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
Jennifer
I love Babo products but found their sunblock too thick to apply on my squirming kids. The spray would be a game-changer. You don’t have any concerns about young children inhaling the spray? My youngest are 2 years old and 6 months old. And in practice is it as effective as the lotion?
Kim
Hi! Any thoughts on ThinkBaby? After a first glance, and considering it was an emergency/quick purchase, I’m hoping you don’t tell me it’s a sneaky one… it’s rated a 1-2 on EWG but the data is limited. Thank you for all you do!!! Your formula evaluation relieved so much of my anxiety when my supply dipped below my son’s needs. I really appreciate how thorough you are!
Maia James
Unfortunately, it’s Bad Stuff:(
Maia James
It’s been removed! We’ve just updated the site accordingly.
Angelina
What are some alternatives to neosporin for kids scrapes and cuts to disinfect ?
I want to put together a little first aid kit for my kids would love some advice on thisStephanie
I recently saw a new sunscreen (to me at least it is new lol) named thinkbaby. It was rated a 0 on the think dirty app, but I wanted to see your thoughts. We currently use badger, but I like that I can find this in the grocery store.
Ps I couldn’t find where to comment, hence the “reply” ?Thanks in advance!
Heather
Thoughts on Sunology Kids?
Maia James
I just checked out their ingredients, and at first glance it looks fine.
Leah
What do you know about Coppertone Kids Tear-Free SPF 50?
Meg
I was looking at the babo sunscreens on their website, and it doesn’t list sodium benzoate as an ingredient for the lotions. Are they new formulas, or am I missing something?
Maia
Mustela is Bad/Sneaky Stuff—it has parfum, petroleum products, and lots of other synthetics.
New York mama
What do you think of trukids?
Maia James
Yes, these sprays don’t spray the same way an aerosol can of Coppertone does. You don’t inhale it (you’ll see what I mean when you try it).
Maia James
Unfortunately, this is Sneaky Stuff (it has all those chemical sunscreen ingredients I recommend you avoid, above).
Maia
Hi there! I’m sorry but my babies are so fair (despite a Caribbean grandfather!) that I really only have experience on very white skin. I would ask your pediatrician for specific recommendations, but I imagine any of the Good Stuff would be appropriate for an Indian baby:).
Heather
Sorry! Autocorrect – should be Sunology*** Kids
Heather
Also, what are your thoughts on 3rd Rock?
Heather
What are you thoughts on Earth’s Best and Sinology Kids Sunscreens?
Ragini
Any recommendations from the good stuff list for an Indian baby, 7 months old? (I mention race because our skins react differently to the sun, that’s all :) )
Maia James
The Acure doesn’t come out of the canister clear (no mineral sunscreen will), but it’s very thin and when rubbed in does not leave a white sheen.
Amy
Hi!
I’m trying to decide between the Babo and the Acure, both in spray. The Babo advertises “Sheer”, can the same be said for the Acure? I tried the honest company spray last year (out of desperation for something quick and easy) and it still sprayed on thick white. Thanks!
Ella
Hi, how about Mustela – bebe-enfant?
Lindsey Lutz
Hi!! Thank you so much for all the information. Your website has been a Godsend over the last 8 months with our new little one. I am about to order the new Babo spray. Do you feel the spray is fine for an 8 month old? I know in the past you have mentioned you didn’t love sprays because of the fact that we breath it in. Thank you!!
Maia
The ingredients seem fine, Tina. Some people are just turned off by Honest in general, following the laundry detergent “scandal”: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/honest-detergent-contains-sodium-lauryl-sulfate-after-calling-it-toxic/
Tina
I love your website, and really appreciate you sharing your research and knowledge with other mommas out there that just want whats best for their little ones! :) how do u feel about the new/ reformulated honest company mineral sunscreen spf 50?
Mindy
What about Alba Botanica spray sunscreen?
Maia
Don’t know that brand, but will look into it!
Maia
Hi there-
You should definitely check with your doctor in terms of sunsreen on a baby that young, but in my opinion the very gentlest brand is this one: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/sierra-sage-solar-goo-sun-protection-stick/
Erica Krohnberg
Hi what do you think of lush products?
Maia James
Yes, any of the Good Stuff would be fine on scalps.
Heleana
Love your website!!
My baby will be 4 months at the beginning of summer here. What sunscreen do you recommend for a baby that young? Thanks!Ashley
the good stuff* Idk how “tv” got in there lol
Ashley
What do you think about sunscreen for scalps? Can the tv good spray sunscreens be used for that
Maia James
Hi there! I would go for one of the Babo sunscreens—even the stick would work for a baby that small. Or the spray option is great: https://gimmethegoodstuff.com/store/babo-botanicals-sheer-zinc-continuous-spray-spf-30/
Wendy
I love your website!!! What do you think can i use for my seven month baby?
Maia
It’s pretty good although it contains a longer list of ingredients than some of the other options.
Maia James
It’s Okay, with dimethicone being the only ingredient I don’t love.
Robin
What about Thinkbaby?
kathryn
what about California baby
Maia James
I consider Vanicream to be Sneaky Stuff:(
Maia James
Yes, Beautycounter is Good Stuff! In particular we love their makeup. We are now Beautycounter consultants, in fact:) http://www.beautycounter.com/suzanneweaver-goss/
HBP
What about beautycounter products that are rated well from EWG (http://www.beautycounter.com/body-hair/sunscreen/protect-stick-sunscreen-spf-30-sweet-tooth.html)?
Rach
My baby has very sensitive skin and we use Vanicream products to soothe eczema. Any thoughts on their sunscreen?
Maia James
Hi there-
They are Sneaky Stuff, unfortunately.
christine
What are your thoughts on Blue Lizard? Thanks