Non-Toxic Sunscreen Guide

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.

1. All Good/ 2. Kabana/ 3. Earth Mama/ 4. Attitude/ 5. Thinkbaby/ 6. Poofy Organics/ 7. Beautycounter/ 8. Badger/ 9. Babo Botanicals / 10. Kinfield

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.

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 good news: even Coppertone is free of oxybenzone now! That’s not because of any new regulations (sadly), but rather thanks to consumer demand–way to go, you guys!

❌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 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.

Which Sunscreens Are Not Toxic? Zinc V. 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.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen with No Whiteness

If you want a truly clear sunscreen, the only option is chemical absorbers. The safest one we found is Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray- SPF 30, which uses avobenzone, octisalate, and octocrylene. These are the least concerning of the chemical sunscreen ingredients, and all of the inactive ingredients are totally safe.

Just be aware that other Coola sunscreens, including the cream formulas, have homosalate in them, and this is an ingredient that you really do want to avoid if possible.

So now that you know what we were looking for in our search for best non-toxic sunscreens, let’s take a look at the best and the worst brands on the market.

Best Stuff: Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands

3rd Rock Sunblock

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Entirely safe list of ingredients.

Cost per ounce: $10.98

Ingredients: Zinc oxide (23.5%), vegetable glycerin, water, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) oil, gamma oryzanol, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, L-arginine, aloe barbadensis leaf gel, high mountain desert beeswax, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel wax, phosphatidyl choline and / or coconut oil extract, boswellia sacra (frankincense) oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) oil, tocopherol, ascorbic acid, zea mays (corn) starch, maranta arundinacea (arrowroot) root extract, xanthan gum.

BUY from amazon

Adorable Baby Natural Sunscreen

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Greasier formula, which I prefer to the chalkier brands.

Cost per ounce: $5.99

Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 24% – Active Ingredient, Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Macadamiate, Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lauryl Laurate, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, C20-22 Alcohols, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed (Baobab) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Pongamol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phytate

BUY from amazon

All Good Sunscreens

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• I’m partial to the spray version, but All Good’s SPF creams are also great.
• Many of the ingredients are organic.
• Lab tested and shown to be free of heavy metals.
• EWG Verified.

Cost per ounce: $3.33

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 12% (Non-nanoparticle) Inactive Ingredients: Organic Aloe Barbaden- sis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Bentonite, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Organic Calendula Of cinalis (Calendula) Flower*, Capryl- hydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Organic Carthamus Tinctorius (Saf ower) Seed Oil*, Cellulose Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Organic Chamomilla Recutita (Chamomile) Flower Extract*, Coco-Glucoside, Glycerin, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sun ower) Seed Oil*, Jojoba Esters, Organic Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil*, Methyl Dihydroabi- etate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil*, Water (Aqua). Certified Organic to USDA/NOP Standards.

BUY from our store- Thanks for your support:) Buy from Thrive Market Buy from All Good Buy from Amazon

Attitude Sunly Mineral Sunscreen

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• EWG Verified.
• Comes in cream or plastic-free stick formulas.

Cost per ounce: $4.58

ˆngredients: Active ingredient : Zinc oxide (20 %). Inactive ingredients : Aqua / Water / Eau, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, C10-18 Triglycerides, Glycerin (soybeans/soja), Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Methyldihydrojasmonate*, Pentadecalactone*, Phenethyl Acetate*, Triethyl Citrate*, Vanillin*, *fragrance (Parfum).

BUY from amazon

Babo Botanicals Sunscreen

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• We carry Babo sunscreen creams and sprays in our store, and they are what we bring to the beach ourselves.
• Most affordable non-toxic sunscreen brand we reviewed.

Cost per ounce: $3.92

Ingredients: Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 12%
Inactive ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butyloctyl Salicylate, Bentonite, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil^, Heptyl Undecylenate^, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice^, Jojoba Esters^, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*^, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*^, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*^, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract*^, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract*^, Glycerin^, Coco-Glucoside^, Caprylyl Glycol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid^, Cetearyl Alcohol^.

