Are you looking for the best non-toxic sunscreen brands that are safe and effective?
Look no further! We’ve researched and sampled some of the top-rated nontoxic mineral sunscreen products on the market to help you pick the best sunscreen for you and your family.
Before we moved to Maui, we rarely considered the sunscreen products we were using.
While always wearing sun protection was a priority for us, it never crossed our minds to examine what potential toxins were present in the lotions and spray sunscreen we were using. Yes, we were able to avoid skin cancer… but little did we know, those same products that were made to protect us were filled with chemicals that were harming the world’s reefs and marine life!
This led us to consider, if what we were using posed a threat to wildlife, how hazardous must these elements be for human beings?!
Thus, our research into nontoxic sunscreen began.
This post is all about the best non-toxic sunscreen brands.
What does toxic-free mean?
When it comes to sunscreen, you want to ensure that you are using a product that is as safe and non-toxic as possible.
But what does “toxic-free” really mean?
Toxic-free sunscreens do not contain any of the potentially hazardous chemicals found in traditional chemical sunscreens. These chemicals can include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene. All of these ingredients have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Best Non Toxic Sunscreen Brands
1) Manda Organic Sun Paste
MANDA Organic Sun Paste - Natural, Reef & Ocean Safe - SPF 50 Sunscreen - Thanaka Organic
Why you will love it? The Manda Organic Sun Paste is perfect for those who are looking for a non toxic sunscreen that is also reef and ocean safe! The certified organic paste is made with non nano zinc oxide which means the paste will sit on top of your skin, instead of being absorbed. You will love the soft feel of this sun protector, as it is packed with moisturizing products like organic coconut oil and shea butter.
SPF: SPF 50 and specifically designed for those who are more active- surfers, hikers, and swimmers.
WHAT TO KNOW: Thanaka, a main ingredient of Manda Paste, is sourced from trees located in Myanmar. Burmese people have used Thanaka for 1000s of years to protect their skin as it is high in antioxidants and has anti-bacterial and anti-acne properties.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Made from high-quality, all-natural, and organic ingredients. Active Ingredients in clude: Non-nano zinc oxide - 20%. Other ingredients include: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Thanaka, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Shea Butter, and Organic Cinnamon Oil. Manda does not use harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Best Non Toxic Sunscreen By Manda
2) Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
ILIA - Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 | Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Clean Beauty (Baikal ST9.5)
ILIA is a top-rated, non toxic sunscreen brand. Its products contain nourishing ingredients and are formulated with Titanium Dioxide and Non Nano Zinc Oxide protecting your skin from UV Rays, UVA Rays, UVB Rays, UVC Rays, blue light, and pollution- all without being absorbed into your skin.
Why you will love it? The Ilia Super Serum is a plant-based SPF coverage that helps hydrate without clogging your pores. It offers a lightweight dewy makeup SPF coverage that keeps your skin hydrated and looking smooth all day long. It's perfect for beach days or other outdoor activities where you want to wear lightweight makeup.
SHADES: This product comes in 29 different colors that will work for a light or dark skin tone.
WHAT TO KNOW: Super clean! It is vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. It is safe for sensitive skin and has been dermatologist tested! The Niacinamide helps to give you a visibly smooth skin texture and helps to refine uneven skin tone. Packed with Hyaluronic Acid help to plump and moisturize your skin and lately, the Squalane ingredient helps to hydrate and improve elasticity.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 12.0% Aqua/Water/Eau, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide). This product is formulated without Gluten.
Ilia SPF Makeup- Best Sunscreen For Face
3) Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen For Face Protection and Body
SPF 20 Mineral Sunscreen Biodegradable & Reef Safe Sunscreen | 3 Fl oz Paraben Free Non Greasy & Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen For Face and Body Protection Against UVA & UVB by Stream2Sea
WHY YOU WILL LOVE Stream2Sea? Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen for face and body is a luxurious blend of natural, organic ingredients like Tulsi, Aloe, Green Tea, Wakame and Olive Leaf that offers superior protection from UVA Rays and UVB Rays without leaving your skin feeling greasy. Additionally, you will love that this mineral sunscreen formula contains none of the harsh chemical sunscreen ingredients or irritants such as parabens, sulfates, or oxybenzone - making it an ideal sun care solution for those with sensitive skin.
SPF: Stream2Sea has a sunscreen SPF of 30.
