Tallow Mineral Suncreen
Sophia Christine Photography
Is Your Sunscreen Really Protecting You? Let’s Talk Truth Under the Sun
Out here on the ranch, we spend a lot of time in the sun—working the garden, hanging laundry on the line, chasing barefoot babies through the fields. Like most folks, we want to protect our skin without slathering on chemicals we can’t pronounce. But it turns out, not all sunscreens are created equal—and some might not be doing what you think they are.
Recent studies show that many big-name sunscreens fall short on UVA protection, even if they’re labeled with sky-high SPF numbers. And some of the most common ingredients? They’re raising red flags—not just for your skin, but for your health, your kids, and even the environment.
Before you toss another bottle in your beach bag, it’s worth understanding what SPF really means, what ingredients to look out for, and why mineral sunscreens (like those made with zinc oxide) are gaining ground—especially among homesteaders, mamas, and anyone looking for a more natural approach.
In this post, we’re digging into what’s behind the label, how to read between the SPF lines, and why we believe in a simpler, back-to-basics kind of sun care—the kind that nourishes your skin while it protects it. Let’s break it all down.
Is Sunscreen Really Effective?
A 2021 peer-reviewed study, highlighted by the Environmental Working Group, found that many sunscreens sold in the U.S. don’t live up to their SPF claims—at least not when it comes to protecting against UVA rays. While they generally do a good job blocking UVB rays (which cause sunburn), they often fall short in guarding against UVA exposure, which is linked to long-term skin damage and skin cancer. On top of that, some common sunscreen ingredients—like benzene and oxybenzone—can have harmful effects, especially for kids. Spray sunscreens are a particular concern, both because of questionable ingredients and because they often don’t apply evenly or thoroughly.
Bottom line: before trusting what’s on the label, it’s a good idea to look into the ingredients and effectiveness of the sunscreen you’re using.
SPF- What’s the Deal with SPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is usually the first thing people look at when picking out sunscreen. Lately, there’s been a push for higher and higher SPF numbers—in 2007, only 38 products had an SPF over 50, but by 2022, that number jumped to 97.
However, research from the FDA shows that higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean better protection. In fact, SPF can be a misleading way to measure how well a sunscreen works. The main issue with products labeled over SPF 50 is that they can make people think they’re getting much stronger protection than they really are, which can lead to overexposure and more skin damage in the long run.
Chemical vs mineral- Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen
Sunscreens come in two main types: chemical and mineral. Mineral options are generally considered safer than chemical ones. Chemical sunscreens often use ingredients like oxybenzone, which has been linked to hormone disruption in humans and is harmful to marine life—especially coral reefs—when it washes off in the water.
Mineral sunscreens, on the other hand, use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as their active ingredients. Zinc oxide is especially effective because it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide works well against UVB, but doesn’t do as much for UVA protection. That’s why we prefer mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide for the best overall coverage.
Homemade sunscreen-
Homemade Sunscreen Ingredients
While homemade sunscreens aren’t tested in labs like commercial ones, certain natural ingredients are both sun-protective and great for your skin. These ingredients can be a safer, more nourishing alternative to conventional sunscreens—especially when you know what each one does.
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
This is the main active ingredient providing broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. “Non-nano” means the particles are large enough to sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into the body, which helps protect the skin more effectively and safely.
Tallow
Tallow offers natural SPF (around 4) and is full of skin-supporting nutrients. It contains vitamins A, D, E, K, and B12, plus beneficial fatty acids like:
• CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) – naturally anti-inflammatory
• Palmitoleic acid – antimicrobial and helps build healthy skin
• Palmitic acid – strengthens the skin’s protective barrier
• Stearic acid – aids in skin repair and improves flexibility and softness
Tallow is especially beneficial when sourced from grass-fed cows due to its higher nutrient content.
Coconut Oil
With an estimated SPF of around 5, coconut oil adds mild sun protection and deeply moisturizes the skin. It’s also packed with antioxidants and has natural antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Coconut oil helps reduce inflammation and supports overall skin health.
Olive Oil
While its SPF is also low (around 5), olive oil is rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamins. It helps keep the skin nourished, smooth, and youthful-looking.
Beeswax
Beeswax helps create a protective layer on the skin and adds a smooth, creamy texture to skincare products. It also helps make sunscreen more water-resistant, so it stays on longer during sun exposure.
The Bottom Line: Sun Care Oughta Be Simple, Safe, and Straight-Shooting
Out here, we like to keep things honest and time-tested. And when it comes to protecting our skin under this hardworking sun, we believe in doing it the old-fashioned way—with ingredients you can recognize and trust, not some mystery blend cooked up in a lab.
Truth is, a lot of store-bought sunscreens promise big but don’t follow through—especially when it comes to long-term protection. And when you start digging into what’s actually in those bottles… well, let’s just say, most of it wouldn’t pass muster on our homestead.
That’s why we stick to what we know. Our Honey Roan Mineral Sunscreen is handcrafted right here at Double L Ranch, using tallow from our own grass-fed cattle, non-nano zinc oxide, organic vanilla beans, olive oil, coconut oil, and beeswax. Every jar is made with care, from scratch, with the same grit and goodness we put into everything on the ranch.
No junk. No gimmicks. Just pure, skin-loving protection that holds up in the hayfield, down by the creek, or while chasing littles through the pasture. It’s sun care made the way our grandmothers might’ve done it—slow, simple, and strong.
So if you’re lookin’ for a mineral sunscreen that fits the homestead way of life—clean, effective, and made with real heart—we’d be proud to share The Honey Roan with your family.