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
Astha
What products of earth mama should I avoid?
Maia James
I would ask your pediatrician before applying sunscreen on a child that young, but for my own children I did use Kabana Green Screen on them.
Janna K
Hi- Just wondering if 5 months old is too young for sunscreen?
Maia James
Don’t know that brand, but will look into it!
Alice
What about Cotz sunscreen line SPF 40 ?
Maia James
Thanks so much for your kind words:). I’m glad the site has been useful! I do worry about Zika for babies (my husband hosts a podcast that interviewed a doctor on this topic: http://stemcellpodcast.com/ep-65-zika-virus-stem-cells-featuring-dr-arnold-kriegstein)…I would ask your pediatrician if a picaridin insect repellent is safe for your baby (I have this one: http://amzn.to/2bEI9My). Otherwise you could try a natural option, which would be better than nothing, but which needs to be reapplied often. As for sunscreen, the main reason I like Kabana is because it contains vitamin D (which is absorbed transdermally, and might offset the deficiencies caused by our avoidance of the sun and sunscreen use!). Babo is also a great choice;)
Rachel
We are going to the beach and my baby will be 10 weeks old. I bought him the clothing that has spf in it and have a hat and will keep him in the shade, but was wondering if you think I should also put sunscreen on him and if yes, which type. You mention that you like Kabana Green Screen the best for kids but under the Good Stuff you specifically mention that Babo Botanicals is good for babies. Any thoughts? We are going to Florida (the Gulf side where Zika has been detected one time) and while it is my best intention to keep us and the baby covered with light clothing, any advice on using a bug spray on us or the baby? I saw that you recommend a kind with chemical in it for adults due to the Zika Virus but what about baby? Thank you so much for your time! And your website…we really appreciate you doing the leg work on all these products!
Maia James
It’s also okay.
Rebekah
Is the Honest spray sunscreen also OK or just the lotion? Thanks!
Maia James
I’d try the Solar Goo: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/sierra-sage-solar-goo-sun-protection-stick/
Crystaline lopez
What would you suggest for sensitive skin 6 months old and ezema prone?
Maia James
While this contains zinc (a mineral form of sunblock), it also has chemical sunscreens in it, so I would call it Sneaky Stuff:(
Octinoxate
Maia James
I know people who’ve used just coconut oil and swear that it works but I haven’t tried it myself. I just checked out Tropical Sands, and it looks like Good Stuff!
Angela Williams
This one looks like a newer sun bum product, called sun bum signature. Would this still be considered “bad stuff”?
http://shop.trustthebum.com/sun-bum-signature-spf-30-sunscreen-3-0-oz/Hadleigh
I’ve been looking for a natural alternative to a low spf sunscreen. I like to tan(I know it’s bad but a tan allows me to not use other chemical laden things like make up.) Normally at the beach I use a SPF 15 and sometimes a SPF 4 – 8 on my legs, and can’t find any natural product that are that low. I did find Tropical Sands, have you ever used them, are they good? I would like to use something to keep me from burning but still allow a tan to develop. I’ve also heard of using just plain coconut oil for sunscreen does that really work?
Maia James
Unfortunately, I don’t consider this Good Stuff as they use chemical sunscreen ingredients such as avebezone rather than mineral barriers like zinc.
Angela Williams
Hello! What are your thoughts on the Sun Bum products?
Maia James
I can’t recommend this one because it contains retinyl palmitate. Here’s why that’s bad: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-problem-with-vitamin-a/
Kadie
Maia,
What do you think of Dr. Mercola’s broad spectrum sunscreen? It says it has no nanoparticles. Thanks! KadieRobin J
Thanks again Maia!
Maia James
They are probably about the same; the Babo one does seem to spray out a bit lighter.
Joy
That’s what we use I was t sure if she was saying it was sneaky and didn’t give a reason way so I looked it up on reg: http://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2016/05/22-best-scoring-sunscreens-kids
Robin J.
Hi Maia,
Of the two Good Stuff sprays, are either ‘lighter’ in terms of avoiding pore blockage? I’ve been a Greenscreen loyalist for years but just last week our 2-yr old enjoyed more beach time than usual and after 2 days of liberal Greenscreen use he developed a heat rash, we think because his skin couldn’t breath in the heat. He also has milder eczema so we were perplexed on the conflicting remedies (moisture for eczema, dryness for heat rash).
Wondering if anyone else has experienced the same and were more successful with either spray. Thanks!
Maia James
Any of the brands recommended in this guide would be effective. If you want something with less of a white sheen, I prefer the Babo spray version: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/babo-botanicals-sheer-zinc-continuous-spray-spf-30/
Taylar
Hi there!
