The Only Sunscreen You Need This Summer

By Tony K

Photos by Justin Myers

  • Brand: Badger Balm
  • Price: $16.99 for a 2.9 fl oz tube
  • Our quick take: Safe enough for our kids. And it works!
  • Where to buy: BadgerBalm.com
We’re inching towards summer here in the Pacific Northwest and that means it’s time to take stock of our summer supplies. While Covid 19 is making it difficult to plan travel for the next several months, the sun will still be shining and we’ll have perfect summer nights to help us through all of the #CoronaCrazy.
 
Sunscreen is an essential part of our summer pack, but, not all of them are created equal. Sure, you can get by with a bottle of the spray on stuff from your local grocery store, but you’re missing out on better protection for your skin and supporting an ethical company, like Badger Balm.

The specs you need to know about Badger Balm Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

  • Broad spectrum which means it blocks both UV and UVA rays - you need protection from both.
  • Made with only 5 ingredients. Check the back of that spray on stuff and compare.
  • No added fragrance which means it’s great for sensitive skin.
  • Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.
  • 98% Organic
I’ll be honest, I’m skeptical of products that claim all of the specs above; simple, environmental friendly, and effective. Sometimes it’s too good to be true. But, Badger Balm broad spectrum sunscreen works.
 
The first time I tried Badger Balm’s sunscreen was on a five day fishing trip on Oregon’s wild and scenic Rogue River. Long days of floating in a drift boat and fishing meant I needed solid protection from the sun. I have fare skin and tend to burn easily. At the end of the trip, I had picked up a little color from the sun but I was spared blistering sunburns. I watched other people on the trip constantly apply spray-on products and still end up burned. That trip sealed the deal for me. Since that river trip, Badger Balm sunscreen has been in my bag whether I’m on the water, in the snow, or just walking around town. 
Smiley face on the cheek using Badger Balm sunscreen as the paint

Because the product is so simple, I’m comfortable applying it to my kids

Of course, you should check with your pediatrician, but even Badger Balm’s own FAQ section says their products are safe for the whole family.
The Zinc Oxide sunscreen goes on thick and leaves a white residue, even after rubbing it in. That’s a turn off for some people but it’s worth the results. But, if you’re still concerned about that residue, there’s a newer Clear Zinc Mineral sunscreen that supposedly eliminates the white leave-behind. I’m planning on testing that in the near future.

Most importantly, this sunscreen is a broad spectrum product

This particular line has an SPF rating of 35. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and is a measurement for how effective a product is at protecting skin from UVB rays. However, SPF does not explain how effective products are against UVA rays – that’s where broad spectrum comes in. According to the Mayo Clinic, UVB rays can burn your skin. UVA rays can cause wrinkles and age spots. Damage from both types of rays can lead to skin cancer. A broad spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
The Mayo Clinic also points out that the best SPF ratings are somewhere between 30-50. Greater than SPF 50 only provide a smaller amount of protection and last just as long as lower SPF products. So, think about that the next time you’re buying sunscreen for your family. Do you need SPF 1,000? Probably not.
Infographic explanation of UVA and UVB sun rays
Photo by Badger Balm

The Bottom Line

Wild Human loves that Badger Balm is committed to making high quality organic, reef friendly, and cruelty free products. Their Zinc Oxide Sport Sunscreen isn’t the cheapest product on the market, but, we think that $17 for a bottle that works and will last the entire summer is worth the money.
 
Whatever sunscreen you choose, make sure it’s broad spectrum to protect yourself against both UVA and UVB rays.

Why Wild Human Supports Badger Balm

Trustworthy is a common trait across all of the brands that Wild Human supports. Badger Balm is committed to creating healthy skincare products that are cruelty free and good for the planet. We trust that commitment – enough to use their products on our own kids. In 2011 the company completed their certification to become an official B-Corporation and has continued to focus on environmental sustainability. Best of all, their products work.

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