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11 Best Non Toxic Sunscreen Brands Revealed for a Natural Sun Protection
Sunscreens are essential for protecting our skin from harmful UV rays.
They also provide protection against other environmental hazards such as UVA and UVB radiation, chemical exposure, and even some types of bacteria.
Unfortunately, these chemicals can cause serious health problems.
Choosing a sunscreen that is free of potentially hazardous ingredients is important for your health.
In this article, we’ll discuss why choosing non-toxic sunscreens matters and explain the dangers of using conventional sunscreens. You will also discover a list of the best and safest non toxic sunscreen brands available on the market.
Unfortunately, these chemicals can cause serious health problems.
Choosing a sunscreen that is free of potentially hazardous ingredients is important for your health.
In this article, we’ll discuss why choosing non-toxic sunscreens matters and explain the dangers of using conventional sunscreens. You will also discover a list of the best and safest non toxic sunscreen brands available on the market.
Disclaimer: This article may contain Amazon affiliate links. That means that I am awarded a small commission for purchases made through them, at no added cost to you. Learn more here.
Are Sunscreens toxic? Why choosing non-toxic Sunscreen Matters
Conventional sunscreens have been around since the early 1900s. They were originally developed to protect soldiers during World War II. Since then, they’ve become an integral part of everyday life. However, there are several reasons you should be concerned about using them.
Sunscreens are designed to block both UVA and UVB rays. But researchers now know that certain ingredients used in conventional sunscreens can actually make it easier for the body to absorb more of the damaging UVA rays. This means that people who use conventional sunscreens may actually be increasing their risk of developing melanoma or other forms of skin cancer.
A recent study conducted by the National Cancer Institute found that women who regularly use sunscreens containing oxybenzone had a higher risk of getting basal cell carcinomas than those who didn’t use any sunscreen at all. Basal cell cancers are the most common type.
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) recently published a sunscreen guide and released a new yearly sunscreen report. They found that “out of 1835 sunscreen products analysed, only about one in four products meets their standards for adequate sun protection and avoids ingredients linked to known health harms.”
What are the bad ingredients in sunscreen?
The below list includes the main ingredients you want to avoid when buying your sunscreen, along with their linked potential health problems:
- Oxybenzone – According to the EWG, oxybenzone is a hormone disrupter that has been shown to interfere with normal thyroid function. It also increases the risk of breast cancer. In fact, the FDA banned its use as a sunscreen ingredient in 2009 because of this link.
- Octinoxate(Octyl methoxycinnamate) – The EWG says that octinoxate causes reproductive problems. It’s also been associated with birth defects and brain development issues.
- Homosalate – Homosalate has been linked to allergic reactions, including hives and asthma attacks.
- Octisalate – This chemical has been linked to allergic contact dermatitis
- Octocrylene – It has been linked to aquatic toxicity, with the potential to harm coral health (Stein 2019), and it is often contaminated with the known carcinogen benzophenone. According to a recent study, its levels can increase when it is stored (Downs 2021).
This isn’t an extensive list of all the nasty toxic ingredients found in sunscreen products. If you want more detailed information, we suggest reading the EWG’s free guide to safer sunscreens.
What to Look for in Non Toxic Sunscreen
1 - Choose Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen Ingredients
There are many different types of sunscreens on the market today. Some are organic and mineral-based sunscreens, and others contain chemicals like oxybenzone. Organic sunscreens are made from plants and minerals. These sunscreens are considered safer than synthetic ones because they don’t contain harmful chemicals such as parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, or oxybenzone. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate skin or leave white marks on the face. They also protect against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB rays.
2 - Pay attention to Inactive Sunscreen Ingredients
When buying your next sunscreen, you may want to also check inactive ingredients such as nanoparticles, artificial fragrances and parabens.
Parabens are preservatives used in cosmetics and personal care products. They’re added to keep products fresh and extend their shelf life. They’re also commonly found in deodorants, shampoos, lotions, soaps, toothpaste, mouthwashes, lip balms, nail polish removers, and more. The way parabens work isn’t fully understood. Some studies suggest that they may disrupt hormones and promote cell proliferation. Others say that parabens change the shape of cells, which could increase the risk of developing certain cancers later in life. The FDA has approved parabens for use in cosmetic products since 1938. It’s estimated that over 90% of all sunscreens sold today contain parabens.
3 - Ensure your sunscreen provides Broad Spectrum Protection
Broad spectrum sunscreens provide protection against both UVA rays (the kind that penetrates deep into the skin) and UVB rays (which are responsible for burning). They also protect against damage caused by free radicals generated by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
Our Favorite and EWG Approved Non-Toxic Sunscreen Products and brands
We understand all of this information can feel quite overwhelming so have worked hard to select and shortlist for you the best non-toxic sunscreen products (that are EWG approved!) to protect the whole family, including babies and kids, athletes, sensitive skin, facial care & more:
ATTITUDE’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 forms a physical barrier that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, thanks to its zinc oxide formula. This effective mineral and hypoallergenic sunscreen is ECOLOGO™ Certified.
Features: unscented, broad-spectrum, PETA certified, vegan and cruelty-free, contains Zinc oxide (20%)
Thinksport and ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen were the first sunscreens to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements and have held the highest rating in EWG’s database since 2010 with a 1 rating.
