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Looking for the best non-toxic sunscreen options in 2024 that promise to protect and hydrate your skin without making you look like you’ve put on a suit of armor?
We rounded up the most coveted natural & non-toxic sunscreen for face and body use below.
Spoiler Alert: They all meet the EWG criteria!
Also, don’t forget to check our latest guide of the best sun protection clothes on the market – and yes, sun protection clothes are BETTER at protecting us from the sun than sunscreen.
This post is about the best non-toxic sunscreen brands in 2024.
While slathering SPF is an all-year-round necessity, deep down, we are all guilty of forgetting to shield ourselves against UV and UVA rays from time to time. Well, not anymore!
In 2024, the best non-toxic sunscreen for face and body protection are not the necessary evil it once was.
On the contrary, these safe sunscreens are sheer and lightweight, with a barely-there texture and none of the harmful ingredients.
So put on your trusted sunblock, grab your sandals, and let’s hit the beach!
We made a list of the safest sunscreens 2024 has to offer that will definitely become an enjoyable addition to your daily skincare routine.
Today’s round-up includes fantastic options for adults and kids alike with certified organic ingredients and vegan formulas that are water and sweat-resistant.
What is non-toxic sunscreen?
A non-toxic sunscreen is a sun protection product formulated with safe ingredients that minimize potential harm to both human health and the environment.
Unlike chemical sunscreens, which contain synthetic compounds that may have adverse effects, 2024’s best sunscreens use natural minerals and natural ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, to create a physical barrier against UV rays.
These sunscreens are often labeled as “reef-safe” and are free from harmful chemicals known to cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and environmental damage.
However, EWG (Environmental Working Group) scientists rated more than 1700 products and only about one in four products meets their standards for adequate sun protection and avoiding ingredients linked to known health harms.
So, it’s important to learn how to spot generic greenwashing claims in order to choose the best skin and reef-safe sunscreen.
What toxic chemicals are hiding in most sunscreens?
Many conventional sunscreens, often labeled as chemical sunscreens, contain toxic chemicals that can have detrimental effects on both the environment and human health.
Some common chemical sunscreen ingredients include oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and octocrylene. These synthetic compounds are known to penetrate the skin and absorb UV rays, converting them into heat.
However, they may also contribute to endocrine disruption, impacting hormonal balance and potentially leading to health issues.
Oxybenzone
This chemical sunscreen ingredient has raised concerns due to its potential for skin irritation and allergic reactions. Moreover, oxybenzone has been linked to coral bleaching and is harmful to coral reefs and marine life.
Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
Octinoxate is another common chemical sunscreen ingredient that has been associated with endocrine disruption, impacting hormonal balance in the body. It is also harmful to coral reefs and aquatic life.
Octocrylene
While often used to stabilize other chemicals in sunscreen, octocrylene can generate free radicals when exposed to UV light, potentially causing skin damage. Additionally, it may contribute to environmental pollution.
Avobenzone
Avobenzone is a chemical sunscreen that can break down when exposed to sunlight, leading to reduced effectiveness and potential skin irritation. It is often combined with other chemicals to enhance stability.
Synthetic Fragrances
Some sunscreens contain synthetic fragrances, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. Fragrances can also pose environmental risks.
This post is about safe & non-toxic sunscreen brands for the entire family.
The Best Sunscreens & Non-Toxic Sunscreen Formulas For 2024
1. Earth Mama Organics
Earth Mama Organics’ cutting-edge, reef-friendly, non-toxic sunscreen formulas offer great UVA and UVB protection for babies and adults with sensitive skin.
The non-toxic sunscreen contains antioxidants and hydrating vitamins C and E.
The brand purposefully sources its ingredients and is certified by USDA and NFS/ANSI 305.
They are also NON-GMO project verified and EWG Verified.
Price: From $9.99+ for the “Baby Face Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Coconut oil | Sunflower oil | Candelilla wax | Carnauba wax | Shea butter & more!
Location/Shipping: United States
Best Non-Toxic Family Sunscreen from Earth Mama:
2. Beauty By Earth
Beauty By Earth non-toxic sunscreen is filled with skin-nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and shea butter without silicons or harsh ingredients!
