Are you looking for non-toxic natural sunscreens that are safe for you and the environment without looking like your toddler got the face paint out? I have good news; natural sunscreens have come a long way and there are many great options that won’t leave a white cast and still protect you. We spend a lot of time outside, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy time in the sun without getting sunburns I have several natural sunscreen options that I like to use.
Choosing better and less toxic options for you and your family makes a big difference when considering the total chemical load. Let’s control what we can and allow our bodies to be better equipped to handle what we cannot control. Lowering your overall toxic load will allow your body to better tolerate all the toxins we come in contact with on a daily basis that we often aren’t even aware off or don’t have any control over. Additionally, natural and non-toxic sunscreens reduce the toxic load for our environment. Let’s do what we can to preserve the health and earth of our children!
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Why choose Mineral (Natural) Sunscreens over Chemical Suncare?
While mineral sunscreens block the sun rays, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun rays and turn them through chemical reaction into heat. These chemicals are often hormone or endocrine disrupting and have a very high absorption rate compared to other ingredients. By now, many studies have linked these chemicals (see list below) inside sunscreens to birth defects, infertility, hormone disruption in children, and the destruction of the coral reefs. Additionally, chemical sunscreens can produce free radicals, which cause skin damage, skin irritation and aging. All things we want to avoid if possible. The only two ingredients that are safe are non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
Ingredients to avoid:
- Avobenzone
- Cinoxate
- Homisalate
- Homosalate
- Octinoxate
- Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate)
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- *Butyloctyl salicylate (similar to Octisalate)
* Butyloctyl salicylate also absorbes UV rays and converts them which is very similar to the other chemical sunscreens. It is very similar to Octisalate, also known as Ethylhexyl salicylate, which already sounds very similar to Butyloctyl salicylate, doesn’t it. I recently learned that some mineral sunscreens sneakily use this as an inactive ingredient in their mineral sunscreens. As it has not yet been classified as a chemical sunscreen they don’t have to disclose it as an “active” ingredient in sunscreens. Does this sound very similar to greenwashing? I highly recommend to always read the labels every time you purchase. So many companies alter their composition without telling us the consumers.
Chemical spray sunscreens are even more dangerous than lotions or creams:
1) When you spray you risk inhaling potential toxins and are easily polluting the environment, as it is harder to direct the spray application only to our body.
2) Their application can be less effective than with lotion and there is a higher potential to miss spots.
3) Lastly, many chemical sunscreens contain flammable ingredients (alcohols) which can be potentially dangerous and if aerosol spays all their negative environmental impacts come to play.
How often should natural sunscreens be reapplied?
- Every 2 Hours: As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended to reapply mineral sunscreen at least every two hours, regardless of your activities. This ensures continuous protection throughout the day.
- After Swimming or Sweating: If you’ve been swimming or sweating heavily, reapply mineral sunscreen immediately, even if it hasn’t been two hours since your last application. Water-resistant sunscreen formulas can provide some protection during these activities but still require reapplication.
- After Towel Drying: The friction of the towel can reduce the physical barrier of the mineral sunscreen, and you should reapply after every time you dry off to ensure the best UV protection.
- Sun Exposure Intensity: Pay attention to the intensity of the sun. If you’re in direct sunlight or at high altitudes where UV rays are stronger, consider reapplying sunscreen more frequently than every two hours.
Additional Tips for Effective Sun Protection
- Use Enough Sunscreen: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to all exposed skin areas. Most adults need about one ounce (a shot glass full) to cover their entire body adequately.
- Don’t Forget Often-Missed Areas: Remember to apply sunscreen to often-forgotten areas like the ears, tops of feet, and back of the neck.
- Clothing and Shade: Whenever possible, seek shade during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM) and wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.
My Favorite Non-toxic and Natural Sunscreens
1. Pipette Mineral Sunscreens
Pipette offers noncomedogenic natural sunscreen for the whole family from toddler, teenagers, to grandparents and anything in between. Their sunscreen lotion and sunscreen stick protect from the sun’s harmful rays with 100% mineral non-nano zinc oxide. Additionally, the lightweight, baby-safe sunscreen is made with a sugarcane-derived squalane, a moisturizing superhero that restores skin’s natural balance, plus plant extracts to calm sun-stressed skin and the effects of infrared (the type of light that causes skin to heat up).
Their sunscreen goes on white but won’t leave a white cast when you rub it in. It is not drying on the skin especially if you follow-up with their aloe vera love that this one is easily available at target.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, squalane, bisabolol,
Sustainability: Leap Bunny, reef safe,
2. Badger Mineral Sunscreen
Badger Company creates healing products that people need. Next to their healing balm, bug spay and minimalist lip balms, they also offer some of the cleanest sunscreens out there, especially for babies & kids but they have great options for the whole family. It effectively protects you from harmful UVA & UVB rays with non-nano zinc as the active ingredient and SPF ranging from SPF20 to SPF 50.
