The benefits of Edelweiss sunscreen image
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  • Sun & travel

The benefits of Edelweiss sunscreen

This powerful plant has remarkable ways of protecting itself in harsh, sun-exposed environments. We put that natural resilience to work in our organic sun creams, and here is how it helps your skin.

By Alexandra Julian

7 Minute read

You may not have heard of Edelweiss, but it is one of the hardest-working natural ingredients in our organic sun care. It’s a small plant with impressive resilience, known for its ability to thrive in harsh, high-altitude environments with high UV exposure, and we use its powerful properties in our sunscreens.

We choose the ingredients in our organic sun creams for their proven effectiveness and kindness to sensitive skin. We select an extract from the mountain flower Edelweiss to give your skin an extra layer of antioxidant protection, helping it stay calm and comfortable in the sun.

At a glance

  • Edelweiss is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage caused by UV exposure
  • It has natural properties that help to strengthen the skin barrier and calm sensitivity
  • We use it to enhance the benefits of our natural and organic sunscreens
  • Find it in our Edelweiss Sun Cream with Tan Accelerator and Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30

What is Edelweiss and why is it in my sun cream?

Edelweiss (Leontopodium Alpinum) is a remarkable plant recognised for its ability to protect itself against extreme UV light. It produces its own antioxidants and other protective compounds to survive and flourish in tough conditions. 

Edelweiss flowers growing in mountains

This natural defence system makes it an ideal supportive ingredient for our natural and organic sunscreens. It works alongside our broad-spectrum UV filters to give your skin an extra level of care and protection.

The skin benefits of using Edelweiss sunscreen

We consider Edelweiss the perfect partner to our effective, protective sun filters. Its natural properties offer several benefits for skin that is exposed to the sun.

  • Rich in antioxidants: It helps your skin counteract the effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules generated by sun exposure that can lead to premature skin ageing.
  • Strengthens the skin barrier: Edelweiss contains compounds that help to reinforce your skin’s natural barrier, improving its resilience and ability to retain moisture.
  • Calms and soothes: Its natural anti-inflammatory properties help to keep skin feeling calm and comfortable, reducing the risk of sensitivity.

While Edelweiss offers impressive benefits, it is not a sun filter on its own. For effective sun protection, you still need a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays. We use non-nano Zinc Oxide and other carefully chosen filters to create sunscreens that are gentle, effective and kind to the wider environment.

Shop sunscreens with Edelweiss

You can find Edelweiss extract in most of our natural sun creams. It supports our main UV filters to provide comfortable, effective protection for the whole family.

For everyday protection and a gentle glow

Our Edelweiss Sun Cream with Tan Accelerator SPF15 is a popular choice for daily use in the UK climate. It provides medium protection and is boosted with an ingredient derived from the Carob tree that helps to support your natural tan.


For sensitive and eczema-prone skin

If your skin is very sensitive, our Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is a fantastic option. It is completely fragrance-free and offers high protection, with Edelweiss providing antioxidant support to keep reactive skin calm and happy in the sun. It is suitable for skin that may be prone to eczema and prickly heat.


For children and babies over 6 months

The delicate skin of children needs the highest protection. Our Organic Children's Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is water-repellent and unscented, making it ideal for young, sensitive skin. The Edelweiss extract provides extra peace of mind by helping to soothe and protect their skin as they play.


For your face

Your face is exposed to UV light all year round, so a dedicated facial sun cream is a daily essential. Our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30 is light, non-greasy and sits beautifully under make-up, all while providing high-factor protection boosted with the antioxidant power of Edelweiss.

Frequently asked questions about Edelweiss

Is Edelweiss a natural sunscreen?

No, Edelweiss itself is not a sunscreen. While it has powerful properties that help protect the skin from UV-induced damage, it does not block or filter UV rays. It should always be used alongside clinically proven, broad-spectrum UV filters in a properly formulated sun cream for effective sun protection.

Can I use your Edelweiss sunscreen on sensitive skin?

Yes. Edelweiss is known for its skin-calming properties, making it an excellent ingredient for sensitive skin. All our sunscreens containing Edelweiss are dermatologically tested and suitable for sensitive skin. For extra reassurance, choose our fragrance-free Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30.

Why is antioxidant protection important in sun care?

Sun exposure generates free radicals in the skin, which can damage skin cells and accelerate signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles. Antioxidants, like those found in Edelweiss, neutralise these free radicals, providing an extra line of defence. You can learn more in our guide to antioxidant sunscreens.

 

We hope this guide has helped you understand the benefits of Edelweiss sunscreen. If you need any more help choosing the perfect SPF, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.

 

If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to 'The benefits of Edelweiss sunscreen.' Please do not use an affiliate link.

MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE

Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.

A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.

A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible 'Naturally Gorgeous'. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.

 

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