Not all “natural” sunscreens are as pure as they seem. Many brands use trendy eco-marketing while sneaking in ingredients that can harm your skin, disrupt your health, and damage the planet.
At SUNMUD, we believe in full transparency—so we’re exposing some of the most common “icky” ingredients found in so-called “natural” sunscreens and explaining why we’ll never use them.
🌫 1. Nano Zinc – The Clear but Questionable Protector
Zinc oxide is one of the safest UV filters when it’s non-nano (larger particles that sit on your skin’s surface and reflect UV rays).
But when brands grind zinc into nano-sized particles to make formulas go on clear, things get sketchy:
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Nano zinc can penetrate the skin barrier and accumulate in the body over time.
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Inhalation from sprays or powders can cause respiratory and gut irritation.
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In waterways, nano zinc harms aquatic life and is almost impossible to filter out.
If your “mineral sunscreen” rubs in completely invisible, there’s a good chance it’s nano—and that’s not worth the risk.
⚗️ 2. Butyloctyl Salicylate – The Sneaky SPF Booster
This synthetic chemical makes sunscreens feel silky and boosts SPF ratings—but at a cost.
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It’s derived from salicylic acid and butyloctyl alcohol—a compound never found in nature.
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Classified as a chronic aquatic toxin, it’s harmful to marine life.
- Its chemical composition is very similar to octisalate. Octisalate is the regulated version while butyloctyl salicylate is an unregulated "hidden" filter that is used to boost SPF in products marketed as mineral
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It gives products an inflated SPF rating rather than true, balanced protection.
At SUNMUD, we earn our SPF naturally—no chemical shortcuts, just honest, effective mineral defense.
🧴 3. Titanium Dioxide – The Chalky Cousin
Titanium dioxide is another mineral filter, but one that can irritate sensitive skin and leave an obvious white cast.
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Often used in nano form, it carries similar risks to nano zinc.
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Creates a thick, pasty texture that doesn’t blend well with deeper skin tones.
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Can cause mild allergic reactions or dryness for some users.
We use natural clays instead of titanium dioxide for smooth coverage that blends beautifully across skin tones.
🌾 4. Cottonseed & Soybean Oil – Cheap Fillers, Costly Consequences
These oils are popular in “natural” sunscreens because they’re cheap—but not because they’re good for your skin.
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Both are highly comedogenic (pore-clogging).
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Soybean oil’s high vitamin E content can trigger breakouts and irritation when used excessively.
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If unsustainably sourced, they rely on pesticides and water-intensive farming that degrade soil and pollute waterways.
SUNMUD sources plant-based ingredients responsibly—never at the expense of your skin or the planet.
🌞 5. Essential Oils – Not Always Essential
They might smell great, but essential oils can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight—the exact opposite of what sunscreen should do.
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Bergamot & lime oils increase UV sensitivity and pigmentation.
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Turmeric and peppermint oils can trigger redness and quicker burning.
That’s why we keep our formula fragrance-free and safe for daily, full-sun use.
🧡 The SUNMUD Difference
At SUNMUD, every ingredient has a purpose—and a story.
We use non-nano zinc oxide, natural clays, and plant-based emollients that nourish your skin while protecting reefs and wildlife. No toxins, no fillers, no marketing gimmicks.
Because true “natural” sun protection should protect everything you care about—your skin, your health, and our oceans.
👉 Learn more about what “reef-safe” really means in our post: Reef Safe Isn’t Always Safe: What the New Lawsuit Means for You and Our Oceans.
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Or experience the difference yourself: Shop SUNMUD Sunscreen→
