I know you’re here to find the best non-toxic sunscreen. But, I actually believe we should let our kids (and ourselves) experience small amounts of sunlight on bare skin. Vitamin D is important!
Of course, it’s not always possible to get just ten or fifteen minutes of sun each day. Fortunately there are a bunch of brands of non-toxic sunscreen that you can feel good about using. This guide will help you understand the problems with most brands of sun protection lotions, sprays, and creams–and help you pick the best non-toxic sunscreen for your family.
Let’s get into it.
Why Use Non-Toxic Sunscreen?
Conventional sunscreen is loaded with chemicals, including parabens, well-established carcinogens, and oxybenzone, an endocrine disruptor that may generate free radicals when exposed to ultraviolet light.
Some researchers even suspect oxybenzone to be the hidden cause of the increase in melanoma, although most studies have found no such link. Still, add this potential risk to the risk of vitamin D deficiencies, and standard sun safety doesn’t feel so safe!
In addition to the active ingredients, sunscreen also contains a number of inactive ingredients, some of which are concerning. The non-toxic sunscreens we call Best Stuff in this guide are free of the Bad Stuff we talk about in our other skincare Guides–synthetic fragrances, PEG chemicals, propylene glycol, alumina, etc.
Note: These days, almost all sunscreen is free of PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), and so this once ubiquitous—and possibly carcinogenic—sunblock ingredient is no longer a concern.
Felix and me in Mexico in 2010.
What Are the Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen?
I encourage you to choose sunscreens that use only mineral ingredients (more on these below), but you should know that not all chemical sunscreens are equally bad. Here is a run-down of most common:
⚠️ Avobenzone. We consider this Okay Stuff. If you’re going for chemical instead if mineral sunscreen, look for one with avobenzone as the primary active ingredient.
⚠️ Octisalate and octocrylene. These are both Okay Stuff, as neither comes with a significant risk to human health. Still, all things considered, I would choose a sunscreen with avobenzone over one with either of these.
❌ Oxybenzone. This is the really bad sunscreen ingredient. It causes cellular damage and endocrine disruption. The AAP recommends avoiding sunscreen with with oxybenzone on kids. The good news: MOST conventional sunscreen is now free of oxybenzone.
❌ Homosalate. This is also very Bad Stuff. The European Commission proposes a concentration limit of 1.4 percent for homosalate. Unfortunately, U.S. sunscreens are currently allowed to have up to 15%. Avoid any sun protection product that has homosalate in it.
It’s worth noting that ALL of these ingredients are absorbed into the body after one use, and can still be detected in the blood weeks after their use, according to studies published by the FDA. Moreover, these ingredients are disastrous to the environment, putting coral reefs in danger of extinction.
What Is the Safest Non Toxic Sunscreen to Use?
Given the dangers of chemical sunscreens, the safest way to avoid sunburn is to use a natural sunscreen that contains “barrier” ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Chemical sunscreen ingredients, like the ones listed above, work by absorbing UV radiation. By contrast, mineral sunscreens work by reflecting the UV radiation.
Because the application of these ingredients leaves skin with a telltale white sheen, nanoparticles are typically used in mineral sunscreens. (Nanoparticles are just teeny microscopic particles that are less than 100 nanometers in diameter.)
There has been some concern that these nanoparticles are small enough to penetrate cell membranes. Normally, our cells recognize foreign material as an invader and block it out, so it’s scary to think that nanparticles could get past that. Fortunately, more recent research suggests that DNA damage from nanoparticles is not very likely.
Instead of nanoparticles, some natural sunscreen producers use “micronized” particles — basically, these are just slightly larger than nanoparticles (so larger than 100 nanometers). Research suggests that particles must be 50 nanometers or less to penetrate a cell membrane, so micronized minerals in sunscreen should be safe.
Wolfie and me in Aruba in 2014.
Which Sunscreens Are Not Toxic? Zinc vs. Titanium Dioxide
Most mineral sunscreens contain both zinc and titanium dioxide. We have a slight preference for zinc because it is more effective at blocking UVA rays. In addition, titanium dioxide is harmful–even potentially carcinogenic–if inhaled.
