The post reviews the best non-toxic sunscreens that actually work and offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. These mineral sunscreens are all reef safe, safe for children and adults, breastfeeding, and pregnancy.
Disclaimer: some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I make a small commission if you purchase the product through that link. This does not cost you anything extra and helps me keep this website running.
Table of Contents
Why wear sunscreen?
Wearing sunscreen when you are spending time outside is a good idea. Too much sun exposure and exposure to harmful uv rays can cause sun damage and lead to sun burns, blisters, dark spots, wrinkles, premature aging of the skin, and can increase your risk of skin cancer. This is where sunscreens come in. The good news is that sunscreen can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of too much sun exposure, while still allowing you to enjoy time outside.
But not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to our health and the environment. When it comes to the active ingredients in sunscreen – the ones that protect you from the sun’s UV rays and UV light – there are two different types of ingredients: mineral and chemical filters. Mineral and chemical filters use different mechanisms for protecting your skin from the sun.
Classically, the most common conventional sunscreens on the market have been made with chemical filters. But mineral sunscreens are becoming more and more popular as people are starting to realize the health concerns and environmental concerns that the chemical sunscreen ingredients can have.
In this post I will take you through the differences between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens and will review the best safer sunscreens including lotions and spray sunscreens that are free from harmful chemicals, toxic ingredients and toxic chemicals and are also safe for the environment and aquatic life.
And if you want even more information on this topic, be sure to read my post how to choose safe sunscreen.
Why I only recommend mineral sunscreens:
When it comes to sunblock or sun protection, you have a few options: chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, and physical blocks or barriers such as clothing and hats. Initially, sun "screens" only protected against UVA rays and radiation. But they are now required to offer both UVA and UVB protection. This is what the term "broad spectrum" means.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sunscreen's ingredients into your skin and then absorbing UV rays or UV radiation through the ingredients' chemical bonds. As these chemicals absorb the suns UV rays, the components of the sunscreen break down and then release heat from the body.
In contrast, mineral sunscreens work by providing a physical barrier to protect your skin from the sun. They protect the skin from the sun by sitting on the top of your skin and blocking the sun’s rays.
In general, mineral sunscreen ingredients, especially zinc oxide offers superior sun protection compared to chemical sunscreen ingredients, offering better protection for both UVA and UVB rays. Because of this, in order to increase their effectiveness, you will see chemical sunscreen brands combining multiple chemical sunscreen ingredients in a single product to help increase their ability to protect you from the sun.
Mineral sunscreens not only work really well, but they are also safe and non-toxic for our health since they don't get absorbed into your skin. They are also safe for the environment and the coral reefs.
In contrast, many of the chemical sunscreen ingredients have significant health concerns. They can also be bad for the environment, harmful to marine life and damaging to the coral reefs causing coral bleaching.
When it comes to the chemical sunscreen ingredients, they can have health risks including:
- Some of them are known endocrine disruptors or hormone disruptors - meaning they can cause endocrine disruption (in particular oxybenzone).
- Can increase your bleeding risk (trolamine salicylate).
- Can cause allergic and photoallergic skin reactions (PABA).
- Oxybenzone is readily absorbed through the skin and ends up in breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine, and blood plasma.
There is also a lack of safety data in humans when it comes to the chemical sunscreen ingredients. When these ingredients were initially approved for use in sunscreen it was assumed that very little of these chemicals would be absorbed through the skin. Unfortunately, recent studies show that there is significant absorption of chemical sunscreen ingredients through the skin, leading to plasma concentrations that surpass the FDA's safety threshold.
Because of this, the most recent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations are that ONLY zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can be recommended as generally safe and effective (GRASE) when it comes to sunscreens.
Other ingredients to avoid in sunscreen:
Besides the chemical sunscreen ingredients we discussed above, you also want to avoid these ingredients when shopping for sunscreens:
- Fragrances - these are considered to be trade secrets so companies don't have to disclose what ingredients are used in their fragrances. Fragrances can contain potentially harmful ingredients such as hormone or endocrine disruptors so it's best to avoid any sunscreens with the words "fragrance", "perfume" or "parfum" in the ingredient list.
- Parabens - parabens are preservatives that are known endocrine disruptors so it's best to avoid them. To do this, avoid ingredients that end in "aben".
- Phthalates - certain phthalates are also hormone disruptors that have been associated with many negative health outcomes so it also best to avoid them.
