The Best Non Toxic Sunscreen Options in 2023
Looking to switch up your sunscreen? Discover the best non toxic sunscreen options on the market today and make the switch to healthier living.
At Roam & Thrive we are big fans of natural, non-toxic skincare and the same goes for sunscreen. With so many products on the market today it’s hard to know what to look for when also trying to lead the healthiest life possible.
We know that wearing SPF daily is important but there are also a few other factors to consider when looking for the best non toxic sunscreen.
Sunscreens today are loaded with ingredients, both chemical and mineral but it’s often hard to know which are good for us and which aren’t just by looking at the bottle. Labels and bottles can be misleading.
Keep reading to find out more about the best non toxic sunscreen options today, which ingredients to look out for and how to keep yourself safe, healthy and happy while enjoying the outdoors.
Read more: The Best Non Toxic Yoga Mat Guide for Health-Conscious Yogis
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The Dangers of Toxic Sunscreen
In recent years chemical sunscreen ingredients have come under scrutiny. Not much was done to fully study these chemical ingredients before launching them into sunscreens at the start of the 1970s and only recently more and more studies have been done.
In short, chemical or physical sunscreens contain active ingredients that are toxic to our bodies and the environment. Ingredients such as oxybenzone have been linked with endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity as well as allergies. It’s believed to also be toxic to marine life and responsible for coral bleaching.
The chemicals in sunscreens get absorbed into the skin and bloodstream straightaway leading to free radical build-up in the body.
They work by penetrating into the skin and creating a reaction that prevents UV rays from damaging the cells.
The other option is a mineral sunscreen. Non-nano zinc oxide for example contains particles big enough to sit on the skin and absorb harmful UVA/UVB rays without toxins building up in the body.
How to Choose the Best Non Toxic Sunscreen
The way to choose the best non-toxic sunscreen is to first, know which ingredients to look out for both good and bad ingredients, and then to read the bottles carefully.
It’s easy to be influenced into buying a product that perhaps your friends are using, or is on-trend at the moment or simply for their marketing campaigns and cute-looking bottles. Neither of these means that the product is actually good for you or safe to use. This is the case with everything, not just sunscreen.
When choosing a new bottle of sunscreen make sure to always read the ingredients on the back, no matter how small the label. By law companies have to list all the ingredients, so once you know about all the ingredients to look out for (this post will tell you) you can make the right decision.
You’ll also want to consider a few other factors, mainly what you need the sunscreen for. If it’s specifically for your face, you might want to opt for a light formula that easily goes under makeup. If it’s for the beach and swimming in the sea you’ll probably want to look for labels like water resistance and reef safe. For everyday wear, you’ll want to look out for broad spectrum.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid
Regular sunscreens contain chemicals that degrade our health and the environment. This is generally because no real studies were done on the chemical ingredients that went into the first sunscreens in the 1970s. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration in the US) approved these ingredients without really knowing their effects on our health.
Fast forward to today and studies have now been done into the effects of the primary chemical ingredients in common sunscreens and the results aren’t good. This study for example has found that common sunscreen ingredients are probably endocrine disrupters- chemicals that alter our hormones.
Here are some top chemicals to avoid in common sunscreens.
↠ Oxybenzone– the number one chemical and disruptor found in modern sunscreens. Oxybenzone is now being studied more and more and it’s found to potentially be an endocrine disruptors, affecting thyroid and hormone function. In men, oxybenzone is also thought to affect sperm count, affecting male infertility. There might also be a risk for pregnant women
↠ Avobenzone -Another major ingredient that goes into common sunscreens, avobenzone is thought to actually degrade when coming into contact with the sun. This results in dangerous free radicals being released into the body which causes premature ageing and increases the risk of cancer.
↠ Octisalate – Another sunscreen ingredient that helps to reflect the sun’s rays. It’s used in sunscreens as well as many other skincare products like lip balm. It contributes to coral bleaching.
↠ Octocrylene – it effectively absorbs UV rays keeping the sun safe from sun damage but it is a chemical nonetheless that has caused some but rare allergic reactions. It is said that it can contribute to coral bleaching.
↠ Other chemicals found in chemical sunscreens include cinoxate, homosalate, octinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, meradimate, padimate O, and sulisobenzone but little research has been done to know the real effects of these sole ingredients. They are generally used together, with most of the other common sunscreen chemicals such as oxybenzone.
