Get Sustainable Sun Protection With a Non-Toxic Sunscreen
Protect yourself from harsh chemicals and the sun's harmful rays with a non-toxic sunscreen. Made with natural ingredients, they're reef-safe too!
For many of us, sunscreen is an essential part of our summer routine. As the temperature rises and we spend more time outdoors in the sun, it’s important that we take steps to protect ourselves from skin damage and harmful UV radiation.
Unfortunately, many popular brands of sunscreen contain chemicals that can have negative environmental impacts as well as pose health risks for humans and animals, which means that traditional sunscreens may not be the best option for protecting yourself from the sun.
Luckily, there are several safe, non-toxic alternatives available that provide your skin with adequate protection without putting you or your environment at risk!
In this article, we'll highlight the best options on the market today.
We hope you discover your next favorite beauty find from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. Some may have been sent as samples for us to try, but all opinions in this article are our own. And, FYI — GlamourBadger may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). Reviews have been edited for length and clarity. Enjoy your next favorite beauty find!
How We Choose
Are you looking for a safe and reliable sunscreen?
Not all sunscreens are created equal, which is why we've combed through hundreds of verified customer reviews to bring you the very best non-toxic sunscreens on the market.
Our selection criteria involve only natural ingredients that offer superior protection from both UVA and UVB rays, without any of those nasty chemicals.
That way you can feel confident about your skincare choice knowing that it’s made with responsibly sourced ingredients and helps protect against UVA/UVB damage as well as environmental pollution.
You just need to find the one that fits you perfectly. Read on to find it!
Why We Like It
Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 provides superior, effective sun protection for athletes in all active sports. The broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun cream is suitable even for sensitive skin and will offer gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
This hydrating body and face sunscreen, containing aloe leaf juice, organic jojoba seed oil, and sunflower seed oil, is quick to apply so that protection begins instantly. Unlike other sunscreens, this won't leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy with an unpleasant chemical smell.
Thinksport was the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, is vegan, and free from PABA, parabens, phthalates, and BPA as well as other toxic chemicals.
The perfect sunscreen for any active person seeking respectably powerful protection from the harsh rays of the sun without sacrificing comfort or safety.
More to Know
This sunscreen is the perfect choice for a hard day of physical activity—it's water resistant, offering continual protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before it needs to be reapplied.
But that's not all; this sunscreen is also reef-friendly, meaning you can feel confident knowing you and the environment are both taken care of.
Tested, produced, and bottled in the USA, this sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide that is highly biodegradable, non-toxic, and contains no known chemicals that could be harmful to coral reefs.
Why We Like It
Introducing Badger's Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 – your perfect companion for outdoor activities!
Keeping you protected from the sun's rays, this mineral zinc oxide sunscreen is gentle on sensitive skin and hypoallergenic, so no worries about irritation or redness. It's also non-comedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores when applied.
Its formula is simple and effective, blending only four natural ingredients - zinc oxide, organic sunflower seed oil, organic beeswax, and vitamin E. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection from the sun's UVA rays and UVB rays.
The organic sunflower oil and beeswax coat the skin to help lock in moisture and nourishment to keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to further protect against damage caused by free radicals.
You won't find any parabens or synthetic preservatives within this product! On top of that, it's gluten-free and non-GMO.
Its sunflower-based formula is light yet highly effective; it glides on easily onto face and body areas; best of all, it is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes so that you can continue with your outdoor fun in peace of mind!
More to Know
This sunscreen is reef-safe / reef-friendly, meaning it contains no oxybenzone or other chemicals that could harm coral reefs.
To guarantee this, this product has been approved by both Mexico and Hawaii for travel sunscreens, so you can be sure it’s safe not just for the ocean but also for you.
Badger sunscreens have no synthetic ingredients whatsoever and have been rigorously tested to prove their effectiveness and cruelty-free production process.
Owned and ran by a women-led family business. For sustainable production, all of their sunscreen tubes are made with 50% post-consumer recycled material (PCR).
Why We Like It
Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen provides reliable protection for both the face and body all day long.
Top-rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), this sunscreen is a performance-driven product that lasts up to 80 minutes in water, without running or stinging your eyes.
It is gluten, soy, and nut free, utilizing no synthetic chemicals while providing nourishing antioxidants and essential minerals and vitamins to keep your skin protected against environmental exposure.
This gentle formula can easily be incorporated into your daily beauty regimen; it's even suitable for kids! Keep your skin safe without sacrificing quality with Raw Elements' Natural Sunscreen Face+Body SPF 30!
More to Know
This sunscreen is designed to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This product provides true broad-spectrum coverage, with a sole active ingredient of 23% non-nano zinc oxide.
This sunscreen is reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO, and biodegradable in a recyclable plastic-free tin so you can feel good about protecting yourself while also protecting the planet.
With Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen Face+Body SPF 30 you can trust that your skin will be respected and protected day after day.
So next time you go outdoors, pick up a tin of Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen Face+Body SPF 30 and rest assured knowing you are taking care of your skin while taking care of the earth.
Why We Like It
Beauty by Earth gives you natural protection from the sun without exposing your skin to any chemicals or toxins. This Natural Sunscreen SPF 25 is the perfect solution.
It guards against harmful UV radiation from the sun, providing an impenetrable barrier between your skin and sun exposure.
A careful blend of natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and non-nano zinc oxide nourishes your skin while providing effective protection; this is sunscreen made simple.
With this SPF 25 mineral sunscreen, you can enjoy time outdoors with peace of mind knowing you and your family are safe from harm.
Try it out today and feel the difference that comes from responsible skincare you can trust.
More to Know
This eco-friendly sunscreen provides long-lasting protection against the sun while also protecting our precious marine ecosystems — without compromising your skin's health with unnecessary or harmful chemicals.
The mineral-based formula is both reef and marine-safe. Unlike many other brands that contain oxybenzone, which can lead to coral bleaching, this sunblock won't deplete your favorite outdoor habitats.
Plus, it offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance for whatever aquatic adventures await!
Embrace the sun and enjoy nature knowing that you have a reliable and respectful sunscreen suitable for any terrain or situation!
Why We Like It
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 offers lightweight and hypoallergenic protection from the sun that’s kind to your skin.
Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide titanium dioxide, this sunscreen helps guard against skin damage caused by UV rays. Your family is good to go for 80 minutes of carefree fun in the sun without having to re-apply!
The sheer mineral sunscreen provides superior sun protection your entire family can rely on. Perfect for little ones, it's gentle enough for babies' delicate skin and free of any irritating fragrances.
Parents can feel good knowing they are providing their children with all-natural safety that blocks UVA and UVB, while also respecting their kids' sensitive skin.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a product you can trust and rely on - a lightweight sunscreen that gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy quality time outdoors with your family.
More to Know
Delicately protecting every inch of your skin without harsh chemicals or irritants, Babo takes pride in offering a mineral formula that is both effective and respectful to your skin.
Enriched with their organic Nutri-Soothe Complex, this sunblock provides that extra bit of nourishment to support healthy, resilient skin while blocking UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin.
For those with allergies or sensitive skin, you can be sure that this product is hypoallergenic and free of gluten, soy, dairy, peanuts, almonds, and walnuts—ensuring a pleasant effect on the whole body.
To make use of it, shake well and apply the sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure or after swimming frequently or drying off—for maximum protection that lasts up to 2 hours.
Discover a gentle yet reliable shield between you and the sun when you choose Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50!
Non-Toxic Sunscreen FAQs
Trying to find the best answer to a pressing question can be difficult without expert help.
With so much conflicting information out there it's hard to know if you're making the right decision and getting the best advice.
That's why we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions on the topic so you can feel good about making the right choice for you.
What type of sunscreen is non-toxic?
Non-toxic, or “natural”, sunscreens often contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which act as physical blockers to reflect UV radiation from reaching your skin.
These are much safer than most chemical ingredients used in traditional sunscreens such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate.
Sprays and lotions with these natural ingredients have both broad spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays, water-resistant properties, and a low hazard score on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Database – making them perfect for anyone looking for a safe sunscreen option.
What is the safest sunscreen to use?
Sunscreen is designed to protect our skin from the sun's harmful UV rays, but many commercially-available sunscreens contain chemicals that can actually be harmful to us in the long run.
Thankfully, there are some great non-toxic sunscreens on the market today that provide effective protection against UVA and UVB radiation without exposing you to hazardous ingredients.
First and foremost, opt for mineral or physical sunscreens over chemical varieties.
These types of sunscreen use natural minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block out UVA and UVB radiation – they work by sitting on top of your skin and deflecting sunlight away from it.
Mineral sunscreens won't irritate delicate skin and don't contain any potentially toxic chemical additives like oxybenzone and octinoxate commonly found in commercial chemical sunscreen formulas; plus they're water resistant so they won't wash off right away after you get out of the pool or ocean!
What's the best sunscreen without harsh chemicals?
The best sunscreen without harsh chemicals is mineral-based sunscreens.
Mineral-based sunscreens are typically made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and contain no chemical additives.
They work by forming a physical barrier on the skin, which reflects and scatters the UV rays away from your body, thus providing greater protection than traditional chemical-laden sunscreens.
What sunscreen ingredients are non-toxic?
Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that reflects both UVA and UVB rays when applied topically to the skin.
Titanium dioxide works similarly to zinc oxide but appeals more to those with a preference for physical barrier protection over chemical formulas.
Both of these minerals sit on top of our skin rather than being absorbed by its layers like many synthetic products are so they are ideal for those who want an extra layer of defense against the sun's strong rays.
