Whether you care about your own health or the well-being of the planet as a whole, the best natural sunscreens are safe for your skin and the planet. These mineral sunscreens are free of certain chemicals and safe for sensitive skin. They’re worth wearing on your next beach or hike.
But that doesn’t mean chemical sunscreens are necessarily bad: Both the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the Skin Cancer Foundation agree that the benefits of chemical sunscreens “far outweigh the potential harms,” says
Joel Shirley, M.D., board member of Joel Schlesinger, M.D., an expert in dermatology and cosmetic surgery.
“However, many natural sunscreens work without chemicals and provide excellent sun protection and coverage,” he continues. People with a history of sunscreen allergies or with conditions like rosacea and eczema should stick with natural sunscreens, which may be less harmful to the skin than chemical sunscreens.
Natural SPFs are also often referred to as reef-safe sunscreens because they don’t contain potentially toxic ingredients such as oxybenzone, a chemical that blocks UV rays that can damage marine life.
Still, the term “natural” is a little hard to define, since it’s not regulated by the FDA, so you’ll need to read labels to make sure you’re avoiding chemical filters or potential skin irritants.
Still, shopping for the right sunscreen can be difficult. That’s why we’ve done the work for you, including researching the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) ratings for sunscreens. Sunscreens are rated on a scale of 1 to 10,
where 1 is the safest and highest rating approved by the EEC.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. Named one of the best sunscreens of 2023, Blue Lizard’s formula is perfect for sensitive skin. “My patients with the most sensitive skin tolerate it well,” says Lauren Ploch, MD, board-certified dermatologist and AAD member.
“Plus, the bottle turns blue when exposed to UV rays, so it’s a great reminder to reapply the product.” This sunscreen contains no chemicals, parabens, or fragrances. Aveeno Active Mineral Sunscreen. “This sunscreen is free of chemical blockers and uses mineral technology to protect the skin,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Suitable for both face and body.
It also contains oat extract, an ingredient that is particularly soothing to irritated skin.
EltaMD Physical UV Sunscreen. This oil-free sunscreen combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and is fragrance- and paraben-free (great for sensitive skin). It’s also water-resistant for 40 minutes, so you can swim in it. “This provides great pigment and matte coverage for the face,” says Dr. Julia Tzu, founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology in New York City. “You can mix it with a clear sunscreen to match your skin tone.”
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion This fragrance-free, hypoallergenic face sunscreen received the highest rating from the Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab. Testers raved about its “silky” texture, with some comparing it to a makeup primer, making this zinc-based formula a great choice for an everyday face sunscreen. “The untinted product left no visible marks,” says one Amazon reviewer. “It spreads easily and dries to an almost powdery finish.
Regular sunscreens can feel greasy after being on your face for a while, but this one doesn’t.” Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen This organic, chemical-free sunscreen is formulated with aloe vera, jojoba oil, and hyaluronic acid to leave skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and soft. It also contains vitamin C, a powerful anti-aging antioxidant, to further protect against sun damage. The waterproof formula lasts up to 80 minutes and absorbs quickly, so you don’t have to worry about feeling greasy when you’re relaxing by the water.