BUY from our store – thanks for your support:) Buy from Thrive Market Buy from Amazon

Badger Sunscreen

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Badger makes a range of non-toxic sunscreen products, all of which are mineral-based and without any Bad Stuff.
• I am in particular a fan of their formula for kids in SPF 40, but Badger is one of those brand where you can shop their entire line (sunscreen and otherwise) without any concern.

Cost per ounce: $5.27

Ingredients: Uncoated Clear Zinc Oxide, Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Orange Oil, Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Tangerine Oil, Sunflower Vitamin E, Organic Vanilla Extract & Organic Seabuckthorn Extract (98% Organic & Certified Non-GMO)

Buy from Thrive Market Buy from Amazon

Beautycounter Sunscreen

• Entire line of sun protection is safe.
• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• One product that I am obsessed with it Beautycounter’s facial sunscreen lotion — I have been using this for years.There is zero white sheen to this, and it feels legitimately moisturizing instead of chalky. (One note: it does contain phenoxyethanol.)
• Some of the Beautycounter sunscreens are EWG Verified.

Cost per ounce: $6.66

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (sunscreen) 19%; Inactive Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Cetearyl Nonanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Polyglyceryl-4 Diisostearate/Polyhydroxystearate/Sebacate, Glycerin, Isopropyl Myristate, Magnesium Sulfate, Beeswax, Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Isostearic Acid, Lecithin, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Decylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, 1,2-Hexanediol, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Fruit Extract, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Eschscholzia Californica Leaf Cell Extract, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Mimosa Tenuiflora Bark Extract.

BUY from beautycounter

Crunchi SunLight

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Packaged in aluminum instead of plastic.
• Contains squalene for hydration.

Cost per ounce: $12.42

Ingredients: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide – 12.5%
INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Bisabolol*, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coconut Alkanes, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexyl Olivate, Glyceryl Caprylate, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Heptyl Undecylenate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Phytate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Sorbitan Oleate, Sorbitan Olivate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Squalane, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Water, Xanthan Gum
*Certified Organic Ingredients

BUY from crunchi

Earth Mama

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• All ingredients are organic.
• This brand was tested for PFAS by Mamavation and came up clean.

Cost per use: $5.00

Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 25%, Inactive Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Fractionated Coconut) Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis Flower (Calendula) Flower Extract* *Organic

BUY from earth mama BUY ON amazon

Kabana Greenscreen

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Because it contains non-micronized zinc oxide, it goes on a bit white.
• Contains vitamin D to combat what you’ll lose by using other brands of non-toxic sunscreen.
• We also love Kabana’s stick formula, and they even make a body wash with SPF!

Cost per ounce: $5.54

Ingredients: 25% Zinc Oxide USP (zinc oxide), Artesian Spring Water (aqua), Extra Virgin Olive Oil* (Olea europaea Fruit Oil), Jojoba Oil* (Simmondsia chinensis Seed Oil), Vegetable Glycerin” (Glycerin), Shea Butter* (Butyrospermum parkii Seed Oil), Vegetable Emulsifying Wax NF (polysorbate 60 and cetearyl alcohol), Vitamin E (tocopherol). *Organic

BUY from Kabana BUY ON amazon

Kinfield Sunglow

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Kinfield definitely has the chicest packaging of all the non-toxic sunscreen brands.
• I like both their facial and body formulas.

Cost per ounce: $6.75

Ingredients: ACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide (20.0%) INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: 
Water, Capric/Caprylic Triglyceride, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-2 Oleate, Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Sodium Chloride, Polyglyceryl-2 Stearate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Coco-Caprylate, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Sea Kelp) Extract, Allantoin, Natural Fragrance*

Buy from Kinfield BUY from amazon

Pipette

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Pipette’s list of ingredients is longer than other brands, but we still consider this line of baby sunscreen to be Good Stuff.
• They’ve recently debuted a spray and stick version, in addition to the cream.
• Use code THEGOODSTUFF for 20% off when you shop on Pipette’s website.

