I moved to Queensland from the UK and learning to deal with the extremely fierce weather in Australia has been a big learning curve. Skin cancer rates are high in Australia and protecting your skin from the sun is something everyone needs to take seriously when you live in Australia (check out this post on the Cancer Council website for stats).

I receive so many emails and Facebook messages from readers who share my concerns over sun safety for kids, in particular. Nobody wants to move their kids to a new home that could potentially damage their health. The sun isn’t a reason not to move to Australia or not to take a holiday in Australia though – you just need to be sun smart and think about the best sunscreen for your face and body, cover up when you can and make smart decisions about the best sun protection.

This post about zinc sunscreen in Australia contains affiliate links which means the site earns a small commission if you buy through our links at no extra cost to you. Our full disclosure is available in the footer. I keep this post about zinc sunscreens in Australia relevant with regular updates. 

For this guide to choosing the best zinc sunscreen Australia has to offer, I’m going to get straight into the sunscreen reviews of the best zinc oxide sunscreens from Australian brands, but please keep on reading. At the end of the post, I cover more about what to consider when choosing a zinc oxide sunscreen in Australia, what natural sunscreen ingredients to look for and more background about why the sun is more dangerous in Australia than the sun you might be used to in other countries.

Check out this array of zinc oxide sunscreens. Australia has some awesome brands to choose from!

A collection of the best zinc sunscreens in Australia on the sand

Table of Contents

The best zinc sunscreen Australia!

As part of this post about zinc sunscreen in Australia, I’ve trialled and done research into a number of different Australian sunscreen brands of zinc creams. I’m not a scientist – I’m just a mum trying to choose the best sunscreen for my family and I love trying new Australian sunscreen brands. I was kindly sent a few samples of Australian sunscreen to try from some of the brands mentioned in this post and others I’ve bought myself. All opinions about the best physical sunscreen in Australia are my own. 

Love the beach but want to stay protected? Check out this post about the best beach shades in Australia.

Compare the best sunscreens in Australia



Below is a comparison table of Australia’s best zinc oxide sunscreens included in my sunscreen review guide so you can see how the zinc oxide creams stack up against one another. Where columns in the sunscreen comparison table have been left blank, it’s because that information isn’t available (i.e. no info in the water-resistant column may mean that the zinc-based sunscreen isn’t water-resistant or it may mean that it hasn’t been tested and approved as being water-resistant for a certain time period.) Discover the best Australian sunscreen below >>

ProductImageTypeSPFWater resistant
Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 All over sunscreen303 hrs
LITTLE URCHIN Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 Tinted face sunscreen303 hrs
Simple As That 100% Natural Sunscreen All over sunscreen30
Sun and Earth Can be used anywhere but ideal for cheeks, nose and chin30
Ethical Zinc All over sunscreen504 hrs
Invisible Zinc Tinted Tinted facial sunscreen502 hrs
Invisible Zinc Face and Body All over sunscreen504 hrs
SunButter All over sunscreen504 hours
Soléo Organics Sunscreens Facial sunscreen30
Sunny Skin Super Sun
and
Sunny Skin Glow Filter
Face sunscreens504 hrs
UV Natural All over sunscreen303 hrs

Find the best natural sunscreen Australia has to offer

Little Urchin zinc natural sunscreens SPF 30 review

Bottles of Little Urchin natural zinc sunscreen for kids in the sand on a beach

Little Urchin has two natural sunscreen products: Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 and LITTLE URCHIN Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 (they also have a LITTLE URCHIN Natural Daily Moisturiser which doesn’t offer an SPF, so be sure to choose the right product when ordering your sunscreen online). The Little Urchin sunscreen products are Australian made and Australian owned.

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia

The Little Urchin sunscreen brand was started in Australia by founder, Chris Mathews. Chris saw his daughter being smothered in sunscreen at daycare and was worried about the chemical sunscreen ingredients being put on her skin every day. This is something I’m sure many of us can relate to. What followed was a journey to develop an alternative Australian natural sunscreen using essential oils and natural ingredients which he then went on to have professionally developed.

I don’t mind admitting that I’m in love with the Little Urchin zinc oxide sunscreen branding. I think the logo is really cute and I like that the brand is named after sea urchins – creatures who are also sensitive to light and chemicals so they created their own natural way to protect their young from the sun’s harsh rays.

Little Urchin’s aim is to protect your skin from the sun with its natural formula without harming you or the environment. The products are toxin-free and are rich in nourishing oils, antioxidants and butters, along with green tea, cucumber and rosehip extract which makes it one of the best sunscreen for babies in Australia. While the inspiration came because the founder was trying to create the best natural sunscreen for babies and children with delicate skin, don’t be fooled into thinking these sunscreens are only for kids – they’re just as much for adults who don’t want chemicals on their skin.

Both of the Little Urchin SPF products offer up to three hours of water-resistant UVA and UVB broad-spectrum coverage making them one of the best sunscreens for kids (or grown ups) who love to play in the ocean. The sunscreen products are preservative-free and are reef safe sunscreens (zinc oxide doesn’t dissolve in seawater and the other ingredients are biodegradable and safe for the ecosystem). If you’re looking for an organic sunscreen in Australia, Little Urchin products aren’t tested on animals and contain only organic ingredients so it’s a great Australian sun cream for people who care about the environment.

You need to remember to shake the Little Urchin zinc suncream bottles and squeeze them a little before applying to mix the ingredients as it separates if you don’t. The zinc oxide sun cream is quite thick but is very easy to apply – it feels weighty enough to feel like you are giving yourself good coverage but it isn’t greasy and goes straight into the skin (it doesn’t leave you looking white or greasy). My skin is dry and I find it goes on easily and makes my skin feel soft – it feels dry to the touch quickly after using. My kids love that it disappears easily as they aren’t keen on sunscreen brands that take some time to dry and sink in – they just like to apply and run.

The Little Urchin zinc sunscreen products aren’t artificially fragranced. My kids took a while to get used to their smell as they were used to fragranced products but it didn’t take them long to get used to it.

