After four years in the making, doTERRA finally has a sun care line that is mineral based, hydrating, restorative to the skin, reef safe, doesn’t leave a white haze, and looks fabulous on all skin types. Sunscreen has been one of the most requested items from doTERRA customers and I am super excited it is finally here. In this article I will be going over the 4 products in this new sun care line, the differences between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen, how SPF works, and why you need these products in your home.
doTERRA Sun Care Lineup
- Face and Body Sunscreen
- Spray Sunscreen
- Stick Sunscreen
- After Sun Spray
The dōTERRA Sun product line includes a series of safe, natural products. When creating this line, doTERRA knew they had to meet three key objectives to create products they were proud to introduce to the market.
First, the products needed to be good for all skin types. The formulas they’ve chosen are nourishing, antioxidant-rich, and hydrating. They also leave minimal residue, so they accommodate all skin tones!
Second, the products needed to be environmentally conscious. All formulas are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Plus, they’re reef-safe! They can be used in places that restrict sunscreens that aren’t reef-safe, and they’ll help keep our underwater
ecosystems healthier and happier.
What does Reef-Safe Mean?
- Terms like reef-safe or reef friendly mean the sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- Studies show these UV-blocking chemicals can cause coral bleaching.
- When coral bleaches, it’s still alive but under severe stress, which leaves it susceptible to disease and death.
- All doTERRA products are reef safe.
Third, the products needed to have clean, green formulas. On top of being mineral-powered by non-nano zinc oxide, every dōTERRA Sun product is free of harsh, synthetic ingredients—including oxybenzone, parabens, phthalates, and more.
doTERRA thought of everything when creating this sun care line, the sunscreen comes in three different delivery systems: lotion formula with convenient flip cap, stick formula with a thick twist up tube, and spray formula packaged in an aluminum non-aerosol spray bottle. All three formulas are at least SPF 30, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and broad spectrum protective, which means they block both UVB and UVA rays. To round out their sun care line doTERRA also created an After Sun Soothing Body Spray.
Why use a mineral sunscreen?
The two primary types of sunscreen—chemical and mineral—work differently, though both protect the skin. Chemical sunscreens are designed to absorb UV rays, while mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays. A sunscreen’s active ingredients determine if its chemical or mineral.
Chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV rays, usually require 20 minutes for the ingredients to be effective and can be problematic. Some chemical sunscreen filters eventually degrade when exposed to UV rays, generating free radicals. Others can penetrate through the skin. Some active ingredients from chemical sunscreens have been found lingering in the bloodstream long after the wearer’s time in the sun was over! Certain active ingredients can also act as hormone disruptors and cause skin allergies or other concerns.
So which sunscreen filters won’t absorb into the skin, potentially disrupting hormones or causing skin allergies? Mineral sunscreen filters! These serve as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays for broad-spectrum protection. They don’t degrade when exposed to UV rays. Plus, because they act like a physical barrier, they’re effective immediately. The main mineral sunscreen filters are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These are both recognized as generally safe for all skin types.
It is important to note that even mineral based sunscreens can have junk ingredients in them that we do not want to lather our skin in, but this is not a concern with doTERRA’s Sun products.
Reasons to Avoid Chemical Sunscreen
- Some chemical sunscreen filters can degrade when exposed to UV rays, generating free radicals.
- Certain active ingredients can cause skin allergies.
Benefits of Mineral Sunscreen Filters
- Mineral sunscreen filters serve as a physical barrier, reflecting UV rays for broad-spectrum protection.
- They don’t degrade when exposed to UV rays.
- They’re effective immediately.
- They’re safe for all skin types.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Sun protection factor (SPF) indicates how much longer your skin is protected relative to if you weren’t wearing any sunscreen. For example, if you were to use an SPF 30 product properly, it’d take you 30 times longer to burn compared to without sunscreen.
