Sunscreen is essential for everyone, regardless of age, gender, skin tone, and staying in or going out. Daily sunscreen application is critical to your health and the secret to having younger-looking skin for longer. According to the Skin Cancer Organization, "anyone over the age of six months should use sunscreen daily. Even those who work indoors".
Sunscreen has bad reps for leaving your skin feeling greasy and oily and may even clog your pores and cause acne. However, with recent innovations, sunscreens aren't what they used to be. In the below guide, you will learn why you need sunscreen, what to look for when shopping for sunscreen, and what is the best sunscreen.
What Is Sunscreen And Why Do You Need It?
Sunscreen is a product that combines several ingredients to help prevent the sun's ultraviolet radiation from damaging the skin and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
There are two types of ultraviolet radiation: long wave ultraviolet A (UVA) and short wave ultraviolet B (UVB). UVB is behind sunburn, and it plays a crucial role in the development of skin cancer. While UVA penetrates the skin more deeply and is a link to wrinkling, leathering, sagging, and another light-induced effect of aging.
Bottom line: Applying sunscreen is critical and the key to having younger-looking skin.
What You Need To Consider When Shopping for Sunscreen:
Choosing the best sunscreen that actually works can be a stressful task. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ineffective sunscreens on the market today.
In a recent Environmental Working Group report, nearly three-quarters of all sunscreens on the market don't work as well as they claim to or contain potentially harmful ingredients.
In 2021, Johnson & Johnson (Neutrogena and Aveeno), Coppertone issued a voluntary recall due to the presence of benzene. Benzene is classified as a human carcinogen that could potentially cause cancer.
Independent chemical analysis also tested many popular sunscreen brands in 2021, and here are the test results.
So what should you be looking for when shopping for the best sunscreen? Here is a list of things you need to consider:
SPF
SPF measures a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. However, it does not measure how well a sunscreen will protect from UVA rays, which is also dangerous. For example, an SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% of UV radiation, while an SPF 30 blocks nearly 97% of UV radiation. The higher the SPF, the more protection from the sun's harmful UV radiation. Above all, you need to read directions on the label's back to determine how much to apply to achieve the full SPF. Most people underapply sunscreen and only use 1/4 to 1/2 of the amount required.
Sunscreens with really high SPF, like 75 or 100, do not offer significantly greater blocks than SPF 30. Because to have broad-spectrum protection, the UVA protection should be at least 1/3 of the UVB protection. In fact, you should avoid high SPF sunscreens because it only shields you from UVB but not UVA.
Bottom line: When it comes to SPF, dermatologists recommend using SPF no lower than 30 and no higher than 50
Mineral Sunscreens vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Active ingredients in sunscreens come in two forms: mineral and chemical filters. Each uses a different mechanism for protecting skin and maintaining stability in sunlight.
The most common sunscreens on the market contain chemical fillers. These products typically include a combination of two to six of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. They absorb rays in a chemical reaction that dissipates the heat back off the skin. Some of these chemicals can and do enter your bloodstream through topical application.
Mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens), on the other hand, use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. They reflect the sun's rays like a mirror to protect exposed skin. And then, there are some products that are a combination of zinc oxide with chemical fillers.
When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to read the back of the label to determine whether it is genuinely a mineral or chemical-based sunscreen. Even though chemical sunscreens tend to be easier to rub in, they may not be the best for your health in the long run. When selecting the best sunscreen, EWG recommends mineral-based sunscreen.
Ingredients to Avoid:
- 4-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA)
- Avobenzone
- Cinoxate
- Diethanolamine methoxycinnamate
- Dioxybenzone
- Drometrizole trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL)
- Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)
- Ensulizole
- Enzacamene
- Fragrance
- Homosalate
- Meradimate
- Octinoxate (non-encapsulated*)
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
- Oxybenzone
- Padimate O
- Sulisobenzone
- Triethanolamine salicylate
Shop for Organic
The word organic is incredibly confusing, especially when it's referring to sunscreen. Technically, an "organic" sunscreen uses carbon-based chemicals, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate, to diminish the impact of ultraviolet radiation. That's what "organic chemistry" is all about - the study of molecules with carbon backbones and carbon-hydrogen bonds. The barrier "chemicals," like zinc and titanium, are called "inorganic" because they are not carbon-based.
