$4.99 – $23.99
Sun Shield is a natural sun protection lotion (not a sunscreen) that soothes skin and protects against free radical damage at a cellular level. Organic, cold-pressed oils and butters are rich in antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory properties, natural SPF, and are high in vitamins A, C, and E to soothe and protect your skin naturally.
We love the sun (and all the vitamin D it provides)…but we don’t love the skin damage excessive exposure can cause. Traditional sunscreens contain potentially cancer-causing ingredients like avobenzene. Safer options contain physical blockers, like zinc oxide. Both help avoid burns, but also block vitamin D.
We decided to go for a new approach to skin health! Give Sun Shield a try!
Key Ingredients:
- Olive Oil – SPF 3-5, soothes skin
- Avocado Oil – SPF 15, anti-inflammatory
- Raspberry Oil – SPF 25-50, phytosterols
- Mango Butter – SPF 4, rich in vitamin A and antioxidants
- Comfrey – repairs skin, antioxidant
- Calendula – antioxidant, anti-inflammatory
ABSOLUTELY NO colors, flavors (natural or artificial), preservatives, added sugar, sodium benzoate, citric acid, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, top allergens (corn, soy, nuts, gluten, dairy, fish) or other junk!
Learn More:
NOTE: Sun Shield 6 oz size is being discontinued. We will no longer make the 6 oz size once the stock is gone.
Description
Sun Shield is a sun protectant lotion that provides a completely natural way of safeguarding your skin from sun damage. This lotion doesn’t absorb the sun’s rays or reflect them. Instead, it penetrates deeply into the skin to help protect against damage at the cellular level. Raspberry seed oil protects against UVA and UVB rays, while the oils and butters naturally have SPF ranging from 2 to 50 SPF each.
We use pure, plant-based oils infused with whole organic herbs that are rich in antioxidants. This formula nourishes your skin, blocks free radicals, all while protecting your skin from redness, wrinkles, and damage. Please keep in mind that Sun Shield is not an official sunscreen. Depending on your skin type, you may prefer to pair this with a mineral-based sunscreen for particularly hot or sunny days or you may find it to be enough protection on its own. Looking for an after-sun lotion? Try Sun-Soothe!
Benefits:
- Protects skin against skin damage at a cellular level
- Promotes cellular repair and new skin growth
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
- Nourishes and moisturizes skin
- Repairs skin damage
- Rich in antioxidants
- Oils with natural SPF
- Helps with dry, itchy skin
- Rich in Vitamin A, D, E
- Rich in omega-3s
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Don’t love your product? Contact us within 30 days and we’ll refund your money. The best way to reach us is through email at [email protected].
Ingredients
Complete Ingredients:
- Extra Virgin Olive oOil*
- Avocado Oil*
- Raspberry Seed Oil*
- Grapeseed Oil*
- Mango Butter*
- Comfrey Leaf*
- Dandelion Flowers*
- Calendula Flowers*
- Candelilla Wax
*Certified Organic Ingredients
Studies:
Olive Oil
- Hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant from olive oil, prevents protein damage induced by long-wave ultraviolet radiation in melanoma cells – PubMed (nih.gov)
- Effect of Olive Oil on the Skin – ScienceDirect
- Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils – PMC (nih.gov)
Avocado oil
Raspberry seed oil
Grapeseed oil
- (PDF) THE EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT OF GRAPESEED OIL AS SKIN ANTI-AGING IN NANOEMULSION AND EMULSION PREPARATIONS (researchgate.net)
- Grape Seed Oil Compounds: Biological and Chemical Actions for Health – PubMed (nih.gov)
Mango butter
- Vegetable butters and oils in skin wound healing: Scientific evidence for new opportunities in dermatology – PubMed (nih.gov)
- The effect of mangiferin on skin: Penetration, permeation and inhibition of ECM enzymes – PMC (nih.gov)
Comfrey leaf
Dandelion flowers
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4630464/Dandelion Extracts Protect Human Skin Fibroblasts from UVB Damage and Cellular Senescence – PMC (nih.gov)
Calendula flowers
Candelilla wax
Usage
Rub a small amount of our natural sun protection cream into all exposed areas of skin 10 – 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 – 3 hours. Use our stick version on the face, neck, and other areas you don’t want to apply an oily product.
Safety
Shelf Life: 1 year. Safe for ages 6mo+. Safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
This product and these statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. We make no claims about the SPF rating of this product because it has not been tested in any lab (only real-world tests). It is not “official” sunscreen in any capacity. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure anything.
FAQs
Q: Is this a replacement for sunscreen? Is it a sunscreen?
A: Sun Shield is not a sunscreen. Products must contain either a chemical blocker (like oxybenzene) or a physical blocker (like zinc oxide) to legally be considered a sunscreen. Instead, Sun Shield uses plant oils and herbs that have a natural SPF and protect skin on a cellular level. Some people use it instead of a traditional sunscreen and some people use it along with a traditional sunscreen.