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia 

The Little Urchin tinted sunscreen for your face gives a medium tint to leave you with a healthy glow. I’m not really a big wearer of make up but since moving to Australia I’ve made an effort to protect my skin every single day so I’ve tried a few brands of tinted sunscreen before. I usually struggle to find a tinted sunscreen product that gives me a heavy enough coverage while feeling good on my skin (I find they either don’t give enough coverage or they feel too thick and heavy which I hate). I can honestly say, of all the tinted sunscreens with SPF that I’ve tried, this is the best face sunscreen I’ve tried with a tint – it goes on so smoothly, gives me a really even skintone and makes my skin feel silky soft all day.

Prior to discovering Little Urchin zinc sunscreen, I used to wear mineral powder with an SPF over the top of my regular daily sunscreen, but this tinted sunscreen actually gives a nice, even coverage without needing anything else on top and it doesn’t make me look shiny. It makes mornings really fast and easy. On sunny days, I can top it up easily with a bit more when I go out to do the school run in the afternoons. Some zinc sunscreens feel drying on your skin, but this feels nourishing instead and my skin always feels soft at night when I wash it off. Little Urchin tinted sunscreen is now part of my daily sunscreen skincare routine – I just sometimes add a bit of bronzing powered and I’m good to go! 

Little Urchin is a member of  1% for the Planet – a global network of businesses working together to create a healthy planet which is another reason why you should give their zinc sunscreen products for your face and body a try. So you can buy the best mineral sunscreen in Australia AND help the planet at the same time!

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia

>> Buy Little Urchin Natural Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 from Amazon Australia 

New to the Little Urchin products: Little Urchin Zinc stick

 
 
 
 
 
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I was really excited to discover this Little Urchin Zinc Stick! My kids always catch the sun under their eyes and on their nose, and this is a really lovely gentle protect that offers protection from the elements without any nasty chemicals. 

It’s SPF 50, vegan and pocket sized. It goes on quite clear (not like a heavy white-out zinc stick would be) and my kids love wearing it – it doesn’t make them self-conscious like the heavier and coloured sticks do. It doesn’t run into their eyes when they get wet (we’ve tried it at water parks and in the ocean so have given it a thorough road test). Our kids’ sensitive skin was fine after using it too. This is a winner and will be a staple in my beach bag from now on! 

>> Buy Little Urchin Zinc Stick from Amazon Australia 

Simple As That sunscreen review

Bottles of Simple as that physical sunscreen being held over a beach

Simple As That focus on producing natural beauty products with organic, fair trade, vegan ingredients. They offer two zinc sunscreen options: Simple As That 100% Natural Sunscreen Lotion plus they offer a children’s sunscreen too.

I really like their clean and simple branding – it’s smart and easy on the eye with very clear information.

Simple As That’s lightweight mineral vegan sunscreens contain organic, natural ingredients. Offering UVA and UVB protection, the creams have zinc oxide as their core ingredients with other natural ingredients including green tea and raspberry seed oil. The difference between the two sunscreen options is that the main sunscreen includes raspberry oil and the children’s version includes chamomile oil instead which their site says is more suited for children’s delicate skin.

Both Simple As That zinc sunscreens are reef safe sunscreens and, although they are gently fragranced, the smell is from a vegetable-based fragrance so the very slight smell is all-natural.

>> Buy Simple As That Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

Both zinc oxide products rub in easily and dry quickly to the touch without feeling greasy or dry. My kids are very happy wearing these – they don’t  mind the smell of the zinc cream sunscreen and they like how quickly the product disappears so they can run off to play which makes it good for busy school mornings.

The zinc oxide Simple As That sunscreen products didn’t say they were water-resistant – they just say to reapply after being in the water or after exercising, so that’s something to bear in mind. We really liked the products though and my kids felt comfortable with it on their skin. Given they don’t say they are water-resistant, I’d keep these for school mornings or days at the park or zoo as it dries quickly so would be easy to apply in a rush.

>> Buy Simple As That Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

Sun and Earth zinc sunscreen review

Tubs of Sun and Earth natural zinc sunscreen being held over a beach

These Sun and Earth Natural Zinc tinted pots of sun cream are SPF 30 and they come in three colours. You can buy them here from Biome

I’m SO excited to have found this product and it will forever be in my beach bag from now on. It’s one of the best all natural sunscreen discoveries that I’ve made since I arrived in Australia!

Sun and Earth Natural Zinc promise their sunscreen will ‘nourish, tint and protect’ your skin from the physical effects of the sun. Because the creams contain coconut, cacao and olive oils, you can be sure your skin will feel soft and moisturised after using. The zinc oxide protects with a physical barrier from UVA and UVB rays and they offer SPF 30.

These pots of physical sunscreen are handmade in Byron Bay in New South Wales using 100% natural ingredients including locally sourced beeswax. The product is certified organic and is reef safe so it’s perfect if you’re looking for the best organic sunscreen in Australia. I love that the company use solar power to make the suncream so being sustainable is at the heart of the company. All ingredients are biodegradable and non-toxic. It is also perfect for skin of all ages.

Let me get into the sunscreen review now…

The little pots of sunscreen products come in three different shades – I’ve tried all three out on my family and I absolutely love them. I expected them to be quite strong colours and feel heavy but the colour was quite gentle. They aren’t like a sun cream, more like a wax – they go on thick like the old neon zinc sunscreen sticks but feel much smoother and softer.

>> Buy Sun and Earth products now from Biome

My skin feels so soft and moistursed after applying and I love the natural smell (the kids say they smell of chocolate). They do feel sticky when you apply them (it’s not the product for you if you’re searching for the best non-greasy sunscreen in Australia) but they aren’t as thick, heavy and gloopy as the zinc sticks we’ve tried – more smooth and sticky, a bit like the texture of hair wax. For me, the Sandy Light colour is the perfect tone but the Earthy Cocoa gives me a nice bronze effect if I add it to my cheekbones, nose and chin.