All that said, when you and I (as opposed to chemists) refer to organic sunscreens, we are usually talking about a barrier cream (zinc and/or titanium) that has fewer and healthier ingredients.
The best sunscreen should be all-natural and contain organic ingredient sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen ingredients could contain hormone disruptors, pesticides, and insecticides, which can unleash onto your skin and into the water as well (hurting the environment).
Bottom line: the best sunscreen should be all-natural, organic mineral-based.
Look for Non-Nano Or Coated Nano
Non-nano is a new buzzword in the mineral-based sunscreen category. Zinc oxide sunscreens, often seen on lifeguards' noses, were famously white and chalky. Today, sunscreen makers use zinc oxide nanoparticles to formulate lotions with less white tint.
So what are these nano and non-nano deals? A nanoparticle will enter the bloodstream, but a non-nano will not. For that reason, non-nano is a safer choice unless the brand coats their nanoparticles, which makes them wholly non-reactive and entirely safe.
Keep in mind that many companies sell products advertised as containing "non-nano" titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. While particle sizes vary among manufacturers, nearly all would be considered nanomaterials under a broad definition of the term. I recommend that you ask your favorite brand for a test result to ensure that you are truly obtaining a non-nano.
Bottom line: Look for non-nano sunscreen and understand the particle size because size does matter. Or look for coated nano sunscreen.
Tinted Sunscreen
Tinted sunscreen is a skincare product that combines both sunscreens with a temporary color or pigmentation. It is often sold as makeup or makeup primer.
Tinted sunscreen is perfect for anyone who is looking for coverage to camouflage any imperfects. It works for both light and dark skin tones. When shopping for tinted sunscreen, you should test on your skin first, especially when you have darker skin tones. Some tinted sunscreen could leave white residue behind or may not provide the coverage you are looking for.
Scent
Unless it's labeled unscented, they will have some sort of sunscreen smell. Some will be stronger than others and avoid any that contain synthetic fragrance.
Sunscreen application types: Cream, Spray, Or Stick?
Cream Sunscreens
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easily to see where sunscreen was applied | Leave skin feel heavy and greasy. |
Provide deeper coverage. | Easily broken down by water or sweat. |
Spray Sunscreens
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to apply. | Less robust or effective. They are often not applied properly because sprays are thinner. |
Lightweight and less greasy feel than cream. | Spray for several seconds, not just a momentary. May not safe for the face (unless labeled). |
Less messy and easier to get to hard to reach spots | Hard to tell where and how much was applied. |
Cell | Flammable. |
Cell | You can inhale and ingest some of the ingredients. |
Stick Sunscreens
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
Easy to swipe on, touch up, and toss in a bag. | Glide on back and forth several times for complete protection. |
Light finish | Cell |
EWG Rating
EWG sunscreen ratings serve as a lifeline for people who want to use sunscreen without all of the toxic ingredients. For years, EWG (the non-profit Environmental Working Group) has taken on the annual task of sifting through sunscreen label claims, ingredient lists, and scientific studies analyzing what's really in our sunscreen bottles.
About the ratings
EWG provides information on sunscreen products from the published scientific literature to supplement incomplete data available from companies and the government.
The ratings indicate both efficacy and the relative level of concern posed by exposure to the ingredients in the product. The ratings reflect potential health hazards but do not account for the level of exposure or individual susceptibility, factors which determine actual health risks if any. Interested in learning what your sunscreen safety rating is? Click here to find out your sunscreen rating.
Bottom line: Understand your sunscreen rating before purchasing.
Look For Non-Comedogenic
Keep in mind mineral sunscreen may still cause you to break out by comedogenic materials. The mineral sunscreens can sit on top of the skin and gunk up your pores, while the chemical ones can irritate the skin.
Apply sunscreen and wait for the pimples to start cropping up, or ditch your sunscreen and risk melanoma and wrinkles, or even worse, skin cancer. The choice on that is pretty clear.
Thanks to new innovations in sun protection sunscreen, micronized formulations of zinc and titanium dioxide are smooth, cosmetically elegant, and very light. Sunscreen should no longer gunk up your pores.
