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
Nadia
Ever heard of Raw Elements? It’s sold through Thrive Market. Just wondering if they seem like a good bet (for kids).
Linda
I’m loving the stick sunscreens for my little kids. Just got the Babo sport stick on your reco and love it – it’s clear! I also just got the Waxhead stick. It goes on more white but says it’s reef safe and only 4 ingredients. 1) 25% non-nano Zinc Oxide, 2) Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 3) Certified Organic Beeswax, 4) Certified Organic Vanilla Extract. What do you think of Waxhead?
April Ciervo
Any evaluations of Sun Bum Sunscreen?
Terri Naughtin
Hi Maria
Thank you. TerriI also need a stronger sunscreen especially for my face. I burn in 10 minutes. Can you recommend anything that is at least 50? What about CeraVe? Please let me know. I’m 60 and I sure don’t want premature skin aging!
Katie
Hey Maia! Have you looked into raw elements? Their kids line seems awesome.
Laura V.
Hello, thank you so much for the summary and research on sunscreens. I wanted to ask if you’ve read the Clean Label Project sunscreen study? They mention a concern regarding the lead found in mineral sunscreen (especially for toddlers) and now I’m beyond confused what to use for my daughter. Here is the link:
https://cleanlabelproject.org/wp-content/uploads/Sunscreen_Infographic-01-1.jpg Thanks for your opinion on that!Hermine Tsarukian
Hello PLEASE tell us what ur thoughts are on BABY BUM spf 50 stick? Also have u heard of HAMPTON SUN SPF 70 for kids???
Please replyKim
Hello! What are your thoughts on the brands Coola and Avasol? Thank you in advance :)
Cindy
Sorry banana boat does not contain parabans
Cindy cordosi
What about banana boat? It says a lot less chemicals but contains paragons. I just bought those before I read your article should I ditch it ?