Light moisturizing SPF lotion
Simply Natural
I’m currently testing several items from Ursa Major, a Vermont company that makes a variety of natural personal products, including the Force Field SPF 30 sunscreen, which is designed to work with all skin types.
I’ll start with the design of the 1.7-ounce (50 ml) white glass bottle. It’s travel size, which is always appreciated. It has a simple pump that dispenses just the right amount of sunscreen. I love this because I don’t waste any sunscreen or make a mess. The glass bottle is recyclable. Just clean it, and add it to your recycling bin.
I’ve worn the Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 sunscreen on several sunny outings, and felt that I had good protection. I don’t burn easily, so 30 SPF in Seattle, WA, where we’ve had quite a sunny, hot summer, is plenty for my typical one- to two-hour long outing where I might go for a short hike, an urban walk, or pick berries until I’m dizzy.
Since I wear long shorts and a long-sleeved sun hoodie most of the time, I mostly apply sunscreen on my cheeks and nose since those are my burn areas. I’m fussy about sunscreen because I don’t like having the lotion on my fingers after applying, but I didn’t find the Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen to be greasy. I liked the light lotion, and my skin absorbed it well.
Even after two hours my face looked fine. I was expecting to see an oily face in the mirror, but it didn’t happen because the Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen also moisturizes my skin. It contains several natural ingredients that are beneficial for the skin, including: Elfdoc flower and Lingonberry stem cells, which provide protection against pollution and blue light and have skin-strengthening properties; Sodium hyaluronate, which helps the skin retain moisture; and Plant-derived Squalane, which benefits skin tone and texture.
Sun-Blocking Minerals
I’m extremely chemically sensitive, especially to synthetic fragrances, but I had no trouble wearing the Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 Sunscreen. It is unscented, and I did not discern any scent or fragrance. Ursa Major uses natural minerals, not chemicals, in this sunscreen to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays. It contains 14.95% Zinc Oxide (non-nano and uncoated, so it does not harm coral reef), which creates an effective sun-blocking physical barrier over the skin.
Bottom Line
I feel good about using Ursa Major products because they strive to be sustainable and create natural products that are cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan. I really like the lightweight formula, and I’m happy to have found a sunscreen that both more natural and works well for me.
Manufacturer: ursamajorvt.com
$58 at Ursa Major site and on Amazon
image from Ursa Major site