WHAT TO KNOW: Stream2Sea is a revolutionary brand that provides mineral sunscreens unlike any other! Not only are its ingredients safe for humans, but also aquatic life like fish and coral. This eco-friendly sunscreen is made with all-natural components and even the containers they come in are produced from sustainable sugarcane resin - truly making Stream2Sea an unparalleled choice when it comes to protecting yourself while helping protect the planet.
- Please note that this mineral sunscreen is thicker in comparison with other non chemical sunscreens and may lead to a slight alteration of skin tone, leaving a subtle white tint on the surface.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients: 8.8% Titanium Dioxide (Non-Nano) Inactive Ingredients: Deionized Water, Aqueous Extracts of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf*, Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Tulsi) Leaf*, Alaria Esculenta (Wakame Seaweed)* and Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Cocoglycerides, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Methylcellulose, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Stearic Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid.
Favorite Non Toxic Sunscreen By Stream2Sea
4) Skinnies Conquer Sungel Sun Cream
Skinnies 100ml SPF50+ CONQUER, Sungel Sun Cream, Broad Spectrum, Reef Safe, Water Resistant 4 hours
WHY YOU WILL LOVE SKINNIES CONQUER: This Award Winning vegan-friendly Skinnies Conquer SPF 50+ is the perfect choice for those looking for a sunscreen that is both protective and environmentally friendly. This innovative product sets itself apart from other sunscreens by eliminating water from its formula, making it less toxic to the planet.
SPF: The Skinnies Conquer is a sunscreen SPF of 50+ and a PA ++++.
WHAT TO KNOW: Skinnies is an innovative, revolutionary waterless Orangogel that bonds to your skin's outer layer and do not penetrate further. Due to its lack of water content, the formula is thick yet economical: you only need a teaspoon amount on each area of exposed skin—unlike other non-toxic sunscreen brands who demand applying a shot glass worth for proper coverage! Skinnies thus provide the perfect sun barrier from UVA rays and UVA rays without excess waste or mess.
- Helpful Tip: Skinnies provides moisture with its Vitamin E and Manuka oil components, yet we highly recommend you put your daily moisturizer on first. Let your skin absorb your moisturizer cream for a few minutes before applying Skinnies sunscreen which will act as a sun barrier on our skin's surface.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Octocrylene 50mg/g, Bemotrizinol 50mg/g, Zinc Oxide 25mg/g, and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 50g/g, Natural Manuka Oil & Natural Vitamin E.
PRODUCT UPDATES: Skinnies has eliminated chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate and avobenzone from their non-toxic product line. Although this was not originally the case with Skinnies products, they have since altered their formula to meet most reef safe regulations using Zinc Oxide.
It is important to note that this product does contain a low amount of Octocrylene, which meets the regulations outlined by the Hawaii Sunscreen Bill 2021. This guarantees you are receiving a safe and environmentally-friendly sunscreen with minimal damaging ingredients.
Safe Sunscreen for Kids & Adults
5) Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology – Fragrance Free, 5 oz
WHY YOU WILL LOVE BLUE LIZARD: Australia's Blue Lizard is one of the mineral sunscreen brands that has been referred to us over and over again. Over the last year, Blue Lizard has become one of our favorite non toxic zinc oxide sunscreens on the market.
This Zinc Oxide based sunscreen is of the more affordable nontoxic sunscreens on the market. Blue Lizard's line of mineral sunscreens is water and sweat resistant up to 80 minutes making it the perfect sunscreen for your next outdoor adventure. There are no harmful chemicals making it safe for all skin types and is also safe for our reefs.
SPF: Blue Lizard has a sunscreen SPF of 50+
WHAT TO KNOW: Blue Lizard is a clean non toxic sunscreen. It is perfect for those with sensitive skin, as it has been tested and recommended by dermatologists worldwide! This line of mineral sunscreens also includes a sunscreen stick, as well as sunscreen options for babies and children.
KEY INGREDIENTS: Blue Lizard's active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium oxide which help protect your skin from harmful rays (UVB rays, UVA rays)
More Safe Mineral Sunscreens By Blue Lizard
Frequently Asked Questions on Non-Toxic Sunscreen
What is the best non-toxic spray sunscreen?