I wouldn’t wear these every day as an all-over tinted face sunscreen but they are AMAZING for big days at the beach when I know I’m going to be in the sun a lot and we need some serious zinc sunscreen for our faces. If you’re looking for an Australian sunscreen to replace your zinc sunscreen stick, then this is such a good option and it’s so gentle on your skin.

Pots of Sun and Earth zinc sunscreen in Australia on a beach

My kids are totally hooked on these little zinc pots and they loved being able to choose their own colour.

We’ve spend a lot of time at the beach/parks/swimming pools and no matter how much sunscreen I apply to my kids, the sun always catches them under their eyes and I never seem to be able to keep up with reapplying fast enough as they go in and out of the ocean. This Sun and Earth zinc oxide sunscreen stays put all day long. It doesn’t wash off into their eyes in the water (which is often our problem with sunscreens) and doesn’t wash off even after an afternoon sitting in water playing with sand. I am so impressed by the quality of it and the staying power. While it doesn’t state on it that it’s a water-resistant sunscreen, my experience is that it performs well in water.

The zinc sunscreen product does stay a little sticky as they stay on the surface of your skin rather than sinking in (just as a zinc stick would). You can apply a little less if you wanted to wear it as a tinted day cream but it really excels as a thick sun protection for beach days. For me, I will use this product in conjunction with another sunscreen on beach days – this is best for around the eyes, cheeks, chin and nose in a strip to protect those delicate areas.

>> Buy Sun and Earth products now from Biome

A girl on the beach with a bucket and spade wearing sunscreen

Above is a picture of my daughter wearing a strip of the medium colour across her nose and cheeks looking very happy with herself after being in the ocean body boarding all day. If you’re looking for the best sunscreen for surfing or watersports – this is a definite winner! Did I tell you already how much I LOVE this sunscreen – it really is the best natural sunscreen for face for big beach days out of all of those that we tried.

Ethical Zinc review

Bottles of Ethical Zinc sunscreen being held over a beach

Ethical Zinc Clear Zinc Sunscreen is made and tested in Australia and was created by three founders with a passion for safe sun protection. Here is my Ethical Zinc sunscreen review.

Ethical Zinc Clear Sunscreen provides SPF 50 with broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. It includes pharmaceutical grade zinc oxide as the only active ingredient.

It offers 4 hours of water resistance and is reef and ocean safe, plus it is suitable for sensitive skin. It only contains natural ingredients, it’s paraben-free, PABA free and it isn’t tested on animals. Utilising 20 years of research and development, they have created a natural clear zinc that can be worn on the face or body daily.

The zinc sunscreen cream is very thick and has a very mild (and very lovely but delicate ) coconut/vanilla scent (from the coconut oil ingredient). I have dry skin so it rubbed in but it was a little bit greasy and took a while to fully sink in. Personally, I like this as it makes my skin feel like it is being nourished (I really dislike thin sunscreens as I want to feel like I’m being moisturised while also feeling like my skin is getting the protection it needs). I would apply this (as I would any sunscreen) a while before I was heading out into the sun so that it has chance to fully sink in.

>> Buy it Ethical Zinc Sunscreen now from eBay

>> Buy Ethical Zinc Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

My kids thought think this sunscreen smells the best out of all the ones we tried and they love the brightly coloured bottle. It took a bit of time to get the amount just right – one of my boys squirted a huge blob onto his face this morning before school and it took some rubbing to stop his face from being too white (but that was his fault as he put too much on without realising it was thicker than the thinner sun lotions he was used to!) I’ll be saving this Australian zinc sunscreen product for beach days and pool days (or giving it to my husband who works outside all day as he needs a strong and reliable zinc sunscreen for his face) as it is water-resistant for up to four hours and as it goes on thick I feel confident it will give lasting protection.

I really love the clean and clear branding of this physical sunscreen, and the bright bottle is easy to find in my beach bag. It’s definitely one of the best all natural sunscreens for kids and I feel very confident using it all over my kids on pool and beach days (it is the perfect companion to the Sun and Earth zinc pots above). Plus it’s an ethical sunscreen with natural ingredients which means it also aligns with my values too.

Although it can take a bit more effort to rub in on school mornings, if my kids apply this zinc oxide sunscreen before they go to school I feel happy knowing they’ll be protected for the full day (rather than thinking it’s going to have run out in a couple of hours and worrying about the fact they aren’t reapplying it at school). It’s a really solid mineral sunscreen product that offers long-lasting sun protection. It’s definitely a product I’ll keep to hand in my beach bag and my sports bag as I can trust it to give great sun protection. 

Buy it Ethical Zinc Sunscreen now from eBay

>> Buy Ethical Zinc Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

New product: Ethical Zinc Tinted Facial Sunscreen

 
 
 
 
 
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I love wearing tinted sunscreen as I’m not one for wearing make up very often and this is a way for me to protect my skin every day while evening out my skin tone a little. I have only just spotted this Ethical Zinc tinted sunscreen and was excited to give it a try.

Ethical Zinc tinted face sunscreen is SPF 50 and is quite thick like their regular sunscreen which makes you feel like you’re really protecting your skin. It felt slightly sticky as I was applying it but that quickly settled, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth. I bought the ‘light tint’ as I’m fair-skinned and often tints can look too dark on me. It had some colour to it but it was very gentle (much less colour coverage than the Little Urchin tinted sunscreen that I usually wear although I like that this required less blending to make it look natural on my as I’m so fair – both good in different ways!). It was very easy to apply and comfortable to wear. Unlike some of the other zinc facial sunscreens, it didn’t require shaking and it wasn’t oily. The fragrance-free smell was neutral. 

I liked how my skin felt so soft and fresh after applying (not dry as some creams can make you feel). Overall, I’m really happy with the product. I’m still a die-hard Little Urchin fan for their daily tinted sunscreen as I like to have a little more colour coverage, but this one is good for pool and beach days or I could easily add a mineral powder over the top to even out my skintone a little more. I will definitely buy it again as it’s a brand I love and trust. 