Features: Unscented, Contains Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, broad spectrum. Free from PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
ALL GOOD’S SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water-resistant. The brand is committed to reef-safe ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy and actually hydrate and repair skin.
Features: 80 Minute Water Resistant, Non-Nano Zinc Only, Lightweight formula, Organic green tea, rose hips and buriti oil for repairing damaged skin
BADGER’S ACTIVE MINERAL SUNSCREEN CREAM is GMO-free sunscreen and is made with just five simple, 98% organic ingredients you can feel good about putting on your skin. Organic ingredients include: sunflower oil, beeswax, and seabuckthorn extract.
Features: 100% mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide, the safest active ingredient available for effective broad-spectrum protection. ItÍs tested hypoallergenic, gluten free, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Founded in 2002 by a nurse and herbalist, Earth Mama combines generations of women’s wisdom, traditional herbal remedies and evidence-based research to formulate certified organic beauty and personal care products. Grounded in nature, powered by love, and trusted by millions worldwide.
Features: Reef-friendly with NO chemical sunscreens, dimethicone, artificial fragrance, or nanoparticles.
Babo Botanicals tick all our boxes when it comes to safe sun protection. Packed with sunflower seeds, avocado, organic watercress and jojoba, this sunscreen protects your family against damaging UVA and UVB rays while providing 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance.
Features: Reef Safe. No Oxybenzone. Mineral Based sunscreen.
Suntegrity sunscreen contains certified organic ingredients like Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cucumber Extract, Green Tea Extract, and Pomegranate Seed Oil that leave your skin hydrated and protected. Organic sweet orange essential oil gives our sunscreen a nice scent that uplifts your senses. This sunscreen is great for all over body applications.
Features: UV Chemical-Free, Broad Spectrum, Free of Parabens, Phthalates and Mineral Oil, Cruelty Free and Vegan
Alba Botanica Hawaiian sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. This lightweight sunscreen is made with antioxidant-rich green tea and soothing aloe vera for broad spectrum protection and a smooth, soothing finish
Features: broad spectrum protection, made with antioxidant-rich green tea and soothing aloe vera, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, coral reef friendly, No oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten or synthetic fragrances
Mad Hippie facial sunscreen is a clear, clean mineral sunscreen with SPF 25+ and is loaded with ingredients to keep your skin protected, hydrated and healthy.Packed with hydrating hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids, natural antioxidant-rich oils, and Vitamin C ferulic acid to fend off aging UV rays.
Features: broad-spectrum sunscreen, 80 minute water resistant, reef safe, cruelty free, vegan, and completely free of fragrance.
Water resistant, reef safe, mineral zinc SPF, with broad spectrum sun protection for the ultimate sun and sport fun. Formulated without chemical SPF such as oxybenzone. Made especially for an active outdoor lifestyle, SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen blends rich organic jojoba and soothing aloe with antioxidants and vitamins for the ultimate daily protection.
Features: broad spectrum non-nano natural mineral zinc oxide sunscreen, Reef Safe, contains vegetable hyaluronic acid and Vitamins C, E & B5
California Baby sunscreen is a multi award-winning sunscreen formula and has been EWG approved for 12 years now. Developed by a mom. Family owned & operated. All California Baby products are blended & manufactured in Los Angeles, California.
Features: PABA free, non-chemical, fragrance-free, broad spectrum, 80 minutes water resistant
Is Spray Sunscreen Safe?
Spray sunscreens are not recommended by dermatologists because they contain chemicals that can irritate skin and cause allergic reactions. Instead, use a physical sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These products provide broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.EWG continues to recommend that consumers avoid spray sunscreens, because of difficulty with proper application, potential ingredient toxicity and inhalation concerns.
The Impacts of Sunscreen on the Environment
Toxic chemicals found in conventional sunscreens are not only harmful to your body but to marine life, too.
Sunscreen is great for protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun, but it’s not so good for the environment. Most sunscreens contain toxic ingredients, now known to cause coral bleaching. These chemicals wash down into the ocean where they harm marine life.
The Hawaiian state legislature passed a law on March 26th 2018 banning the sale of products containing oxybenzone and octocrylene in sunscreens. These chemicals are known to cause damage to coral reefs and fish. They are also linked to hormone disruption and cancer.
Purchasing reef safe chemicals-free sunscreen is not only good for you but good for the planet.
Final Thoughts on Non Toxic Sunscreens
The sun is the most important source of vitamin D for humans. It helps our bodies absorb calcium and phosphorus, which help build strong bones and teeth. Vitamin D is also essential for healthy immune function.
While your search for the perfect sunscreen will likely never end, knowing the best brands for non-toxic sunscreens will help you make more informed decisions about which products to use to protect yourself from the sun – and their potentially harmful ingredients. While it’s impossible to completely avoid UV exposure (right?), you can have peace of mind knowing that you are using a product that is as safe and healthy as possible.
Ultimately, we can’t stress enough the importance of reading a sunscreen label and researching ingredients that you don’t recognize.
By filling your shelves with natural and non toxic brands, you are doing your body and the world around you a big favor. Hopefully, this article helped to demystify the global sunscreen industry and make it easier to find healthier, more natural options.
