Sun's Out, Smiles Out: The Ultimate Guide to Natural, Mineral, and Non-Toxic Sunscreen
Attitude
Eco-Friendly, Certified Natural Sunscreen
Price Range: $10 – $20
Attitude is a frontrunner in natural, mineral, and non-toxic sunscreens for kids and adults. Their broad-spectrum formulas rely on zinc oxide, a mineral sunscreen ingredient, to shield skin from harmful UV rays. This chemical-free approach makes their sunscreens ideal for sensitive skin and those seeking a more natural option.
Attitude’s mineral-based formulas are all certified vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe which means you won’t be washing harmful chemicals into sea.
Attitude’s Commitment to Safe and Sustainable Sunscreen:
- EWG Verified: This certification signifies Attitude‘s sunscreens meet the Environmental Working Group‘s rigorous standards for safety and transparency.
- Plant-derived and Biodegradable Ingredients: Attitude prioritizes ingredients kind to your skin and the planet.
- Cruelty-Free and Vegan: Their commitment aligns with ethical consumer preferences.
- Recycled and Recyclable Packaging: Attitude minimizes waste through sustainable packaging practices.
- Cruelty Free
- Non-Toxic
- Vegan
- EWG Verified
- Ethical Sourcing
- Thoughtful Packaging
Thinksun
Natural Sunscreen for Active Lifestyles
Price Range: $9.94 – $16.20
Thinksun caters to all age groups (Thinksport, Thinkkids, Thinkbaby, Thinkdaily) along with athletes and outdoor enthusiasts with their line of natural, mineral sunscreens. Their formulas are free of chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, making them reef-safe. They use non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide for up to 80 minutes of sweat and water-resistant protection and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and prioritize non-comedogenic ingredients that won’t clog pores – a concern for many athletes. ThinkSport is a popular choice for those seeking a natural sunscreen that’s also water-resistant.
- EWG Verified: This certification signifies Thinksport sunscreens meet the Environmental Working Group’s rigorous standards for safety and transparency.
- ThinkSport is a Leaping Bunny certified brand, guaranteeing no animal testing in their products.
- They comply with Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, which have strict standards for clean ingredients.
Activist
Natural Sunscreen for the Eco-Conscious Family
Price Range: $20 – $25
Activist Skincare is a pioneer in providing natural, chemical-free, and non-toxic sunscreen solutions, specifically formulated to cater to all age groups, including babies. Their commitment to eco-friendly practices is evident in their sunscreen formulations, which are devoid of harmful chemicals and toxins, ensuring gentle yet effective protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Made of non-nano zinc oxide, comes in four shades, ranging from Light, Medium, Tan, and Deep to accommodate darker skin tones.
Activist sunscreens are made of Vegan ingredients like argan and jojoba oils, without any parabens, nanoparticles, or GMOs.
Activist stands out not only for its dedication to creating safe products but also for its adherence to sustainable practices throughout the manufacturing process. With a focus on organic ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging, Activist Skincare sets a high standard for eco-conscious sun care. This biodegradable sunscreen and organic tinted moisturizer offers full spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays.
- Cruelty Free
- Non-Toxic
- Vegan
- Ethical Sourcing
- Cruelty-Free
Babo Botanicals
Safe Sun Protection for the Whole Family
Price Range: $13.50 – $23.50
Babo Botanicals is dedicated to natural, organic skincare products for babies and adults. Their Vegan sunscreens are a popular choice for parents seeking a safe and gentle option for their little ones. Made with 13 plant-based ingredients such as aloe vera, certified organic Nutri-Soothe™ Herbal Blend, sunflower oil to soothe and moisturize and Protecting your family against damaging UVA and UVB rays while providing 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance.
Babo Botanicals sunscreens are Fragrance-free, Dermatologist Tested, Cruelty-free & Vegan. Babo Botanicals is MADE SAFE certified, ensuring their products meet strict standards for non-toxic ingredients. They are Curelty free, B Corporation, signifying their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Many of their sunscreens are EWG Verified, a designation awarded to products with a low health hazard rating.
Love Sun Body
Mineral Sunscreen with a Focus on Natural Ingredients
Price Range: $37 – $43
Love Sun Body offers a line of natural, mineral sunscreens that prioritize safety and transparency. Love Sun Body facial sunscreen safeguards against harmful UVA/UVB rays while enriching your skin with a blend of nourishing elements like raspberry seed and sunflower oils, shea butter, jojoba esters, glycerin, and vitamin E.