Oxybenzone, octocrylene and avobenzone also massively impact coral reefs, leading to coral bleaching. They are also toxic to fish and the marine life that lives in the waters. While wearing chemical sunscreen might be fine on the odd occasion when exploring a city on foot, please make sure to take care when going swimming in natural areas and opt for mineral sunscreen instead.
↠ Mineral sunscreens that use nanoparticles. Try to avoid nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc oxide and instead look for regular titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Nanoparticles just mean ‘tiny’ particles and are used in some sunscreens to lessen the whiteness in sunscreens that’ll avoid you from looking like a ghost after application.
However, nanoparticles particularly nano titanium dioxide have been linked to speeding up the ageing of the skin and problems during pregnancy.
↠ Beware of the term ‘mineral based’ which just means that zinc oxide or titanium dioxide has been mixed with chemical sunscreen. Make sure to be aware of other toxic ingredients such as parabens, cyclic silicones, BHA/BHT etc.
Sunscreen Ingredients to Seek Out
↠ Zinc Oxide- One of the top two ingredients used in mineral sunscreen, it works by forming a layer on the skin and reflecting UVA and UVB rays from the surface of the skin. Make sure to avoid nano zinc oxide. Most mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide so make sure to look out for this key ingredient.
↠ Titanium Dioxide – The other of the two main ingredients in mineral sunscreens. Again avoid nano titanium dioxide and instead look out for non-nano titanium dioxide. There is still a lot of debate as to how safe titanium dioxide in non-nano form is in sunscreens which is why it’s used less than zinc oxide.
All sunscreens recommended in this post use either non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium oxide so you can be sure you’re making the better choice compared to buying cheap, conventional chemical sunscreen.
Top Non Toxic Sunscreen Brands
Badger
Blue Lizard
Suntegrity
Biossance
Kokua Sun Care
Stream2Sea
MANDA
Butterbean
Hello Bello
Babo Botanicals
Supergoop!
Note that these are the top non toxic sunscreen brands in the US right now. The UK, Canada, Europe and other countries will have some of these as well as other brands.
There are some conventional brands that mostly manufacture chemical sunscreen that are switching over to make mineral sunscreen but personally I wouldn’t trust those as they are still manufacturing and selling products with chemicals. I prefer to use and recommend certified B-corps and small businesses that have a commitment to clean skincare and the environment.
The Best Non Toxic Sunscreen
Here are some of the best sunscreens on the market in 2022 that use mineral ingredients with no chemicals or harsh ingredients. They offer the highest possible protection from the sun without harming your health with harsh, dangerous chemicals. They are also reef safe and environmentally friendly too.
Blue Lizard- Sensitive, SPF 30+
Containing only active zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and no chemical ingredients, this Australian brand is one of the best out there when it comes to sunscreen.
Their products contain no oxybenzone or octinoxate, ingredients which are also known to kill coral reefs. Their sensitive sunscreen is water resistant for up to 40 minutes,- you can also opt for the Blue Lizard active sunscreen which is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, – is paraben free, fragrance free and broad spectrum.
This sensitive sunscreen is also available in SPF 50. Shop for this one here.
THINK Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Perfect for the active traveller or sports-orientated individual, this sunscreen by THINK is one of the best non toxic sunscreens on the market at the moment.
It’s a mineral sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide as its main active ingredient protecting you from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s free from PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, and toxic chemicals. The formula is environmentally friendly, reef safe and biodegradable.
It’s also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s available in 3 and 6 oz bottles and they also have specially developed formulas for kids.
Stream2Sea Biodegradable & Reef Safe Sunscreen
From a company with a commitment to the ocean, this reef-safe and environmentally friendly sunscreen contains non-toxic, non-nano titanium dioxide as its main ingredient. It contains no parabens, sulfates, gluten, oxybenzone or octinoxate for natural sun protection without the nasty chemicals.
The Stream2Sea biodegradable formula has also been tested and proven safe for marine and freshwater life- perfect for those cenotes in Tulum or snorkelling the Great Barrier Reef. The containers are also made from sugarcane resin rather than plastic, making this one of the best and most sustainable options right now.
All you need is a small amount for good, all-around protection and the sunscreen comes in both SPF20 and 30.
Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Another clear winner when it comes to reef-safe and skin-safe mineral sunscreen. This SPF30 sunscreen from Badger contains only 5 simple, almost all organic ingredients including uncoated zinc oxide, beeswax, sunflower oil and seabuckthorn extract. It’s also cruelty-free.
It’s broad spectrum and water resistant for up to 40 minutes allowing you to stay in the water longer without harming marine life and coral reefs. The tube is also made with 50% recycled materials and the whole production process is solar powdered.
Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Made with 20% non-nano zinc oxide, this great option by Suntegrity is a sustainable UV sunscreen that’s chemical free. It’s also free of parabens, phthalates and mineral oil and is vegan and cruelty-free.
The broad spectrum SPF30 protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays that cause skin cancer while also looking out for your endocrine health. Apart from zinc oxide their sunscreens also contain organic inactive ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cucumber Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Pomegranate Seed Oil that leave your skin feeling soft and moisturised.
It’s available in 3 and 5 fl oz tubes. If you find you like their products there are also highly-rated tinted, face sunscreen as well as sports-focused sunscreens.
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
A top choice for natural, mineral face sunscreens, this non-greasy formula by Biossance is one of the best non toxic sunscreens in 2023. Using non-nano, non toxic zinc oxide and added plant-derived squalane, it provides invisible, broad-spectrum coverage for the whole day.
The clear, lightweight option blends really well with all skin tones without leaving sticky, horrible residues or a white cast but instead leaves a soft, dewy finish. It’s suitable for all skin types.
This product is also vegan and paraben-free. A great option for those looking for a safe, non-toxic yet highly effective face sunscreen for everyday use and even under makeup.
Kokua Sun Care Natural Zinc Sunscreen
A small, family-owned brand from Hawaii, Kokua Sun Care is one of the best all-round non toxic sunscreens on the market today. After not being satisfied with the chemical-laded and ineffective sunscreens on the American market, they decided to develop something skin-friendly and environmentally friendly that’s effective.
Kokua Natural Zinc sunscreen is thick but easily applied and spread, SPF 50 and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s reef safe and doesn’t contain any nasty chemicals. In fact, it contains 25% non-nano zinc oxide which is one of the highest percentages on the market.
It also contains natural resin extracts and a plethora of natural ingredients sourced locally in Hawaii including organic noni juice, spirulina, kukui nut oil, macadamia nut il and plumeria extract making it great for the skin and great-smelling too.
Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen
Made with non-nano zinc oxide, this broad spectrum, SPF 30 provides complete UVA-UVB coverage.
A more performance-driven option this is perfect for those wanting safe and lasting protection for longer while engaging in outdoor activities. It’s also sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen is made with organic ingredients and without soy, gluten and nuts and contains no synthetic chemicals. Instead, it’s packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure.
The non-GMO formula is biodegradable and reef safe. For the face Raw Elements also offer a face stick that’s easy to apply- perfect for water-based activities like surfing.
MANDA Organic Sun Paste
One of the best performance sunscreens out there MANDA is the go-to brand for those with active, outdoor lifestyles. Using 100% natural and organic ingredients, you can trust this brand for some of the best suncare protection on the market in 2023.
Made with non-nano zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, this organic sun paste also contains coconut oil and beeswax to keep the skin feeling protected and soft. However, because of these, the paste tends to solidify in colder climates so you’ll need to warm it up a little before application. It also contains thanaka, a tree native to Myanmar, which is ground and used as protection against the sun.
MANDA’s sunscreen packaging is also completely recyclable and made from tin and bamboo which can be reused after use. As this is a sun paste it acts more like zinc block so it does leave a white residue when applied- not suitable on the face under makeup which is why this is sunscreen is best for sports and activities in the sun.
MANDA – Organic Sun Creme
If you prefer a sun creme rather than a paste, make sure to opt for this SPF 50 formula in a bio-plastic, sugar cane tube. Made with non-nano zinc oxide as the main active ingredient, it also contains coconut oil, cocoa and shea butter to keep the skin feeling protected and soft.
With all the natural ingredients including thanaka wood from Myanmar, this formula is natural, non-toxic and feels thick and good on the skin. It has zero harmful chemicals or synthetic ingredients and is child-safe and reef safe too.
It’s made in California, USA.
Hello Bello Sunscreen Lotion
A great, non toxic sunscreen option from baby brand Hello Bello, this sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient and is broad spectrum with SPF 50+.
