10 BEST NON-TOXIC & NATURAL SUNSCREEN BRANDS FOR HEALTHY SUN PROTECTION

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This blog post is all about the best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands! 

Sunscreen is one of those things everyone should have and use, especially in the summertime.

This skincare product is essential to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging rays and prevent sunburn as well as different types of skin cancer. 

However, you might have heard that most sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that have negative impacts on our health. 

Does that mean that we should stop using sunscreen altogether?

Thankfully not! 

Some brands are using safe yet effective ingredients, meaning that we can protect our skin from UVA and UVB without exposing ourselves to toxic chemicals. 

In this article, I’ve rounded up the 10 best non-toxic and natural sunscreen brands for healthy sun protection. 

Whether you’re looking for a non-toxic sunscreen spray, an all-natural sunscreen cream, or organic sunblock for your face, these brands have you covered!

Plus, most of these are made with the environment in mind too! 

This blog post contains affiliate links which means that if you buy something through such links, I will get a small commission without any extra cost for you. Please read my Disclosure for more details.

Why choose a natural, non-toxic sunscreen?

It’s important to understand that there are two types of sunscreen. 

The most common type is chemical sunscreen, which is formulated with chemical blockers that absorb the sun’s UV rays.

These are typically made with active ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, aminobenzoic acid, and/or octocrylene. 

The issue is that, while these chemicals provide sun protection, they may have negative health effects since they’re absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. 

For instance, thousands of sunscreens on the market are made with octocrylene, which can degrade into benzophenone, a suspected carcinogen and endocrine disruptor. 

Some sunscreens also contain high levels of benzene, a chemical known to cause cancer in humans.

Long-term exposure to inhaled benzene can also cause leukemia. 

Oxybenzone is another problematic ingredient that often produces allergic reactions, is a possible endocrine disruptor, and is toxic to coral reefs and fishes. 

Those are just the effects of the main active ingredients.

Yet chemical sunscreens are formulated with lots of substances that may potentially be harmful to human health too. 

If you’re looking for a non-harmful sunscreen, it’s important to know that only two active sunscreen ingredients have been classified as both effective and safe by the FDA: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. 

These two ingredients are used in mineral sunscreens and are physical blockers that reflect UV rays.

Contrary to chemical blockers, these have not been shown to penetrate beyond the level of the skin, so they’re unlikely to cause health risks. 

Because of that, they’re considered to be a much safer option! 

Brands using one of these two ingredients (and no chemical blockers) also tend to use non-toxic and more natural (often organic) formulas.

They’re usually more sustainable and healthier for humans and the environment! 

How to choose a non-toxic, natural sunscreen? What is the safest sunscreen you can use?

If you’re looking for non-toxic SPF and a good natural sunscreen, avoid chemical sunscreens.

Instead, opt for a physical/mineral sunscreen formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 

Ideally, choose one that uses the non-nano version of these ingredients to ensure they’re coral reef-friendly and not toxic to aquatic life. 

Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are also too large to penetrate the skin (they just sit on top of it), so they’re less likely to enter the bloodstream. 

More research is needed to determine the effects of nanoparticles on humans, but in the meantime, we can choose options that we know are safer for us. 

Also, choose sunscreen formulated with natural and non-toxic ingredients such as natural oils like coconut oil, raspberry seed oil, or sunflower oil, and plant-based ingredients designed to nourish your skin. 

Whether you choose mineral or chemical sunscreen, steer clear of those that contain any of the following ingredients:

• Oxybenzone
• Octocrylene
• Homosalate
• Octisalate 
• Octinoxate 
• Avobenzone 
• Enzacamene 
• Parabens 
• Phthalates 
• Synthetic fragrances 
• Triclosan 

To ensure you’re buying a safe product, look for sunscreen carrying one of the following certifications: 

• MADE SAFE
• USDA Organic 
• EWG-verified 

I also highly recommend you get a product that clearly states it’s “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” to protect coral reefs and marine life. 

Plus, if you want more ethical and eco-friendly sunscreen, choose one that comes in sustainable packaging and is cruelty-free. 

10 best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands for healthy sun protection

1. Babo Botanicals

Types: Sunscreen Lotions, Sunscreen Sticks, Sprays, Balms, Sunscreen Fluids, After Sun Mists, After Sun Aloe Gel

SPF: 30, 40, 50

Babo Botanicals is a small family-owned brand selling EWG-verified mineral sunscreen and sun care products.

It has everything from sunscreen sprays, lotions, and sticks to after-sun products and balms. 

