I avoid using sunblock that a) smells like a pina colada, b) washes off too quickly while swimming or c) dries my skin out. Beyond Coastal sun care products fit the bill as far as my “don’t” criteria go. In fact, Beyond Coastal sunscreen, lip balm, face screen and moisturizer are chock full of good stuff: natural ingredients like aloe vera, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, safflower oil, green tea and Vitamins A, C & E. And there’s none of the bad stuff: products are fragrance free, petroleum-oil free, paraben free and they’re made with no harsh, drying chemicals.

Another big bonus for folks who do a lot of ocean swimming on their vacations: Beyond Coastal natural formulas won’t harm marine environments. And the sunscreens come in 2.5-oz containers for carry-on travel.

I tested Beyond Coastal products during January trips to Jamaica and Lake Tahoe. Here’s the skinny (retail prices are from GearPipline.com, for the 2.5 oz variety, where applicable):

Daily Active Sunscreen: SPF 15 I used this version of the sunscreen — on my face and body — for walking around town. Like its marketing message promises, the silky lotion goes on smooth and absorbs quickly. It protects against both UVA and UVB rays, just as all the other Beyond Coastal sunblocks do. I like it. $9.99

Active Sunscreen: SPF 30 This is what I used on my face for skiing and snowshoeing on sunny days, and what I put on before playing in the ocean. With the higher SPF, it obviously protects you longer before having to re-apply. Like its sister SPF 15 lotion, it’s non-greasy and fragrance free. $9.99

Natural Sunscreen: SPF 30 My husband rubbed this sunscreen all over his face, arms and chest one day while were in the Caribbean. When I saw him afterward he got a, “Dude. “What’s with the ghost look?” This formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxides (the products above do not), so it leaves behind a white sheen unless you rub it in really, really good. It’s the least favorite Beyond Coastal product I sampled (since I’m pale enough as it is), but I’d wear it on a snorkeling trip since the natural ingredients are safe for reefs and marine life. I’d also use this sunscreen on my kids — they don’t care what they look like, and I appreciate the natural ingredients on their sensitive skin. (There is a Beyond Coastal made-for-kids product with extra cocoa butter and shea butter.) $11.99

Natural Lip & Face Screen: SPF 30. This solid product comes in a handy little 1-oz tin. Its active ingredients are also zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and it’s peach-white color and waxy consistency don’t translate very well on the face, since it leaves that white residue behind. I’d only use this product if I were outside skiing under harsh conditions (lots of wind) or planning a day-long excursion on the water and wanted extra protection for my nose, lips and ears. $9.99

Natural Lip Balm: SPF 15. I love, love, love this lip balm. It does have some zinc oxide in it (but no whiteness on my lips!) for natural protection, but it also has a citrus flavor that makes it good enough to eat. The mix of oils, butters and even honey in this product create a consistency super smooth and soothing; I just feel like my lips are uber-protected when I smear this stuff on them. It comes in an oversized .25-oz tube ($4.99), as well as a standard .15-oz tube ($2.99).

After-Sun Moisturizer. I find most tiny-bottle, freebie hotel moisturizers are too runny and they smell too perfumey, so I always pack my own. This product has all sorts of awesome hydrating and nourishing ingredients: Vitamin B5, algae extract, safflower oil and aloe, among others. And it’s thick, but not too thick. Yummy stuff. $9.99

Search this store locator to find Beyond Coastal products in your local neck of the woods. Also check out Backcountry.com, where different combinations of ideal-for-travel trial-size kits are sold.

Related posts:

• Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion with SPF 15
• Body Glove Swim Shirts