For this reason, our favorite non-toxic sunscreen will have more zinc oxide than titanium dioxide, especially when in a spray formulation. But we still think brands that use titanium dioxide can be considered non-toxic sunscreen.
195 comments
Aarti
Hello Katie, have you had any success? I am just now considering the possibility that my daughter’s recent sunburns and eczema have been induced by the sunscreen. Thank you.
Arielle
curious about raw elements sunscreen? Everything I’ve researched seems to put it on your good stuff list but its missing.
Karisa
I picked up a sunscreen the other day called Bare Republic mineral for my children . I was just curious on your opinion .
Meg
Lush is not marketed for babies but it is our fave for bath time.
Meg
Thank you for the info!
Meg
I’m on vacay in Mexico using thinkbaby. No sunburns but i won’t be applying it to my baby’s cheeks again. He rubbed it in his eyes and he cried for a minute. Using it on my skin though, dries clear ish!
Katie
Hi!!
I’m hoping you can help. My 2 year old and I have terribly sensitive eczema prone skin and most sunscreen burns our skin, especially our faces. After much trial and error I had great luck last summer with Vanicream sunscreen but just found out that due to issues with their suppliers they will not have anything in stock until Oct 2018!! I would love to find an SPF 50 physical sunscreen (not chemical) Do you have any suggestions? The only other one that doesn’t burn is Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby- is that one safe? (I’m pretty sure the answer is no, but it’s approved by the National Eczema Association, and says that their new formula is free of all chemicals, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and dyes )
Diana
Hi Maia,
As the season turns to sun again, I just wanted to add another option into the mix: Mad Hippie’s Facial SPF. https://www.madhippie.com/products/facial-spf
From what I can tell, it’s safe, but I’m interested to hear your opinion. I use it for my face and love it.
Thanks!
Beth
Do you have an opinion on alba botanical, kids mineral sunscreen spf30… I know it has some not so good stuff in it but I am so new to all this stuff I don’t really know what to look for. We bought this on a trip because we really had no other options.
Qzan
I love Belly Buttons & Babies sun screen, it has the most production and less ch locals then other brands. The only issue is it has expiration date. It only lasts a year.
Julie
Hey!
I LOVE your site and it has been so helpful. What are you thoughts on SunBum and Glossier Sunscreen? Thank you so much!Heather
What about Arbonne baby sunscreen?
Jessica
What is your opinion on Baby Bum sunscreen?
Thanks!Alejandra
Hi Mia,
Is it possible to buy through your shop online the Bali Bloc SPF 30 Pure Vanilla Sunscreen Stick 100% fron Kabana.???
Sara A Goegeline
Here’s the thing about vitamin D deficiency in adults: you must get a blood test. You must ask your doctor to prescribe as much vitamin D as you require (maybe you don’t need any.) You must take the vitamin D if you need it. Melanoma is serious. I’ve had it. A wonderful woman I know died from it. It’s more aggressive in men than women. It’s not a pleasant death.
In addition to adequate sunscreen, everyone (especially babies) should be wearing sun-protective clothing - not a tee shirt, not a regular straw hat. Melanoma takes about 40 years to develop. Protect your babies and children before they know to protect themselves. Latest info shows greatest danger for skin cancer in the scalp, neck, feet, and ankles-especially for women.
Do your readers a favor and stop harping on vitamin D deficiency and wimpy levels of SPF.
Danielle
What about arbonne?
Amanda
Could you please share your thoughts about the cancer council’s products.. Specifically the kids formula.
Thank you!
Allyson Martin
Hi,
I bought the Babo Botanicals sport stick on your recommendation but I think this might be a less expensive alternative brand? Is TJ stick Good Stuff?Have you looked at Trader Joe’s new sunscreen stick? http://www.traderjoes.com/digin/post/mineral-sunscreen-stick
Laura
Hi,
Thank you so much for all of your posts. You have helped me make so many decisions in choosing products for my baby! I have an 8 month old baby with eczema. I was using blue lizard but would like to switch to a waterproof sunbmscreen that goes on smooth. I’m considering Trukid sport. Any ingredients I should be concerned with here? Also, any thoughts on how easy to apply it might be?Julie Gulemi
Thank you so much for all your research! It is helping me so much to change my own life and the lives of other around me.