Some of its products are even specifically formulated for babies and kids. 

Its natural formulas do not contain paraben, fragrance, or any ingredients of concern according to the Environmental Working Group.

Some of its zinc sunscreens also carry the MADE SAFE certification, guaranteeing they’re completely free of harmful chemicals! 

Babo Botanicals’ sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and plant-based ingredients (many of which are organic) like sunflower oil or raspberry seed oil.

I also love that the brand is certified cruelty-free and B Corp and that it has implemented many sustainable practices! 

2. Activist Skincare

Types: Tinted Sunscreen Sticks & Creams

SPF: 30 

Activist Skincare offers SPF 30 mineral sunscreen available in a stick or cream form. 

No matter which you choose, both are effective against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.  

This reef-safe sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide (24.5%) and non-toxic, organic ingredients.

It doesn’t contain any synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, phenoxyethanol, cheap fillers, and many other toxic chemicals. 

The formula effortlessly glides onto the skin and, since it’s tinted in four different shades (from light to deep), it blends imperfections all while protecting your skin from harmful sun rays. 

Not to mention Activist Skincare only uses compostable and eco-friendly packaging, making its sunscreen a more eco-friendly option. 

3. Nécessaire

Types: Sunscreen Lotion/ Cream

SPF: 30

Nécessaire’s SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is a dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic product that protects against sun damage and premature aging. 

It is made with effective skincare actives such as hyaluronic acid, 20% non-nano zinc oxide, panthenol hydrate, niacinamide, and algae.

It’s also rich in vitamins E, B5, and B3.

The brand doesn’t use any silicones, PEGs, chemical screens, or parabens. 

This sunscreen comes in a cream/lotion form and is produced in the USA using only cruelty-free ingredients. 

Not only that but Nécessaire is a member of 1% For The Planet, uses sustainable packaging, and carries the B Corp and Climate-Neutral certifications.

As a plastic-neutral brand, the company also offsets its plastic footprint in full. 

4. Attitude

Types: Sunscreen Sticks For Face & Body, After Sun Sticks & Gels, Sunscreen Creams & Lip Balms, Sunscreen Oil

SPF: 15, 30

Attitude has a wide variety of mineral-based sunscreens and after-sun products for the entire family (there are great options for kids as well as for adults). 

Some of its products are specifically formulated to protect the face or lips, and others are made for the body. 

Whether you pick the brand’s sunscreen creams, after-sun sticks, or SPF 30 lip balms, they’re all made with clean, effective ingredients.

The natural formulas contain non-nano zinc oxide and provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. 

These products are also EWG-verified and come in unscented or scented versions. 

Plus, Attitude offers great plastic-free packaging options and its sunscreens are vegan and do not have a greasy finish. 

5. Indie Lee

Types: Sunscreen Cream, Primer

SPF: 30, 50 

Indie Lee offers this SPF 30 mineral sunscreen formulated with 20% uncoated, non-nano zinc oxide.

It’s also unscented and infused with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, squalane, and aloe vera. 

This sunscreen dries down clean and is great for all skin types and tones (even safe for kids!). 

It is also reef-safe and non-toxic to humans as it’s free of more than 1300 banned ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, and sulfates.

If you like wearing makeup, you can also protect your skin from harmful sun rays by using Indie Lee’s SPF 50 primer.

This one is formulated with niacinamide to reduce the appearance of large pores and even your skin tone.

It also contains allantoin, vitamin E oil, and rosemary leaf extract. 

Did I mention that all these products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny?

6. 100% PURE

Types: Sunscreen Lotion/Cream, Mist

SPF: 30 

100% PURE sells an organic, all-natural sunscreen lotion that provides SPF 30 protection while nourishing your skin with aloe and green tea. 

It’s also formulated with mineral zinc oxide, vitamin E, cucumber juice, and natural oils like raspberry, olive, avocado, and rosehip oils.

The formula adheres to strict purity standards and doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients. 

The brand also has a mist that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and protects against environmental pollutants and free radicals.

Plus, it uses yerba mate tea to fortify your skin with antioxidants and its formula is water-resistant and safe for coral reefs. 

Both products are vegan and cruelty-free, and for every purchase, 100% PURE either donates a bowl of dog food to shelter dogs or the cost of one tree to Tree For The Future (you choose which at checkout). 

7. Acure

Types: Sunscreen Lotion/Cream, Day Cream, Stick

SPF: 30, 50

Acure has several non-toxic sunscreen options, all of which are vegan, cruelty-free, and free of sulfates, parabens, formaldehyde, petrolatum, and mineral oil. 

