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-year 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.

Why sun protection matters — especially here

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.

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 matters — especially for children, whose skin is thinner and more vulnerable.
Broad-spectrum simply means protection against both UVA and UVB rays, rather than just one type of exposure. You’ll usually see this noted on the label.

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: understanding the difference

There are two main ways sunscreen protects the skin, and they behave quite differently once applied.

Mineral (zinc-based) sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide to form a 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.

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They tend to feel lighter and rub in invisibly, but usually need time to activate after application and may be more irritating for sensitive skin types.

While approved for use, many families prefer mineral sunscreens for everyday protection — particularly when reapplication is frequent.

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 (and why labels can mislead)

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

Understanding how a sunscreen works — rather than relying on the front label — makes it much easier to choose well.

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

The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use — generously, regularly, and without hesitation.

That often means choosing 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.

A simple way to choose: match your sunscreen to how you’ll use it. For daily school runs and park time, many families reach for an easy all-rounder. For beach days and sport, a more heavy-duty zinc can feel more reassuring. Tinted options suit everyday facial wear, and lip protection is worth keeping in the same kit.

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

Each product meets Biome’s standards for ingredient transparency, palm oil avoidance and family suitability.

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.