Natural Sun Protection: A Growing Body of Evidence

Why Customers Are Seeking Natural Sun Protection

We are frequently asked about natural sun protection at Cosy Cottage Soap. More and more customers are looking for effective, non-toxic alternatives to conventional high-SPF sunscreens; products that avoid synthetic chemical filters often cited as potentially endocrine-disrupting or harmful to the environment.

How Sun Protection Works

To protect skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, an ingredient needs to do one or both of the following:

• Scatter or block UV rays to prevent them reaching the skin (physical/mineral protection)
• Absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin (chemical absorption)

The Problem with Conventional Sunscreen Ingredients

Ingredients capable of delivering high, certified SPF protection such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate are not natural. Each carries concerns around endocrine disruption and long-term skin absorption, which is why so many customers are actively seeking plant-based UV protection alternatives.

Natural Alternatives: What the Evidence Says

There is a growing, although not yet conclusively proven, body of evidence around natural sun protection ingredients. At Cosy Cottage Soap, we have begun incorporating several of these into our formulations.

Mineral Ingredients That Scatter UV Rays

These naturally occurring mineral ingredients physically block and scatter UV radiation. Non-nano forms are preferred to minimise the risk of skin absorption:

• Non-nano zinc oxide — broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Non-nano titanium dioxide — effective UVB and short UVA protection

Plant-Based Oils That Absorb UV Rays

These darker oils and butters offer mild to moderate UV absorption and are rich in antioxidants that support skin health:

• Red raspberry seed oil — one of the most studied plant oils for UV absorption, with research into its fatty acid profile and UV-absorbing properties dating back to 2000, and more recent studies confirming meaningful UVB photoprotective efficacy both in vitro and in vivo, as well as potential synergy with zinc oxide in sunscreen formulations ^{[3], [4], [5]}. We use Rubus idaeus (raspberry) seed oil in our Rosehip & Raspberry Seed Oils Facial Serum — though please note this product has not been SPF-certified and should not replace a validated sun protection product.
• Coconut oil — in vitro studies suggest a modest SPF of around 7–8, offering a base level of UV absorption alongside its well-known moisturising and skin-conditioning properties ^{[1], [2]}. Coconut oil features as a key ingredient in our Natural Honey & Rosehip Face Cream, where it contributes to the cream’s nourishing, skin-conditioning base.
• Rosehip oil — high in vitamins A and C, supports skin repair after sun exposure
• Carrot seed oil — rich in beta-carotene with antioxidant properties

Our Conclusion

Until the body of evidence is more fully developed and natural sun protection products can achieve certified SPF ratings, we recommend using these natural ingredients alongside certified SPF products rather than as a complete replacement. Think of them as a complementary layer of clean, plant-powered protection.

The good news: research is continuing, and we are hopeful that fully certified, natural mineral sunscreen products will become more widely available in the near future. Watch this space. In the meantime, if you’d like to explore products that incorporate these ingredients, take a look at our Rosehip & Raspberry Seed Oils Facial Serum (featuring raspberry seed oil) and our Natural Honey & Rosehip Face Cream (featuring coconut oil).

References

1. Kaur, C. D., & Saraf, S. (2010). In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics. Pharmacognosy Research, 2(1), 22–25. PMC3140123
2. Malsawmtluangi, C., Nath, D. K., Jamatia, I., Lianhmingthangi, Zarzoliana, & Pal, S. (2013). Determination of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number of some commonly used vegetable sources. Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research, 3(09), 216–218. JAPS Abstract
3. Oomah, B. D., Ladet, S., Godfrey, D. V., Liang, J., & Girard, B. (2000). Characteristics of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) seed oil. Food Chemistry, 69(2), 187–193. ScienceDirect
4. Ghosh, S., & Dhandha, F. (2024). Investigation of Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of Raspberry Seed Oil, Niacinamide and Zinc Oxide in Combination for their Possible Use in a Sunscreen Formulation. SKIN: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine, 8(5), 1808. Dermsquared / SKIN
5. Ácsóvá, A., Hojerová, J., Janotková, M., Bendová, H., & Mikula, M. (2021). The real UVB photoprotective efficacy of vegetable oils: in vitro and in vivo studies. Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, 20(1), 139–151. SpringerLink