>> Shop for Ethical Zinc Tinted Facial Sunscreen on Amazon Australia 

Invisible Zinc sunscreen review

Bottles of Incredible Zinc sun cream in the sand on a beach

Invisible Zinc sunscreens offer a mineral barrier, chemical-free sunscreen that isn’t tested on animals. It’s made in Australia specifically developed for the Australian climate.

>> Shop for Invisible Zinc products on Amazon Australia here <<

I tested the following Australian zinc sunscreen products for my Invisible Zinc review:

Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 Light
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 Medium
Invisible Zinc SPF 50 Facial Moisturiser
Invisible Zinc Face and Body SPF 50

Invisible Zinc has developed a light and easy formula that rubs into your skin, without feeling chalky or turning you white or being too sticky.  It provides a barrier for UVA and UVB rays. Compared with some of the other brands I tried, Invisible Zinc feels a little more lightweight and was very easy to apply – it’s a non-greasy sunscreen and it didn’t turn our skin white. All of the Invisible Zinc products I tried said they were water-resistant for up to two hours (and the Invisible Zinc Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 offers four hours water and sweat resistance so this is your best choice if you’re going to swim or be active).

The Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence Tinted Moisturiser SPF 50 was a lovely product to wear and apply – it went on so easily and made my skin feel really soft. It didn’t give me the sort of coverage you’d get from a foundation (and was much lighter in coverage than the Little Urchin tinted sunscreen option) so I wore it with some mineral powder over the top to make my skin look a bit more flawless, but I really liked how easy and fast it was to apply and how it made my skin feel. It accepted the mineral powder on the top without going flaky or patchy too (as I’ve had some other zinc sunscreen products do). This will be a regular in my make up bag as it felt so light on my skin. An alternative to the Invisible Zinc tinted face cream is to just use the Face and Body sunscreen instead and then apply your foundation or mineral power over the top. It works just as well that way too.

The Invisible Zinc ingredients are safe too with no parabens, mineral oils or PABA.

We all really like the Invisible Zinc Face and Body SPF 50 too as it i easy to apply, drys quickly without feeling greasy and makes our skin feel like it is being protected. I’m be happy wearing it on beach days or as an every day sunscreen as it’s fast and easy to apply and feels really good on my skin.

The Invisible Zinc branding is really clean and simple and clear. I like that they offer a wide range of different sunscreen products so you can find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that happens to be the best natural sunscreen for face, the best zinc oxide moisturiser for all over your body or the best tinted sunscreen with zinc oxide.

>> Shop for Invisible Zinc products on Amazon Australia here <<

A child having zinc sunscreen applied to his face

Sun Butter review

 
 
 
 
 
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SunButter was created by a marine biologist and conservation ecologist duo who felt compelled to create a reef-safe Australian zinc sunscreen while working on the Ningaloo Reef in WA. It was created specifically for the purpose of protecting the skin of those working on the reef in an outdoor, ocean lifestyle so you know it’s going to give awesome sun protection. SunButter zinc gives four-hours protection and is water resistant. My favourite thing about it is that it comes in a tin – no plastic in sight so it really is sustainable. You can reuse the pot or recycle it when the time comes. 

While it looks like the little sunscreen tin won’t go far, when you actually compare weights there is more in this tin than in many tubes of sunscreen I own so it’s actually a really good quantity.

The sunscreen can melt a little in the heat making it spill, so the product comes with a card reminding you to pop it in the fridge to cool down and reset after being at the beach. It’s actually really lovely to apply it cool to your skin on a hot day too. 

I like that you can unscrew the lid and leave it open while you apply as much as you need – unlike bottles where you need to keep picking them up to squirt them out with sticky hands. Screwing the lid back on can get a little finicky if you get sand in the runs for the lid so you just need to keep them clean. I found it very easy to apply. 

This SunButter zinc sunscreen has a number of additional natural, sustainable ingredients to help it glide onto your skin easily and the non-aqueous formula means it lasts longer than water-based products. The product is registered vegan (their surf zincs are made with locally sourced beeswax though). It’s also a good product for sensitive skin so is great for my kids. 

I found SunButter sunscreen went on really easily. It felt slightly greasy at first but quickly settled into my dry skin, leaving it soft (not sticky) and locking in the moisture. It feels lovely to put on your face and it goes on clear. You can also wear it under make up – you just need to apply it 20 minutes before adding your powder to avoid clumping. Overall, I love this product and will definitely continue to use it. I think it works great for big days at the beach as you can slather it on as thick as you like for great sun protection. 

>> Buy SunButter from Amazon Australia

UV Natural sunscreen review

Bottles of UV Natural zinc sunscreen being held over a beach

UV Natural offers a range of natural sunscreens that were created by founder, Shirley Livesay. Shirley had a dream to create a natural sunscreen product in Australia and worked for years to make it a reality, even after being challenged by chemical companies through the courts. It’s a really inspiring story – the products are the result of one woman’s passion! I’m so glad she fought to get these to market because we love these zinc suncreen products.

The UV Natural sunscreens contain zinc oxide combined with natural oils and botanicals including green tea extract, grape seed and lavender. The zinc sunscreens are SPF 30 and offer UVA and UVB protection. The products are cruelty-free, lightly fragranced and water resistant (the main sunscreen is water-resistant for up to three hours and the baby version of the zinc sunscreen for up to two hours) and reef safe. I think UV Natural offers the best baby sunscreen out of the options we tried and it’s also a vegan sunscreen.

My advice is to apply a little of the sunscreen at a time and rub it evenly into your skin. The cream goes on quite thick and is a little sticky while it settles but it doesn’t turn you white. It feels really nourishing on my dry skin, and has a gentle scent that my kids really like. I use the UV Natural Baby sunscreen on my son who has the most sensitive skin and he really likes the way it feels. I love that the baby sunscreen comes in a small handbag-sized bottle too – I carry it around with me for sun protection on the go. 

Even though I wasn’t reviewing the natural aftersun options as part of this post, UV Natural also kindly sent me a bottle of UV Natural Chill skin cooler to try out and I need to tell you about it

During a big day at the beach to test the sunscreens, I started suffering with dermatitis under my wedding, engagement and eternity rings which is something I get from time to time when it’s hot. I didn’t want to take my rings off at the beach and risk losing them so I kept them on until we got home. When I finally took them off, my skin was so red and sore underneath – it was much worse than any other episode I’ve had of it.

