Choosing the right natural sunscreen ingredients is crucial when it comes to sun protection. With a variety of options available, it can be hard to decide which one is best. That’s why we took a closer look at three of the most popular natural sun care ingredients: tallow, coconut oil, and shea butter.

Which one offers the best protection, nourishment, and skin benefits? Let's find out.

1. Tallow: The Skin’s Best Friend

Tallow, especially when sourced from grass-fed beef, is a powerhouse of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. These vitamins work together to nourish and repair your skin after sun exposure. But what about its role in sun care?

While tallow doesn’t directly block UV rays like zinc oxide, its fatty acid profile closely mimics your skin’s own sebum, making it deeply hydrating and anti-inflammatory. When paired with non-nano zinc oxide (like in Solscreen’s Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30), it offers a well-rounded, natural sun care solution that not only protects but also heals and restores.

Benefits of Tallow for Sun Care:

• Rich in healing vitamins (A, D, E, K)
• Anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties
• Strengthens the skin barrier for better sun resilience
• Perfect for sensitive, dry, or aging skin

2. Coconut Oil: Moisture Meets Protection

Next up is coconut oil, a popular go-to for skin care enthusiasts everywhere. Known for its moisturizing and antioxidantproperties, it can be a great addition to your skin care routine.

But when it comes to sun protection, the story changes. Coconut oil has a natural SPF of about 4-6, which means it offers some protection but is nowhere near enough for prolonged exposure. However, it still provides a level of hydrationthat can be beneficial for your skin post-sun exposure.

Benefits of Coconut Oil for Sun Care:

• Light SPF of 4-6, ideal for short sun exposure
• Excellent moisturizer and antioxidant
• Reduces the appearance of sunburns and skin damage
• Rich in fatty acids that nourish and soothe skin

However, if you're looking for serious sun protection, coconut oil should be used as a complementary ingredient to other sun-blocking agents, rather than as the primary defense.

3. Shea Butter: The Deep Nourisher

Lastly, we have shea butter, which is widely celebrated for its ability to hydrate and soothe dry or irritated skin. Shea butter is rich in oleic acid, linoleic acid, and vitamin E, making it an excellent option for locking in moisture and promoting skin elasticity.

While it doesn’t offer direct UV protection, shea butter’s anti-inflammatory properties can help heal sunburns and protect your skin from environmental stressors. It can also provide an additional layer of protection when paired with zinc oxide or other active sun protectants.

Benefits of Shea Butter for Sun Care:

• Deeply moisturizing and nourishing
• High in antioxidants to combat sun damage
• Helps to heal and repair skin after sun exposure
• Improves skin elasticity and firmness

However, she’s butter isn’t a substitute for broad-spectrum protection, as it doesn’t have enough SPF to protect you during extended sun exposure.

The Verdict: Tallow Wins for Sun Protection and Skin Nourishment

After comparing tallow, coconut oil, and shea butter, tallow emerges as the winner for sun care. Here's why:

1. Tallow works synergistically with other natural sun protectants like zinc oxide to provide deep hydration and effective protection.
2. It’s packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins that support skin healing after sun exposure.
3. It mimics your skin’s natural oils, making it the most compatible and nourishing for long-term use.

Coconut oil and shea butter both have their merits but fall short when it comes to adequate sun protection. Use them to supplement your sun care routine, but for the best protection, tallow-based sunscreens are where the real magic happens.

Ready to Experience the Benefits of Tallow Sunscreen?

For a natural, nourishing sun protection that works, check out Solscreen’s Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30. It combines the best of grass-fed tallow and non-nano zinc oxide to protect, heal, and moisturize your skin—naturally.