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.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
