12 Best Clean and Natural Sunscreens!

Clean and Natural Sunscreen

Clean and Natural Sunscreen

We all know the dangers of having too much fun in the sun without proper SPF protection—from painful burns to age spots and lines, and worst of all, skin cancer.But what about the damage your sunscreen is causing you and the environment? Many sun care products on the market contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that are toxic to ingest and hurt our world’s coral reefs; even vitamin A (retinol palmitate) can speed up the formation of skin tumors when exposed to sun.Luckily, smearing your face and body with ingredients you can’t pronounce isn’t your only option for days on the dock. These 12 clean and natural sunscreens employ mineral- or plant-based UV filters (plus superfood ingredients), which are just as effective and even provide healthy skin benefits. So slather up! 

Coola Sunscreen Spray

Coola Sunscreen Spray

This clear and continuous-spray sunscreen delivers broad spectrum SPF 30-50 protection, and it nourishes your skin, too—over 70% certified-organic ingredients like cucumber, algae, and strawberry extracts leave your skin hydrated instead of sticky with residue. Opt for unscented, or take your nose on vacation with scents like Citrus Mimosa or Tropical Coconut. ($20, Shop)

Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse

Supergoop! Super Power Sunscreen Mousse

With its unique whipped formula, this mousse is light as air and boasts broad spectrum SPF 50; plus, its indulgent blend of shea butter, olive and avocado oils, and blue sea kale moisturizes and provides anti-aging benefits. The sunscreen quickly absorbs and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you’re all set for that water polo game. ($19, Shop)

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen

This non-greasy mineral sunscreen offers SPF 30, plus skin care benefits thanks to these enriching Australian botanicals: kakadu plum, which is bursting with vitamin C; eucalyptus to calm and rejuvenate skin; and red algae, which delivers protein and folic acid. It’s also hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested, and water resistant. ($11.29, Shop)

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Facial Mineral Sunscreen

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Facial Mineral Sunscreen

Especially when it comes to your face, your sunscreen should be gentle with a punch. This hypoallergenic mineral lotion is designed for the face’s extra-sensitive skin—it won’t clog pores, rubs in quickly, and is free of artificial colors and fragrance. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants found in green tea, grape seed oil, and vitamin E, and doesn’t contain harmful oxybenzone or octinoxate. ($7.99, Shop)

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen

This is rated No. 1 in safety in the Environmental Working Group Sunscreen Guide, a comprehensive listing of sunscreens published by a respected nonprofit organization. A sunblock employs 100% natural zinc oxide to protect skin from UVA/UVB rays—safer for both you and the coral reefs that are easily damaged by chemicals. Lightweight and non-greasy, the lotion pulls double duty and moisturizes skin with certified-organic jojoba and a refreshing summer scent. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and free of dairy, soy, and gluten, so go ’head and use it all-over—from your body to your face and even lips. ($14.95, Shop)

Aveeno Natural Protection Sunscreen Lotion

Aveeno Natural Protection Sunscreen Lotion

If you have eczema or any other skin condition, harsh ingredients found in many sunscreens can cause irritation. Aveeno’s 100% naturally-sourced sunblock lotion actually soothes delicate skin with oat extract, while active mineral ingredients create a protective barrier that scatters UVA/UVB rays—it received the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association. It’s nourishing for even sensitive skin, free of fragrance and oil, and water resistant for 80 minutes. ($9.97, Shop)

MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense

MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense

Protect thirsty summer skin with a sunblock that feels more like a moisturizer—the silky lotion goes on streak-free with no white residue in sight. Formulized with mineral SPF 50 defense, it also contains moisture-replenishing ceramides plus antioxidants (vitamin C, green tea, cranberry and pomegranate extracts) to fight free radicals. It’s sunscreen you’ll actually want to apply daily—which is how often we should be wearing it! ($39, Shop)

BeautyCounter Protect All Over Sunscreen

BeautyCounter Protect All Over Sunscreen

This non-toxic, easy-blend sunscreen is safe for the whole family (so stock up before vacay with the grandkids). With broad spectrum SPF 30, the product gains extra points for being lightweight and hydrating. And rest assured, it contains only top-notch, handpicked ingredients like shea nut, aloe, and green tea, plus blood orange extracts to fight free radical damage. ($29.92, Shop)

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Gel Sport

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Gel Sport

Not a fan of traditional gloppy sunscreen? Try Bare Republic’s innovative plant-infused gel. This water-resistant sunblock absorbs into skin lighting fast and offers broad spectrum SPF 30, whether you’re lounging at the pool or hitting the running path. The unique formula is bursting with meadowfoam seed oil to boost UV protection, pomegranate seed oil to combat inflammation, and raspberry fruit extract to improve skin elasticity. And the Natural Coconut Mango scent is delicious. ($12.99, Shop)

Sarah Swanson Sugar Face Protect Me

Sarah Swanson Sugar Face Protect Me

Did you know that 90% of your skin’s signs of aging are caused by day-to-day UV exposure? Practice safe sun daily with this all-natural, non-greasy facial sunscreen that’s light enough to wear under makeup. Protect Me does just that—safeguards your face’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays that cause cellular damage, skin cancer, and signs of aging (it’s even gentle enough for those with rosacea). It won’t clog pores and is packed with soothing vitamin E, aloe leaf extract, and essential sunflower and safflower oils for a beautifully protected complexion. ($32, Shop)

All Good Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick

All Good Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick

With its creamy coconut oil base, this natural zinc oxide sunscreen stick is smooth as butter, while also creating a barrier from sun and wind. The wide mouth applicator allows for a direct, mess-free application—apply thickly to stay white on top of the skin, or rub it in clear and reap extra hydration. Other perks: the formula is vegetarian, water resistant, GMO- and gluten-free. ($12.79, Shop)

emerginC Broad Spectrum Sun Protector

emerginC Broad Spectrum Sun Protector

With a UVA/UVB shield of SPF 30 and a silky formula created with all skin types in mind, this one-bottle-wonder is a pool bag must. Apply the cream sunblock all over your body and face (yes, it’s that lightweight), and you’ll also score skincare benefits—antioxidants, herbal extracts, plus vitamins C and E thoroughly nurture skin while you safely soak up the sun. ($38, Shop)

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