It’s easy to spread, moisturising and effective against sunburn and sun damage. The formula is water resistance up to 80 minutes and completely reef and marine life safe. The one bottle is effective and safe to use for both adults and kids- perfect for families heading out on vacation.
Butterbean Organic SPF 30 Original Sunscreen
This small but mighty sunscreen is another contender for the best non toxic sunscreen of 2023. Using large, non-nano zinc oxide this sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection all year round. It’s water and sweat-resistant, and uses certified organic, non toxic ingredients that are antioxidant-rich and protect and nourish the skin.
Ingredients also include beeswax, coconut oil, neem oil, sunflower oil, shea butter and added vitamin E. Together with zinc oxide this brand creates a cruelty-free, reef safe and biodegradable formula that’s good for the skin and the planet.
Plant-derived and non-toxic polyhydroxystearic acid is also added to ensure smooth and even coverage.
This 3 oz sized tin is also perfect for travelling light but they also have a larger 8 oz tin as well as a 4 oz spray bottle.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen
One of the highest rated mineral sunscreens on Amazon, this formula from Babo Botanicals is fully non-toxic, skin and reef safe and suitable for adults, children and babies alike.
Made with non-nano zinc oxide this sunscreen is also free from gluten and soy, sulfates, parabens, phthalates, mineral oil and dairy. It contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. It’s also sheer and hypoallergenic with a broad spectrum of SPF 30. It’s a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It sprays on nice and evenly and doesn’t leave much greasy, white residue.
It’s also made in the US by a certified B Corp.
If sunscreen sprays aren’t the best option for you there’s also a Zinc SPF30 Sunscreen Lotion available as well as a Sports stick for fast application to smaller areas on the go.
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
This really is a game-changer when it comes to face sunscreens but while I’ve included it in this post for those looking for a balance between application, texture and ingredients, Unseen Sunscreen isn’t completely non-toxic. This is in fact a chemical sunscreen but perhaps a ‘cleaner’ version.
Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen formula is lightweight, invisible, oil-free, scent-free and packed full of natural (and some chemical) ingredients. It leaves skin looking and feeling light and airy without clogging pores. Natural, powerful ingredients like red algae help with filtering blue light and frankincense provides a soothing effect. Say goodbye to thick, oily sunscreen that coats your face and leaves a white residue all day.
It’s suitable for every skin tone, doesn’t leave any white residue and offers high performance protection from UVA, UVB and IRA rays.
It’s perfect for guys too- it’s beard-friendly and invisible.
If you have oily skin, you might want to opt for the mineral Matte Screen option. It’s a unique, lightweight tinted mineral formula that leaves a matte, poreless finish. It absorbs excess sebum and leaves skin feeling non-oily all day. This one is non-toxic and 100% mineral and broad spectrum.
It’s also great as a primer under foundation or used on its own for a light, natural look. I personally have really oily skin and I swear by this product. It’s been my go-to for years now.
For those looking for a super-light option to go under-make up this is the best I’ve personally found in terms of texture. While mineral sunscreens are much better for our overall health, they are often too thick and greasy to be used on the face and under makeup and as a primer.
For completely non-toxic sunscreen note that Supergoop! also have a few other mineral sunscreens that contain non nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as well as many other good-for-you natural ingredients.
Make sure to check out Supergoop! Play Mineral Sunscreen Spray and Supergoop! Play Mineral Sunscreen Stick or Supergoop! Zinc Screen for non-toxic, mineral coverage.
Safer Sun Tips
↠ Make sure to choose the right SPF. SPF is the sun protection factor. As a general rule, SPF 15 will block 93% of rays while SPF 50 will block 98% of rays. There’s little point going for anything above SPF 50 as the percentage of protection goes up by just a mere 1%. Save your money for something else instead.
↠ Seek shade between 11 pm-3 pm (or even earlier). During these times the sun is at its strongest so the best thing you can do is just do something indoors instead.
↠ Don’t avoid the sun completely. Don’t forget you still need the sun’s rays on your skin for Vitamin D. However, 20 minutes of sun exposure per day will give you what you need in terms of Vitamin D.
↠ Cover up. For maximum protection during the hottest part of the day, wearing loosely fitted clothing that covers arms and legs is advised. Make sure to also wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Which best non toxic sunscreen will you be buying? Let me know your comments and questions below, I’d love to hear from you.
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