If you want something you can use for your entire body, opt for the “mineral sunscreen”.

It contains zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection as well as squalane, which deeply hydrates your skin. 

If you want a product that’s effortless to apply on your face and neck, you’ll love the “invisible sunscreen stick”.

Not only does it protect your skin from the sun, but this dry-oil highlighter also hydrates and leaves a dewy finish. 

You can also get Acure’s day creams, which are packaged in an aluminum tube to make them more eco-friendly. 

What’s more, I love that the brand is Climate Neutral certified, so it offsets its entire carbon footprint!

8. Biossance

Types: Sunscreen Cream/Lotion

SPF: 30

Looking for EWG-verified sunscreen to ensure it doesn’t contain harmful chemicals?

Check out Biossance! 

Biossance makes every single one of its products around one hydrating, yet effective skincare ingredient: squalane.

While this substance is originally found in sharks’ livers, the company created its own, shark-safe version from sustainable fermented sugarcane. 

Its sunscreen, which is available in three different sizes, contains squalane as well, meaning that it is highly hydrating.

Formulated with natural zinc oxide, butterfly ginger extract, and ectoin, it also blocks UVA and UVB rays while strengthening the skin barrier and preventing daytime damage. 

This sunscreen has a dewy, non-greasy finish and visibly brightens and evens your skin. 

Biossance has also implemented many sustainable practices!

For instance, almost all of its hazardous waste is used as fuel in its labs and the brand regularly supports ocean conservation efforts. 

9. Cocokind

Types: Sunscreen Lotion 

SPF: 32

Cocokind’s daily SPF is a fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreen designed to protect your skin against sunburn while preventing signs of premature aging. 

It is formulated with 21% non-nano zinc oxide, microalgae, and blue phytoplankton spirulina maxima extract, and provides SPF 32 protection against UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution. 

This formula is made in California and is ideal for use on your face.

What’s more, Cocoking is very transparent about the carbon footprint of its products and uses sustainable packaging like sugarcane-derived plastic and FSC-certified paper. 

This non-irritating sunscreen is also cruelty-free and vegan and doesn’t contain any parabens, SLS, or harsh preservatives. 

10. Stream2Sea

Types: Sunscreen Lotions/Creams, Balms, Lip Balms, Refills

SPF: 20, 30, 45

Here’s another brand offering EWG-verified sunscreen!

Stream2Sea sells different kinds of sunscreens and after-sun products that have all been tested to be safe for marine life and corals. 

Its sunscreens are designed to be used every day, and some are even specifically formulated for when you’re spending time in water (these actually perform better after you go for a swim!).  

Stream2Sea formulates them using natural ingredients, many of which are organic.

For instance, they’re enriched with wakame seaweed, green tea, aloe vera, olive leaf, and tulsi to nourish and protect your skin. 

These sunscreens are also USDA BioBased certified and free of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, parabens, SLS, and artificial dyes.

They’re also packaged in ocean-bound, post-consumer recycled materials and even come in refills. 

The brand’s founder also actively supports coral restoration efforts! 

Final thoughts on the best non-toxic & natural sunscreen brands

I hope you’ve found this article about the best natural and non-toxic sunscreen brands helpful and that you could find a product you love using!

Not only do these sunscreens protect your skin from harmful sun rays, but they’re also made with safe ingredients. 

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

• 10 best sustainable & clean skincare brands for a healthy glow
• 12 sustainable summer essentials to have fun under the sun
• 8 best non-toxic, natural deodorant brands for healthy, fresh-smelling armpits
• 12 best sustainable swimwear brands for a fun, eco-friendly summer
• 9 sustainable & organic beach towels for an eco-friendly beach trip
• 9 organic cotton dresses for women cherishing comfort & sustainable fashion
• 9 best sustainable linen dresses for breezy style
• 12 best natural & non-toxic hand soap brands for clean, nourished skin
• 9 eco-friendly loofah alternatives for a sustainable scrub
• 11 zero-waste floss brands & eco-friendly floss alternatives for sustainable dental care
• 19 essentials for a zero-waste bathroom
• 7 easy steps to declutter makeup and skincare products

Which natural sunscreen brand have you decided to try out? 

Please leave a comment! 

Don’t forget to share this blog post with your friends so they can find non-toxic sunscreen too. 

Looking for more non-toxic & sustainable brands? Check out the Ethical & Sustainable Brand Directory!

It features conscious brands in various categories, from home goods and furniture to fashion and clean beauty!

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