Love Sun Body sunscreen’s are Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Free from chemical filters and petroleum-based ingredients, reef-safe and gluten free.
Love Sun Body uses 100% natural origin ingredients and offer environmentally friendly packaging. Their products are COSMOS-standard certified and EWG VERIFIED. The COSMOS-standard signature is a consumer guarantee for organic and natural cosmetics that you can trust. The EWG VERIFIED program lets you know it meets EWG’s strictest standards for your health, with none of EWG’s chemicals of concern and full transparency that you can trust. PETA Cruelty-Free & Vegan, fulfills FDA, European Commission, Health Canada guidelines. Offers 80 minutes of water resistance.
Solara Suncare
Clean Protection Beyond Sun Defense
Price Range: ( / Fl Oz)
Solara Suncare stands out for its focus on clean, reef-safe sunscreens that nourish the skin. They go a step further by incorporating their signature PlantDFNS™ blend – a mix of ten antioxidants, botanical actives, and nutrients like Ashwagandha, Kakadu Plum and Tahitian Monoi, were carefully curated for their clinically supported ability to help defend against environmental aggressors and nourish parched skin long after exposure, leave skin feeling soft and looking healthy and protect the skin from environmental stressors like blue light and pollution.
Solara Suncare are Water resistant to 40 minutes for active wear and suitable for the entire family. Full spectrum defense against the sun, HEV/blue light + pollution. Fragrance Free for sensitive skin. Solara Suncare products are Dermatologist and Pediatrician Approved and Sensitive Skin Friendly.
EWG Verified – signifies Solara Suncare products meet Environmental Working Group’s safety standards.
All Good
Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Active Lifestyles
Price Range: $8- $37
All Good caters to outdoor enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers with their line of natural, mineral sunscreens. All Good zinc sunscreen butter physically blocks UVA/UVB rays and goes on thick to protect your skin in the most extreme environments like high elevation or water sports. All Good reef-friendly sun care products meet broad-spectrum standards. Their ingredients do not include chemical UV absorbers, Parabens or harmful additives (and especially no octinoxate, oxybenzone, and the other chemicals in the “Awful Eight”).
All Good sunscreens are water-resistant and non-comedogenic, making them suitable for active wear without clogging pores. All Good is a certified B Corporation, demonstrating their commitment to social and environmental responsibility. All Good sunscreens are rated well on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database, indicating a focus on safe ingredients.
Cocokind
Everyday Facial Sunscreen with Clean Ingredients
Price Range: ( / Fl Oz)
Cocokind caters to those seeking natural sun protection for their face. Their Mineral Based Sunscreen uses nan-nano zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton and microalgae to help protect the skin against everyday stressors such as UVA rays, UVB rays and pollution. Cocokind non-greasy feeling SPF leaves a soft dewy feel and is vegan, cruelty free, dermatologist tested, essential oil free, fragrance free and sensitive skin-friendly.
Cocokind holds National Eczema Association (NEA) Seal of Acceptance. Fragrance free, dye-free, lanolin-free, and non-comedogenic. FSA Eligible & HSA Eligible. They are a cruelty-free brand committed to sustainable practices.
Cocokind sunscreens are rated well on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database, indicating a focus on safe ingredients.
Juice Beauty
Mineral Sunscreen with Organic Ingredients
Price Range: ( / Fl Oz)
Juice Beauty offers a range of natural, chemical-free sunscreens that prioritize organic ingredients and reef-safe practices. Their formulas are free of harsh chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, opting for mineral Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Juice Beauty focus on organic and antioxidant-rich botanicals like Aloe Leaf Juice (Organic), Jojoba Oil (Organic), Coconut Oil (Organic), aiming to nourish the skin while providing sun defense.
Juice Beauty sunscreens are free of Parabens, petroleum, pesticides, propylene, butylene glycols, phthala tes, sulfates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, GMO, silicones, gluten, artificial dyes or synthetic fragrances. Juice Beauty are a Leaping Bunny certified brand, guaranteeing cruelty-free practices.
Juice Beauty sunscreens are rated well on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) Skin Deep database, indicating a focus on safe ingredients.