Bottom line: non-comedogenic options are best for acne-prone skin.
What will you use the sunscreen For?
Beach/ ocean activities
The NOAA (National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science) states that everyday sunscreens are harmful to coral reefs. Here are crucial things to look for while choosing a reef-safe sunscreen: does not contain BP2, avoid chemical-based formula, avoid the aerosol spray (even if you are not going into the ocean because if it's in the sand, it can get washed into the ocean), look for biodegradable and reef safe labeling.
Pool/ Sports
Choose a sunscreen that is waterproof or water-resistant and reapply it regularly.
Daily use (beauty tip)
Nowadays, you get sunscreens with your moisturizer, cream, and makeup. Just apply it and leave it on. You can also find sunscreen in your makeup: foundation, lip gloss, bronzer.
For daily use or under makeup, avoid using "body sunscreen" or "beach sunscreen" because they are thick and will leave you feeling heavy. Look for those labeled "broad spectrum" and rated SPF 30 or higher.
If you have oily skin, choose a thin lotion with a matte finish. If you have normal or combination skin, use lotion or lightweight cream textures. If you have dry skin, use a richer lotion or cream.
Here's an alphabetical list of the best sunscreens that are non-toxic:
100% Pure |Alba Botanica | All Good | Babo Botanicals | Badger | Bare Republic | Beautycounter | Block Island | Blue Lizard| California Baby | Cocokind | COOLA | CōTZ® | Earth Mama | EltaMD | Goddess Garden Organics | Kiss My Face | Kypris | Laguna Herbals | MDSolarSciences | Mineral Fusion | Raw Elements | Sanren Organic Skinfood | Suntegrity | ThinkBaby And ThinkSport| Vanicream | W3LL PEOPLE |
100% Pure
100% Pure SPF 30 Yerba Mate Mist
This Yerba Mate Mist by 100% Pure gives you full UVA/UVB SPF 30 protection without the toxic chemical. Made with the Yerba Mate tea leaf to protect against free radicals and environmental pollutants. This antioxidant-rich, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide-based broad-spectrum SPF contains no synthetic chemical sunscreens, is quick-drying, easy-to-apply, and lightweight with a full coverage water-resistant protection that lasts for up to 80 minutes.
100% Pure Green Tea SPF 30
Dual-purpose moisturizing sunscreen lotion shields and defends against harmful UV rays with SPF 30 protection while nourishing and rehydrating thirsty skin with green tea and Aloe. Made with mineral zinc oxide and infused with vitamin E, oil of raspberry, avocado, olive, and rosehip.
100% Pure Tomato Lycopene SPF 20 Moisturizer
This is another dual-purpose moisturizer. The lightweight SPF 20 moisturizer nourishes and protects against the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays with lycopene, a protective antioxidant found in tomatoes.
Alba Botanica
This very emollient and botanically moisturizing mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against sunburn, skin cancer, and premature signs of aging. The hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive facial skin. Made with mineral ingredients and powerful, antioxidant-rich Green Tea, Grape Seed Oil, and Vitamin E. This lotion is easy to rub in and won't clog pores.
All Good
All Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This All Good Tinted Sunscreen Lotion covers the basics (broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water-resistant) but goes the extra mile with a commitment to reef-friendly ingredients. This sunscreen lotion is lightweight, non-greasy, and actually hydrates and repairs skin.
All Good Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
This All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray is one of the best sunscreen sprays. The sunscreen spray isn't sticky, greasy, smelly, or full of chemicals. It is made from reef-friendly non–nano zinc oxide and botanical ingredients that offer UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection and is water-resistant!
All Good Kids Mineral Sunscreen
This gentle mineral sunscreen covers the basic UVA/UVA rays. Gentle but not weak, this sunscreen is reef-friendly, water-resistant (80 minutes), lightweight, non-greasy and gentle on sensitive skin.
Babo Botanicals
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Moisturizing Mineral Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
An ultra-sheer, lightweight, and non-greasy, this mineral moisturizing sunblock is perfect for any with sensitive skin and is one of the best-tinted sunscreens on the market. It is developed with 100% non-nano zinc, enriched with Babo's Nutri-Firm Complex of kahai, sea buckthorn, rosehip, and argan oil.