What are chemical sunscreen ingredients?
Chemical sunscreens are a type of sun protection that helps protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Chemicals in the sunscreen work to absorb, reflect, and scatter dangerous UV rays away from your skin.
There are two major types of chemical sunscreen on the market today: organic filters and physical blockers.
Organic filters (also known as chemical absorbers) act like sponges by absorbing ultraviolet radiation in order to prevent it from penetrating through to the deeper layers of your skin.
Examples include avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate.
Physical blockers (also known as mineral-based or traditional sunscreens) contain particles made of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; these work by reflecting ultraviolet radiation away from your body before it even has a chance to get absorbed by your cells.
In addition to these two types of active ingredients found in chemical sunscreens, there are also inactive components such as preservatives, oils, waxes, and fragrances that help enhance the product’s usability and appeal; however, they do not contribute any direct effect on fighting UV radiation exposure.
What sunscreen does the FDA recommend?
The FDA recommends the use of sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15 to protect your skin from sun damage.
Sunscreens with a higher SPF rating (around 30) are recommended if you are planning to be in direct sunlight for long periods or if you have very fair skin and burn easily.
In addition, the FDA recommends looking for a sunscreen that provides “broad spectrum protection” which means it will protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Look for one that is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, two chemical ingredients in certain sunscreens that may be linked to coral reef death when released into waterways by swimmers wearing them.
You should also keep in mind that despite offering protection against UV exposure, many sunscreens still contain unhealthy chemicals such as parabens or fragrances so go through the list of ingredients carefully before making your purchase.
What can I use instead of chemical sunscreen?
There are many natural and non-chemical sunscreen options available today, so you don't have to sacrifice your skin health for sun protection.
Many brands now offer mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient instead of chemical filters.
These mineral alternatives reflect the sun's UV rays away from your skin without seeping through into your bloodstream, thereby reducing your risk of hormone disruptions and other potential long-term issues associated with chemical sunscreens.
Other natural alternatives include physical blockers like clothing and hats, as well as lifestyle changes like avoiding peak hours when spending time in direct sunlight.
Some plant oils such as carrot seed oil provide SPF protection too; however, they should not be used alone since their level of coverage is unknown - stick with plant-based lotions containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide if you're looking for a reliable source of broad-spectrum coverage!
Finally, aim to stay hydrated and eat foods high in antioxidants to protect yourself against skin damage caused by free radicals resulting from too much-unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Are spray sunscreens good?
Spray sunscreens can offer great protection against the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, but it is important to use them properly in order for them to be effective.
It is essential to apply liberally and evenly over all exposed skin, as many people do not put on enough sunscreen when using sprays.
While spray sunscreen may seem easier than lotion because of its ease of application, there are a few drawbacks that must be considered before opting for the spray option.
What are two safe ingredients for sunscreen?
When it comes to finding safe ingredients for sunscreen, two of the best choices are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Both of these substances provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
Zinc oxide works by reflecting and scattering ultraviolet light away from the skin, while titanium dioxide absorbs the UV radiation before it can cause damage.
These minerals form a protective barrier on top of your skin, withstanding sweat and water for up to 80 minutes after application.
Zinc oxide has been used as an active ingredient in sunscreens for decades due to its safety profile which includes very low toxicity levels when applied topically.
It is noncomedogenic (meaning it does not clog pores) so people with acne-prone or sensitive skin can use it without worrying about further issues cropping up.
In addition to protecting against sunburns, zinc oxide also helps protect against cancer caused by long-term exposure since its particles are large enough that they do not penetrate living cells like some other sunscreen ingredients can.
Titanium dioxide is another great option since its molecules remain close to each other on your skin forming a shield that deflects harmful UV rays away from your body’s surface layers where it could otherwise cause long-term cell damage resulting in premature aging or even potentially cancerous tumors.
Unlike chemical sunscreens which make use of organic compounds like oxybenzone or avobenzone which have been associated with hormone disruption in humans, titanium dioxide provides broad spectrum protection without those risks - making it ideal for those who want maximum protection without compromising their health in any way!
Does sunscreen harm reefs?
Yes, sunscreen can harm reefs. It is one of the most common sources of pollution in coral reef ecosystems.
Sunscreens contain active ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor which are known to disrupt the health of marine life like corals and other invertebrates.
Therefore it is highly recommended that if you plan on swimming near reefs or engaging in any aquatic activity there be some consideration taken toward utilizing mineral-based sunblocks, offering natural protection free from those harmful ingredients.
Bottom Line
Congratulations! You've successfully taken the first step towards a safer skincare routine with a non-toxic sunscreen that will help protect you without putting your health at risk.
Thank you for taking the time to read our article! Embrace the summer sun and all of its beauty while you look effortlessly glowing.
Have a wonderful summer!
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