Kari Gran’s Essential SPF is a moisturizer, sunscreen and makeup primer all in one. The formula is lightweight yet rich in hydration and creates a dewy base for makeup.

Why It’s Effective

Face sunscreens are often thick and can leave a white cast, making them unsuitable under makeup.

Essential SPF has a serum-like formula that rubs in clear. It easily spreads evenly across your face.

Ingredients are organic and non-gmo and include:

Red raspberry seed oil
French plum seed oil
Macadamia nut seed oil
Kukui seed oil
Avocado oil
Jojoba seed oil
Beeswax
Vitamin E from sunflower

Why It’s Safe

Most sunscreens contain chemical filters because they go on clear and are cheaper like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, avobenzone and others. These chemical filters are associated with endocrine disruption and skin allergies.

Additionally, in 2019 the Journal of the American Medical Association published results from a study confirming the absorption of active sunscreen ingredients in the skin.[1] The FDA has concluded the only two ingredients determined to be safe and effective are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.

Kari Gran uses the safest known SPF, non-nano zinco oxide. Zinc oxide is physical blocker that provides excellent UV protection and is said to create fewer free radicals than titanium dioxide (another physical blocker commonly used).

In addition, Essential SPF is also free of the following toxic ingredients often found face sunscreens:

Petrolatum - may be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are carcinogenic.[2][3]
Propylene glycol - skin irritant associated with contact dermatitis.[4]
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) - penetration enhancers that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are associated with reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, cancer, and DNA damage.[5]
Phenoxyethanol- skin, eye, or lung irritant. In 2008, the FDA warned consumers not to use Mommy’s Bliss Nipple cream because it contained phenoxyethanol which was harmful to infants. The statement indicated phenoxyethanol could “depress the central nervous system and may cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration in infants.” Phenoxyethanol remains a controversial ingredient and even “green” beauty products continue to use it as a preservative.[6]