Experts recommend using SPF 15 or higher daily. If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, wear SPF 30 or higher. However, most dermatologists will confirm that wearing any SPF sunscreen is better than not.
SPF 15 offers approximately 93% protection when used properly. SPF 30 jumps to about 97% protection with proper use. After that, the protection you get from using a higher SPF is negligible. No sunscreen can offer 100% protection,
but even SPF 15 gets you close!
Look for “broad spectrum” on sunscreen labels. This addition on the label refers to the types of UV rays the sunscreen protects against: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC rays are the shortest in length and are absorbed in the atmosphere before they reach the earth’s surface. UVB rays are longer. Some but not all UVB rays are absorbed into the atmosphere before reaching the earth’s surface. UVA rays are the longest and compose most of the UV rays to which you’re exposed. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays for more thorough coverage.
Suggestions to Stay Safe in the Sun
- Seek Shade or Stay Indoors from 10 am to 4 pm
- Wear a Wide Brimmed Hat
- Wear Protective Clothing
- Wear Sunglasses with 100% UV Protection
- Use Sunscreen that is SPF 30 or Higher. Reapply often.
Superhero Ingredients
Your sun care should provide two primary benefits to you: protection and restoration. dōTERRA® Sun products employ superhero ingredients to achieve these benefits. Your protection comes from non-nano zinc oxide, the active ingredient in our SPF products. Zinc oxide is one of the most common mineral sunscreen filters. It’s safe, water-resistant, and non irritating.
You might be asking, what does “non-nano” mean? Why does it matter? Zinc oxide can be produced in different particle sizes that fall into two categories: nano and non-nano. Nano particles are small enough to potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream. Non-nano particles are bigger, meaning they can’t be absorbed the same way.
Now let’s talk about restoration. The sun can be harsh, so it’s important to give your skin extra help to stay both happy and healthy during and after your time outside. You can restore your skin by nourishing and soothing it. Several ingredients found in the dōTERRA Sun product line provide nourishment.
Essential Oils:
- Frankincense
- Helichrysum
- Carrot Seed
- Red Mandarin
- Magnolia
- Lemongrass
- Ylang Ylang
Red Mandarin is a citrus oil, but unlike other citrus oils—which you generally shouldn’t apply topically before spending time in the sun—Red Mandarin contains significantly lower levels of a constituent (furocoumarins) that causes photosensitivity. It’s diluted in the sunscreen products and doesn’t cause photosensitivity, according to guidelines recommended by industry organizations.
Soothing:
- Bisabolol – can reduce redness and irritation, calming the skin. Its present in all SPF products as a preventative measure.
- Turmeric extract – has excellent anti-inflammatory properties when applied topically. It’s found in the lotion and spray.
- Aloe vera – contains soothing properties and is the base for the After Sun Spray.
- Arnica montana flower – is a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient, which is especially important when your skin is weathered and tired.
Nourishing:
- Vitamin E – is extremely nourishing and is present in every doTERRA Sun product.
- Raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, and jojoba esters – are nourishing ingredients found in the lotion and spray.
- Shea butter and cocoa butter – nourshing ingredients found in the stick formula.
- Aloe vera, red algae extract, and hyaluronic acid – nourishing ingredients found in the After Sun Spray. Hyaluronic acid is particularly nourishing because of its deep hydration benefits.
The After Sun Spray contains a proprietary blend of Copaiba, Lavender, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Japanese Peppermint, Helichrysum, Sandalwood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, and Coriander essential oils.
doTERRA sun Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
- SPF 30
- Provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Wholesale: $29 | PV: 20
The lotion’s key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, as well as aloe vera, bisabolol, vitamin E, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, turmeric extract, and jojoba esters for restoration.
The hero essential oils include Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
To use the lotion, apply a generous amount to all exposed skin on the face and body, rubbing until it’s no longer visible. While mineral sunscreen is effective immediately, it’s best to wait 15 minutes until the sunscreen has dried before starting your activities—especially if they’re in water.
