Reef-Safe, Skin-Safe: This Award-Winning Sun Cream Checks Every Box

Among this year’s standout sun protection solutions, Helena Lane Skincare’s Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream emerged as a 3rd Place winner in the Sun Care category of the 10th Clean Beauty Awards. Rigorously tested by a panel of clean beauty advocates, this sun cream impressed judges with its clean formulation, skin-loving ingredients, and gentle yet effective performance. We caught up with Helena Lane Skincare to learn more about the inspiration behind this celebrated product and what makes it a must-have for health-conscious shoppers.

Q&A with Helena Lane Skincare

What inspired the creation of the Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream?

Sun protection ingredients are among the most harmful found in conventional personal care products. Concerned about their widespread use—especially on children—Helena set out to create a safer, more nourishing alternative. Recognizing that mineral sunscreens are often thick and leave a white residue, she developed a formulation that challenges this norm. Her sun cream blends a soft, easily absorbed base of plant oils and shea butter with non-nano zinc oxide for UV protection. The result is a mineral sunscreen that feels luxurious and works hard. Each year, it remains a best-seller, loved by both adults and children alike.

How does this product reflect Helena Lane Skincare’s mission and values?

Helena’s philosophy centers on minimalism and ingredient integrity. Every product she crafts contains only a handful of carefully selected organic and clean ingredients. This sun cream is no exception, made with just six base ingredients plus essential oils. She believes that our skin performs best when it's not overloaded—less is truly more.

What makes this sun cream stand out in its category?

Its texture and performance set it apart. The Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream is soft, smooth, and absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast—a rare feat for mineral sunscreens. The gentle, uplifting scent of lemongrass and lavender adds a sensory delight to each application. This blend of effectiveness and experience helped it stand out during judging.

What are the hero ingredients and why are they essential?

The formulation features nourishing organic plant oils and shea butter to deeply moisturize and protect the skin. Chamomile and calendula extracts provide calming, anti-inflammatory benefits, particularly helpful for skin affected by sun exposure. Non-nano zinc oxide is the star ingredient for UV protection—it’s reef-safe, gentle, and highly effective.

Who is the ideal customer for this product?

This sun cream is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and reactive skin. It’s gentle enough for use on young children and suitable for anyone looking for a clean, non-toxic approach to sun protection.

More Than Just a Pretty Face—A Certified Favorite

Helena Lane Skincare’s Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream didn’t earn 3rd Place in the Sun Care category by chance. It underwent rigorous testing by a panel of clean beauty advocates and emerged as a trusted, high-performance choice for conscious consumers. If you’re looking to round out your clean beauty ritual, we’ve got another must-discover: this Body Polish took home 1st Place in the Body Scrub category—and it’s a sensory experience you don’t want to miss.