Q: What is the SPF of Sun Shield?
A: Because it is not legally a sunscreen, it doesn’t have an official SPF rating. However, based on the SPF of each plant oil in it, we estimate a level of 12 – 15.
Q: This is just a bunch of oils…isn’t that like cooking yourself in the sun?
A: No. Our skin naturally protects itself with oils! This will penetrate your skin to protect your skin at a cellular level. It will not make you ‘cook’ in the sun.
Q: Some of these oils are seed oils! I thought we were never supposed to use those? Won’t they become toxic when exposed to sun?
A: It’s best to avoid seed oils that have been heated to high temperatures, like when frying food, because they do become denatured and potentially toxic then. However, small amounts of raw, cold-pressed seed oils are fine, especially topically. The heat level at which these oils become denatured is at least 300 degrees F (which is fairly cool for cooking, but much higher than they would ever get on your skin). You’re safe here!
Q: Is Sun Shield strong enough for ________?
A: It varies greatly. Some people who are very fair can use it exclusively in strong sunlight and not burn. Others may burn even in moderate sunlight. It depends on genetics, tendency to burn, strength of sun, time of year, and even diet. A person who consumes an anti-inflammatory diet will be less likely to burn and experience more success with Sun Shield than those who eat more sugar, vegetable oils, and white flour. (Yes, really!)
Q: What if Sun Shield doesn’t work for me?
A: Like anything else, Sun Shield doesn’t work for 100% of people. We recommend trying it out during shorter sun exposure first (rather than a long day at the beach). If it doesn’t work, we have a money-back guarantee — just let us know.
Rachelle Mudrack (verified owner) –
I bought this sunblock for my 1 year old son to help him in the sun. I didn’t feel comfortable putting regular sunblock on his already sensitive and eczema skin. It was a good option. He always wore a hat, protective clothing, and mostly stayed in the shade. He never burned. I don’t think I would use this long term and probably won’t buy again. It was too oily and the bottle leaked several times all over the place.
Renee Krolewski (verified owner) –
This is a great option but only if risk for sunburn is LOW. Got super burned when I was poolside, but partial sun is good!
Victoria (verified owner) –
I love having this sun block alternative to protect and nourish my skin while still getting the vitamin d benefits. I use it regularly. It does have an oily texture but I much prefer that to the sunblocks because I don’t mind rubbing this in real good and washing it away when I’m done because the ingredients are nutritive.
Grace G. (verified owner) –
I’m not entirely sure how I feel about it. I purchased the stick just to try it out and I do love how easy it is to take on the go but it feels pretty oily to me on my face and I’m not quite sure about the effectiveness. I understand the difference between sun block and sun shield! I wasn’t looking for a sun “block” but because it’s oily I felt like it was drawing the sun to my face more and causing more freckles. However, I gave 4 stars because I like the ingredients and I plan on using it on other parts of my body like my shoulders or something, but I don’t think I’ll use it on my face.
Sam (verified owner) –
My family and I haven’t used sunscreen in about 5 years. I got this just for those beach days where we are in the sun all day. I really do love it! I will say it does not prevent sunburn, so make sure to wear a hat, or keep under a beach tent or umbrella. But overall, you cannot beat the ingredients!
mrs_pascuzzi (verified owner) –
Love this stuff! Ive been using it for 2 years now. It used to take me all summer long to get a slight base tan to my skin or I’d just burn. Now I tan beautifully without the burn. And my tan lasts way longer. My skin feels good and I love knowing that I’m supporting my body in the best way. I also love their Sun Soothe. I keep it in the fridge during the summer months and apply that once I get home from a long day soaking in the sunshine. Do your self a favor and add both of these to your cart next summer! 😉
***Please bring back the squeeze bottle, it made it way easier to apply and it was easier to keep cool so it didn’t melt.
Kayla (verified owner) –
Like many of the other people here, I did not have a great experience with this product. I LOVE Earthley and have had great success with everything else I’ve gotten from them. I was super excited about this product. I used it today for the first time when I went to the beach in Michigan for about 2hrs. I understand it’s not a sunscreen, but I don’t remember the last time I burnt this bad. I have lighter skin, but don’t usually get bad sun burns even without sunscreen, so part of me feels like the sunburn is worse than if I hadn’t worn anything. I’ll be sticking with zinc oxide.
Roxana Anagnos (verified owner) –
Second time purchasing this because my first 6oz one is so inconvenient to take with me. The lid broke and since its so oily it kept spilling everywhere so now it sits on my kitchen counter upside down so it won’t spill and if we remember we use it before heading out the door. I just purchased the 8oz and 2oz because the cap looked different in the photos (black cap) but the 2oz came with the same white lid as my first purchase and im not comfortable taking it on the go with me because it might spill in my purse or car.
