When I was growing up, we NEVER used sunscreen. NEVER.
{Me, circa 1990, when summers were made for non-stop sun and swimming}
Every summer, my brothers and I spent eight weeks with my dad in Virginia. My dad, grandparents, and cousins all lived on the same street (small town!) and my grandparents had a great in-ground pool. While my dad was at work, we spent the entirety of our days with our cousins, in the pool. ALWAYS IN THE POOL. In all of the photos of my childhood summers, we are BROWN. So brown. The most amazing, gorgeous tans you can imagine. A tan I would kill to have in my adulthood—if I was OK with getting skin cancer. Which I’m obviously not OK with. But when we were kids, no one worried about sunscreen or sunburns.
It’s amazing how drastically things can change in 20 years, huh?
Today, as a mom, I’m horribly concerned with protecting my children from the sun. I know the damage UVA rays can do, and just how risky exposure to UVB rays can be. So I’ve been pretty good about using sunscreen on Nora (and now Vivienne). 
Then I started learning more about sunscreens themselves, which was a complete eye-opener. It’s SO DEPRESSING, you guys, to learn that the products you’re putting on your child to protect them can actually be doing more harm than good. I may have been protecting her from the dangers of cancer-causing UVB rays… but I was using sunscreens with cancer-causing ingredients to do it. My former favorite? The spray sunscreens. So easy, so fast, so convenient. Come to find out they are like the WORST possible thing you could be using. Go figure.
If you’re curious about how your current sunscreens rank in the safety department, check out the Environmental Working Group’s 2014 Guide to Sunscreens. When it comes to this guide, the lower the score, the better. Scores 0-2 (green) are considered “low hazard”; scores 3-6 (yellow) are “moderate hazard”; scores 7-10 (red) are “high hazard.”
The sunscreens we’ve used in the past are all in the “high hazard” category, unfortunately. Since I was armed with this new (to me) information, I couldn’t NOT make a change this summer. I knew I had to find something more safe for my kids. I started searching for safe sunscreens that also happened to be sprays. As it turns out, that’s a very tall order. If you ask the experts, sprays in general = unsafe. Period.
But then I found Goddess Garden.
Goddess Garden is a mineral sunscreen. The bad, dangerous kinds are chemical sunscreens. When you classify them like that, it’s easy to tell which one you should avoid, right? Chemical sunscreens sound icky by default. Unfortunately, many of them are “chemical cocktails” that can do more harm than good. Apparently, the biggest danger in chemical sunscreens is an ingredient called oxybenzone. It’s a hormone disruptor that can negatively impact the immune system and mimic estrogen. Other common harmful ingredients include: octinoxate (hormone disrupter, reproductive toxicity); retinyl (reproductive toxicity, organ system toxicity, possible carcinogen); synthetic fragrances; and alcohol.
Goddess Garden sunscreens contain none of these things.
As I mentioned, I first found Goddess Garden through a search for mineral sunscreen sprays. And as far as I know, they are the only ones to offer mineral sunscreen in a continuous spray like this.
Now, I have to point out that it’s not the same as the sprays you come across with other brands—and that’s why it’s safer. The nice thing about the continuous spray over a traditional lotion is that it helps to evenly disperse the sunscreen over the body (just like the nasty sprays). The difference is that with Goddess Garden, you still have to rub it in after you spray. If you actually read the directions on traditional spray sunscreens, you’re technically supposed to rub those in, too—but I never did.
Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Sport Spray
Pros: IT’S A SPRAY! Rubs in easily. A little bit goes a long way. It’s safe!
Cons: You have to rub it in. But like I said, you’re supposed to do that anyway, so it’s hard to hold that against Goddess Garden.
One thing to note about the Sunny Kids Sport Spray is that its EWG rating is “only” a 3. That puts it just out of the “low hazard” range and into the low end of the “moderate hazard” range, unfortunately. However, Goddess Garden says this: “…our sprays (both trigger and continuous sprays) have an EWG rating of 3 instead of 1 like the rest of our sunscreens. The only actual difference between our continuous spray and our traditional lotion is that the sprays don’t have Shea butter. Other than that, the ingredient list is exactly the same. The EWG is concerned about inhalation of airborne particles—namely zinc and titanium. … The zinc and titanium that we use in our sprays is actually the EXACT SAME NON-NANO zinc and titanium that we use in our lotions. The average particle size is 120nm. The range in particle sizes is 100nm to 130nm. Most definitions of “nano-particles” are under 100nm.”
Honestly, I really believe it’s fine. When we spray this sunscreen, there is no “cloud” of mist. You don’t feel like you are breathing anything in like you do with typical spray sunscreens. I think EWG is docking Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Sport Spray’s rating simply because it’s a spray—and to be better safe than sorry. In comparison, though? This spray has a rating of 3, while our old sprays were rated at 7 or more. HUGE improvement.