Cost per ounce: $4

Ingredients: Inactive Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Squalane, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetyl Palmitate, Coco-Glucosid, Ethyl Ferulate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Lecithin, Bisabolol, Physalis Angulata (Wild Gooseberry) Extract, Xanthum Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Isotearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Isostearic Acid, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Caprylyl Glycol.

Buy from Pipette BUY from amazon Buy from Thrive Market

Poofy Organics

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.P
• Poofy also makes a stick sunscreen.
• Both have entirely safe ingredients in them, including jojoba oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and only non-micronized zinc oxide.
• This is among the cleanest, simplest ingredient lists of any sunscreen we reviewed.
• Use code MAIAJAMES for 10% off.

Cost per ounce: $5.29

Ingredients: Organic Jojoba Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Organic Beeswax, Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Camellia Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, NON-NANO, NON-Micronized Zinc Oxide, Organic Rosemary Extract.

BUY from Poofy Organics

Thinkbaby

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Thinkbaby sunscreen is a top brand in EWG’s datatbase.
• Spray versions have a small amount of added titanium dioxide.

Cost per ounce: $4.67

Ingredients: Purified Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyglycery/-4 Isostearate, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Glyceryl Abietate, Hexyl Laurate, Cetyl Dimethicone, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Magnesium Sulfate, Tocopherol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ólea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Glyceryl Caprylate, Natural Fragrance Oil

BUY from amazon Buy from Thrive Market

Waxhead

• Utilizes zinc oxide as a mineral block.
• Waxhead makes a range of sunscreen products, all of which are safe.
• This has probably the simplest ingredient lists of any sunscreen we reviewed, including coconut oil, beeswax, and only non-nano zinc oxide.

Cost per ounce: $8.10

Ingredients: 25% non-nano Zinc Oxide, Certified Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Certified Organic Beeswax, Certified Organic Vanilla Extract

BUY from amazon

Good Stuff: Less Toxic Sunscreen Brands

California Baby

• California Baby sunscreens contain more synthetic ingredients than most of the other Good Stuff on our list.
• Contains just titanium dioxide rather than chemical sunscreen ingredients, and overall I consider it a safe option.

Cost per ounce: $8.96

Ingredients: Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 12% Inactive Ingredients: Water, Isoamyl Laurate, Coco-Caprylate, Calendula Officinalis Extract (Calendula), Viola Tricolor Extract (Pansy), Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glyceryl Starch, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Levulinic Acid, Glycerin, Tapioca Starch, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Squalane, Magnesium Stearate, P-Anisic Acid, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus Oil, Allantoin, Panthenol. (Certified Organic Ingredients: Tapioca Starch)

BUY from amazon

Non-Toxic Sunscreen for the Face

This guide is focused on the best non-toxic sunscreen for the whole family. But, if you’re in your 40s like I am, you are probably wearing sunscreen on your face every day, all year round. I’ve tried a TON of non-toxic sunscreens that are formulated for your face, and these are my favorite hands-down.

If you want a creamy, non-chalky facial SPF that feels like high-end skincare, try the Beautycounter. (I’ve been using this for years.)

If you want a slighter higher SPF but still without ANY white caste, in a thinner more lotion-like formula, that will last forever because you can use such a small amount, try the Pure Haven.

What Are the Most Natural Sunscreens?

If you want your non-toxic sunscreen to have the absolute simplest list of natural ingredients, you’ll want to check out these brands in particular:

• All Good
• Badger
• Earth Mama
• Kabana
• Poofy

Non-Toxic Sunscreen in Our Store

I hope this guide makes choosing a non-toxic sunscreen a little bit easier. Please comment below with other brands you’d like us to include.

Stay sane,

Maia, Founder & CEO