Would you mind suggesting an effective, non-toxic sunblock that I could use in the desert in July in Death Valley, California? I am fair skinned and have sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts. (All of this sounds like a dangerous combination, right?!) I’m trying to be as prepared in advance as possible! Thank you for any suggestions!Maia James
Looks like Good Stuff:)
Tania
Hi, what do you think of Coola Baby Suncreen?
Maia James
The natural version looks fine to me!
Maia James
Hi there-
I used it on my own kids since they were babies.You can ask your pediatrician, but I would feel fine using this: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/sierra-sage-organic-bugs-be-gone-spray/
Maia James
They really are both great. My top pick would actually be Kabana because it has the added vitamin D. https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/kabana-green-screen-d-organic-spf-35/
Maia James
I reached out to the woman who makes Solar Goo and here is what she had to say: “Great question. It is standard on the Drug Fact Panel to state this on all packaging. From our research all of our ingredients if rubbed into the babies skin and if absorbed it is okay if her/him hands and feet are in their mouth off and on. If the child were to eat the whole stick or tin then that is where it would be appropriate to call regarding the ingredients due to the amount.”
Julie
Hi Maia,
What are your thoughts on the Rocky Mountain Sunscreen (either the SPF 30 or 50)? http://www.rmsunscreen.com/128OunceGallonSPF50Kids.aspx I found a score of 3 on EWG.org for the SPF 30 version but I am not sure if that is the “natural” version that is listed. http://www.rmsunscreen.com/images/2015_website/PDF/RMS SPF30 Natural Ingredients.pdf Can you tell me if you have heard of this brand or if the ingredients look safe to use on a infant and toddler? Thank you for all the hard work that you do and all the great information you provide! JulieClara P.
Do you have any recommendations for insect repellents for babies? I’ve been looking through your site (love it!) and can’t find any. Thank you!
Tobi
Acure for 9 month old versus Babo, do you have a preference and why? I have actually been using Badger, but I feel like she got too much color and I applied pretty liberally.
Maia James
I wouldn’t call it Sneaky exactly, but I don’t love that it has phenoxyethanol and a PEG chemical. Overall, still a decent choice.
Maia James
I think the Honest sunscreen is fine. I assume they’ve fixed the formula by now after the scandal.
Niki
I love your website it makes my life of research so much easier.
I had ordered the solar goo for my 9 month old. But the several call outs about contacting poison control if ingested kind of freaks me out. What ingredient would this be fore? All my baby does is stick her hands, arms, feed etch in her mouth. Thanks NikiAmy
What about BlueLizard? Of sneaky stuff, what makes it so?
Jennifer Schaperow
Do you think the honest company mineral sunscreen spf is safe for a 7 month old baby. I bought the Babo but it is so thick and hard to spread and seems to come off on any surface it touches. Thanks!
Maia James
I actually reviewed the Honest Co. sunscreen in this guide. I don’t know the other brand, but will add to my list!
Maia James
Any of the Badger line is safe for kids and adults—but ask your pedi for a baby that young:).
Jennifer
Hello,
A friend just told me about the Honest Co. sunscreen… but after reading the ingredient list, I am not 100% convinced because there are a couple ingredients that I researched and it’s making me question how natural the product is. Do you have feedback on this brand? Also – I found this brand today (http://bellybuttonsandbabies.com/) that I really feel confident about regarding it’s safety and purity after reading the ingredient list. I would like to know if you’ve heard of it and any feedback you may have. Thank you :)Maia James
This looks totally safe:)
Maia James
We’ve found it to be totally effective and a game changer. It’s not aerosoled mist like other spray sunscreens, so no concerns about inhalation. You’ll see when you try it.
Maia James
I don’t think it’s Sneaky per se, but I do think the other brands listed are better.
Betty Ann
Hi there, I LOVE your website! There are so many types of Badger sunscreen. Does it matter what one I purchase? I’m looking for a sunscreen I can use on myself and my 6 month old baby. I was looking at Badger Unscented Sunscreen Cream. But I see there is also a Badger Chamomile Baby Sunscreen Cream. Do I need this “baby” sunscreen in particular, for use on my 6 month old? Thank you so much.
Maia James
I’m obsessed with this stuff: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/sierra-sage-green-goo-boo-boo-balm/
Maia James
It’s fine, but I do think Badger has an even cleaner ingredients list. Also anything I’ve listed under The Good Stuff:)
Maia James
I’m not a big fan. Their sunscreen has a lot of ingredients, many synthetic. I think there are better options.
Talisha Benson
What are your thoughts on majestic pure baby sunscreen? The website is www.majesticpure.com.
Ingredients Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – 24.7%; Ingredients: Grape Seed Oil, Organic Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (from Coconut Oil), Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Shea Butter, Stearic Acid (from Palm Oil), Purified Water