Although it is healthy to apply sunscreen before you hit the beach or enjoy your summer outdoor activities, most commercial sunscreens contain harmful chemicals. Some of them being oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Don’t worry about pronouncing them just know that these chemicals have a connection to endocrine and hormone disruptions, meaning they could have a negative effect on your thyroid and reproductive systems. You’re probably wondering how something that is rubbed on your skin has such a huge impact on your health. Sunscreen doesn’t just sit on top of your skin, it penetrates it and reaches your living tissues. In addition, if you are using a sunscreen spray, you can potentially inhale the noxious chemicals. The best and most safe sunscreens are mineral sunscreens. These ingredients sit on top of your skin and reflect sunlight away. You don’t have to swear off sunscreen, there are organic and safe alternatives. Here is a list of the best all-natural sunscreens.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens use physical-blocking ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It forms a protective layer between your skin and UV rays. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the sun’s UVA rays and allows them to sink into your skin and cause damage. Since zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do not penetrate your skin, it is safer than non-mineral sunscreen.
100% Pure Everywhere Body Stick SPF 30–$36
- 100% organic ingredients
- 2.5% zinc oxide and 8% titanium dioxide
- Easy to apply
Like the name says, this sunscreen stick is pure and free of parabens or inorganic ingredients. In fact, all of its ingredients are natural and certified organic; thus making it perfect for children and those with sensitive skin. This stick is loaded with 2.5% zinc oxide and 8% titanium dioxide. Additionally, it is easy to rub in and glides on smoothly. Since it comes in a stick form, it’s less messy than traditional sunscreen lotion or creams.
Juice Beauty Sport Organic Sunscreen SPF 30–$16
- Water resistant
- Skin nourishing ingredients
- High in zinc oxide
This dense water-resistant sunscreen goes on easily without leaving the dreaded white cast. It is made with grape juice, aloe leaf juice, and sunflower oil, providing your skin with vitamins and antioxidants. Of course, all of its ingredients are organic and non-toxic. Most importantly, it is high in the mineral zinc oxide. This SPF30 sunscreen is perfect for those with an active lifestyle who enjoys outdoor sports and activities.
Badger Unscented Organic SPF 30– $14
- Fragrance-free
- Contains only 5 ingredients
- 18.75% non-nano zinc oxide
If you’re not too fond of products with fragrances, then this SPF 30 sunscreen is right up your alley. This unscented organic sunscreen does not have extra essential oils or other additives that can be irritating to those with sensitive skin. In fact, this sunscreen only has 5 ingredients: sunflower oil, beeswax, seabuckthorn, vitamin E, 18.75% non-nano zinc oxide. Although it is this sunscreen is thick, it is fairly easy to blend in.
Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Organic Sunscreen SPF 30–$10
- Non-toxic
- 6.4% non-nano titanium dioxide and 6% non-nano zinc oxide
- Comes in a spray form
Made with natural ingredients like aloe, shea butter, safflower oil, and lavender oil, this sunscreen is non-toxic and soothing to your skin. Its formula is water-resistant and is made with 6.4% non-nano titanium dioxide and 6% non-nano zinc oxide. Although this sunscreen prevents burns and protects from harmful sun rays, it can leave a white residue if not thoroughly blended. If you want a quicker application, it also comes in a spray form.
Erbaviva Organic Sunscreen SPF 30– $27
- Creamy texture
- Skin moisturizing ingredients
- Long-wearing
Compared to some of the other sunscreens on this list, this one has a creamy texture. Some of its ingredients include aloe, chamomile, olive oil, lavender oil, sunflower oil, and jojoba oil. Therefore, it both protects and moisturizes your skin. Although it isn’t as dense as the usual sunscreen lotion, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can have more fun in the sun without worrying about having to reapply it every 30 minutes.
Just Skin Food Unscented Organic Sunscreen SPF 30–$14
- No fillers or water
- 25% non-nano zinc oxide
- Can be used on face and body
Just Skin Food lives up to its name with this unscented organic sunscreen. Made with ingredients like 25% non-nano zinc oxide, shea butter, coconut oil, beeswax, cocoa butter, and vitamin E. Unlike many other sunscreens, it does not contain fillers or water. Another positive about this product is that it can be used on your face and body and it does not leave a white residue.
Herbal Choice Day Cream Organic Sunscreen SPF 15–$15
- Organic ingredients
- Great for sensitive skin
- Can serve as tinted a moisturizer
This is another holistic sunscreen with simple ingredients like organic olive oil, sage herb, sweet orange oil, and bergamot. Above all, it contains 12.5% non-nano zinc oxide. This sunscreen doesn’t clog pores or irritate skin, meaning it can be used on your face. It comes in 3 different shades: light ivory, medium beige, and dark honey. Therefore, it can be worn under makeup or used as a tinted moisturizer.
Living Libations Everybody Loves Sunshine with Zinc–$45
- Smooth texture
- Softens skin
- 100% natural ingredients
Bask in the sunshine with this indulgent sunscreen. Made with 100% natural ingredients like jojoba oil, turmeric, frankincense, tamanu oil, coconut oil, calendula, this sunscreen by Living Libations softens your skin and protects it from the sun. Its texture is velvety and smooth, and it easily absorbs into your skin.
Beauty by Earth Mineral Facial Organic Sunscreen SPF 20–$14
- Serves as a light moisturizer
- Easy to blend in
- Affordable
Look no further for a versatile sunscreen that you can wear under your makeup. This sunscreen is non-toxic and can be used as a light moisturizer. It blends effortlessly in your skin and doesn’t leave a white cast. Compared to most of the products on this list, this sunscreen is budget friendly and lightweight enough for daily use.
True Naturals Ultra Protect Organic Sunscreen SPF 50– $20
- 22.5% non-nano zinc oxide
- Long-wearing
- Absorbs easily
This sunscreen by True Naturals provides ultimate sun protection with 6% non-nano titanium dioxide and 22.5% non-nano zinc oxide. This sunscreen is especially perfect for long days in the sun. While it goes on with ease, it does leave a white residue. Aside from that drawback, it’s an affordable sunscreen that is free of toxic chemicals. Some of its ingredients include shea butter, coconut oil, green tea, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba oil.