- Benzene - you have probably heard about the thousands of sunscreens that have been recalled over the last couple years due to their contamination with benzene. These include both chemical and mineral sunscreens, and many from popular brands including but not limited to Neutrogena, Sun Bum, Raw Elements, CVS Health, Banana Boat, EltaMD, Babyganics, Coppertone, Walgreens, Ethical Zinc, Max Block, La Roche Posay, Aveeno and more. Benzene is a known carcinogen and can also cause other health issues such as aplastic anemia, so it really should not be in our sunscreen (or any other products for that matter). Be sure to keep an eye on the FDA and Health Canada recall lists to keep up-to-date on the latest sunscreen recalls related to benzene.
The best safe sunscreens:
The safest types of sunscreen you can find are mineral-based sunscreen (also known as physical sunscreen) that use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which act as a physical barrier and sit on top of the skin to block the sun's rays. However, not all mineral sunscreen products are created equally. I tried many mineral sunscreens that just didn't work that well. It took me a long to find brands that are not only safe for human health and marine life, but are also effective. I hope that all my trial and error will save you money and grief.
Below I've put together a list of the safest sunscreens that also work really well. These are all non-toxic, and offer broad-spectrum SPF protection and are free from harsh chemicals that could cause skin irritation or other adverse effects. I have personally tried all of these sunscreens and will give you my honest opinion and thoughts on each one including both the pros and the cons.
1. Beautycounter Sunscreen
The Beautycounter sunscreen is my favorite non-toxic sunscreen and my personal go-to sunscreen. It is my overall best pick for non-toxic sunscreen.
The Beautycounter sunscreens not only work really well, but they goes on nice and clear compared to many other mineral sunscreens.
Besides formulating with safe ingredients, Beautycounter also checks every batch of their products for contaminants so that harmful ingredients like benzene or those than can cause hormone disruption would never end up in their sunscreen or beauty products. I don't know of any other brand that does check their sunscreen for contaminants so this is one of the main reasons why they are my top choice. Their sunscreen is also reef-safe sunscreen.
Beautycounter makes a few different sunscreens depending on your preferences and needs and I have tried them all:
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This is my personal favourite body sunscreen lotion. This sun protection factor (SPF) 30 lotion offers broad-spectrum protection and is formulated with California Poppy to block blue light as well. It offers water resistance for up to 40 minutes. It’s also safe for children 6 months and older. It goes on nice and clear, leaving no white cast, and blends really easily.
Size: 3.4 oz
Price: $27 USD
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick
My friends with kids love this product! It’s easy for them to use and is small enough to keep in a purse or diaper bag. Like the sunscreen lotion, this sunscreen also blocks UVA and UVB rays as well as blue light offering broad spectrum sun protection. It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is also safe for children 6 months and older. I find this product is especially great for travelling because of the size.
Size: 0.5 oz
Price: $23 USD
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist
This sunscreen spray is formulated without aerosol chemicals and uses air pressure technology to propel the liquid out of the container (how cool is that?). Like the other sunscreen formulas it blocks UVA, UVB and blue light and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The one downside of the 6oz bottle is that it is quite large. And while that makes it more economical, it's a bit bulky to carry around. For that reason I tend to go with the 3 oz spray sunscreen or the sunscreen lotion instead.
Size: 3 oz and 6 oz
Price: $39 USD for 6 oz. The 3 oz bottle is currently not available.
Countersun Daily Sheer Defense for Face
This is the best face sunscreen! It goes on nice and clear without any white cast. This sunscreen has moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and is free from retinyl palmitate so it's great for everyday use. It protects from UVA and UVB radiation and HEV blue light rays. It even contains antioxidants such as vitamin E to help protect the skin from pollution and free radicals. Plus chicory root extract and squalene to help lock in moisture and keep the skin hydrated.
Size: 1.7 oz
Price: $46 USD
Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
This is one of my all-time favourite skincare products. It gives your skin the nicest dewy glow. I use it every single day, even in the winter. It is an SPF 20, blocking UVA and UVB rays. The formula also features a blend of black currant seed oil, peony root extract, and vitamin C, to help brighten the skin and even skin tone. It's also a great option for those with darker skin tones as you can pick the shade that matches your skin.
Size: 1.35 oz
Price: $50 USD
Cons:
- The main downside of the Beautycouner sunscreen is the price. It is more expensive than some of the others in this review (but not all).
- You can only buy this sunscreen online and it ins't available in grocery stores or drug stores.