Although I would feel perfectly fine using the spray on Vivienne, we’ve been using another one of Goddess Garden’s sunscreens on her—Sunny Baby.
Goddess Garden Sunny Baby Natural Sunscreen
Pros: Easy to spread and rub in. Much less greasy than a lot of sunscreens. A little bit really does go a long way.
Cons: Sometimes seems to “reappear” on the surface of the skin when the kids get wet in the pool or whatever. Its consistency is a bit thin, which is great as far as the rubbing in is concerned, but also means you can sometimes accidentally squirt out WAY more than you need. So be careful; squeeze the tube gently. :)
The price for this can seem steep when you look at the size of the tube, but I’m not kidding when I say that this will last a while. You don’t need a lot to cover those little body parts!
Goddess Garden Sunny Baby has an EWG rating of 1. Considered very low hazard!
Goddess Garden Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen
Adults are not left out! Goddess Garden makes sunscreens for us, too. Of course, you can also use any of the stuff labeled Sunny Baby and Sunny Kids as well, but should you be looking for yourself, check out Goddess Garden Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen.
The pros and cons are honestly exactly the same as those I’ve listed above for Sunny Baby. Goddess Garden Sunny Face also has an EWG rating of 1.
Goddess Garden has been keeping us protected from the sun for several weeks now, and I’m very happy with this family of products. I feel much better about what I’m slathering all over my kids now. And good thing, because we’ll be going on vacation to the beach very soon! A week in the sun, sand, and water means we’ll be really putting this stuff to the test.
I want YOU to be able to put it to the test, too. And for one lucky winner, Goddess Garden will be making that possible. Three cheers for a giveaway! Up for grabs is a Goddess Garden product package. If you win, you choose ONE of the following packages:
- Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Sport Spray (6 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Baby Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.)
- Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Sport Spray (6 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Body Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.)
- Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Sport Spray (6 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Face Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.); Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Natural Sunscreen (3.4 oz.)
The differences between the packages lie in the third product—you can choose whether you want Sunny Baby, Sunny Body, or Sunny Kids. Truthfully, any of these can be used on any member of your family; it’s all in the name! :) Still, your choice.
One winner will be announced next Friday, July 25 (giveaway ends at noon on that same day).
To enter to win, use the Rafflecopter widget below. Good luck!
Disclaimer: Goddess Garden provided sunscreen for us to try at no charge in exchange for my review. However, opinions expressed within this post are my own. Goddess Garden is also sponsoring the associated giveaway.
49 Responses to Goddess Garden Sunscreen Review & Giveaway
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About
I'm Heather. I'm 33 and have been married to Michael for seven years. Together, we have two beautiful little girls we love more than anything, and a miniature dachshund who drives us crazy. I'm a full-time working mom who has very little time for my own "stuff" these days, like home improvement, cooking/baking, cake decorating, and photography. Despite the team not making the playoffs since 1999, I'm STILL a Buffalo Bills fan, which I think speaks to my loyalty AND sense of humor. I can't wait to pick up the pace with travel again some day... you know, when we're done being ruled by tiny fists. Welcome to my blog.
Is this available in stores? I’ve never seen this brand before.
Hi Tara,
It is, although I think distribution is still fairly limited. I have seen it at various Wegmans locations near me, but that’s not helpful for most of the country. Goddess Garden does have a pretty good store locator on their website so you can see if it’s sold anywhere near you.
I’ll check Wegmans. Thanks. Would like to give the spray a try.
Hoping to win package 1 for my babe
Wow – Never heard of this brand before.
I would want to win package 3 for my kids. I am always looking for something a little safer to use on the kids.
Heather, what is the price range on the sunscreen? Is it comparable to the “nasty stuff”? I know it will likely be more expensive, but I’m wondering how much more.
It’s definitely more expensive. One of the hardest pills to swallow when making healthier, more natural choices—in any area of life, not just sunscreen! The prices will vary depending on where you’re shopping. They sell Goddess Garden on Amazon and Walgreens website. But I’m pretty sure my local Wegmans stores carried it for cheaper than both of those places.
One more question Heather, do you mind sharing which sunscreen you were using before? I only ask because the Banana Boat sunscreen for babies rates a 3, so I was curious what you were using.
We were using a combination of generics. Wegmans, Up and Up, Equate. It’s weird because I can no longer find the Wegmans brand in there anymore, even though I KNOW I found it a month or so ago when I was looking. I wonder if they were on the 2013 list but somehow were not evaluated/included in 2014? Strange.
Looks great!
I would chose package 3.
Awesome. I actually would love to try the sunscreen for me! We have a good baby one already (though I am intrigued by the spray!) but I need to find replacement sunscreen for my husband and I.
