27 Natural Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin This Summer
Spending time outside is so restorative
Photo: Unsplash/@ethanrobertson
Spending time outside is so restorative. You feel the warm rays, absorb some vitamin D, and get to enjoy a moment in nature. All that fun you will have when the summer rolls around (or any day of the year), shouldn’t be at the cost of your beautiful skin and health. You have to get into the habit of protecting your skin whenever you venture outdoors.
But, obviously, you want to protect your skin without also harming your health. You see, traditional sunscreens and sunblock can be loaded with chemicals that seep into the skin and enter the bloodstream, causing problems such as hormone disruption. That’s why we wanted to compile this list of healthier, organic, and natural sunscreen options. Here we share a bit of information on each one, along with an honest review from someone who has purchased and used the product, as well as where to buy! Here’s to having some safe fun in the sun!
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Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Great on a variety of skin types (from dry to oily), Supergoop!’s SPF 40 daily sunscreen is weightless, scentless, and made without oxybenzone, parabens, and other controversial ingredients. And it’s also a 2018 Allure Best of Beauty winner!
“So far I am loving this. As a black woman, it’s really hard to find a sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast. It’s also hard to find a sunscreen that works well with makeup and my moisturizer. So far this is doing great and I will be keeping it around.”
Available at sephora.com, $32
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Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is another healthier option that will stand up to the sea and sand. The formula is sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes, is mineral based, and contains nourishing Vitamin E.
“During the summer, my daughter goes swimming nearly every day. She’s a typical redhead (freckles, very fair skin) and we can see a sunburn coming after 10-15 minutes! I bought this because I saw reviews from surfers who swear by Blue Lizard. If they love it, it’s worth trying. There was one day in June that my daughter decided she didn’t need to apply more sunscreen after coming out of the pool and she suffered for it! After that, she was slathering up every 70 minutes. She can spend an entire day at the pool and not even come home pink. That is genuinely impressive!”
Available at amazon.com, $23.76
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Badger Clear Zinc Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream, Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Badger’s clear zinc sunscreen for face and body is hypoallergenic, reef friendly, and is made from a 98% organic ingredient base, which includes beeswax, Vitamin E, sunflower oil, seabuckthorn extract. You can count on protection from the sun, without that pesky white residue some sunscreens are known for.
“I love this sunscreen. I have rosacea so I needed a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my skin. This product has such great ingredients. I’m also a person of color (medium skin tone) and everyone knows that mineral sunscreen usually makes you look like a ghost. This one doesn’t at all. It is very thick and takes a minute to rub in but there is very minimal, maybe even completely no white cast left behind. It makes my skin so soft. Definitely a great facial sunscreen.”
Available at amazon.com, $15.75
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Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Neutrogena has been a trusted go-to brand for skincare and sun protection for years.This sunscreen has an SPF of 50, is made with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide, and was given the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so you know it’s good for sensitive skin.
“Love this! A little goes a long way so be careful how much you use until you see how far a little goes! It takes a little longer to absorb than chemical sunscreens and it took me a few tries to get it right! Works better than chemical sunscreens too!”
Available at amazon.com, $8.49
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babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Another natural sunscreen that we are giving a thumbs up to is babo Botanicals’ sheer zinc sunscreen, said to be the “first 100% Introducing the 1st 100% ZINC ultra sheer sunscreen continuous spray for extra sensitive skin with Broad Spectrum SPF 30.” It “provides full UVA and UVB protection with non-nano zinc oxide,” and contains wonderful, natural ingredients such as avocado oil, organic jojoba oil, and organic watercress.
“My long, long search for a safe sunscreen is over! I’ve been very discouraged by finding all the really safe ones tend to be pasty and white and require a lot of rubbing. This product does go on white but is rubbed completely in about two swipes. And the white means you can see where it landed when you sprayed it. Once you rub it in, it is very light, completely non-oily. I’ve never liked using sunscreens under makeup or applying it just to go out for a walk, but this is light enough that the skin can still breathe and I forget I am wearing it almost immediately. I have not fully tested its protective powers and will edit this if I am dissatisfied on that point.
Edited to add: I’ve used this for a week now. Protection has been very good. I took more sun than usual, on first exposure and for three days, and never burned.”
