5 Safe Sunscreen Options + Why They’re Better
Natural Beauty Sun Protection
Around this time of year, I start instinctively humming the DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince (you know, Will Smith when he was still rocking that 90s flat top) classic “Summertime”.
It’s my internal clock saying “beach days ahead!”
It’s also my cue to talk to you about safe sun protection – the products I personally use and recommend and WHY.
Because as you know, the skin is the body’s largest organ and what we put on it matters. And a few of the active ingredients commonly used in sunscreen have been linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and/or developmental/ reproductive toxicity. One is even known to kill coral reefs!
When it comes to choosing a safe sunscreen, there are just a few things to look for.
You want to choose a sunscreen with:
Zinc oxide as the active ingredient.
Zinc oxide is a mineral that provides broad spectrum protection from the sun rays (that is, it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) and is soothing to the skin — it’s also the active ingredient in many natural diaper creams! As a physical sunscreen, it sits on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into the skin as with chemical sunscreens.
Zinc oxide in non-nano form (ideally but not the most essential).
Micronization of zinc oxide prevents it from appearing white on the skin, but there is some concern that the nanoparticles can be absorbed into the skin and potentially cause harm.
Related Post: 5 Reasons Why Mineral Sunscreen is Best
You want to avoid sunscreen with:
Oxybenzone as the active ingredient.
This chemical has been linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and/or developmental/reproductive toxicity and is toxic to coral reefs.
Titanium dioxide as the active ingredient.
This mineral doesn’t provide the same UVA protection as zinc oxide and there is evidence that it begins to degrade once it is exposed to sunlight.
Other unhealthy ingredients such as parabens and fragrance.
Related Post: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry
5 Safe Sunscreens Options
Each of the following recommendations are made with non-toxic ingredients and have a “1” ranking in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. I’ve also personally tried them all with great results!
Beautycounter Protect All Over Sunscreen SPF 30
Best for: Head-to-toe coverage
One of my favorite products from one of my favorite companies (because you know I love a company with a conscience, and Beautycounter is one of the best)! Lightweight and water-resistant, this sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide BUT blends into the skin so easily (in other words, no white streaks!).
Beautycounter Protect Stick Sunscreen SPF 30 Body
Best for: Head-to-toe coverage in convenient stick form
This is basically just a convenient solid version of the Protect All Over Sunscreen. I always keep one in my car and purse! Plus, it’s said that zinc oxide can separate from the liquid part of lotions, and that sunscreen sticks are a better option for reliable coverage.
Best for: Budget-friendly head-to-toe coverage
A great high-level of protection made with zinc oxide and really simple, natural ingredients. It’s also pretty easy to rub in and waterproof. This company also sells a sports and kids sunscreen, but they all have very similar ingredients (as far as I can tell, the only difference is in the scent).
Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen
Best for: Face coverage with a slight tint + lots of added goodies to benefit skin
I stumbled upon this awesome product while looking for a natural tinted moisturizer with non-nano zinc oxide — hard to find! And those rave reviews are hard to ignore. If you want a little color coverage, this is a really great everyday SPF option for your face. Plus, it has a ton of skin-loving goodies like hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, red algae. I’m pretty excited about it!
Beautycounter Protect Stick Sunscreen SPF 30 Face
Best for: Face coverage without any tint
I’m very particular about what I put on my face, and really like this formula! As with Beautycounter’s other sunscreens, it’s made with non-nano zinc oxide yet blends in clear. No chalky white face + safe ingredients = win win.
I am a stickler for all things natural. It just makes sense.
Lori; also natural product go trough extensive tetst in the lab before you may sell them.
Thanks for this. Im going to make it myself with oils that supposed to have natural SPF (wheatgerm, carrotseed, raspberry and shea),combined with zinq. Since I won’t get it tested in a lab, im a bit worried about it. Do you know if it is a case of just seeing if you get burned? Or can you also get sundamage without noticable signs?
Thank you so much for all your hard work on this wonderful blog. I am wondering if there is any reason some of these might not be recommended for a baby? I have a 4 month old and I’m looking for our best baby options.
Thanks for this post. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance of sunscreen. I have been using the suntegrity one for over a year now, and it is fabulous. It keeps my skin moisturized as it protects, and keeps me looking dewy and fresh all day long! Highly recommend.
just wondering if there are any issues with face breaking out after using this product. I assume that because they are natural there would be no problem but wanted to ask in case anyone had come across issues with that?
I use Human Nature sunscreens. It’s cheaper, organic and safe for humans and coral reefs alike.
Thanks for sharing these safe options! I love making my own sunscreen, too with coconut oil and zinc oxide.
It’s so great to know which brands are safe! Thanks for taking all the guess work out of it for the rest of us! 🙂
Folks should look out for companies that sneak phenoxyethanol which is considered toxic (or known to cause organ toxicity) in Europe and elsewhere.
So informative, thank you! My family burns easily but we also try to avoid chemical sunscreens.
I made up a lotion with white thick zinc oxide and olive oil with essential oils. It doesn’t cover as much as the zinc oxide does but it helps. I am not a sun baby as such so I do avoid being out it the hottest times.
Hi Nadia
First of all, thank you for recommending good natural sunscreens. I need them so much. I get that Beautycounter protect stick body is for the body and face one is for the face. But what is the difference between Beautycounter protect all over sunscreen and the one for the face? I think I am thinking which to put on my face but they all seem like good products.