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30
This fast-absorbing, ultra-sheer, and lightweight sunblock is designed for delicate skin users like babies and kids. It is developed with 100% non-nano zinc, and is water-resistant (80 minutes), and is reef safe.
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Broad Spectrum
Formulated for very sensitive skin and perfect for babies. This sunscreen is developed with 100% non-nano zinc that is water and sweat-resistant (80 minutes), fragrance-free, and reef-safe.
Also available in sunscreen sticks.
Badger
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Tin - SPF 40
This mineral sunscreen is designed to nourish and protect your skin. Perfect for long days in the surf and sun. And it is made with only four simple ingredients and packaged in a recyclable tin: reef-friendly, GMO-free, 98% organic ingredients, and water-resistant 80 minutes.
Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Cream - SPF 30
With just five simple ingredients, this clean sunscreen cream is perfect for beach days and light outdoor activities. Nourish and protect your skin with 98% organic ingredients, GMO-free, and water-resistant for 40 minutes.
Badger Active Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 35
Travel-friendly and pocket-sized sunscreen are perfect for on-the-go adventures. Crafted with just six simple ingredients, including organic cocoa and shea, it glides smoothly over the nose, cheeks, lips, and ears for skin-soothing protection. Made with 97% organic ingredients, GMO-free, reef friendly, cruelty-free, and made with solar power.
Bare Republic
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion
This cream-to-powder sunscreen formula goes on as a silky, feather-light lotion that gently melts into skin for a sheer, powdery finish, while an infusion of antioxidant-rich raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils help fight free radicals and promote youthful-looking skin year-round.
Bare Republic Mineral Sports Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Bare Republic created this powerful mineral sports stick for the eco-conscious adventurer in all of us. Zinc Oxide protects physically, not chemically, and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage with 80 minutes of water resistance. A natural coconut vanilla scent and a lightweight application will help you keep your cool even in the most extreme conditions.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Gel-Lotion
This ultra-clean mineral gel-lotion formula feels refreshingly light, smoothing easily over skin to deliver hydrating mineral sun protection. This sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide. It is non-comedogenic, reef safe, has no synthetic fragrances, and is cruelty-free.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Spray - Vanilla Coco
This mineral sunscreen spray offers a layer of physical protection, enhanced with antioxidant-rich hydrators including grape, raspberry, and carrot seed oils. Made with non-nano minerals that provide 100% chemical-active free broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Available in different scents (No synthetic fragrance)
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Face & Body Lotion
Gentle, the mineral formula is designed to protect the baby's delicate skin that's free of chemical sunscreen activities. The mild, soothing lotion combines protective non-nano Zinc Oxide with moisturizing Squalane. Infused with Calendula, Olive, and Avocado Oils, it helps keep the baby's skin soft, soothed, and shielded.
Beautycounter
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Protect yourself against sun damage with this water-resistant sunscreen. It is formulated with non-nano zinc and California poppy, leaving your skin feeling smooth and nourished. This sunscreen is reef-friendly and water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
Safer sun protection in a mist that never misses! It is formulated with non-nano zinc and California poppy that is super easy to apply. It blends in easily and fast drying without any oily residue.
Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
This water-resistant sunscreen is formulated with non-nano zinc, and California poppy with super smooth cocoa butter infused mineral sunscreen. It is reef-friendly and water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Block Island
Block Island Organics Natural Face Moisturizer SPF 30
An advanced daily moisturizer made with clear zinc that nourishes the skin and fortified with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection to prevent wrinkles & early skin aging. Made with organic and natural ingredients, the vegan formula has never been tested on animals.
Blue Lizard
Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30+
Blue Lizard® Australian Sunscreen Sensitive 5.0 oz uses only high-quality natural minerals, Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB skin protection. Dermatologist-recommended and specially formulated for everyday protection on face and body, involving no potentially irritating chemicals.
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
Designed to protect baby-soft skin, Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen's mineral Baby sunscreen contains no chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens, and fragrances. Available in stick and lotion.
California Baby
California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
This multi-award-winning sunscreen is free of added fragrances, common allergens, and irritants, so it's perfect for allergy-prone and sensitive skin. It blocks sun rays by creating a physical barrier and is NOT absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens.