I had the bottle of UV Natural Chill to hand, so applied it straight away. It didn’t sting or feel cool or anything really so I wasn’t expecting much improvement as my finger was looking pretty sore. Anyway, the next morning I woke up and found my finger wasn’t red anymore – it was my usual skin colour again and my skin was healing already. I applied it again a couple more times that day and within two days I had my wedding ring back on as if nothing had happened. From past experience, I tend to be without my rings for a week or two when I get a flare up – sometimes longer. I actually couldn’t believe how after two days you couldn’t tell I’d even had a problem. Now, I’m using this product to treat everything from dry skin to mossie bites! It is amazing.

(Unfortunately, at the time of updating this post these products are showing as not available on Amazon, eBay and Nourished Life. Hopefully they will come back in stock again in the future!)

Soléo Organics sunscreen review

Three bottles of Soleo Organics sunscreen beside a pool

I’ve recently tried out three types of Soléo Organics sunscreen: the Soléo Organics Face Formula SPF30, the Soléo Organics Original Formula High Performance Coconut SPF 30 and the Soléo Organics Everyday Formula Extra Lite SPF30 (you can find all of them for sale on Amazon Australia here). 

Created in Western Australia, Soléo Organics sunscreens contain natural, organic ingredients without chemical UV-absorbers, titanium dioxide or synthetic preservatives. Because of the gentle ingredients, the products are hypoallergenic and suitable for everyone from babies to mums-to-be, and they’re great for those of us with sensitive skin.

The Face Formula and Everyday Formula are both vegan and cruelty-free (the Coconut isn’t vegan as it contains beeswax but it is cruelty-free). All three are reef-safe, Australia-made and provide protection from UVA and UVB rays. 

I was advised that I needed to shake the bottle before applying, but actually it didn’t separate like some of the others have done and all three products came out really easily. 

The Face Formula settled into my skin smoothly and left it feeling lovely and moisturised all day. It felt more like a traditional moisturiser than some of the other products I’ve tried – it didn’t feel heavy at all. I was able to apply mineral powder over it if I wanted to without it clumping or making it feel too dry. I have quite dry skin already and, for me, it was a perfect product that left me feeling protected but also didn’t feel too heavy or too greasy. I love it and it’s definitely a product I’ll continue to keep in my make up bag. 

Surprisingly the Original Formula Coconut and the Everyday Formula were quite different products. The Everyday Formula was very similar to the Face Formula in that it felt more like a regular moisturiser and less like a heavier zinc sunscreen. It came out of the bottle easily and rubbed in easily and quickly settled into my dry skin. The Coconut Formula was thicker. It didn’t have a strong coconut scent like I’d expected (I tested it on my kids and asked them to say what it smelled like and none of them guess coconut!) It rubbed in easily and didn’t turn white, but it felt dryer on the skin. Given that I have dry skin already, I preferred the texture of the Everyday Formula for an every day sunscreen as it felt more moisturising but my kids were happy with either of the two (I tried one on each of their arms – when we checked in on them a little later they still felt the Everyday Formula arm was a little softer than the other).

The Coconut is the best option for swimming as it offers 3-hrs of water resistance. It feels thicker too and it felt like it stayed in place well and didn’t wash into the kids’ eyes (which is always a major problem for my kids have with thinner sunscreen brands). 

The 80g bottles easily fit in my handbag so I can keep some with me on the go which is really handy for bike rides/sports days/days out. 

I’m really happy to have discovered another natural, organic sunscreen brand, especially one with a great facial sunscreen that works for my dry skin. 

>> Shop for Soléo Organics sunscreens on Amazon Australia

Sunny Skin Face Sunscreen and Bronzing Sunscreen

Sunny Skin zinc sunscreen at a beach in Australia

If you’re looking for a facial sunscreen that feels more like part of your skincare routine than zinc sunscreen usually feels, the Sunny Skin is a Brisbane-based company worth checking out. I tried out their Super Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Mineral Face Sunscreen With Antioxidants and their Bronzing version. Both offer Environmental and Blue Light Defence. 

You add these products to the end of your usual morning skincare routine on top of your regular moisturiser (and then finish off with your make up on top). Both tubes have twisty tops and the cream comes out of a hole in the top (no flip top lids or screw caps to nagivate which keeps things simple and quick). 

Let’s start with the regular zinc face sunscreen. As it goes on it looks quite white but it quickly sinks in so there is no white colour to it when it is applied and rubbed in. It feels a little sticky on my skin after applying but it does give me a sort of dewy glow. Their website says that what you do next depends on your skin type. If you have normal or dry skin, you can apply a liquid foundation, or if your skin is oily you can add mineral powder. I have combination skin, but it really benefits from having the mineral powder a few minutes after it has settled into my skin to take any shine away – it leaves me with a great finish. 

The bronzer does look dark when you first begin to apply it, but don’t be scared! I’m really pale, and I was worried it would be too dark but again it quickly rubs in and it gives you a warm, brightening glow. It doesn’t give you a heavy coverage like a foundation or like a thicker tinted sunscreen like Little Urchin – think of this more as a regular bronzer you would wear with your make up (only with the SPF benefits). I find this one too takes time to sink into my skin so it can feel a bit sticky at first. I think it would be a handy one to keep in your handbag to top up your glow through the day when you’re out and about. 

What I need to say about both of these products is that my skin feels unbelievably soft all day long when I wear them. I really enjoy wearing them and find myself stroking my cheeks to see how smooth they feel! 

It’s hard to describe, but whereas the other brands of suncreen I’ve written about feel like sunscreens these feel more like skincare products. They feel more luxurious on your skin. I love that they work well with make up on top without clumping, and I love that they make my skin feel like it is glowing.                                                                                                                                        

My skin also doesn’t feel sweaty underneath (some zinc sunscreens feel like a thick cover on your face and in Queensland’s sun that can feel hot and sweaty). I’m not someone who usually wears much make up or heavy products on my face, so I like how light and comfortable these both feel. I haven’t tried the mineral liquid foundation but would love to try that next. 