2. Alba Botanica Sunscreen
Alba Botanica makes a variety of different sunscreens including sunscreen lotions and sprays with SPF values that range from SPF 15 to SPF 50.
Features: made with 100% vegetarian ingredients and botanicals and are biodegradable. Leaping Bunny certified.
Pros:
- Is water resistant
- Offer fragrance free options so they are great for those with sensitive skin and should not cause skin irritation.
- Is one of the more affordable options in this review.
- I really like the smell of the one that I tried.
- No white cast.
Cons:
- The formula is a little greasy.
- Not tested for contaminants.
Size: 3 oz
Price: $10.99 USD
All Good Sunscreen
All Good makes a variety of mineral sunscreens including sunscreen lotions and sticks with formulas for adults, babies and kids. Their sunscreen is made with natural ingredients and avoid harmful sunscreen chemicals and is gentle and safe for babies 6 months and older.
Features: Leaping Bunny certified. Gluten free. Hypoallergenic. Biodegradable. Made in the USA.
Pros:
- Is reef friendly and water resistant up to 80 minutes.
- I also really like their lip SPF.
- The sunscreen is light weight and rubs in easily.
- They make a tinted formula for darker skin tones.
- Available at Target
- More affordable than some of the others in this roundup.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- The formula tends to separate in the heat so be sure to give it some very good shakes before using.
Size: 3 oz
Price: $13.99-16.98 USD
ATTITUDE Sunscreen
ATTITUDE is a well known safe skincare brand that is readily available in many grocery stores, drug stores, and online. Like their other safe products like body lotion and body wash they also make great safe sunscreens.
Features: Vegan and cruelty free and they do offer some plastic free packing. Fragrance free. Reef safe. Environmental Working Group (EWG) Verified.
Pros:
- They have both sunscreen lotions and sunscreen sticks.
- I really like that they have plastic-free packaging for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option.
- They offer tinted sunscreen options.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- This formula is thicker and does leave more of a white cast compared to some of the others in this review.
Size: 0.7-5.2 oz
Price: $12.95-$24.22 USD
Badger Sunscreen
Badger is another great, top rated, non toxic brand that makes a few different sunscreen products.
Features: Their sunscreen ranks a 1 on the environmental working group (EWG) skin deep guide. Made with only 5 ingredients. Reef safe. Cruelty free, gluten free and hypoallergenic. Packaged in 50% PCR tubes. Made with 100% solar power in the USA. Made with USDA certified organic ingredients.
Pros:
- Is water resistant.
- I found it works very well.
- I love the company's focus on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.
- Available at Target.
Cons:
- The main downside of this sunscreen is that it is pretty thick and hard to rub in and I find it does leave more of a white cast on your skin compared to some of the other sunscreens in this review.
- No contaminant testing.
Size: 2.9 oz
Price: $15.29-17.99 USD
Babo Botanicals Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals makes plant based skincare products and they make great mineral sunscreens that protect from UVA and UVB rays.
Features: Designed for sensitive skin and should not cause allergic reactions. Water resistant. EWG verified. Fragrance free. Vegan. Cruelty-free. Dermatologist tested.
Pros:
- Is SPF 50 so if you prefer a higher SPF than 30 this is a great option.
- It works really well!
- No white cast.
- Is easy to rub in.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- The formula is a little greasy but it does blend in well.
Size: 3 oz
Price: $23.64
C'est Moi Sunscreen
C'est Moi makes clean skincare and cosmetic products and their sunscreen is no exception.
Features: Fragrance free. Hypoallergenic.
Pros:
- One of the more affordable options in this review.
- I know this shouldn't be a factor but I love how pretty this sunscreen is! The branding is on point!
- It rubs in easily and I find this formula to be more moisturizing than some of the others in this collection.
- No white cast!
- The smaller size tube is handy for travelling or for throwing in a purse.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- The formula is pretty oily or greasy.
- Everywhere I have looked recently the product has been sold out so I hoping they have not discontinued it but I will update this review when I know more.
Size: 2 oz
Price: Currently not available
Pipette Sunscreen
The Pipette mineral sunscreen is a baby friendly formula that is lightweight, long-lasting and gentle.
Features: Non comedogenic and is good for those with acne prone skin and oily skin. Fragrance free. Hypoallergenic, cruelty-free and vegan.
Pros:
- One of the most affordable sunscreens in this review.
- Is an SPF 50 so if you want a higher SPF option this is a great one to consider.
- Rubs in easily with no white cast.
- Was nice and moisturizing.
