Tallow: Best Non-toxic Sunscreen

Sunscreen is supposed to protect us - but too often, chemical sunscreens bring more risk than relief. Oxybenzone and avobenzone have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and coral reef damage (Downs et al., 2016). That’s why mineral sunscreens are rising as the safer, non-toxic sunscreen alternative.

At Sun & Honey, our daily sunscreen cream combines zinc oxide - one of only two FDA-recognized mineral filters - with nourishing tallow to create a sunscreen that doubles as a daily moisturizer and barrier shield. It’s non-toxic, deeply hydrating, and environmentally conscious.

1. Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens: The Clear Difference

Chemical filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone) absorb UV rays and convert them to heat. Studies show they are systemically absorbed and detected in blood and breast milk (Matta et al., 2019).

Mineral filters like zinc oxide reflect and scatter UV radiation - protecting immediately upon application. The FDA recognizes zinc oxide as generally regarded as safe and effective (GRASE) for sun protection (FDA, 2019).

2. Why Regular Zinc Oxide Is Safe & Trusted

Broad-spectrum protection: Zinc oxide shields against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

Non-nano advantage: Larger zinc oxide particles (regular grade) stay on the skin’s surface rather than being absorbed, reducing potential oxidative stress.

Reef-friendly: Research shows zinc oxide (uncoated, non-nano) is far less harmful to coral reefs than chemical UV filters (Downs et al., 2016).

3. Why Tallow Is the Ideal Sunscreen Base

Unlike water-based lotions that evaporate, tallow is anhydrous and forms a lipid-rich base that integrates with your skin’s barrier:

Barrier synergy: Tallow lipids mimic your natural sebum, ensuring even distribution of zinc oxide.

Stability & spreadability: Tallow’s saturated fats help suspend zinc oxide particles and reduce chalkiness.

Nourishment: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K, tallow nourishes and repairs while protecting.

4. Daily Use: More Than Just SPF

Your sunscreen should protect - and care. That’s why our tallow sunscreen doubles as a:

Non-toxic face moisturizer (gentle enough for sensitive skin).

Beef tallow skin cream (rich in barrier-supporting nutrients).

Organic face cream alternative (crafted with clean ingredients).

Tip: Apply each morning as part of your skincare routine. Reapply every 2 hours with extended sun exposure and after swimming or excessive sweating.

5. Environmental and Skin Safety

Safer for you: Unlike oxybenzone, zinc oxide does not disrupt hormones (Matta et al., 2019)

Safer for reefs: Bans in Hawaii, Key West, and Palau target chemical filters - not zinc oxide.

Proven stability: Regular zinc oxide does not penetrate live skin layers, remaining on the surface where it belongs (Gulson et al., 2012).

References

Downs, C. A., Kramarsky-Winter, E., Fauth, J. E., et al. (2016). Toxicopathological effects of the sunscreen UV filter, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), on coral planulae and cultured primary cells and its environmental contamination in Hawaii and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 70(2), 265–288

Matta, M. K., Zusterzeel, R., Pilli, N. R., et al. (2019). Effect of sunscreen application under maximal use conditions on plasma concentration of sunscreen active ingredients. JAMA, 321(21), 2082–2091. doi:10.1001/jama.2019.5586

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2019). Sunscreen Drug Products for Over-the-Counter Human Use. Final Monograph. 

Gulson, B., Wong, H., Korsch, M., et al. (2012). Comparison of dermal absorption of zinc from different sunscreen formulations and differing UV exposure. Toxicological Sciences, 126(2), 334–343.