All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and they’re suitable for sensitive skin. They’re also Australian made and owned. If you fancy giving one or both of these a try, check out the links below.

>> Shop for Sunny Skin Face Sunscreen on Amazon 

>> Shop for Sunny Skin Glow Filter Bronzing Sunscreen on Amazon

Other top Australian sunscreen brands

I didn’t have time to try and review all of Australia’s best mineral sunscreen products (although I’m always working through new products all the time as I love to try as many Australian made sunscreen brands as possible!) – there are many more zinc sunscreen brands available so I’ll keep adding more Australian sunscreen reviews to this post as I try more of them.

I’ll give you a quick run down of a few other Australian sunscreen brands that have zinc oxide and other natural ingredients that you might also want to check out.

MooGoo Australia

I’m a massive fan of MooGoo and am slowly moving my skincare over to this range of gentle products after trying their Udder Cream last year and falling in love with it (you can find the Udder Cream here and it is just the most moisturing body creams I’ve ever found which is perfect for my very dry skin!) I’m yet to actually try their natural sunscreen product (it’s on my list to try this year though!). The natural sunscreen product contains under 25% zinc oxide sunscreen so I didn’t want to include it in the main section about physical sunscreens but I still felt like it was one worth exploring as it’s a great option and I adore the MooGoo brand so much – their organic skincare products feel so good on my skin! 

>> Buy MooGoo Natural Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

Wotnot Australia

Wotnot has created a reef-friendly, skin-friendly natural sunscreen suitable for the whole family. With UVA and UVB protection, the Wotnot Natural Sunscreen zinc oxide product offers SPF 30.

Suitable for sensitive skin types, the all natural sunscreens has a high level of natural oil making it moisturising and softening. The organic ingredients are GMO-free and free of parabens, fragrances and chemicals. The inclusion of aloe vera and jojoba oil soothe and nourish your skin.

Please note that their two main sunscreen products do not list that they’re water-resistant. Only the facial sunscreen and primer says it’s a water-resistant sunscreen offering two hours of water resistance.

>> Buy Wotnot Natural Sunscreen from Amazon Australia

Natural Instinct mineral sunscreen Australia

Natural Instinct offers three different types of mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide: Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF 30, Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 and Tinted Face Natural Sunscreen SPF 30.

All of their products include zinc oxide and prevent UVA and UVB rays, and they are reef safe sunscreens. They offer 3 hours water resistance. The products are deeply moisturising and include skin conditioning ingredients including jojoba oil, shea butter and vitamin E.

The kids’ version leaves a translucent white protective layer on the skin which allows you to see where the sunscreen has been applied which is a clever little trick.

The tinted sunscreen can be used under makeup. It offers a medium coverage and it has a matte finish that isn’t thick or heavy.

Surf Mud and Surf Baby zinc-based sunscreen Australia

Surf Mud is a natural zinc oxide cream that was formulated by surfers. It contains only natural ingredients, is palm oil free plus it has no preservatives, is reef safe and is cruelty-free. You can get it in a little pot or in a tube as a sun lotion. Their Surf Mud The Lotion SPF 30 Sunscreen is 4 hours water resistant and their Surf Baby Natural Zinc SPF 30 Sunscreen also offers 4 hours water resistance. Both offer a good choice of sun protection for families.

Mukti Organics Australian zinc sunscreen

Mukti Organics offer a daily moisturiser SPF 15 with zinc oxide green tea and rosehip. It offers protection from UVA and UVB rays. It’s made in Australia and certified organic, vegan, cruelty-free and is suited to all skin types. They also offer a tinted moisturiser version, again in an SPF 15 if you feel that level of sun protection is high enough for your needs.

SkinJuice zinc oxide sunscreen Australia

The Australian natural beauty brand, Skin Juice, offer a Skin Juice Tinted Moisturiser in an SPF 15 and a Skin Juice Untinted Moisturiser SPF 15. Using superfood ingredients, the SPF 15 protects against UVA and UVB rays. I love the vibrant packaging. Again, SPF 15 is as high as they go though.

Choosing the best natural sunscreen Australia has to offer

An Australian beach in summer

Thanks for making it this far into the post about the best sunscreen for Australia. Now you’ve read my zinc sunscreen reviews and learned about the best sunscreen brands in Australia, it’s time to learn a bit more about choosing the right physical sunscreen in Australia and why I chose to only review the best zinc sunscreens in Australia instead of including titanium dioxide sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.

Choose the best sunscreen Australia: Reef safe sunscreen and sunscreen ingredients

While we all know we need to wear sunblock, there are a few issues you need to think about before deciding which is the right sunscreen brand for you. It’s also worth understanding that you can find the best zinc sunscreen for different occasions – you likely won’t only end up with just one type of mineral sunscreen in your beach bag – you’ll end up with a few different sunscreens that suit different occasions!

It can be very overwhelming trying to choose the best zinc sunscreen for Australia. Here are a few things to consider before you buy a zinc-based sunscreen in Australia:

  • You apply sunscreen to your face and body often in Australia, so you need to carefully consider the sunscreen ingredients to make sure you’re happy putting them on your skin. I know I prefer a physical sunscreen that doesn’t sink into my skin in the way a chemical sunscreen does. 
    • When you swim while wearing chemical sunscreen, the chemicals can wash off and be absorbed by corals which can ultimately result in bleaching. National Geographic says that even if you don’t swim while wearing sunscreen, it can still go down the drains when you shower and eventually make its way into the ocean. A big reason for us moving to Australia was because we love the environment here – the beaches, the marine opportunities, the wildlife. We definitely don’t want to be involved in causing damage this the environment we love so much so finding a good reef safe sunscreen in Australia was important to us.
  • Some sunscreens stay on better when you swim and sweat than others. The best sunscreen for watersports and outdoor activities is a waterproof sunscreen. (Be sure to always reapply your sunscreen after being in the water or doing sports too, even if it says it can cover you for a number of hours). This type of waterproof suncreen might not be the best every day sunscreen for you and that’s – choose your sunscreen for the occasion! 
  • The best sunscreen for face may not be the best sunscreen for body, too – it’s OK to have different sunscreen products for different needs and also for different times of the year.
  • Your skin (or your children’s skin) might be sensitive to certain kinds of sunscreen or particular ingredients in them. Two of my kids are allergic to the neon zinc sticks and the bright neon surf zinc mud so for a long time I thought they were allergic to zinc oxide sunscreens – it turns out they were really just allergic to the colouring used in the brightly coloured zinc sticks. Either way, with sensitive skin you want to choose a gentle sunscreen product that won’t cause reactions. And if you have a baby, you want to choose the best baby sunscreen that won’t harm delicate skin. 
  • If you’re going to be applying the sunscreen to your face, you’ll need to look for a clear zinc sunscreen. Australia is a place where you don’t look out of place wearing white sunscreen on your face on the beach, but for daily facial sunscreen you should opt for either a clear zinc sunscreen or find the best tinted sunscreen to match your coverage and skintone needs. 
 
Over the seven years that we’ve lived in Queensland, I’ve tried many different brands of sunscreen and learnt a lot about what makes the best sunscreen for your body, what is the best face sunscreen and also what reef safe sunscreen options are available. I’ve used some sunscreen brands that felt great on my skin but after doing research recently I’ve realised the sunscreen ingredients weren’t something I wanted to put on my (and my children’s) skin let alone have washed into the ocean to damage the reefs. After receiving yet another email from a concerned reader, I decided to do some in-depth research into the best sunscreen in Australia because we all want to make sure we’re using the best natural sunscreen protection.
 

Best sunscreen Australia

Australia is a unique environment and because of the intense sun here there are some incredible Australian sunscreen brands creating organic sunscreen products that are gentle enough to use as a baby sunscreen or as sunscreen for sensitive skin. Whether you want to find a vegan sunscreen, a reef safe sunscreen or a baby organic sunscreen – the thing we can all agree on is that the best sunscreen protects our skin from harmful rays without causing any damage to us or the environment.

A woman applying zinc sunscreen to her arm on a beach

Why are skin cancer rates in Australia so high?

The ozone layer – an outer layer in the Earth’s stratosphere – is there to absorb UV radiation. As it is depleting, the protection it gives reduces, meaning more of the sun’s harmful rays reach us. Australia is located closer to the ozone hole that has developed over the Antarctic and, during summer, Australia is closer to the sun which means we receive more of the potentially damaging rays if we don’t take precautions. Another reason for high skin cancer rates is that migration to Australia is high – over generations, skin type adapts to suit the environment but as many of us have moved from countries that don’t see as much sunshine, our skin just isn’t used to it and we haven’t got any natural sun protection in the pigment of our skin.

The lifestyle in Australia involves going to the beach, playing sport and being outside. We don’t need to stop doing those things but we do need to make sure we’re aware of our sunscreen options and figure out the best sunscreen protection to keep us safe.

Someone applying a physical sunscreen in Australia in a heart shape on someone's back

Does SPF matter when it comes to choosing an Australian sunscreen?

Cancer.org.au says:

‘The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of a sunscreen is a measure of how well it protects the skin from sunburn. Sunscreens need to be applied liberally to achieve the SPF protection claimed on the label.’

If your unprotected skin would burn in 10 minutes, then the SPF should theoretically give you 15, 30, 50 times more protection. However, SPF 50 only offers marginally more protection than an SPF 30 sunscreen. What matters the most is that you apply it often and you apply it liberally to make sure you’re getting enough sunscreen coverage. Personally, I always choose an SPF 30 or above.

Why avoid chemical sunscreens, especially as sunscreen for face?

A boys with zinc oxide sunscreen on his nose

When I first moved to Australia, I used to buy the big pump action sunscreen bottles with an SPF 50 cheaply from the supermarket. I assumed the SPF on the sunscreen bottles was all that mattered and that an SPF 50 meant I was making the right choice. I’d use this as sun cream for my face and as a body sunscreen. Over time, I found that my face was showing signs of sun damage and was developing slightly discoloured pigment patches. When I spoke to a skincare professional, she told me that chemical sunscreens can cause this pigmentation because the chemical sunscreen reacts to the heat. This was my first step towards learning more about my sunscreen options and it made me realise I had a lot more to learn about how to keep my skin safe in the sun.

There are two types of sunscreen: you can get a mineral sunscreen (also know as a physical sunscreen) or chemical sunscreen.

Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into your skin and then they absorb the UV rays before they can penetrate the dermis and cause damage. Some ingredients in these are known to damage coral reefs (so if you’re looking for a reef safe sunscreen in Australia, these are best avoided).

Physical sunblock or mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects the sun’s rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the two main mineral sunscreen ingredients. The important thing here is that they stay on the surface of your skin, so don’t absorb into your body in the way a chemical sunscreen does.

Whether you choose to use a mixture of chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens, it’s totally your choice and there is no one rule to this. Google it and make an informed judgement.

I’ve decided after doing my research to focus my attention specifically on zinc oxide sunscreen for this post because that is the type of sunscreen I now mainly use for my family. We still use a combination of staying out of the sun and staying covered as our main approach to the sun when possible (my kids aren’t allowed on the beach or in the pool without their UV rash vests on, and I try my best to buy them long-sleeved rashies when possible as it makes sun protection so much easier). I do still have the large pump action bottles of Cancer Council sunscreen in the house which we use sometimes – for me it’s all about balance and having a range of solutions available for when my kids are running out of the door. 

Things to think about when you’re looking for the best sunscreen Australia has to offer

There are a number of questions you need to consider before deciding on the best sunscreen in Australia with a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB coverage.