Unlike other mineral sunscreens, their amazing custom formula uses clear non-nano zinc oxide, so it won’t leave you with a white cast.
Moreover, this sunblock is free of parabens, oxybenzone, nanoparticles, chemical fragrances, phthalates, retinyl palmitate, or any other junk your skin doesn’t need.
Beauty by Earth has got you and your family fully covered!
Ranges include inclusive tinted sunscreens (for light to dark skin tones), mineral sunscreen sticks, and nontoxic sunscreen sprays!
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Options from Beauty By Earth:
Price: From $17.99+ for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Organic aloe vera | Coconut oil | Sunflower oil | Beeswax | Shea butter & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
3. Activist Skincare
Activist’s mineral, non-toxic, and *refillable* sunscreen formulas are formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and tinted in a range of four shades — from light to deep.
Their SPF 30 stick, which is packaged in a compostable paper tube, offers 80 minutes of water resistance.
As for Activist’s sun cream, which comes in a durable, resealable pouch, it glides onto the skin effortlessly and camouflages any imperfections —you can thank the 4 opaque shades. It’s our personal favorite!
Also, both options are reef-safe and effective against the full spectrum of UVA and UVB radiation, so you know you’re covered!
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Activist Skincare:
Price: From $5+ for the sample “Zinc Mineral Sunscreen”
Discount Code: SKL15 for 15% off
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Coconut oil | Jojoba oil | Sunflower oil | Tamanu oil | Vitamin E & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
4. Beautycounter
Beautycounter’s best non-toxic sunscreen for face protection is definitely worth the splurge.
It offers SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB with the least amount of white residue.
Furthermore, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, verified by 1K+ glowing reviews.
The brand thrives on responsible sourcing and adheres to the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Beautycounter:
Price: From $23+ for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Sunflower oil | Cocoa butter | Orange oil | Pumpkin oil | Soybean oil & more!
Location/Shipping: United States
5. Attitude
The World’s first ever EWG top-rated, completely plastic-free, and waterless mineral sunscreen is now here.
Attitude has made miracles happen with their amazing non-toxic sunscreen for the face, body, babies, and kids!
This best non-toxic sun care range is non-greasy, hypoallergenic, vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, ocean-safe, baby-safe, and super powerful against the sun’s rays.
Top-rated on EWG’s list of green brands!
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Attitude:
Price: From $17.95 for the “Baby & Kids Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Aqua | Glycerin | Sodium gluconate | Caprylyl glycol & more!
Location/Shipping: United States
6. Babo Botanicals
This non-toxic sunscreen for the face and body is hot Spanish weather-approved by one of the 1K+ Amazon reviewers.
Babo Botanicals clear zinc SPF 30 fragrance-free sunscreen is not only 80 minutes water and sweat-resistant but also safe for super sensitive skin.
Your new, best-safe sunscreens come straight from a cruelty-free, B-Corp with no sulfates, parabens, or other harmful chemicals.
Price: From $13.50 for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Rice oil | Avocado oil | Candelilla wax | Jojoba oil | Cocoa butter & more!
Location/Shipping: Worldwide
7. Badger Balm
Badger Balm is touted as one of the best non-toxic sunscreens for face use for a pretty good reason.
The B-Certified Corporation offers us protection against both UV and UVA rays with only 7 superhero, cruelty-free ingredients!
Their line of clean sunscreens is also suitable for sensitive skin, as well as water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 mins.
On top of that, it has an SPF30; it’s actually water-free and made in the US.
Price: From $11.9+ for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Organic olive oil | Organic beeswax | Organic cocoa butter | Organic shea butter | Sunflower vitamin E
Location/Shipping: Worldwide
8. Blue Lizard AUD
Compared to other non-toxic sunscreen options out there, Blue Lizard is surprisingly one of the most affordable.
It offers a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection, and it’s packed with nourishing ingredients such as Vitamin E, caffeine, and green tea.
If you are on the hunt for the best non-toxic sunscreen for face and body protection, with SPF 30+ and no irritating scent, this one is for you. It contains no parabens or oils.
Additionally, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Price: From $15.99+ for the “Face Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Octinoxate | Beeswax | Caprylyl glycol | Green tea | Polyacrylamide & more!