Available in a stick.
Cocokind
Cocokind Daily SPF 32 Facial Sunscreen Lotion
A mineral-based daily sunscreen with SPF 32 uses non-nano zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton, and microalgae to protect your skin against everyday stressors and the environment.
COOLA
COOLA Suncare Sports Mineral Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This Mineral SPF 50 sports stick combines a non-nano, zinc oxide-only shield with 80 minutes of water resistance and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection—all in an easy-to-use stick. It is enriched with reparative sea kelp extract, moisturizing coconut, avocado oil, and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. This formula, which is more than 70 percent organic, is the perfect addition to any adventure.
COOLA Full Spectrum 360° Mineral Sun Silk Crème Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30
This organic, oil-free formula provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The full spectrum helps mitigate the effects of HEV light (including blue light), IR, and pollution. This airy, antioxidant-rich formula also helps minimize free radical damage, while plant stem cells and niacinamide help promote radiant, youthful skin.
CōTZ
CōTZ® Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 40
CōTZ® SENSITIVE is an elegant sunscreen that protects by keeping harmful UV rays from touching the skin while soothing sensitive & easily irritated skin. Free from oils, fragrances, preservatives, PABA, gluten, phthalates. This non-greasy sunscreen is water-resistant (40 minutes).
Earth Mama
Earth Mama tinted mineral sunscreen
This non-nano mineral sunscreen from Earth Mama is made with organic argan oil and organic red raspberry seed oil. It is reef-friendly, has no artificial fragrance, and is water-resistant (40 minutes).
Earth Mama Uber Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Designed for the rashy-est of skin, this mineral sunscreen offers plenty of calming organic colloidal oatmeal and organic shea butter in this creamy uber-sensitive lotion.
Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This mineral sunscreen lotion is designed for a baby's delicate skin. Made with organic shea butter, organic calendula, organic red raspberry seed oil, and organic pomegranate seed oil. Reef friendly and water-resistant (40 minutes).
Also available in a stick.
EltaMD
EltaMD UV Physical Broad-Spectrum SPF 41 Tinted
This lightly tinted UV Physical is a healthy choice for oil-free protection against the sun with just a touch of color. This chemical-free natural sunscreen has antioxidants to neutralize free radicals. Water-resistant and UV Physical withstands water, humidity, and perspiration.
Goddess Garden Organics
Goddess Garden Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Made with plant-based ingredients and natural minerals, Goddess Garden Everyday Natural Sunscreen provides powerful broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. With its sheer, non-greasy application and a refreshing scent from pure lavender essential oils, this is a sunscreen you'll want to wear. Since it's certified organic, reef safe, and biodegradable, you will feel good about wearing it!
Available in a spray.
Goddess Garden Organics Sport SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This sport SPF 50 sunscreen lotion is water-resistant (80 minutes), unscented, vegan-friendly, reef safe, and cruelty-free. The non-nano zinc offers a powerful broad spectrum, helps prevent sunburns, and decreases the risk of early skin aging caused by the sun.
Available in a stick.
Goddess Garden Organics Kids SPF 50 Mineral sunscreen lotion
This soothing and effective formula is ultra-sheer, easy to apply, sweat, and water-resistant for 80 minutes. Reef-safe non-nano zinc offers powerful broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA and UVB rays, helps prevent sunburns, and decreases the risk of early skin aging caused by the sun.
Kiss My Face
Kiss My Face Baby's Mineral Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF
Kiss My Face Baby's Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF uses mineral-only activities. Chamomile & Aloe helps to moisturize the skin. Made with non-nano mineral only activities and blended with nourishing Aloe. This sunscreen is water-resistant (80 minutes), vegan-friendly, cruelty free, and fragrance-free
Kiss My Face ORGANICS™ Purely Mineral Air Powered Spray Sunscreen 30 SPF
Kiss My Face Purely Mineral Air Powered Spray Sunscreen 30 SPF is for practicing safe sun. That's why this fragrance-free formula contains certified organic ingredients, like safflower and sunflower oils. And 100% mineral active ingredients. This sunscreen contains no oxybenzone, parabens, or phthalates and is cruelty-free and vegan friendly.