Will you be using your zinc cream at the pool or beach or while playing sports? Make sure you’re using a waterproof sunscreen (you will still need to reapply it often).
Do you need a sensitive zinc sunscreen?
Do you mind a heavy zinc sunscreen that sits on top of your skin and feels sticky or do you want something that is combined with other natural ingredients to sink in a little more and leave you feeling less sticky
Are you looking for a non-comedogenic sunscreen so it won’t clog your pores?
Do you mind how easy your zinc sunscreen is to rub in your sunscreen? Or how greasy your zinc oxide cream feels?
Are you looking for a tinted sunscreen for your face? If so, will you be wearing your tinted sunscreen on its own or adding a mineral powder with SPF to it to reduce shine and for added protection (if so, you’ll want something that won’t ball up or go patchy as you apply it – trust me a few brands I’ve used before just wouldn’t take a mineral powder on top!) Will the tint of the tinted sun cream give you enough coverage?
Are you particularly looking for a face sunscreen for sensitive skin?
Do you want a fragrance free sunscreen or do you prefer a sunscreen with a pleasant scent?
Does it matter to you if its an organic vegan sunscreen or are you just happy choosing the best natural sunscreen even if it’s not vegan?
Are you looking for a sunscreen that is deemed reef safe in Australia?
Do you want a physical sunscreen brand that gives something back to the environment? Many Australian sunscreen brands are involved in environmental charities and donate a percentage of profits or sales.

It’s so important to say this: I think sunscreen in Australia is essential for everybody as you only get one skin. I know many people who choose not to wear anything because they are concerned about applying potentially harmful ingredients to their skin every day. Do your research to find a natural sunscreen product that you’re happy with. The sun causes irreparable damage to your skin, and you can’t stay out of it all the time. It’s also important to begin a good sun protection routine with your kids from the start – they need to grow up with sun protection this being part of their life so it becomes a habit for them. 

The best sun protection in addition to wearing Australia zinc suncreen

Obviously, this post about the best Australia zinc sunscreen is focused on protecting your skin in the sun with zinc oxide sunscreen, but the BEST way to avoid skin damage from Australia’s hot sun is to do the following: 

Cover up in the sun: Rash vests with long sleeves offer the best protection and I wouldn’t dream of letting my kids go to the beach without a rashie on. This then limits the amount of sunscreen you need to apply too so you don’t have to worry about them burning their back, chest or shoulders (or arms if you go for a long-sleeved rashie).

Wear a hat: Wearing a wide-brimmed hat helps protect your face, neck and ears. For kids, get one with a chin strap on so they don’t keep losing it (not a baseball cap as ears can still burn with those). Even with a hat, you still need to wear face sunscreen but you’re less likely to get burnt when you face is in the shade most of the time. 

Avoid going out in the hottest part of the day: If you can, avoid going out in the sun in the middle of the day. Instead, go early morning or late afternoon when the sun isn’t as strong. 

Take your own shade: Use a large beach shade so you can stay out of the direct sun. 

Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water while you’re out in the sun to keep your body hydrated. 

A boy on the beach wearing sunscreen

Best zinc sunscreen: Which really is the best natural sunscreen Australia has to offer?

I really enjoyed trying out so many of the best natural sunscreens in Australia. I can’t single out one particular favourite as they all had different things that I liked about them and I will use them all again.

Best face sunscreen with tint in Australia

For me, I really love the Little Urchin tinted zinc sunscreen as it gives a really great colour and a good coverage and it’s so quick and easy to apply in the morning. I generally now wear this as my daily facial sunscreen and I use it instead of a powder or a liquid base. My skin is quite pale anyway so if I’m feeling like Little Urchin is a bit dark for my skin tone in the winter months I switch back to one of the lighter products like Ethical Zinc  Invisible Zinc tinted sunscreen (which goes on really easily and gives a lighter finish).

Sometimes I want to wear make up instead of a tinted moisturiser, or I’m going out somewhere that I know I’m going to want to keep reapplying it (like big days out where I know I’ll be in the sun a lot) so for those days Soléo Organics Face Formula is a great product, as is Sunny Sun which makes my skin feel amazing and looks fantastic with make up on top. 

Best sunscreen for daily use

The best natural sunscreen for school days or going to the park – regular days when we just want to apply something quickly and go – my choices would be Little Urchin zinc sunscreen, Invisible Zinc sunscreen, SunButter, Simple As That or Soleo. They all went on quickly and easily, with no dramas and no big white streaks making any of them good choices for me. 

The best zinc sunscreen for beach or pool days in Australia

The best zinc sunscreen for big beach days or pool days in Australia for me is Ethical Zinc combined with Sun and Earth or Little Urchins Zinc stick for noses and cheeks (which I find a bit easier than using the tins). To be honest, I’d be happy wearing any of the sunscreens I tried for beach days as they were all solid products but I feel like Ethical Zinc is just a bit thicker and it feels like it gives a more lasting coverage for those long, hot days on the sand. I also love adding the Sun and Earth pots for the kids to streak over their noses and cheeks for some added protection as the sun always catches their cheeks and under their eyes if I don’t (and this stays put even in the ocean). 

I’m excited that I’ve discovered so many clear zinc sunscreen and physical sunscreens options that offer sunscreen for sensitive skin, offer natural sunscreen AND are reef safe sunscreens which is something that is really important to us as a family.

Where to buy zinc sunscreen in Australia?

I prefer to buy zinc suncreen online as it gives you a much wider choice than in the shops. Amazon, Biome and eBay all offer a great selection of mineral sunscreens. Buy natural sunscreen online to get access to the full range of options otherwise in stores you find natural sunscreen brands can be pretty limited.

I hope you found this post about choosing the best reef-safe zinc sunscreen helpful! It’s essential to consider what is the best natural sunscreen product for your skin while also making sure that you are kind to the planet with your choices!

 

I really hope this guide to choosing the best zinc sunscreen Australia has to offer has introduced you to some new Australian sunscreen brands to try. If you enjoyed it, please give it a share! Wearing sunscreen is so important and we can make a real difference to our health and to the environment when we choose the right brands of sunscreen.

Read this post to learn about natural mosquito repellents in Australia next

Pinterest image of a mum applying the best zinc sunscreen to a boys' face in Australia

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