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships to the United States
9. All Good
All Good’s non-toxic sunscreen might only have 7 ingredients, but they are definitely powerful.
Their SPF 30 natural sunscreens for the face and body come in a bio-based sugar cane tube with a very pleasant scent of coconut and cacao.
On top of that, the cacao gives this safe sunscreen a natural tint to blend with your skin tone easily.
The formula offers strong protection and blocks 97% of UVB rays, and it’s made in Europe.
Also, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Price: From $10+ for the “Sunscreen Butter”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Coconut oil | Beeswax | Jojoba oil | Vitamin E & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
10. Ilia Beauty
Specializing in clean makeup that makes our skin look and feel alive, Ilia Beauty has also created one of our favorite non-toxic SPF40, “super serum skin tints.”
The line includes 30 different light-coverage shades that offer the oh-so-coveted dewy finish.
Packed with SPF 40, these non-toxic sunscreens fuse skincare, makeup, and sun protection that joins us in the battle against UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and pollution.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Ilia Beauty:
Price: $48
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Aqua | Shea butter ethyl esters | Propanediol | Lecithin & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
11. Kinfield
Whether you’re on the hunt for a hydrating face sunscreen, a luminizing face sunscreen, a lip sunscreen, or a moisturizing body sunscreen, Kinfield has you covered.
The brand aims to keep us protected with 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF 35 that smells so good – Like, “Mediterranean vacation” good, as they say.
Plus, the blendable, reef-safe formula is great for sensitive skin and acne-prone skin alike as it won’t streak when you sweat, and leaves skin feeling dewy and bouncy.
Heck, even the packaging is made from post-consumer recycled plastic!
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Kinfield:
Price: From $26+ for the “Face Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Sea kelp | Aloe vera | Rice bran extract | Glycerin | Sunflower extract & more!
Location/Shipping: United States
12. Annmarie Skin Care
A reef-friendly, hypoallergenic, paraben-free, non-toxic sunscreen that doubles as a stellar moisturizer? Yes, please!
Aside from being packed with antioxidants all while protecting you from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen is also tint-free and spreads onto the skin like a dream. No oily residue or white cast here!
To top it all off, Annmarie Skin Care is Leaping Bunny Certified, cruelty-free, and made locally in the USA with workers, wages, the environment, and outstanding quality in mind.
Price: $45
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Sunflower oil | Hemp oil | Olive oil | Lavender oil | Avocado oil | Buriti oil & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
13. Gothink
Lightweight and kid-friendly non-toxic sunscreen spray? We’ll take it!
The SPF 50+ Sunscreen with water resistance of up to 80 minutes has a sheer, non-sticky formula for ultimate UVA and UVB protection.
On top of that, it rubs up with little to no whitening and carries a slew of nourishing ingredients.
The brand’s safe sunscreens are EWG Rated 1 Since 2010 – that’s impressive.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from GOTHINK:
Price: From $12.49+ for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Sunflower oil | Coconut oil | Candelilla wax | Shea butter | Cocoa butter & more!
Location/Shipping: United States
14. The Sunscreen Company
Looking for a trustworthy natural sunscreen marketplace with a bunch of amazing EWG-verified and organic sunscreens on a rotating basis?!
The Sunscreen Company does just this – and always updates their shop with the best of the best in natural sun care.
They will have what you need, from sunscreen face serums to sunscreen lip care.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from The Sunscreen Company:
Price: From $50+ for the “Morning Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Aqua | Cerium oxide | Caprylic/Capric triglyceride | TMP lauryl dimethicone & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
15. Suntegrity
Suntegrity offers an array of non-toxic sunscreen options, including spray sunscreens, classic mineral-based sunscreen, and tinted sunscreen for all skin types.
Plus, they’re vegan and cruelty-free, reef-friendly, and housed in a 100% recyclable aluminum bottle.
With a solid broad spectrum SPF 50 (40 min water resistant) using non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, these clean sunscreen options ensure your skin is shielded from both UVA and UVB rays.
No worries about that dreaded white cast – their nutrient-dense, milky formula is lightweight, non-sticky, and effortlessly absorbs into your skin, leaving it feeling fresh and revived.
