine.
I tend to burn my nose and cheeks easily.
Cons:
The only downside of this sunscreen is the price BUT it is normal for natural products. If used according to the instruction: 1 oz for the whole body this would only last for three applications.
Pros:
- Lightweight, non-greasy
- Goes on smoothly
- Dries quickly without leaving my face white, flaky or shiny
- Great EWG rating
- Fragrance Free
- Natural Ingredients
Will I Keep Using This
Yes, I will be using Block Island Natural Mineral Sunscreen. I’m so happy to find a product that is fragrance free, non toxic and does not give me a ghostly look.
About the Company
Block Island Organics is a small company run by a husband and wife.
“Our mission is to give everyone access to safe, effective, and lovable non-toxic suncare and skin care products. We believe in living outside and enjoying the sun and not hiding from it. With a little sun knowledge, the right sunscreen, and healthy skin care from day to night everyone can live our mantra: “Play Smart, Play Safe”.”
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