Best Natural Sunscreens of 2023 (non-toxic and eco-friendly!)
Natural Beauty Sun Protection
Not all natural sunscreens are created equally: some will leave you looking like a ghost while others sink into the skin and provide a mega dose of free-radical fighting antioxidants!
After trying oh so many different options over the years, here are the absolute best natural sunscreens I’ve tried…
Looking for the safest, best natural sunscreen that won’t leave you looking like a ghost?
In other words: very very white.
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.
Related: DIY All-Natural Soothing Antioxidant After-Sun Spray
Non-nano zinc oxide is the holy grail of natural sun protection. Here’s why…
Zinc oxide provides immediate sun protection
Because the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens need time to absorb into your skin, you need to wait for a period of time (usually 15-20 minutes) before going into the sun.
But zinc oxide acts like a mirror reflecting the suns rays, and starts working as soon as it’s applied.
Zinc oxide sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays
While all chemical sunscreens protect your skin from the skin-burning UVB rays, some don’t offer protection from deeper-penetrating UVA rays. UVA rays are associated with premature aging, something I’m sure we’d all like to avoid!
Zinc oxide protects from both UVB and UVA rays.
Zinc oxide is less irritating to sensitive skin
Some of the active ingredients used chemical sunscreens trigger allergies and skin reactions (since they’re not natural and the skin is like “What!?“).
But zinc oxide is actually used in natural diaper rash creams to soothe irritated little bottoms!
Zinc oxide sunscreen is better for the environment
One of the most commonly used active ingredients in chemical sunscreens oxybenzone is known to kill coral reefs, which are home to 25% of all ocean life. For this reason, reefs are disappearing twice as fast as rain forests!
According to TIME:
“Currently, somewhere between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen enters coral reef areas around the world each year, according to the U.S. National Park Service. That’s a lot of sunscreen considering how little it takes to cause toxic effects. According to the new research, toxicity occurs at a concentration of 62 parts per trillion. That’s the equivalent of a drop of water in an Olympic swimming pool.”
In May of 2018, Hawaii actually passed a bill to ban the sale of all sunscreens with this ingredient in order to protect the reefs! (source)
If we can do our part to prevent this just by switching to a natural mineral sunscreen, why wouldn’t we?
And zinc oxide in its non-nano form is safest since it’s unable to be absorbed into the bloodstream
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.
So I personally choose and recommend non-nano zinc oxide specifically.
Here’s the only problem: sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide can leave us looking very white.
Like you’ve just rubbed spackle all over your body.
Like a ghost.
Like a lifeguard straight from the 70s.
No, it’s not a good look! And it can feel really icky too.
Over the years, I’ve tried A LOT of natural, non-toxic sunscreens. And honestly, for a very long time, I sacrificed aesthetics for health.
I didn’t mind having oh-so-obvious white sunscreen all over my body if it meant non-toxic sun protection. (OK so I minded, but I didn’t know of a better option.)
Luckily, totally safe, mineral-based, natural sunscreens have come a long way in recent years!
In other words, we no longer have to sacrifice beauty in the name of safety, or vice versa.
The following are the absolute best natural sunscreens I’ve tried for both face and body.
Each provides natural, mineral-based protection and rubs in clear.
The list is short because in my opinion, they really are the best of the best.
Why weigh the list down with other options that just don’t stand up?
I’ve personally spent way too much time and money on products that don’t perform and I don’t want to put you through that!
Related: 6 Foods That Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage
The Best Natural Sunscreens: Face
Suntegrity 5-in-1 BB Cream with SPF 30
Probably my second-favorite skincare product ever after my Beauty Blends!
Not only does it provide great color coverage and protect skin from UV rays with non-nano zinc oxide, but it also contains a bunch of other goodies — free-radical fighting and anti-aging antioxidants thanks to astaxanthin, and green tea, plus hyaluronic acid for hydration and to keep skin looking plump.
This definitely provides greater coverage than ThinkSport Everyday Face (below) AND comes in a variety of shades!
ThinkSport Everyday Face Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+
Provides great protection, has a super clean ingredient list, and doesn’t leave skin looking white thanks to a slight tint.
While it’s very simple and utilitarian — no exciting extras like the Suntegrity BB cream just above — I actually love how it makes my skin look and feel: really dewy, moisturized, and glowy.
I don’t mind that it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles because I apply it on top of a vitamin C serum, which gives my skin those other goodies. But if you’re a 1-step kind of gal/guy, I’d go with the Suntegrity.
Also unlike the Suntegrity 5-in-1 BB Cream, this comes in just 1 shade only and so may not work for all skin shades.
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer SPF 30
Since it’s actually a primer, this is a fantastic option if you’re going to be wearing makeup over your sunscreen.
It’s not tinted and provides a nice matte finish though a good dose of moisture.
It protects skin with non-nano zinc oxide and contains other skin-loving goodies like plumping hyaluronic acid and the powerhouse antioxidant astaxanthin.