Kypris
Kypris Pot of Shade- Heliotropic SPF 30
If you've been longing for a luxurious primer that sits flawlessly under your makeup, this Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF30 Sunscreen & Primer by KYPRIS is one you most definitely want to check out! Fabulous when worn alone, under makeup, or over your other KYPRIS products. This multifunctional essential oil-free product applies totally clear serving as a lightweight moisturizer, SPF + makeup primer, all in one!
Laguna Herbals
Laguna Herbals Face and Body Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Laguna Herbals combines non-nano zinc oxide with just five organic ingredients, including calendula and beeswax, to protect and nourish all skin types. This non-toxic, water-resistant sunscreen is free of harmful chemicals, and it has an SPF 50+ with UVA and UVB protection. The travel-friendly stick can easily be packed into your beach bag, purse, or luggage without the worry of leakage. The tear-free formula is non-greasy and won't drip into your eyes. It can even be applied as a primer under makeup.
MDSolarSciences
MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
The ultimate mineral broad-spectrum sunscreen! This luxurious, non-whitening lotion glides on fast and blends easily for full face and body protection. Locks in moisture by helping to repair skin's natural lipid barrier with a unique blend of ceramides and humectants. This oil-free family-friendly formula is safe for kids six months and older. Naturally derived Eco-cert mineral UV protection helps reduce the risk of photoaging and skin cancer.
Mineral Fusion
Mineral Fusion Facial Moisturizer SPF 40
This ultimate age-defense cream provides broad-spectrum mineral SPF to help prevent premature signs of aging. Instantly protects skin from sunburn. Easily layer underneath foundation and primers for a healthy dose of SPF protection. Gluten-Free, 100% Vegan, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Artificial Color Free, Hypo-allergenic.
Raw Elements
Raw Elements: Tinted Facial Moisturizer SPF 30
Enjoy the same high performance and all-natural ingredients you expect from all traditional sunscreens, plus additional ultra-moisturizing properties and a slight skin-toned tint. This is the perfect product to use as your daily face moisturizer, whether hitting the beach, heading to work, or running errands. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts, it continues protecting your skin long after environmental exposure.
Raw Elements Face + Body Tube SPF 30 Bio Resin Tube
Made from certified all-natural ingredients, it provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen is very water resistant beyond 80 minutes, yet it is so gentle and moisturizing that it is perfect for kids. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and extracts, it continues protecting your skin long after environmental exposure.
Sanren Organic Skinfood
Sanre Organic Skinfood Supple Sunshine Solar Rosemary and Lavender Day Cream SPF 30
Helps protect your skin from sun exposure and pollution while gently restoring moisture and elasticity. This natural sun protectant and rejuvenator are applied as a daily moisturizer to help provide a soothing and beneficial barrier against Mother Nature, as it strives to reduce skin irritation, inflammation, and free radical damage.
Suntegrity
Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen and Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Suntegrity moisturizing face sunscreen is a rich, non-greasy, "UV chemical-free" sunscreen that offers Broad Spectrum Protection against damaging UVA & UVB rays. Infused with youth promoting antioxidants, this 3 in 1 Suntegrity Skincare product functions as a face moisturizer, sunscreen, and makeup primer all in one.
Suntegrity Skincare 5 in 1 Natural Tinted Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
If you are in the market for a super clean tinted moisturizer with SPF protection, this 5 in 1 product by Suntegrity is what you are looking for! Designed not only to protect you against UVA + UVB rays, this tinted moisturizer will actually treat your skin while adding the perfect amount of color to leave your skin looking flawless! Made with ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid, Red Algae, Organic Aloe, Jojoba, and Cucumber, this keeps the skin calm and soothed, making it perfect for acne-prone skin, rosacea, or melasma!
ThinkBaby And ThinkSport
ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen offers a safer alternative for protecting your baby from harmful UVA/UVB rays, free radicals, irritants, and biologically harmful chemicals found in many "natural" baby sunscreens on the market.
ThinkSport Everyday Face Sunscreen Naturally Tinted
THINKSUN® Everyday Face was created due to the demand for a safe sunscreen without the harmful chemicals found in a majority of products on the market. THINKSUN Everyday Face is enriched with Vitamin C & E and includes a small amount of tint to reduce any whitening effect from minerals.