To top it all off, they’ve got the stamp of approval from the Good Face Project and snagged a spot in EWG’s Best Daily-Use SPF category in 2022.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Suntegrity:
Price: From $24+ for the 3oz “Body Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Aloe vera | Aqua | Jojoba oil | Sunflower oil | Green tea extract | Pomegranate oil & More!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships to Canada, Australia, UK, areas in Europe & Asia
16. Olita
Olita’s personal care products are safe, high-performing, and eco-friendly!
Packed with non-toxic ingredients such as zinc oxide, these reef-safe sunscreen lotions and sticks are free from fragrances that could harm our oceans and aquatic life.
You can also tint clean sunscreen formulas with a golden amber glow to blend in with darker skin tones and give a bronzing effect on lighter skin tones.
Plus, the non-toxic sunscreens are water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Busy days or on-the-go adventures? Their TSA-approved, travel-friendly tube makes it a breeze to keep your sun protection close, wherever your journey takes you.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen from Olita:
Price: From $12+ for the “Sunscreen Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Sunflower seed oil | Beeswax | Olive oil | Tocopherol | Aloe vera leaf extract & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
17. Raw Elements
SPF 30 tinted moisturizers for the face and body? Check! SPF 50 sunscreen sprays? Check! Mineral sunscreen sticks? You bet! Raw Elements has a great option for every taste.
We absolutely love their creamy formulas. Packed with a rich blend of biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts, the ultra-moisturizing tinted face creams go beyond sun protection.
Plus, the formulas are encased in a recyclable/reusable tin, this cream is the perfect daily face moisturizer, whether you’re lounging at the beach, heading to work, or running errands.
If you prefer sprays or sticks, Raw Elements’ organic sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage and a water-resistant formula lasting up to 80 minutes! The options are so many!
Price: From $16.99+ for the “Face Stick”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Iron oxides | Sunflower Oil | Cocoa Butter | Vitamin E & more!
Location/Shipping: Worldwide
18. Kokua Sun Care
From SPF 30 tinted Hawaiian natural zinc sunscreen lotions to SPF 30 tinted sunscreen sprays, Kokua Sun Care has all our needs covered.
Packed with the essence of Hawaii, their non-toxic sunscreen is a blend of kukui and macadamia nut oil, spirulina, noni fruit, and plumeria.
Plus, boasting a high percentage of non-nano zinc oxide at 18%, it offers robust protection.
You’ll love its luxurious creamy texture that glides on effortlessly, leaving your skin feeling pampered without the use of silicones and other known endocrine disruptors.
Also, It’s water-resistant for a solid 80 minutes!
What’s more, the company pledged to donate the profit from the sales of the spray to the Maui Strong Fund which is absolutely amazing!
Price: From $50+ for the “Zinc Sunscreen”
Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide | Water | Kukui oil | Coconut oil | Cranberry extract | Sunflower oil | Banana extract & more!
Location/Shipping: Worldwide
19. Manda
MANDA offers 3 types of sunscreen: an organic sun paste, an organic sun creme, and the organic paw paw salve.
These uniquely created SPF 50 formulas are enriched with a time-honored secret: Thanaka.
For over 2000 years, this natural marvel has been revered for its unique ability to serve as a sun protectant while preserving and enhancing the skin’s beauty.
Plus, Thanaka is a powerhouse with anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, and moisturizing properties.
So, rest assured that all the non-toxic sunscreen options are formulated for outdoor lovers by surfers, climbers, hikers, and athletes to stay on longer and protect against wind, water, and sweat.
No harmful chemical ingredients –ever!
Price: From $28+ for the “Sun Paste”
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Organic coconut oil | Organic beeswax | Organic cocoa butter | Thanaka | Organic cacao powder & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
20. Sunslayer AUD
Sunslayer and their award-winning non-toxic sunscreen with SPF50+ protection are a favorite here at SKL!
This gentle, lightweight formula is non-sticky, non-greasy, and most importantly, it won’t leave you looking like you’ve slathered on white paint.
Plus, unlike most traditional sunscreens, Sunslayer is a 4-in-1 moisturizer, primer, and vitamin E treatment you can use on your face and your body too.