Mychelle Replenishing Solar Defense Anti-Aging SPF 30
The only option on the list made with micronized zinc oxide (as opposed to non-nano), but I really just love it too much to not include it. It’s the best non-tinted option I’ve found that offers great protection without leaving you white.
My husband uses this face lotion on a daily basis, and it’s my go-to when I don’t want a tint (such as when I’m going to be working up a sweat and so don’t want the tint running down my face or rubbing off on my hat or shirt!).
It also provides a bunch of other skin-loving, anti-aging goodies like red algae extract, kukui oil, and macadamia nut oil.
The Best Natural Sunscreens: Body
Suntegrity Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen
An especially great option for those who are sensitive to scent, this sunscreen protects with zinc oxide in a base of other skin soothing goodies like aloe and green tea extract.
It doesn’t feel greasy and rubs in clear (though is a thicker formula than the other body sunscreen option on this list, and so does require a bit more effort to rub in).
No wonder its picked up some accolades along the way! It was the Dermascope 2020 Aestheticians’ Choice Award Winner for Body Sunscreen, made EWG’s 2020 “Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens” list, and received a #1 Rating in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.
ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
This is the most budget-friendly option on the list and has been a go-to of mine in recent years.
Again, this formula is made with non-nano zinc, doesn’t contain any other unhealthy ingredients, and it rubs into skin very easily without leaving a white residue. I also think it also smells delicious!
If comparing it to Countersun, it’s much more utilitarian: doesn’t come with any of the added skin-loving goodies like antioxidants but it gets the job done and well, too. It also doesn’t sink into the skin quite as much and can get a little gooey feeling if you’re working up a sweat while wearing it.
Babo Botanicals Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
One of my newest favorites for body AND face! It’s made with zinc oxide — but not non-nano, if you’re OK with the compromise — and rubs in very clear very quickly.
My husband and I have been using this while hiking and definitely appreciate that it’s water-resistant since it doesn’t rub off as we work up a sweat or run into our eyes (never any fun!).
Do you have a go-to natural sunscreen we should try and add to the list!?
Any questions?
Please share in the comments below!
Hi Nadia, Which facial sunscreen would you recommend for someone prone to cystic acne?
Thanks!
Hey Nadia!
Are all of these non-comedogenic? I’ve been using a zinc sunscreen but it turns out there’s beeswax in it and it’s causing some closed comedones!
Thanks
Good question, Renee! I personally think it depends – if you’re spending significant time in full sun (like a day hiking or at the beach) I would go with at least SPF 30 (though they say everything over SPF 30 is pretty much just SPF 30!). But SPF 20 is good protection for everyday wear (running errands, at work, in the house, etc).
From what I see, that formula also contains octinoxate which is one of the ingredients known to kill coral reefs and Hawaii and Key West have recently explicitly banned. It also has a 6 in the EWG Skin Deep Database. Also where is the full ingredient list on their website!? Sketchy.
You should check out Image Skincare products. They have a 30 SPF Hydrating with only zinc oxide and a body spray SPF 30
Hi! I don’t see anywhere in the article that talks about the SPF number and recommendations. I think I’ve heard the recommended number should be at lest SPF 25-30. Is this true( what do you recommend for face and body. I’m interested in the Beautycounter tinted skin SapF 20, but I question if that is a high enough SPF. TIA 🙂
Cetyl dimethicone is non-toxic – you can see the toxicity score for this ingredient HERE on EWG’s Skin Deep Database and the breakdown of the safety of the complete product HERE – but is a silicone so some people are concerned about it clogging pores. I think this is what you must be talking about. As someone with a history of adult acne, I’ve never had a problem with it personally but of course everyone is different.
I just looked up the ingredients for ThinkSport Everyday Face Sunscreen and it contains cetyl dimethicone, which seems to spark off some controversy on the web. How safe is this product?
i liked ur blog so much lots of love from india….love u for giving exact and amazing useful information about all the topics really ur doing great great job.
Thank YOU! I can’t wait to try this recipe.
I want to buy a good safe sunscreen at a store I do not like buying on line . Something like Walmart or cvs please see if you can find a store thank you. Tania sante
Of course! My favorite so far II’ve tried a lot) is Mychelle’s Perfect C Serum (17%).
Yes, so any antioxidant is helpful in terms of anti-aging but vitamin C in particular has actually been studied an absolute ton and found to not just protect skin from free radicals (which age the skin) but also increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. I’d look for a product with vitamin C or niacinamide if you want to get serious about antiaging. Exfoliating products also increase cell turnover and stimulate collagen production!
Yay glad to hear it, Erica! Thank you 🙂
Do you mind sharing what vitamin C serum you use? Vitamin C and E is the key to anti-aging, isn’t it?
So helpful!!!
Hi, Nancy! It’s just online right now but I’d be happy to help you if you have any questions 🙂 You can check out the whole Countersun collection here: http://bit.ly/bodyunburdened-BC-countersun
Where can Beautycounter be bought? I hope it can be purchased off a shelf in store.