There aren’t many downsides to recreating outdoors in Utah. One caveat is the heavy toll that the western sun and air takes on our skin. Dry and hot do not a happy human make. Whether you are exploring a new canyon or slicing up a foot of fresh, you better have a plan to protect your gorgeous husk. Elemental Herbs is a company dedicated to doing just that, and what’s more, they do it naturally. Their herb-based wares range from lip balm to sunscreen, and they sent me two of their flagship products for testing in the harsh Utah environment. The hottest July in state history was the perfect way to find out if Elemental Herbs is all hype or the real deal…here’s what I discovered:
Elemental Herbs Zinc Sunstick: You won’t find any chemicals in this 30 SPF, broad-spectrum face protection. Nope, just ingredients like beeswax, avocado oil, and shea butter. I applied this sunblock every time I was on my way out the door for some adventuring, and conveniently stashed it in the pocket of my shorts so I could reapply a few hours later. From the singletrack trails of Park City to the towering heights of the High Uinta mountains, this stuff did the job! Seriously, I didn’t get sunburned a single time. My skin is frighteningly close to “ginger status,” and the Zinc Sunstick kept me from getting scorched no matter where I went. If this stuff can fight the intense rays at 13,000′, it can fight them anywhere.
The Elemental Herbs Zinc Sunscreen had no harsh smell (I tested the unscented variety; they also offer coconut) and rolled on my skin easily. The only issue I encountered was some globbing near my beard line. The sunstick is designed for use on your face and ears, so you’ll have to use sunscreen to protect the rest of your exposed epidermis.
Elemental Herbs All Good Goop: With a name like that, it better be a damn good product. What does the All Good Goop do? Everything! Seriously, this stuff can be applied to chapped lips, cracked and dry skin, sunburns, cuts and scrapes. I had my doubts that a single product could remedy such an array of ailments, but it works like a charm. I used the Goop on my lips every day and was delighted by the light flavor. I applied it to cracks on my hands and hangnails on my fingers, and watched as they healed up after a few days of use. I even used it on a minor burn, and became a true believer in the Goop after it healed up overnight. I have absolutely zero complaints about the All Good Goop; this stuff is legit, 100% natural, and a new staple in my medicine cabinet.
After a full summer of use, I give Elemental Herbs a big thumbs up. The products protected and healed my pasty pelt like a charm, and without any of the harsh chemicals often associated with sun/skin care. If you’re an organic product junkie, or simply looking for an alternative to big name brands, give Elemental Herbs a look. Chances are they have a product in their line that can provide the healing your skin needs.
The Good: Elemental Herbs products are all natural and work even in the harshest environments. All Good Goop really does do it all.
The Bad: Zinc Sunstick globbed up on facial hair.
The Verdict: Absolute performance from an all-natural product. No more needs to be said.