Beautiful breezes. Soft sand. Rhythmic waves. Cold watermelon. A good book. A day at the beach can be pure joy.
It can also bring heat, soreness, stickiness and tangled hair. Over the years I’ve gathered a few practical tips using Dr. Bronner’s products that help keep the bliss intact.
My experience is mostly with ocean beaches, but these suggestions will work at lakes, rivers, or any outdoor spot. I’d love to hear your stories and tips.
Products for before the beach
Unscented Organic Magic Balm: Apply to areas prone to chafing or rashes before you head out. It’s a favorite protection for kids and adults alike.
Organic Hair Crème (Lavender or unscented): To shield hair from sun and salt damage, work several pumps through damp or dry hair and braid or tie it back. Keeping hair contained prevents scalp sunburn and reduces tangles. The Crème nourishes strands so hair feels stronger by evening.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil and a Coconut Sugar Exfoliating Body Scrub: Gently exfoliate with sugar to remove dead skin, then use a little coconut oil to lock in moisture before the drying effects of sun and salt. This helps skin stay soft and comfortable all day.
Products while at the beach
Organic Hand Sanitizer: A must-have for the bag. Beyond sanitizing hands, it removes sticky sunscreen residue (spray, rub, then dry on a towel), cleans sunglasses and device screens when applied to a soft cloth, and serves as a temporary antiseptic for small scrapes until you can get soap and water. Peppermint sanitizer also doubles as a cooling body spray, soothes insect bites, and can even work as an emergency deodorant when you need a quick refresh.
Organic Lip Balm (Peppermint preferred): More than lip care, peppermint balm soothes and softens rough patches, helps prevent cracks, and relieves small scrapes and chafed skin. Keep one handy for many small first-aid and comfort uses.
Products for after the beach
Peppermint Castile Liquid Soap: Few things feel as refreshing as a shower with Peppermint Castile soap after a day in the sun. It removes sweat, sunscreen mixed with sand and salt, and leaves you feeling renewed. It’s also great for rinsing and cleaning your beach gear—wash wetsuits and swimsuits promptly to extend their life, or even rinse your suit while you shower.
Organic Hair Crème: If you didn’t use it before the beach, apply a pump or two afterward to restore and detangle sun- and salt-exposed hair. Applied in a bit more quantity, it can provide a light hold and give your hair a subtle beachy wave.
Arnica-Menthol Organic Magic Balm: This balm was designed to soothe sore muscles after active days in the water. It also helps relieve headaches and congestion and is a go-to for post-activity recovery.
Organic Virgin Coconut Oil: For stripped or sun-taxed skin, pure coconut oil is a simple, effective option. A small amount applied overnight—face included—helps skin recover and feel deeply moisturized.
Keep in mind while in the sun…
Dr. Bronner’s products are not a substitute for UV protection. Use shade, wear a hat, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, and consider sun-protective clothing when possible.
Watching the sun set over the water is one of my favorite beach moments. Whether you prefer sunrise or sunset, those quiet transitions—the last light stretching across the waves, the hope of spotting the elusive green flash—are part of what makes beach days memorable. I haven’t seen the green flash yet, but I always look for it.
Further Reading
- A Sunscreen Summary
- Dilutions Cheat Sheet for Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap
- Coconut Oil Cheat Sheet for Kitchen & Body Care
- Magic Balms Usage Cheat Sheet
Peppermint Castile Magic Soap is best for ages 3 and up—peppermint oil may be too strong for younger children.