I was wondering if you knew about the Glossier products. They have a sunscreen that I just purchased for daily use on my face under my makeup. I have been using beautycounter sunscreen but only for the beach! I’d love to know your thoughts. Thank you so much! JulieEvelyn rosas
Hey there! I found RAW elements eco formula spf 30 at the store and EWG had a great 1 rating for it. I think, if I read all the ingredients correctly, it’s a good choice; what do you think?
P.s j have bought many items off your store and have been so glad with them all—mainly the water filter set up and baby wipes!Stacey Coffey
Hi Maia,
Thanks for all of this wonderful information! What are you thoughts on Thinksport Kid’s Safe Sunscreen SPF 50? (seeing as i just bought 3 of them : /) Also, any recommendation for tics? I bought a lint roller (sticky ones) because I hate to add yet another products to roll all over my babies! Thank you! StaceyKandice
How do you feel about Zebs Organic Sunscreens? Here are the ingredients…
Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 12%; Coco nucifera* (coconut oil), Olea Europaea* (olive oil), Sunflower Wax, Vitellaria paradoxa (shea butter), Helianthus Annuus* (sunflower oil) – *indicates organic ingredients Thanks!!Meg
I recently bought some of the Babo spray sunscreen, but I am somewhat confused as to why you say you don’t have any concerns over inhaling it. I sprayed some on myself to test it outside and there was a slight breeze and it seemed like it created a mist that got picked up in the wind. When you use it do you never see any type of mist? Thanks!
Majda Ficko
New 100% Natural Sunblocz- SPF 50
Sunblocz is a safe and natural alternative to chemical sunscreens
• Safe – contains 100% all- natural ingredients
• Effective – 50 SPF, Highest sun protector factor
• Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB protection
• Very water resistant – 80 minutes
• No Artificial Fragrance
• Hypoallergenic – safe for sensitive skin
• Does not sting eyes
• Repels mosquitos and bugs
• Clinically tested per FDA OTC Sunscreen Monograph regulations
• Dermatologist recommended
• FDA Registered
• Patent Protected
Kadie
Ok, thank you for looking at it! I’ve been using the badger cream sunscreen for my 19 month old, but was looking for a spray. Which one is best for kids?
Maia James
Meh, I don’t love this list—lots of synthetics.
Kadie
What do you think of the 100% pure Yerba mate mist? Here are the ingredients that were on their website:
Thanks!active ingredients: Zinc 12 % Inactive ingredients: Bentonite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco Glucoside, Vegetable Glycerin, Heptyl Undecylenate, Ilex Paraguariensis (Yerba Mate) Leaf Extract, Jojoba Ester, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Water
Maia James
I like the Babo spray best
Audrey Powell
Are all of these sunscreens good to use in the water? Which stay on the best?
Maia James
Hi Laura!
These ingredients look fine, although as you mentioned, if it doesn’t specify non-nano then it probably isn’t.
Sushil Karwa
What do you think about Thinksport Kid’s Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 ? It is top rated by EWG skin deep database with a “1” rating for quite a few years in a row. Its free of biologically harmful chemicals like avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalate, paba and UV chemical absorbers.
Would you rate this as “Good”, “Bad” or “Sneaky” stuff? Regards, SushilLaura
Hi Maia, your product guides and research are the best. I look forward to every new update I receive! I was gifted “Hampton Sun for Baby” and was wondering if it’s “good stuff” or if one of the sunscreens you list is better. The ingredients I think are fine (listed below) but I wasn’t able to find if it has nano-particles. My daughter is 6 months and I’m also concerned about sunscreen irritating her eyes and getting in her mouth since her hands, feet, etc. constantly touch her face. Hoping you have time to respond, thanks in advance!!
Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 6.0%, Zinc Oxide 12.0% Inactive ingredients: Beeswax, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Chathamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Chamomilla Rectita (Matricaria) Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower)Jackie
Hi there! Any thoughts on the Substance Baby Natural Sun Care Creme? Thanks!! :)
Catherine
What about Kiss my face baby?