- Available at Walgreens.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- It feels a bit greasy when you first apply it but it does get better after you rub it in.
- I don't love the smell of this one.
Size: 4 oz
Price: $13.47-$14.99 USD
Raw Elements Sunscreen
Raw Elements is another great brand of safe, natural sunscreen.
Features: Their sunscreen is organic and is water resistant up to 80 minutes. Reef safe and biodegradable. Cruelty free. Leaping Bunny Certified. Made with certified organic ingredients.
Pros:
- Their sunscreen lotions come in biodegradable packaging! I don't know of any other sunscreen that does.
- It works very well.
- Nice and hydrating.
- Available at Target.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- It is quite thick and takes some work to rub in.
- Does leave a bit of a white cast compared to some other brands.
- I don't love the smell of this one.
Size: 3 oz.
Price: $17.49-$18.89 USD
Suntegrity Sunscreen
Suntegrity is another great safe mineral sunscreen option.
Features: Reef safe. Cruelty free. Vegan.
Pros:
- I really like the scent of this one. It has a light citrus smell.
- No white cast.
- Is nice and hydrating.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- Is one of the ore expensive options in this roundup.
- Is a little thick so does take a bit of effort to rub in.
Size: 3-5 oz
Price: $26-$38 USD
Earth Mama Sunscreen
Earth Mama is another great non toxic brand. They make a few different sunscreen products depending on your needs.
Features: Dermatologist tested. Leaping Bunny Certified. Reef safe. Water resistant.
Pros:
- One of the more affordable options in this review.
- Does work really well.
- Great for kids and infants.
Cons:
- No contaminant testing.
- Does leave a white cast.
- Is hard to rub in and feels a little sticky on the skin.
Size: 3 oz
Price: $14.99-$19.99 USD
Thinksport and Thinkbaby Sunscreen
Thinksport and Thinkbaby make a number of great non toxic and safe personal care products including deodorant and sunscreen.
Features: Dermatologist recommended, reef-safe, biodegradable, kid-friendly, and water resistant up to 80 minutes. EWG top rated. Vegan.
Pros:
- Works really well.
- Has a nice, subtle scent.
- Not greasy or too oily.
- Comes in an SPF 50 option if you prefer a higher SPF.
Cons:
- They recently changed their formula and I have not been able to test the newest versions so I hope they still work as well.
- No contaminant testing.
- Leaves a subtle white cast and does take some effort to rub in.
- Can stain clothing and swim suits.
Size: 3 oz-6oz
Price: $14.00 - $23.99 USD
Well there you have it. My favourite safe sunscreens! If you have any other safe sunscreen brands that you like please let me know and I would be happy to add the to the post.
Frequently asked questions:
To use sunscreen properly, you should apply it 15-30 minutes before going into the sun, and then reapply it every 1.5-2 hours, or anytime you have been in the water or sweating in large amounts.
The safest sunscreens are ones that are mineral sunscreens that are tested for benzene contamination, and that are free of fragrances, parabens and phthalates.
Beautycounter sunscreen is a great safe sunscreen, that is tested to ensure it doesn't have benzene contamination.
Other health information you will be interested in:
- The best non toxic vitamin C serums
- How to choose a safe sunscreen
- Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better?
- The best non toxic laundry detergents
- Is there mercury in your mascara?
- How to choose non-toxic laundry detergent
- How to choose non-toxic cookware
Our expertise:
Dr. Erin Carter, MD, FRCPC, is a physician with board certifications in internal medicine and rheumatology. She is passionate about preventative healthcare including nutrition, environmental health and low toxicity living. She is also a self-trained chef and has been creating and publishing recipes since 2015. Her recipes have been featured on many different websites and online publications.
alanna dB
I was really curious about the beautycounter one after seeing it on Liz's site, but I can't find it on the Canadian version. :'(
Ariell
Hi! Thank you for providing all the information about chemical vs physical sunscreens! Since you also have KP, what sunscreens or ingredients would you recommend looking out for? I don’t want my sunscreen to make the problem worse! Thank you!
Erin Carter
I use Beautycounter sunscreen and it has never caused my KP any issues
Erin Carter
ya the sunscreen won't be available in Canada until 2017. I ordered some while I'm in Florida so I could try it because I didn't want to wait that long!
alanna dB
Aw dang! Nathan is so white - I definitely need to find a good natural one here. I've used the Green Beaver ones from Community, but the sticks sound a lot better since they won't separate. Why can't we have nice things NOW in Canada?! haha