We say it all the time: wear your SPF. But the conversation that doesn’t happen nearly enough is what’s actually inside your sunscreen and whether it’s working with your skin or quietly against it.
At Grace | Rae, we believe that every product you put on your skin should be intentional. That includes your SPF. So this summer, we want to give you the tools to choose one that truly protects without disrupting the barrier you’ve worked so hard to build.
1. Two Types of Sunscreen: Chemical vs. Mineral
Before we talk ingredients, it helps to understand how sunscreens actually work. There are two categories:
Chemical sunscreens
These absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which the skin then releases. They tend to feel lightweight and invisible on the skin, which makes them popular. Common chemical filters include oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and homosalate.
The downside: chemical filters can cause irritation, redness, or hormonal disruption- particularly in sensitive, reactive, or compromised skin. For anyone focused on barrier health, this is worth paying attention to.
Mineral sunscreens
Mineral SPF (made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) works differently. Instead of absorbing UV rays, it sits on top of the skin and physically deflects them. It’s not absorbed. It shields.
For sensitive skin, postpartum skin, or anyone managing redness and inflammation, mineral sunscreen is almost always the gentler, more supportive choice.
A quick tip: If your skin tends to flush, react, or feel sensitized after sunscreen, switching to a mineral formula is often the first thing worth trying.
2. What Is Non-Nano Zinc Oxide And Why Does It Matter?
You might have noticed “non-nano zinc oxide” on cleaner SPF labels. Here’s what that actually means.
Zinc oxide comes in two particle sizes:
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Nano zinc oxide particles are microscopic- small enough to be absorbed into the skin and potentially into the bloodstream. The long-term safety of nano particles is still being studied.
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Non-nano zinc oxide particles are larger and stay on the surface of the skin. They do their job (protect against UV rays) without penetrating.
If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply trying to keep your routine as clean and non-disruptive as possible, non-nano is the standard worth seeking out.
A quick tip: The label won’t always say “non-nano” explicitly. When in doubt, reach out to the brand directly- a clean SPF company will always be able to tell you.
3. What to Look For on the Label
Shopping for a clean SPF can feel overwhelming. Here’s what we actually look for:
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Non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient
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Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and synthetic fragrance
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SPF 30–50 for daily use- higher SPF doesn’t always mean significantly more protection, and very high SPF formulas can sometimes include more chemical stabilizers
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A formula that layers cleanly under or over moisturizer without pilling
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Pregnancy and breastfeeding safe- a good signal for overall formula cleanliness
4. What to Leave on the Shelf
Just as important as what to look for is what to avoid. These are the ingredients most worth watching out for:
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Oxybenzone- a chemical filter linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage
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Octinoxate- another common chemical filter with similar concerns
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Homosalate- penetrates skin and may disrupt hormonal function
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Synthetic fragrance- a common irritant, especially for sensitive skin
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Parabens- preservatives that have raised concerns around hormonal activity
5. How SPF Fits Into Your Grace | Rae Routine
SPF is your last step in the morning, and it works best when your skin barrier underneath is healthy and well-hydrated. Think of your Grace | Rae routine as the foundation that makes your SPF work better.
Here’s how we layer it:
Step 1- Cleanse with the Nourish Cleansing Oil to remove impurities without stripping.
Step 2- Apply the Evoke Essence to hydrate and prep skin to absorb what comes next.
Step 3- Layer the Repair Serum to nourish and strengthen your barrier.
Step 4- Seal everything in with the Barrier Balm.
Step 5- Apply your clean mineral SPF on top.
A strong barrier underneath means better moisture retention, faster recovery from UV exposure, and skin that stays calm instead of reactive through the summer months.
Protect Your Skin, Simply and Intentionally
You don’t need a 12-step sunscreen research project. You just need to know what to look for and what to feel confident leaving behind.
Non-nano zinc oxide. Fragrance-free. Pregnancy safe. Layers beautifully. That’s the short version.
Pair it with a routine that supports your barrier from the inside out, and your skin will be ready for everything summer brings.
At Grace | Rae, we believe protection and nourishment go hand in hand. Build the foundation. Then shield it.