Also, guessing you meant the giveaway ends July 25, not June ;)
Hahaha. Yes. Thanks for the that. It was very late last night when I was finishing this post. That, plus the unbelievable speed at which this summer is flying by = wishing it was still June. ;)
Hoping to win this safer sunscreen for my baby!
Would like to win the first package for my girl!
Always need more sunscreen
I literally had no idea that there was a spray sunscreen that was rated so low by EWG. I can’t wait to try this!
Hoping to win this for myself! As the one of the fairest people ever, I need to protection, but not the extra chemicals!
Would love to win! I’ve been looking for a sunscreen for my little one!
I definitely would want to try the sunny baby sunscreen!
I’m SO excited about this! My husband & daughter HATE having regular sunscreen applied, but I refused to buy a spray because of everything you mentioned above! I love this!
Jacki, just keep in mind that this spray does go on more like lotion. It’s basically like having really thin lotion in a spray can. You can spray it on over your arm, but it goes on white (just like any other lotion would), so you have to rub it in. Somehow, it still just seems way easier than starting off with a glob in your hand. :)
New brand I’ve never heard of before!
I would love to try the kids sports spray. My daughter is always on the move, so I need something I can apply quickly and easily.
Sunny Face or Sunny Baby.
I’d love to try this brand! We’ve been making so many “natural” changes lately- I think this would be a great addition. I’m also exploring diy-homemade sunscreens with EO. I’ll let you know how that little science experiment turns out :)
This brand sounds so much better for kids than the other stuff. Would love to try to spray for kids!
As someone who is fair and has had multiple basal cell carcinomas removed (the first when I was 22… the most recent at 32), I am a strong advocate for sunscreen. Especially for my children. I never want to find out whether they were blessed with their father’s skin or have mine. I would love to win this package! Thank you for posting!
Thank you for your review! I’ve been reading bad things about “normal” sunscreens but had no idea where to start at looking for better sunscreens – but with a new baby in our house, I knew it was important. I will definitely be checking them out!
Always looking for a safer sunscreen. I’ll be checking in to this one for sure!
Woo hoo! Like you, I never wore sunscreen as a kid, hence my overpopulation of freckles on my shoulders. I would love to help protect my sweet fair-skinned, red-headed boy.
I’d love to have some on hand for adults and children!
I would love package 1- the baby sunscreen sounds fantastic!!
I’d love to try the spray as well-the kids’ daycare requires spray and like you said, it’s hard to find one lower on the list!
I’ve never heard of this family of products before, but we’re always looking for safe products to use on our son and ourselves! We’d especially love to win the package with the Baby sunscreen so we can try it out during our trip to the beach in a few weeks! Thanks for the chance to win!
Good information
I have been obsessed and overwhelmed with the EWG recommendations too. I was using Blue Lizard when they were babies. At some point, I switched to Coppertone Waterbabies Pure & Simple. I thought it was a 3. Now I see it’s up to a 4. So as we get ready to go on vacation, I have been looking at the list again too and comparing to reviews on Amazon. Wow… so hard to find a good one. Last year, we tried AquaSport spray (more like squirt) and found it greasy. I would be interested in trying this one, but I see mixed reviews on Amazon about being burned or it not working in the water. Definitely keep us posted on how you found it to work while at the beach. I didn’t see this at Wegmans – is it in the Natural section? I might also try to find Blue Lizard again or ThinkBaby, which are both 1s. We find the lotions are easy enough on the kids since there isn’t much area to have to spread it, but if we do a spray, we always rub in it too.
Hi Jill—just wanted to report back after our vacation and say that we didn’t have any issue with burns! I used this brand EXCLUSIVELY on Vivienne, and used this and another on Nora. I actually used the Goddess Garden Sunny Baby on Nora’s face exclusively, too, and it was fine. We had sunny weather the whole vacation, and she was constantly in the pool and on the beach/in the ocean!
Love that it doesn’t have all of those terrible chemicals!
This is awesome! I researched our sunscreen and found out it’s a 3 also. I’d love to try the spray sunscreen on my kids!
We’re always looking for better sunscreen options. I will definitely look into this brand. Thanks for the informative post Heather.
We use so much sunscreen on our kids, and would love more natural safe products for them.
I am crazy about sunscreen with my kids!
I would love to win for my toddler and myself- so hard to find stuff in the stores that aren’t loaded with chemicals!
I love that they aren’t full of chemicals and they take a natural approach to sun protection that is still affordable. I’d like to try their spray sunscreen
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I’d love to try sunny baby! Thanks!
Love these products!
I have yet to find a sunscreen that isn’t full of horrible chemilcals that I LOVE. I would love to give this brand a try!