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
Evelyn 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
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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?