Maia James
Hey Heather-
I don’t wear much makeup, but if I wanted a daily SPF product I would go with this: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/beautycounter-dew-skin-tinted-moisturizer/How horrified will you be to learn that I DON’T use a daily sunscreen? I live in the northeast and want to get all the vitamin D I can! When I’m at the beach, I use this stick all over my face: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/babo-botanicals-clear-zinc-sunscreen-sport-stick-spf-30/
Heather
Maia, thank you so much for your research and making it available to help so many of us! I am wondering – what do YOU use for a daily facial sun protection?
I appreciate your feedback.
Claudette
Hello,
After reading about your suggested options for the least toxic sunscreen spray I am still unsure which might be best for my kids. They are 11 and 5 and have only ever used California baby , however after so many years of traveling to the Caribbean and having to apply every 30 min and as thick as it is I would LOVE a spray option . Rubbing the thick white lotion son their little sandy bodies is torture for them and us… what would you suggest in sprays that would need the least rubbing in and provide the best protection… we are all very fair skinned.
Thanks for your time .
Claudette
Maia James
Nothing looks alarming in this list of ingredients:).
Lauren Boettcher
Hi what about Matter Company Baby Sun Care Creme
ngredients: Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% Other Ingredients: helianthus annus* (sunflower seed oil), calendula officinalis* (pot marigold) flower, hypericum perforatum* (St. John’s Wort) flowers, simmondsia chinensis* (jojoba) seed oil, sesamum indicum* (sesame)seed oil, camellia oleifera* (green tea) extract, vitis vinifera* (grape) seed extract, glycerine (vegtable), butyrospermum parkii * (shea butter), tocopherol (vitamin E), xanthan gum, leuconostoc (radish root ferment filtrate), deionized water, essential oils of lavandula angustifolia (lavender), citrus aurantium dulcis (orange), pelargonium graveolens (geranium), cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) and menthe (mint). *Certified organic Says essential oils naturally repel against insects?Ana
Be careful about anything labeled non-nano zinc that looks clear. THERE IS NO SUCH THING.
It gets confusing because these labels are just claims. The FDA has no laws about nano-particles in personal care products. And heads up, micronized products contain nano-particles. This is because micronized particles range from 70nm-300nm in size. Anything under 100nm is a nano-particle. The EU and Australia have laws about what percentage of micronized particles can be nano-sized before you can make a non-nano claim. The US does not. To add to the sordid mix, a company in Australia makes a “non-nano” zinc that is actually nano-sized particles that are then “glued” together to make a more clear looking sunscreen product. If all of this gets overwhelming or if you just hate chemistry and always have, just remember this one fact: There is no “special” or “proprietary” method that can make non-nano zinc clear. If a sunscreen has true non-nano zinc, it will have a whitish cast. And for me, that is preferable to risking DNA damage from nano-zinc in my sunscreen.Maia James
Hi there! I wrote about this here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/whats-wrong-with-insect-repellent/
Victoria
Thank you soo much for your thorough research Maia! I am so appreciative and loving your site. I would be so interested to know your thoughts on the best natural bug sprays!
Maia James
I’m not a fan of the ingredients in this one—lots of synthetics, including PEG chemicals.
Maia James
Of these, the only one that I consider okay is Thinkbaby.
Maia James
In my opinion, all Earth Mama products are Good Stuff:)
Stephi
Love your site! What about La Roche Posay? Many thanks!
Mkhana
Hi there, please share your thoughts on Banana Boat, Thinkbaby or Cerave sunscreen for 16 month old with sensitive skin. He gets sunburned so easily: we are African living in a moderate climate in Nairobi but his cheeks and bridge of his nose get that shiny burnt look…and I am so worried! We were given Neutrogena sunscreen but after checking out your site, learning about oxybenzone, I got more diligent about what I put on his skin. Someone brought us cerave spf 45 from the US but I didn’t like the ingredients in their lotion from before…please advise us!!
Majda
Brand new sunscreen product- Patent Pending
Sunblocz and Sunblocz Baby Kids, 100% Natural, Mineral Sunscreen www.sunblocz.com
Majda
Brand new sunscreen product- Patent Pending
Sunblocz and Sunblocz Baby Kids, 100% Natural, Mineral Suncreen www.sunblocz.com