Available at amazon.com, $13.29
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Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) verifies which personal care products are non-toxic and safe to use. So we were happy to learn that they named Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body a top-rated sunscreen. The sun protective product is free of chemical UV absorbers, parabens, sulfates, mineral oil, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
“I can be out in the hottest part of the day and not get burnt. Best sunscreen I have ever used.”
Available at amazon.com, $36
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COOLA Organic Unscented UV Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
A sunscreen spray seems like a quick and easy way to ensure your skin is protected from harmful rays. COOLA also throws in some peace of mind with their organic, SPF 30 spray with cucumber, strawberry, algae, and red raspberry seed oil.
“This stuff is GREAT! I am fair skinned and purchased this to use poolside in 95 degree Vegas sunshine. Used it consistently/as directed (probably a bit more liberally, to be honest) and didn’t burn at ALL. Got a bit of a healthy glow, but I wouldn’t even say I got a tan. Zero icky sunscreen smell, and a light consistently that didn’t leave my skin feeling greasy. The spray nozzle misted evenly and provided great coverage. Can’t beat the ingredient list. Traveled well/didn’t leak at all. Will buy again!”
Available at amazon.com, $36
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ecō Logical Body All Natural Sunscreen SPF 30+
Protecting yourself from the sun shouldn’t mean harming the environment or yourself. Eco Logical’s all natural sunscreen protects reefs and is biodegradable. It is also is cruelty-free and has no chemical UV absorbers, and is both fragrance and preservative free.
“I bought this along with several others in a search for the best all-natural, reef-friendly sunscreen. This was definitely a favorite. Many of the sunscreens had disturbing odors, but this one did not. Also, when a friend who burns easier than I do, used this sunscreen and I used an alternate one, I was the one that burned even though I actually reapplied more than she did and we were both in the sun (and water!) for the same amount of time. This is definitely a winner and I will buy it again!”
Available at naturallysafe.com.au, $14.18
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All Good Kids Sunscreen
All Good Kids Sunscreen is so great, you’ll want to use it for the entire family, yourself included! It is a non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen, that is water resistant for 80 minutes, and contains natural ingredients such as rose hips, organic green tea, and buriti oil.
“Disclosure: I hate sunscreen. My favorite day is 21 DEC because it has the fewest hours of sunlight.
We have 5 kids and 2 redheads (one is a lifeguard). We have 1.2 million sunscreen products at a given time. I did the research and this brand topped the list.
We purchased it at the beginning of the summer. I have since reordered twice and sent the product to family members and friends. This product works; I have been very satisfied. I applied it once in the morning and spend the next 10 hours outside. My friend used a spray and was a lobster by evening.
Thank you for making a good product; now don’t go out of business.”
Available at amazon.com, $15.95
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True Natural SPF 50 Ultra Sunscreen
True Natural has a sunscreen that offers a 50 SPF without those harmful chemicals. It is free from petroleum, silicone, synthetic colors and fragrances, paraffin, preservatives, and gluten, and is also vegan.
“I’m allergic to the sun and have previously gotten itchy bumps on my legs and forearms when I go to Hawaii. This time I used True Natural Ultra Protection Sunscreen, and I never got a rash. I’m very thankful I found this fabulous product.”
Available at amazon.com, $20.79
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Juice Beauty Sport Moisturizer SPF 30
This reef safe, cruelty-free, and oxybenzone free sunscreen by Juice Beauty, formulated with organic ingredients, was selected as an Amazon Choice. Now you can help protect the earth while also protecting your skin, naturally!
“Beautiful product. Wore it in Hawaii and protected my skin from sunburn. Love this product. Not greasy and it’s the lightest feeling, most comfortable zinc based SPF I’ve used. I love that the Environmental Working Group gave it a safe rating and it’s free from all or most carcinogenic and hazardous chemicals. I’ve used many zinc-based natural SPF products and this is the best. It’s expensive, but I often do not reapply as often as they say and still get great coverage. Also good to use under makeup during the day. Because it’s on the expensive side, I bought this only for my face, but it goes on so well and stays. I’m going to use it all over. I wish they made a bigger size and a smaller travel size.”
Available at amazon.com, $12.80
