Most of us don’t spend a lot of time reading sunscreen labels. We grab a bottle, slap it on, and assume we’re doing something good for our skin. And hey—sun protection is important. But not all sunscreens are created equal.
Rendered Gold, a small-batch skincare company known for using grass-fed tallow and natural ingredients, started asking questions about what’s really in those SPF bottles. And one ingredient in particular stood out in all the wrong ways: oxybenzone.
So, What’s the Deal with Oxybenzone?
Oxybenzone is a chemical you’ll find in a ton of conventional sunscreens. Its job is to absorb UV rays, which sounds great on paper. The problem? It doesn’t just sit on top of your skin. It actually gets absorbed—and pretty fast. Studies have found it in people’s bloodstreams not long after application.
And once it’s in your system, it doesn’t just disappear. Some research has linked oxybenzone to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and increased sensitivity. If you’ve ever had sunscreen cause breakouts, itching, or dry, irritated patches—this might be the culprit.
It’s not just a problem for your skin, either. Oxybenzone is also harmful to marine life. In fact, some places (like Hawaii) have already banned it to help protect coral reefs. So yeah, this ingredient has raised a lot of eyebrows—for good reason.
A Gentler Way to Protect Your Skin
Luckily, there are natural ingredients that do a great job of protecting your skin without all the questionable side effects. Rendered Gold leans on simple, skin-friendly alternatives that actually make your skin feel better—not worse.
Zinc Oxide:
Zinc is a mineral that sits on your skin and reflects UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, it doesn’t get absorbed or trigger irritation. It’s super gentle, works for sensitive skin, and even helps calm inflammation. This is one of the safest and most effective sun protection ingredients out there—especially if you want something that’s non-toxic and reef-safe.
Red Raspberry Seed Oil:
This one might surprise you. Red raspberry seed oil has a natural ability to absorb UV rays—some research suggests it offers around SPF 25–30 against UVB. Even better, it’s packed with antioxidants and fatty acids, so it helps your skin stay soft, healthy, and protected from free radicals. It’s not a total replacement for sunscreen if you’re spending all day outside, but it’s a great addition to any skincare routine.
Rendered Gold’s Whole Approach
Rendered Gold doesn’t just cut out harsh SPF chemicals like oxybenzone. They rethink skincare from the ground up.
At the heart of everything they make is hand-rendered grass-fed tallow—a rich, vitamin-packed fat that closely mimics our skin’s natural oils. That means your skin actually knows what to do with it. They combine it with nourishing essential oils and natural minerals, skip the synthetic stuff, and keep their ingredients list short and honest.
No fillers. No fake fragrances. No stress for your skin.
Their products are especially helpful for anyone dealing with dry skin, eczema, acne, rosacea, or just that constant “nothing seems to work” feeling. Because when your skin is irritated or out of balance, less really is more.
Bottom Line: Simple Can Be Better
Skincare doesn’t have to be complicated. And sun protection doesn’t have to come with a long list of side effects. Sometimes, the most effective solutions are the simplest ones—especially when they’re made with care and backed by nature.
If your skin has been acting up or you’re just ready to ditch the chemical-heavy stuff, Rendered Gold is worth a look. They’re all about making things that actually feel good to use—products your skin can recognize and respond to.
You can explore their full collection at www.renderedgold.com, or follow them on Instagram @renderedgold and on Facebook at Rendered Gold for honest tips, behind-the-scenes peeks, and a lot of skincare wisdom without the fluff.
Because the best skincare doesn’t just protect your skin—it respects it.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Results may vary depending on individual skin types and conditions. Consult with a healthcare provider or dermatologist before introducing any new skincare products, especially if you have underlying health concerns or skin conditions.
