Protecting your skin from the sun is important, but it’s also essential to ensure you protect the environment. That’s why many people are now turning to eco-friendly sunscreens that use natural ingredients and don’t contribute to pollution or harm marine life.
Find out some of the best environmentally safe sunscreen options available in markets today.
How to Buy Environmentally Safe Sunscreen?
Finding the perfect sunscreen can be tricky, but you can make sure you’re buying a product that won’t contribute to ocean pollution by looking for certain features such as:
Look for Mineral Ingredients
Common mineral ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are non-toxic and provide UVA/UVB protection. These ingredients are effective immediately on contact with the skin, whereas most chemical sunscreens require time and absorption to be effective.
Check for Certifications
Look out for labels such as ‘non-nano’ or ‘reef safe,’ as the product has been formulated with no potentially damaging chemicals. Some products may also display certifications from organizations that assess the product’s environmental impact or verify that it is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly.
Avoid the Three “O’s”
Avoid any sunscreen containing oxybenzone (also known as benzophenone-3), octinoxate (or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate), and octocrylene when seeking an environmentally safe alternative. These three ingredients have been found to be highly toxic to coral reefs, harming their reproductive cycle and weakening their immune systems.
Top Environmentally-Friendly Sunscreens
Now that you know what to look for let’s dive into some of the best eco-friendly sunscreen options available. Here are our top picks:
Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen is an eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen that is great for all skin types. Its formulation includes non-toxic mineral actives such as 8.8% (non-nano) titanium dioxide, providing broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays.
It contains a potent organic antioxidant blend of green tea, tulsi, wakame, and olive leaf extracts to further protect and nourish the skin. The sunscreen does not contain any oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, or octocrylene and is also readily biodegradable in fresh and saltwater.
Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 is an ocean-approved sunscreen cream that has earned the Protect Land + Sea certification by being made with only four simple, 98% organic ingredients. These include non-nano zinc oxide, antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, cold-pressed olive oil, and beeswax for nourishment.
The sunscreen protects skin from UVA/UVB rays, and its reef-friendly design also helps protect the environment. It is free from GMOs, gluten, fragrances, preservatives, and synthetics that can cause damage to coral reefs.
The packaging is 50% PCR plastic which is easily recyclable and cruelty-free. Badger Clear Zinc SPF 40 is also perfect for long days in the sun as it has an SPF of 40, broad spectrum protection, and water resistance up to 80 minutes – great for sports activities!
The Alba Botanica Fragrance-Free Sensitive Sunscreen provides eco-friendly protection and features natural plant-based ingredients. This biodegradable formula is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
It is also certified by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization and contains no parabens, phthalates, sulfates, artificial colors, or synthetic fragrances.
It offers protection from UVA and UVB rays, which help protect against sunburn, skin cancer, premature signs of aging, and other skin damage caused by sun exposure.
The sunscreen also consists of moisturizing botanical ingredients such as aloe vera and chamomile extract, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
Countersun Daily Sheer Defense is made with all-natural, non-nano zinc oxide, which provides physical protection from UVA, UVB, and HEV blue light rays. The sunscreen is also free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. It is made of chicory root extract, which helps protect skin from pollution and moisture loss.
The lightweight formula is designed for all skin tones with no white cast, making it perfect for those who want to protect their skin from the sun without worrying about a chalky residue.
The Countersun Daily Sheer Defense is an excellent option for anyone looking for an eco-conscious choice for everyday sun protection, including those with sensitive skin or those looking for complete coverage.
All Good Sport Sunscreen is a top-notch choice for protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It contains 16% non-nano particle zinc oxide as its active ingredient, which provides protection from both UVA and UVB radiation.
This reef-friendly sunscreen is made with plant-based ingredients that help make it easy to rub in for a clear finish. The product is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free. The Leaping Bunny certification ensures that it’s also cruelty-free.
This sunscreen protects you from sun damage and moisturizes your skin with its water-resistant formulation that won’t leave a greasy residue. As a bonus, this made-in-USA product has been certified organic by USDA/NOP, so you can trust that you’re getting a safe product free of toxic preservatives or additives.
Raw Love Sunscreen is the perfect choice for those who are looking for a natural sunscreen with high-quality ingredients.
The sunscreen is made with cold-pressed unrefined coconut oil, raw shea butter, non-nano zinc oxide, sesame oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and carrot seed oil, and it provides excellent protection against harmful UV rays.
It also contains pure essential oils, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus, which can provide additional nourishment and hydration for your skin. Plus, beeswax works as a water-resistant agent to keep your skin safe during any kind of physical activity like swimming or running.
Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone looking to protect their skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays. Not only has it been Good Face Project Approved and listed as one of EWG’s “Best Recreational Sunscreens” for 2022, but it has also earned a green rating in the Skin Deep Cosmetic Safety Database.
Formulated with 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide and free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, and synthetic dyes, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a light citrus scent.
This sunscreen is also cruelty-free, vegan, and reef friendly—meaning no animals or ecosystems were harmed in the production process.
It is easy to apply and won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky. Packaged in an eco-friendly sugarcane tube, Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen provides both safe and effective sun protection for all your outdoor adventures.
The Green People Organic Sun Lotion SPF30 is an excellent choice for sensitive skin. This fragrance-free sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, helping to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects.
The product is also rich in antioxidants and is water repellent, which helps to promote water retention and smooth the skin without clogging your pores. Whether in the sun for a few hours or enjoying a day on the beach, this gentle lotion helps keep your skin hydrated and protected.
Its lightweight formula means you can apply it quickly and easily, giving you amazing sun protection with no greasy residue.
Protect the Planet and Protect Your Skin
Choosing a sunscreen doesn’t have to mean compromising style or sacrificing quality – you can rest assured that whichever product you select will provide superior protection and nourishment for your skin while also protecting the planet.
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