The EWG has issued a warning about sunscreens in spray form, cautioning users to avoid them due to inhalation concerns. This is especially important for young children and those with respiratory issues, as the chemicals in these sprays can be inhaled into the lungs, where they could potentially cause damage. Non-toxic spray sunscreens may exist, but EWG recommends sticking to traditional sunscreen lotions and creams instead of taking any chances.
We completely understand that using spray sunscreen is a much more convenient option! In fact, it’s probably the only way you can get your toddlers to put on sunscreen without having an emotional breakdown.
So if you have to opt for a safe non-toxic spray sunscreen, we recommend Goddess Garden or Beauty Counter, which both have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Spray
What ingredients do I look for in non-chemical sunscreens?
When looking for a non-toxic sunscreen alternative, be sure to look for products labeled with mineral-active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These minerals provide physical protection from the sun by reflecting UV rays away from your skin while also providing broad-spectrum coverage against UVA Rays and UVB rays.
Additionally, they are much less likely to irritate compared to chemical-based alternatives, so they’re ideal for sensitive skin types.
Safe Non-Toxic Sunscreen For Kids
Protect your kids from harmful chemicals with our list of the best non-toxic sunscreen for kids!
Are sunscreens with natural seed oil and shea butter non-toxic?
Natural ingredients like organic sunflower seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and extras like camellia sinensis leaf extract may be added to mineral sunscreens for moisture.
Note: Sensitive skin or not, it’s always best to test a small amount of the product on your skin first to make sure you or your children do not react badly to the product.
More Natural Sunscreen Favorites
What is Zinc Oxide?
Did you know that zinc oxide, the white powder often found in sunscreen bottles, makeup products and acne treatments, is one of the most powerful sunscreens available? When applied to skin it creates an opaque layer that reflects away UV rays from both UVA and UVB range. If ever you’ve used a mineral sunscreen brand leaving your body with a light tint then more than likely its active ingredient has been Zinc Oxide!
What is Nano vs Non-Nano Zinc Oxide?
You know that Zinc Oxide is a key ingredient in most non-toxic sunscreens. But what about non-nano zinc oxide – does it offer the same level of protection as its nano counterpart?
It’s quite simple. Nanoparticles are incredibly small and have the potential to be absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream, whereas non-nano particles are much larger and do not pose such risks.
In simple terms, to ensure maximum safety from UV exposure, always purchase sunscreen containing Non-Nano zinc oxide!
Why? You don’t want smaller particles penetrating your skin and absorbing into your blood cells.
- Non-nano = Good, bigger particles that sit on the surface of the skin.
- Nano= Bad, small particles, absorbs into the bloodstream.
Overview of Sunscreen Ingredients
Non Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients
Choose a mineral sunscreen made with natural minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – they won’t penetrate your bloodstream, yet still provide you with adequate protection from the dangerous UVA, UVB Rays, and UVC Rays.
Harmful Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients
Avoid chemical sunscreens with high levels of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene*
It is important to note that the United States allows higher levels of harmful chemicals in sunscreens!
European Commission proposed a concentration limit of 2.2 percent for oxybenzone and 1.4 percent for homosalate. In the United States, sunscreen manufacturers can legally produce these chemicals in their sunscreen brands at much higher levels- 6% for oxybenzone and 15 percent for homosalate!
Some of the mineral sunscreens mentioned in this article, such as Skinnies, contain minuscule levels of octocrylene – a substance that is compliant with both European and Hawaiian laws.
Wrap Up
There you have it, our favorite nontoxic sunscreens! Choosing the right sunscreen can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s important to read labels carefully and understand what ingredients are truly non-toxic.
Look for sunscreens with mineral-active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect away UV rays while also providing broad spectrum coverage.
Avoid chemical sunscreens with high levels of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene. Make sure to always test a small amount of product on your skin first before applying it all over.
This post was all about the best nontoxic sunscreen brands.
You May Also Like
- Product Highlight: CALPAK Clear Cosmetic Case
- The 7 Best Travel Hair Products to Prevent Hair Damage on Vacation
- Teotihuacan Tours: Your Guide to Exploring Mexico City’s Ancient Pyramids
- 9+ Comfy Airport Outfit Ideas to Wear on Your Next Getaway
- Captivating CDMX: The Ultimate 5 Days in Mexico City Itinerary
Trip Planning & Packing Freebee
Subscribe + get our FREE trip planning and packing must-haves!
