The sunscreen you mentioned sounds interesting! I’ll check it out soon. Micronized zinc oxide is okay for me, though I prefer those that are non-micronized. I read somewhere that when zinc oxide is micronized or made into nano particles, they lose some of the efficacy. Not too sure though.

About the other inactive ingredients, I believe they do something to aid the sun protection. Those that you mentioned plus sea buckthorn oil, green tea, raspberry oil, etc all do something to protect our skin from the UV rays. I believe they support the zinc oxide or titanium dioxide used and enhance the protection level.

Thanks for the helpful response. I ordered all three Marie Veronique sunscreen products but, much to my dismay, they all had a colored ‘tint’ to them that i didn’t care for. I don’t wear foundation because i like the glow of ‘naked’ skin and i found the MVO products dulled that glow. On the other hand, the smell, texture, and ingredient integrity was really impressive.

Until i find something more suitable i’ll be returning to my top pick in regards to mineral sunscreens. It is a beautiful product, however, i’m not absolutely confident that it’s the best form of zinc oxide in regards to optimum protection and that of course is my goal. You may love this product actually because it’s very similar to MVO’s products – very clean and natural yes sophisticated. The product is made by a lovely Ayurvedic doctor by the name of Pratima Raichur. Her line is called “Pratima” and the product is called Neem Rose Face Sunscreen 30.

I’m wondering how you feel about miconized zinc oxide 18.6% as the active ingredient compared to other forms of zinc oxide.

I’m also wondering if you beleive that the other so-called inactive ingredients in a ss support the sun protection potential. In other words, after we confirm that the active ingredients in a product are natural enough for us then do we simply need to assess the type of active ingredient or does one support the other.

And FYI, the other ingredients are ionized water, extracts of neem, brahmi, shatavari, licorice, vitamin e, lecitin, rose essential oil, and zanthan gum.

Thank You!

Thanks for your comments about the blog! I’m glad you find some of the info here informative.

If you’re going to be out in the sun, I would highly advice you to use oral sun protection in addition to using an effective sunscreen. My family has been taking Heliocare for a month now and it’s really good in terms of the added protection. I wrote something about it here http://www.vivawoman.net/2009/05/12/heliocare-sun-protection-from-inside-out/.

For sunscreen, I would bring a La Roche Posay Anteholios XL which is water resistant. This is a chemical sunscreen. I would also recommend Shiseido sunscreens (sports version) but that one needs a special cleanser.

But if your skin is sensitive to chemical sunscreen, UV Natural Sunscreen (which I’ve reviewed before) or Badger sunscreen would be ideal too.

Yes, my first choice of mineral sunscreen is currently Marie-Veronique Creme de Soleil. It is good for daily wear. Second choice is UV Natural because it worked well for me, but you need to make sure it’s properly cleansed off.

I haven’t tried Kabana sunscreen. I’ve read a lot about it and it looks wonderful but the ingredients seems quite rich for my face. But like I said, I haven’t tried so I’m not sure.

I hope this information will help you to get some good sun protection during your vacation. The Heliocare is really good – my husband who is an avid swimmer didn’t look tanned at all after 2 hours under the hot sun!

I live in LA and it’s sunny almost every day. I’ve been on this mission for the perfect sunscreen for the past few years. I am daunted by all the conflicting information available so i think it takes a combination of team work (between us unbiased ‘civilian scientists’) as well a lot of personal testing. Unfortunately, trial and error has it’s downfall – sundamage months or years later. How can we truly determine what is ‘natural’ aging process and what is due to using a sun protection product that doesn’t live up to it’s claims?

In any case, i’m going on a sun/swim vacation in two weeks and i’m determined to bring the best ss i can get. i’m willing to use a chemical sunscreen if it has better sun protection potential. besides, i would only use it for emergencies LOL like swimming or when the family insists i come out of the shade at noon to play.

Please clarify your latest favorites for us -
1) your first choice for sunny/swim days
2) your second choice for sunny/swim days (in case our skin rejects the first choice)
3) your first choice of mineral ss (is it still Marie-Veronique Creme de Soleil?)
4) your second choice of mineral ss

Lastly, forgive me if you posted your review of Kabana ss already, three hours of reading later i’m a bit overwhelmed. The ingredients seem clean and effective but i have not tried it yet. Would love to know your take.

Thank-You!

would that mean i have to take off all my make up and re apply sun cream and make up all over again?
what is the appropriate way?

i use everyday mineral make up base, the ingrediants both include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Lilo: It’s almost impossible. What I do sometimes is to dad the sunscreen on top of my makeup but as you can imagine, it isn’t ideal. I recently attended a workshop and understood why it might be good to use an oral sunscreen like Heliocare for this reason.