Lauren (verified owner) –
People who give this product a 1 star do not understand what the product is for. It’s not meant to block the sun, it’s meant shield the sun while allowing you to still get the benefits from the sun. If you are doing an activity all day outside or on the water you will need protection because you are being exposed to the sun for a long period of time and this product is not water resistant. I use this product while I’m out for my 45 min walk outside. If I’m going to be outside all day for hours I use a product with non nano/coated zinc oxide.
Cheyenne (verified owner) –
I applied this before playing pickleball for an hour, in the early sun, and my shoulders burned so bad they blistered. I love Earthley but I’m going to stick with stronger stuff for sun protection.
Kathryn Jones (verified owner) –
Used it all day kayaking and husband and I got burnt. It wasn’t as bad of a burn but I don’t care for this Earthley product.
KH (verified owner) –
I love nearly all of Earthley’s products, however this one fell short of the mark. I applied as directed several times while at the pool. Over the course of two-and-a-half hours, WITH a couple breaks in the shade, I had a sun burn all over the top of my body where I had applied the product numerous times. I understand that it is not advertised as a sun screen, and that they specifically say that it is not, however, applying a “Sun Shield” as directed should prevent one from looking like a lobster. My daughter, to whom I applied the Sun Shield product, also was burned. Unlike other Earthley produces that we use, I would not recommend this one.
Miriam (verified owner) –
Really wanted this to work and to love it as we’re trying to turn to more natural products. Glad we waited til the end of our vacation to try it. My husband and I are both burned to a crisp. It’s as if we didn’t put anything on at all. Very disappointed.
Amanda Huber (verified owner) –
I applied Sun Shield to my arms and legs one time (up to my mid-thigh as I was wearing a dress) around 10:40 a.m., went to brunch, and then went boating. I was in my bathing suit and exposed to the sun from about 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. I did not reapply Sun Shield during that time. The only areas on my body that burned were my butt and my upper back where I had not applied Sun Shield. I had somewhat of a base tan, I tan fairly easily, and I don’t have a lot of seed oils in my diet (which increase inflammation and risk of sunburn). I am pretty impressed with Sun Shield. Not only does it offer sun protection, it is very nourishing for the skin. I will definitely buy more of this in the future.
Sara Burchill (verified owner) –
Man I am as bummed as it gets. I was really excited for this product but it just did not deliver. I put this on me and my kids 30 minutes before going out to swim from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. and I am cherry red. I even reapplied around 10 am. Even my baby who was in a shaded floatie got a little burn on his forearms. I love Earthley and will continue to be a customer for many other products, but I’ll be asking for my money back on this one.
Tam (verified owner) –
Well, I was excited about this product and my upcoming trip to Mexico, first day I coated myself every couple hours and burned to a crisp, I am not one that burn’s easily so I was very disappointed..
Victoria Mitchell (verified owner) –
I love all of my other products from here but I applied this on my arms maybe 4-5 times over a 6 hour period hoping to make sure I did not burn and I was burned maybe the worst I’ve been burned since being a child. Our whole family was. I will not be using this specific product again and definitely not for protecting us from the sun. We were outside enjoying a spring day, not in the water, but it didn’t protect any of us from the most tanned person, someone already sunburned a week ago, to me a very very fair pale person. I wouldn’t recommend this
Caroline (verified owner) –
I love this stuff!! I’m fair skinned and use this hiking, gardening, and at all day music festivals and I don’t burn, just tan. That being said, if I’m out in the high sun, I’ll wear a sun hat and t-shirt to protect my shoulders/ chest or I use pure clear zinc on the “easy to burn spots” like shoulders, nose, ears, tops of feet. This is really great for all over legs/arms to protect skin but you have to treat it differently than a typical sunscreen, it’s a low SPF. I used this all last year and never burned, just tanned and I’m outside A LOT! Remember to stay hydrated and eat antioxidants to help protect skin from the inside as well! There is a learning curve with most natural products, this included-it’s oil based so a little goes a long way, and it shouldn’t be your only sun defense if you are out in the high sun all day.
Bridget –
It does what it says it does! This is not a sun SCREEN- it’s a protectant to help your skin bounce back and prevent damage. I am a farmer and am outside all year in the garden or in the snow. I use this year round. I don’t go outside between 12-3pm during the summer, but if I did–I’d use a zinc and clay based product. I still use this religiously and my skin feels so healthy and supple. It definitely prevents me from burning (I’m irish/english/swedish/german descent) and if I do burn, I simply reapply along with fresh aloe and the sunburn is gone in less than 12 hours-zreplaced by a beautiful tan.
I also use this on my baby with success.
Anna (verified owner) –
I used this today and went swimming in a pool for about an hour and a half. Pretty sure I’m going to get blisters. Im a tomato