- Cruelty Free
- Non-Toxic
- Vegan
- Ethical Sourcing
- Thoughtful Packaging
Leaping Bunny Certified
Stream2Sea
Ocean-Friendly Sunscreens with Sustainable Practices
Price Range: $15 – $25
Stream2Sea is a leading brand in natural, chemical-free, and non-toxic sunscreen solutions, dedicated to providing effective sun protection while prioritizing environmental sustainability and consumer safety. Their sunscreen formulations are meticulously crafted with natural ingredients, carefully chosen to ensure both efficacy and safety made with EcoSafe Zinc™, Every Day Mineral Sunscreen is tested and proven safe for you, your family, and waters. By excluding harmful chemicals and toxins commonly found in traditional sunscreens, Stream2Sea offers a gentle yet powerful shield against the sun’s harmful rays, suitable for individuals of all ages and skin types.
Reef Safer* 100% Mineral Actives: No Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Octinoxate and Octocrylene. No Silicones, Preservatives, Parabens, Phthalates, SLS/SLES, or other Scary Ingredients.
Organic Antioxidant Blend that Protects, Nourishes and Restores Even the Most Sensitive Skin. Readily Biodegradable in Fresh & Salt Water, Sustainable Low Eco Impact Packaging. EWG VERIFIED Sun care You Can Trust.
Acure
Affordable Natural Sunscreens with Diverse Options
Price Range: ( / Fl Oz)
Acure offers a variety of natural, chemical-free sunscreens at accessible price points. Acure caters to different needs with options like facial sunscreens, body lotions, and mineral sunscreen sticks.They cater to those with dry skin by offering formulas with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil. Acure sunscreens are Weightless, multi-tasking sun protection with nourishing botanicals for face & body. A light whipped zinc oxide sunscreen that offers broad spectrum protection while squalene helps to maintain moisture.
Acure sunscreen protects against UVA & UVB rays, Reef safe and 100% Vegan, free from parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, petrolatum, and formaldehyde which are Good for all skin types. Acure is a cruelty-free brand that avoids animal testing.
Choosing the Right Natural Sunscreen
With so many fantastic brands on the market, selecting the perfect natural sunscreen can feel like picking a flavor at an ice cream shop (almost!). Here are some key factors to consider:
- Skin Type: Do you have sensitive skin, oily skin, or dry skin? Look for sunscreens formulated for your specific needs. Mineral sunscreens are generally gentler on all skin types, but some brands offer options specifically designed for sensitive skin.
- SPF Level: The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. For everyday use, SPF 30 is sufficient. However, if you’ll be spending extended time outdoors or engaging in water activities, opt for SPF 50.
- Water Resistance: If you’ll be sweating or swimming, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Look for labels that specify how long the protection lasts after getting wet (e.g., 40 minutes water-resistant).
- Ingredients: While natural sunscreens generally avoid harsh chemicals, it’s always a good idea to check the label. Look for ingredients you recognize and avoid anything that irritates your skin.
- Lifestyle: Are you an active beach bum or a weekend hiker? Choose a sunscreen that suits your activities. Consider options like spray sunscreens for easy application or reef-safe formulas for eco-conscious adventurers.
Benefits of Natural, Mineral, and Non-Toxic Sunscreens
Now that you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the perfect natural sunscreen, let’s delve into the many benefits these eco-friendly options offer:
- Kinder to Your Skin: Natural ingredients are often gentler on the skin, making them a great choice for those with sensitivities or allergies.
- Reef Safe: Many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been linked to coral reef bleaching. Natural sunscreens with mineral ingredients, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are considered reef-safe and kinder to our underwater ecosystems.
- Sustainable Practices: Many natural sunscreen brands prioritize eco-conscious practices. They might use recycled packaging, source ingredients sustainably, or partner with environmental organizations. By choosing natural sunscreen, you’re supporting brands that care about the planet.
Embrace the Sun Safely and Sustainably
Sun protection is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing sunburn and premature aging. By choosing natural, mineral, and non-toxic sunscreens, you can safeguard your skin and our planet simultaneously. So, slather on that sunscreen, grab your sunglasses, and head outdoors with confidence! Remember, sun safety goes beyond sunscreen. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am – 4 pm), wear protective clothing like hats and sunglasses, and reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if sweating or swimming.
Happy sun-kissed adventures!
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