I love the Active SPF 35 sunscreen stick for an easier application on the face as I can apply it directly to the face and then rub it in. We usually use the cream for the body as it is a less expensive, but just as effective. They have many different kinds of sunscreen lotion, baby, kids, sport, and active. Each has slightly different ingredients e.g. sport includes citrus, while the baby one has calendula. I recommend reading the description and ingredients to find the best fit for your situation. Every one of those that I have tried, rub in well.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, Vitamin E, Seabuckthorn Extract
Sustainability: USDA Certified Organic, fair trade, 98% organic ingredients, Certified non-GMO, Family owned, Certified B Corporation, cruelty-free, packaged in a 50% PCR, reef safe
Attitude offers the one-stop shop when it comes to less toxic, clean beauty products for the whole family. They offer non-toxic lotions, shampoos, and super clean sunscreen options. The baby & kids SPF 30 sunscreen option is available in lotion and zero-waste stick form. They have great options for adults too that are either naturally scented or un-scented which can be perfect for those who are sensitive to fragrances. I also like that they offer a sunscreen stick for the face and one for the body. The smaller stick for the face makes facial application much easier. And a stick can be easier to apply once kids want to do it themselves. You can purchase it at most Walmart and don’t have to order it online which is a bonus.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, glycerin, coco-caprylate/Caprate, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Sorbitan Olivate.
Sustainability: EWG Verified, vegan, transparency
4. Beauty by Earth Mineral Sunscreen
Beauty by Earth’s sunscreens are mom approved even if they are not specifically formulated for kids. The ingredients are very similar to other non-toxic natural sunscreen options. They offer SPF 25 and SPF 30 sunscreen lotions and sprays with non-nano clear zinc as the sun protective ingredient that will not leave a dreaded white cast.
I personally only have tried their spray, and it is one of my favorite natural sunscreens. Their non-aerosol spray SPF 30 goes on clear, and the spray does not come out in big globs if you know what I mean. Nor do you spray a lot of product into the air as the spray has too wide of a swath.
Price Range: $$
Key Ingredients: Clear non-nano zinc, aloe vera, coconut oil, pomegranate extract
Sustainability: Leaping Bunny Certified, plastic neutral, reef-friendly, made in the USA
5. Earth Mama Organics
Let the sunshine in safely, with the SPF 40 Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. A reef-friendly formula for the most delicate baby skin that is safe and effective for the whole family. The broad-spectrum formula is water resistant for 40 minutes and packed with skin benefitting ingredients that will keep your skin soft and moisturized.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, organic shea butter, organic raspberry seed oil, organic pomegranate seed oil
Sustainability: NSF/ANSI 305 Certified by Oregon Tilth, Leaping Bunny Certified, and Plastic Neutral.
6. 100 Percent Pure
100 Percent Pure is another great option for clean beauty products for the whole family, sunscreen included. They offer several sunscreen option among them their Yerba Mate SPF 30 spray which offers full UVA/UVB protection for all-over wear. In addition to protecting you from the sun, it also contains antioxidants that help protect you against free radicals and environmental pollutants.
The fine mist is great for a mess free full body application that doesn’t leave a white cast. This formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes but should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.
Price Range: $$
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, jojoba oil, safflower oil, yerba mate
Sustainability: Naturally pigmented & free of FD&C colorants and heavy metal dyes, completely cruelty free, biodegradable, recyclable packaging
7. Raw Elements
Raw Elements another favorite brand great for kids and the whole family. One of the brands with the most minimal and cleanest ingredients. They offer both lotion and sunscreen stick versions for face and body and even have some tinted options. Their formulas offer full-body sun protection with UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant, lasting up to 80 minutes of exposure, while remaining gentle and moisturizing for all ages. Most of their products have an SPF of 30 but a few with SPF 50.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Mango Butter, Black Tea Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Sustainability: Reef safe, Leaping Bunny certified, Non-nano, EWG verified, Made in USA, World Reef Day funding brand
8. California Baby
California Baby sunscreen offers safe, mineral-based protection for sensitive skin. With ingredients like zinc oxide, it shields against UVA and UVB rays without harsh chemicals. Ideal for kids and adults, it’s water-resistant and reef-friendly, ensuring eco-conscious sun care wherever your adventures take you. Safe, effective, and gentle.
Price Range: $
Key Ingredients: Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Calendula Extract, Organic Green Tea Extract, Vegetable Glycerin, and Vitamin E.
Sustainability: Leaping Bunny Certified, Certified Organic Ingredients, Reef Friendly, Non-GMO verified.
9. Suntegrity
Suntegrity while mainly known for their face sunscreens, they also have a good option for the body. It is a little thicker lotion, yet still rubs in clear. While I loved their body sunscreen, it is one of the priciest options on my favorite list. Also I know that this higher price point can be an important decision-making factor for many of us, myself included.
Price Range: $$
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, organic green tea extract, organic cucumber extract, hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin.
Sustainability: Leaping Bunny Certified, Reef safe, Vegan.
10. Solara Suncare
Solara sunscreen another personal favorite, combines cutting-edge skincare technology with clean, reef-safe ingredients. Featuring non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, it’s enriched with botanicals like green tea and rosemary extracts to nourish and soothe the skin. It is ideal for sensitive skin and great for the whole family. Solara body and face products allow you to embrace sun protection that’s as gentle on the environment as it is on your skin with Solara sunscreen.
Price Range: $$
Key Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, green tea leaf extract, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower seed oil, shea butter.
Sustainability: Reef safe, Cruelty Free, Vegan.
Pick your favorite natural sunscreens and start enjoying your summers while embracing sun protection that’s as gentle on the environment as it is on your skin. I hope this helps you find the right sunscreen for your own and your family’s needs. I love most of these sunscreens and almost all will rub in clear. Some are easier than others to rub in. One word of caution, no matter which natural sunscreens you choose, if you’re rubbing it into areas with lots of hairs (e.g. men’s legs) it will take quite some time to rub in completely, but they will with a little time. Although some of the sunscreens can show a white cast will resurface after spending time in the water. As you should re-apply sunscreen at this point anyway, the old sunscreen will rub in clear with new sunscreen application.