Finder Green Fave: SunButter SPF 50 Sunscreen
A zinc-based sunscreen with no dreaded white cast? Sign us up!
If you've got some face sunscreen lying around at home, it's time you check the ingredients list. You may not have known that some of the ingredients used in chemical sunscreen are actually detrimental to our oceans – they're not reef safe.
That's exactly how SunButter was born.
In 2016, Tom and Sacha were both working as marine biologists and conservation ecologists on the Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. The two founders learned about the pollution that chemical sunscreen causes to our coral reefs.
Together they developed a sunscreen formulation with the highest sun protection factor possible, without the harsh chemicals and negative impact on our environment. Now their product line has expanded to SPF 50 sunscreens, surf zinc and after-sun skincare.
What makes SunButter eco friendly?
As mentioned earlier, SunButter is all about "protecting people and oceans". This reef-safe sunscreen works as it doesn't use chemical UV filters to block the sun's rays.
Instead, the protection comes from a mineral, non-nano particle zinc oxide. This is known as one of the safest and non-toxic UV blockers to use on human skin.
When it comes to social responsibility, SunButter ticks all the boxes. Not only is it Australian made and owned, but the product is also certified vegan, gluten-free, and comes in a food-grade, BPA-free reusable and recyclable tin. Yay for no waste!
While SunButter is not certified organic, it does use sustainably sourced ingredients, plus, it's free from palm oil.
We tried it and loved it
I was lucky enough to receive SunButter's SPF 50 Sunscreen for testing. It offers four hours of moisturising and water-resistant protection and promises to be gentle enough for all skin types.
Other zinc sunscreens on the market leave a white cast on the skin, but SunButter's version is different. The product itself is white, but once you rub it in and it dries, it turns completely clear.
It's a non-aqueous formula, which means it's long-lasting and locks in the skin's natural moisture, leaving you with soft and smooth skin all day long.
SunButter SPF 50 sunscreen is actually formulated with coconut oil. This means it can melt in hot climates, which is why the brand recommends storing it in a cool place. What happens if it does melt in the tin? Leave it in the fridge for a few hours, that way it has time to solidify before opening. It's still safe to use!
Where can I get it?
You can shop directly from the brand's site, SunButter Skincare, or you can get your hands on this SPF 50 Sunscreen from stockists like Nourished Life and Flora & Fauna. It retails at $29.95 for 100g.
Finder Green Fave is a regular column that highlights our favourite sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical and cruelty-free products. Looking for more information about eco-friendly choices? Check out Finder Green .
Main image: Instagram user sunbutterskincare