Vanicream
Vanicream Lip Sunscreen, Sensitive Skin SPF 30
Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects your skin throughout the UVA spectrum and provides more protection than your natural sunburn protection (UVB). The antioxidants in the formulas help prevent damage to the skin by neutralizing free radicals produced when the skin is exposed to the sun.
W3LL People
W3LL PEOPLE - Natural Bio Tint Multi-Action Moisturizer SPF 30
Achieve one-step perfection with this breakthrough vegan makeup/skincare hybrid. Enjoy a flawless, natural, more radiant complexion with this luxurious, organic, plant-based wonder. Premium natural pigments correct imperfections. Hypoallergenic, chemical-free, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic.
FAQ
Where To Use Sunscreen?
Apply sunscreen to all bare skin. And don't forget about ears, hands, feet, shoulders, lips, behind the neck, and behind the ear!
Who needs sunscreen?
Everyone, including children. Every child needs protection from the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher regardless of their skin tone. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is still a sign of sun damage.
How often should you use sunscreen?
Sunscreens act as a shield against the harmful UV rays which penetrate every time your skin is exposed to them. Therefore, it is recommended that you use sunscreen every day!
You may not notice the benefits now, but the advantage of using sunscreen is felt in the long run. If you are out in the sun for a long time, either working or enjoying a sunbath on the beach, it is better to reapply sunscreen after every two hours to keep your skin protected. If you work indoors, it is recommended that you still apply sunscreen, primarily if you work next to a window.
There is no specific time to start using sunscreen. Enjoy the sun 365 days a year with a liberal dab of sunscreen.
Bottom line: Do not be fooled by the clouds (most UV light penetrates the clouds).
How long does sunscreen last once applied?
Depending on the SPF, it usually lasts up to two to three hours. Ideally, the sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before your skin gets exposed to the sun, and this waiting period allows the ingredients to bind to the skin properly. Reapply it every two hours.
Can I use sunscreen while pregnant?
It is crucial that you wear sunscreen while you are pregnant! But keep in mind that not all sunscreens are safe, and there are many chemical sunscreens whose constituents can enter your bloodstream and affect your fetus.
How to remove sunscreen?
Chemical sunscreens are easier to remove since they get absorbed and broken down over time. Mineral sunscreens are pretty stubborn and hard to break down. To remove mineral sunscreen, it is recommended that you use an oil-based cleanser.
Massage the oil-based cleanser into your skin for one to two minutes, then gently remove the cleanser with a washcloth soaked in warm water. Other ways to remove mineral sunscreens include light exfoliation, deep cleansing devices, cleansing water loofa, or water spray.
What do you need to know about foreign brand sunscreen?
Whether you are looking to buy a foreign brand sunscreen online or buying in a foreign Country store, you need to know every Country has different regulations on sunscreen.
In the United States, sunscreen is regulated over the counter, while in other countries, they regulate it as cosmetic. For all "made in the USA" supporters out there, you should research before making the big decision.
Sunscreen in the U.S. might lag behind the rest of the world because we live in a culture of tanning and are still not as serious about sun protection as other cultures. For example, in Asian cultures, such as in Japan, China, Korea, and the Philippines, people are enamored with pale skin. Therefore, they take protection from the sun very seriously.
Tips for ones who are prone to acne:
- Look for facial sunscreens that have the thinnest textures. Sheer, thin textures are least likely to lead to breakouts.
- Make sure you're cleansing each night thoroughly to ensure all of your sunscreen and makeup are removed.
- Avoid chemical sunscreen, as it can irritate your skin. Shop for alcohol and fragrance-free mineral-based sunscreen.
How much spray sunscreen do you need?
It can be difficult to determine how much spray sunscreen you need to ensure that you have an adequate layer of protection. As a rule of thumb, an adult should use at least one ounce every 2 hours for just the face alone, and this is about a shot glass size amount.
Thank you for reading my sunscreen guide and review. I hope you find this post to be helpful. If you have a sunscreen that you love, I would love to hear about your experience with it!
Please note: This post includes affiliate links. This means I make a few cents if you buy the item after clicking my link. This costs you nothing, but it helps keep this blog running!
