How to Choose the Best Natural Sunscreen for Your Family

In Australia, sunshine is part of daily life — not something we escape, but something we live alongside. School drop-offs, beach afternoons, backyard play, weekend sport. Sun protection isn’t a once-a-season decision here; it’s a routine.

Sunscreen is essential, but not all sunscreens work the same way. Between SPF ratings, long ingredient lists and loosely defined terms like “natural”, it’s not always easy to know what you’re choosing.

This guide breaks it down simply — focusing on how sunscreen works, what to look for, and how to protect your family in a way that feels considered and practical.

Important preface:  Biome advocates that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use — generously, regularly, and without hesitation.  Even the most chemical-laden sunscreen is likely less damaging to your health long term than the risk of life-threatening skin cancer.  For those wanting to make more natural and ethical choices where you can, here's our guidance.

Why sun protection matters

Australia has one of the highest UV levels in the world. Ultraviolet radiation damages skin cells long before redness or discomfort appears, contributing to sunburn, premature ageing and increased skin cancer risk over time.

With our outdoor focussed lifestyle we also have a high rate of incidental sun exposure — short unplanned and unprotected periods that add up and contribute significantly to lifetime UV damage.

Effective sunscreen protects against both:

• UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to long-term damage
• UVB rays, which affect the surface layers and cause sunburn

That’s why broad-spectrum protection (protection against both UVA and UVB rays) matters — especially for children, whose skin is thinner and more vulnerable.

What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen

There are two main ways sunscreen protects the skin.

Mineral (zinc-based) sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide to form a physical protective layer on the skin that reflects and scatters UV radiation.

They’re often chosen because they:

• Provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Begin working immediately after application
• Are well tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin
• Involve minimal absorption compared to chemical filters

For families, babies, and anyone with easily irritated skin, zinc-based sunscreens are often the most comfortable option for daily use.

They can feel more "oily" at first, but this is natural plant oils that soon soak in and nourish your skin.

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens use a chemical reaction to absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They tend to feel lighter and rub in invisibly, but need time to activate after application (that's why they say "apply 20 minutes before exposure"), and may be more irritating for sensitive skin types.

Chemical sunscreens generally rely on heavy artificial fragrances to mask the smell of the chemicals in the formulation.

You'll probably have expreienced the dreaded stinging when you get some chemical sunscreen in your eye!

For ocean swims and beach days, some families also prefer mineral formulas as a simpler, zinc-based option when you’re wearing sunscreen in and around the water.

What “natural sunscreen” really means

There’s no single legal definition of “natural” when it comes to sunscreen. That’s why ingredient transparency matters more than marketing language.

At Biome, natural sunscreen means:

• Mineral-based UV protection (zinc oxide)
• Palm oil free formulations
• No petrochemicals
• Clear, traceable ingredient lists
• Suitable for sensitive skin and families

A note on palm oil (and why we take a firm stance)

Liquid and cream sunscreens often rely on palm-derived ingredients to bind oil and water together. Palm oil is widely used because it’s inexpensive and versatile, but its production is strongly linked to deforestation, habitat loss and carbon emissions.

Palm oil can appear under many names — including glycerine, stearates and emulsifying waxes — which makes it difficult to identify.

At Biome, every sunscreen we stock is 100% palm oil free  — a standard we apply across our range because ingredient sourcing matters just as much as performance.

SPF: what the numbers actually tell you

SPF measures protection against UVB rays only, not UVA.

• SPF 30 blocks around 97% of UVB rays when applied correctly
• SPF 50 blocks around 98%

The difference is smaller than many people expect. In practice, protection depends far more on: 

• Applying enough sunscreen
• Reapplying every two hours
• Reapplying after swimming, sweating or towelling

A well-formulated SPF 30 mineral sunscreen used properly is highly effective for everyday family use. 

Choosing a sunscreen that fits real life

Most importantly, choose a sunscreen that you’ll actually use!

A texture that spreads easily, a formula that doesn’t sting eyes or irritate skin, and a product that fits into bags, cars and beach kits without fuss.

At Biome, our palm-oil-free sunscreen range includes:

• SunButter Original Sunscreen (120g)
  A rich, zinc-based sunscreen suited to dry or sensitive skin.
• SunButter Vegan Surf Zinc SPF50 (70g)
  Designed for high-exposure conditions like surfing, swimming and long beach days.
• SunButter Tinted Sunscreen (100g)
  Mineral protection with a natural tint for everyday wear.
• WotNot Palm Oil Free Natural Sunscreen SPF30 (100g) & (150g)
  A lightweight, family-friendly option suitable for babies and children.
• Sun & Earth Natural Zinc (Sandy Light) & (Sunny Tan)
  Tinted zinc sunscreens that offer protection while evening out skin tone.
• Hurraw Lip Balm SPF15
  Often overlooked, lips need protection too — especially in high UV conditions.
• Solmates Refillable Sunscreen Applicators
  Make reapplication easier for kids and on-the-go use

Sunscreen is only part of the picture

Even the best sunscreen works best as part of a broader sun-safe routine:

• Protective clothing and rash vests
• Wide-brim hats
• Sunglasses
• Seeking shade during peak UV hours
• Keeping babies under six months out of direct sun

Sunscreen supports sun safety — it doesn’t replace it.