When participating in dry activities, reapply the lotion every two hours for maximum benefits. When participating in water-based activities (or activities that leave you extra sweaty), reapply every 80 minutes. If you get out of the water before 80 minutes passes but plan to stay outside, reapply once you’ve dried off.
When it’s not being used, keep this product in a cool, dry place to extend its lifetime.
I love that this was formulated to be gentle enough for the face but can also provide protection for the whole body. All doTERRA’s Sun products remind me of high-quality skin care products with SPF in them. This feels like a good face moisturizer that just also happens to be SPF.
In the past I have tried many mineral sunscreens, it was important to me to use sunscreens with clean ingredients and reef safe. I found some that fit my criteria, but they always left my skin with a white haze on them. doTERRA’s Sun products do not leave behind that white haze and they are easy to rub in.
doTERRA sun Body Mineral Sunscreen Spray
- SPF 30
- Provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum protection
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Packaged in an aluminum, non-aerosol spray body that delivers continuous, 360-degree application.
- Wholesale: $28 | PV: 20
Like the lotion, the spray’s key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, as well as aloe vera, bisabolol, vitamin E, raspberry seed oil, avocado oil, turmeric extract, and jojoba esters for restoration.
The hero essential oils include Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
To use the spray, spritz a generous amount on all exposed skin. Protect your eyes, nose, and mouth by not spraying this product directly on the face. To apply it to your face, simply spray on your hand and rub it on your face. While mineral sunscreen is effective immediately, it’s best to wait 15 minutes until the sunscreen has dried before starting your activities—especially if they’re in water.
When participating in dry activities, reapply the spray every two hours for maximum benefits. When enjoyingwater-based activities (or activities that leave you extra sweaty), reapply every 80 minutes. If you get out of the water before 80 minutes passes but plan to stay outside, reapply once you’ve dried off.
When it’s not being used, keep this product in a cool, dry place to extend its lifetime.
doTERRA sun Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick
- SPF 40
- Provides UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
- Protects skin from pollution
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Packaged in chunky-twist-up tube
- Wholesale: $25 | PV: 20
The stick’s key ingredients include non-nano zinc oxide for protection, as well as shea butter and cocoa butterfor restorative moisturization.
The hero essential oils include Frankincense, Helichrysum, and Carrot Seed.
To use the stick, apply a generous amount to all exposed skin on the face and body, rubbing until it’s no longer visible. While mineral sunscreen is effective immediately, it’s best to wait 15 minutes until the sunscreen has dried before starting your activities—especially if they’re in water.
When participating in dry activities, reapply the stick every two hours for maximum benefits. When enjoying water-based activities (or activities that leave you extra sweaty), reapply every 80 minutes. If you get out of the water before 80 minutes passes but plan to stay outside, reapply once you’ve dried off.
When it’s not being used, keep this product in a cool, dry place to extend its lifetime.
doTERRA sun After Sun Restorative Body Mist
- This hydrating product provides soothing and nourishing benefits to the skin.
- The hero essential oils found in the Body Mist include Frankincense and Helichrysum as well as Copaiba, Lavender, Peppermint, and Blue Tansy.
- Wholesale: $25 | PV: 20
The spray’s key ingredients include vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, red algae extract, and arnica montana flower.
To use the spray, simply spritz it generously all over your body. You can use it to soothe the skin after a day in the sun or even straight out of the shower for added moisturization. This product is good for every season!
When it’s not being used, keep this product in a cool, dry place to extend its lifetime.
The doTERRA Sun products can be used all year long, but I especially recommend keeping them on hand for all your summertime adventures. You can get all these products in a set or purchase individually. I recommend buying the set so that you can try the different formulas and decide which one you like best, but at the very least I would get at least one version of the sunscreen and the After Sun Spray. If you have kids I recommend trying the spray or stick formulas for faster application. Enjoy the sun, but keep your skin protected.
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