It’s already heating up here in the south and this time of year I start longing for the beach or at least to be poolside somewhere to try to cool off. While we’re restocking our pool bags, now is a perfect time to talk about natural sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen can harbor lots of nasties, but I’ve got you covered with some safe options for the whole family! Read on for what you need to know before picking out your next sunscreen and scroll down to see my favorite natural sunscreens.
The Trouble With Conventional Sunscreen
These days we’re bombarded with so many campaigns for skin cancer awareness and PSA’s telling you don’t leave home without sunscreen on. My mom has had reoccurring skin cancer for the last ten years, so I’ve taken that advice to heart and try to be very vigilant in using it. The problem is that most traditional sunscreens are made using chemicals that absorb UV rays. But, like so many other personal care products, they’re filled with synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and performance enhancers that all pose a health risk. Not to mention the actual chemicals used to block the sun have pretty bad side effects. The two worst culprits are Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
Oxybenzone is extremely widespread and found in 97% of Americans. It acts like estrogen in the body and is associated with endometriosis. In studies, it lowered sperm count in animals. It penetrates your skin easily and it even makes its way into breast milk. Octinoxate can also be found in breast milk. It boasts side effects such as hormone-like activity in the body and alterations in the thyroid, reproductive systems, and behavior in animal studies. Sounds terrible, right? I’m happy to say there is a better alternative!
A Better Option
While those drug store sunscreens use chemicals to shield you from UV rays, natural sunscreens use physical blockers that are just as effective (or even more so) at blocking out the harmful rays. Most natural sunscreens use either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Instead of absorbing the UV rays they actually reflect them so they’re not absorbed by your skin at all. They also don’t break down over time with sun exposure like chemical versions do so they should be effective longer. Still aim to reapply every two hours or after a dip in the water to be safe.
In the old days, these went on pretty white (remember the old images of surfers with a white nose?), however, the newer versions are much more sheer. I’ve run into some that are a little less sheer, but for the most part, I’m pretty impressed. I personally find they last longer and work better.
Natural Sunscreen Favorites
There are so many great natural sunscreens out there! Here are some of our favorites that are all-natural and reef safe:
Natural Sunscreen For Kids & Family:
Badger Balm SPF 30 Kid’s Sunscreen– Another favorite for the kids (and for myself on occasion) is this great-smelling sunscreen cream from Badger. It goes on smoothly and lasts through water fights and mermaid diving. Find it at The Choosy Chick!
Babo Botanicals SPF 30 Fragrance-Free Clear Zinc– Perfect for babies and children, this is what I use on the kids for a pool day and I’ve been using it on myself as well. It spreads easily and goes on really sheer. I found it for a steal on Amazon. Use Subscribe and Save for the best price.
Thinksport Kids Mineral Sunscreen– This one applies really well. If you rub it in well, the white cast goes away. You can find it here and here. Price varies.
Erin’s Faces Mineral SPF 32 For Body -I’m a fan of Erin’s Faces and was excited to test this one out this summer. It rubs in really well and seems to have some great staying power. Erin gave me a pro tip that I think works for most mineral sunscreens: This applies best when your skin is already well moisturized.
*Thinksport has “clear” versions now, but I personally don’t recommend them. The formula tends to separate and no amount of shaking or kneading the tube mixes it back together.
Natural Sunscreen For Everyone:
Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Body SPF 30– I’m a huge fan of Suntegrity. Like the rest of their products, this sunscreen is easy to apply and goes on sheer. It’s a little bit pricier, but for how well it goes on I think it’s worth it. $24.oo
365 Sport Lotion Mineral Sunscreen– This is a surprise and a great value! Many of the sunscreens at Whole Foods contain some minerals but also have chemical sunscreens and other undesirable ingredients. This has squeaky clean ingredients and clocked in under $10 at my local store! ( I linked the small version, as the larger is currently out of stock)
Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30– This is one of the priciest on the list, but I have to say, this rubs in really well. It is completely sheer on me. I’m curious how it is with darker skin tones, though. $42
All Good Mineral Sport Sunscreen– This one works well and is long-lasting. It rubs in well, though not invisible. Usually under $15 per tube.
Love Sun Body SPF 30 Fragrance Free– A good pick for sensitive skin and this one is fairly sheer though I can still see it slightly. $23
Solara Suncare Glow Getter Sunscreen– This nutrient-boosted sunscreen has caffeine and antioxidants to treat and help firm skin. It also has responsibly sourced mica to give you a subtle glow! $32 (This one and the one below do best when you shake up the tube before use)
Solara Suncare Clean Freek Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen– This one rubs in pretty sheer and doubles as skincare for your body! It includes a proprietary blend of 10 antioxidants, nutrients, and hydration-rich botanical actives. It helps renew, protect, and prevent damage from stressors like the sun and digital + environmental pollution. $28+
Utu SPF 30 Moisturizing Sunscreen– Applies well and has been pretty sheer on me when I rub it in. Holds up well to water and sun!
Stick Versions:
Badger All Season Face Stick Unscented SPF 35– This is a great little stick to throw in your bag for sunny park days or anytime. And it has a great price! Usually between $10-$11
Suntegrity Mineral Sun Stick SPF 30– This stick is long-wearing and it’s wider, so a bit easier to cover larger areas. Another handy stick to have in case you need it.
Babo Botanicals Sport Stick SPF 30– Sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes!
Utu Tinted Sunscreen Stiq– Nice, wide stick. Applies well!
For all my favorite tinted & untinted face sunscreens, check out my post here. All of the above options are just as effective as conventional sunscreens, minus the icky ingredients. Safer fun in the sun for the whole family!
*Affiliate links used. All thoughts and opinions are always my own!
What about Babo Botanicals spray version? Are all sprays unsafe?
Hi Dana! Their spray is perfectly fine, but if you have very young kids who can’t hold their breath while you spray, I’d stick to lotions or creams.
Hi Molly! Thanks so much for this post! I haven’t ventured away from Badger sunscreen for a few years and will probably try a few of these you listed. I’m curious, have you looked at or tried the Pipette sunscreen at all? It’s really making it’s rounds and I even saw it at Credo Beauty. I haven’t seen anyone in the green beauty blogger-sphere mention it yet so I thought I’d ask!
Hi Olivia, thanks for reading! I haven’t personally tried it (hence leaving it out here) but all of the ingredients are great. It seems like a good option!