Natural and reef-safe, the zinc-only mineral sunscreen sits beautifully under makeup, doesn’t pill, and doesn’t sting your eyes.
And given it’s made entirely in Australia, which has one of the highest standards for sunscreen in the world, you already know that it is TGA-certified and approved!
Price: $25
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Castor oil | Coco-caprylate | Candelilla wax | Tocopheryl acetate & more!
Location/Shipping: Australia, ships worldwide
21. Adorable Baby
Adorable Baby sunscreen is the go-to solution for all-natural mineral sun protection for your little one!
This SPF 30 non-toxic sunscreen ensures broad-spectrum UVA+UVB defense for babies, children, and adults, with an added bonus of up to 40-minute water resistance.
Plus, the formula is zinc oxide-based, a natural sun-blocking mineral, and enriched with ingredients like avocado oil and shea butter.
To top it all off, it’s an organic, non-greasy, clear-rubbing formula that eliminates the dreaded white, ghostly residue.
Price: $17.99
Main Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Water | Glyceryl caprylate | Tocopherol | Pongamol | Citric acid | Sodium Phytate & more!
Location/Shipping: United States, ships worldwide
Non-Toxic Sunscreen FAQs:
What are the safest sunscreens to use?
When it comes to the best all-natural sunscreens for face and body protection, the options are all in your favor.
Badger Balm, Blue Lizard, All Good, California Baby, Annmarie SkinCare, Babo Botanicals, and Activist Skincare are only a few examples of brands that offer non-toxic sunscreen options with clean, safe, and organic ingredients.
Their formulas contain no harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, or avobenzone.
What do SPF numbers mean?
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a crucial factor in choosing the best sunscreen for everyday use to safeguard against harmful UV radiation and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
SPF indicates the level of protection a sunscreen offers against the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, primarily UVB rays responsible for sunburn and potential long-term skin damage.
For instance, if you typically develop sunburn after 10 minutes in the sun without protection, an SPF 15 sunscreen should theoretically allow you to stay in the sun for approximately 150 minutes (10 minutes x SPF 15).
The European Commission has established guidelines for safer sunscreens, and choosing organic sunscreen can be considered a safer option, particularly those labeled as mineral-based.
Additionally, using sunscreen products with a higher SPF is good news for those seeking extra protection, especially in regions with intense sun exposure.
Which sunscreen number is the most recommended?
If you are on a quest to find the best natural sunscreens that ensure your safety, look for options with SPF30 or more.
SPF 15 sunscreens filter out about 93% of UVB rays, while SPF 30 sunscreens filter out about 97%, SPF 50 sunscreens about 98%, and SPF 100 about 99%.
No sunscreen will protect you completely – so always follow proper sun safety measures.
Also, you should definitely pay attention to the water resistance of each formula. Even if you aren’t on your way to the beach or the pool, this ensures that your safe sunscreen will stay on no matter how much you sweat during your daily activities.
Most experts suggest SPF50 for kids and adults with at least 40 minutes of water and sweat resistance.
Is zinc safe in sunscreens?
Yes, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two active ingredients in safe & non-toxic sunscreen formulas you should look for, according to EWG’s latest report.
Not only are they approved by the FDA as being a natural SPF, but they are also organic minerals found in the Earth.
Zinc, in particular, is highly recommended for UV Protection, skin healing, as well as an acne treatment.
That’s exactly why botanically-infused skincare brands like Ann Marie Skincare, Blue Lizard & Babo Botanicals use it religiously.
This post was all about safe & non-toxic sunscreen.
Now that you have your list of the best safe sunscreens for adults and kids, there is no excuse for you to romp in the waves without keeping yourself protected from the sun.
Luckily for us, the aforementioned brands are up and ready to help us battle against UV and UVA rays with non-toxic sunscreen for face and body protection that is organic, vegan, skin-friendly, ethically made, and oh-so-lightweight – what more can we ask for?
If you liked this post on the best Non-Toxic Sunscreens, you’ll definitely want to check out these other posts from SKL:
- 15 Best Sustainable & Non-Toxic Kids Swimwear Brands In 2024
- 21 Best Sustainable Swimwear Brands For An Ethical Splash
- The Best Sun Protection Clothing For Women | Reviewed!
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