15 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands (organic & Natural)

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Sunscreen is essential, especially when you plan on spending lots of time outside on vacation or during the summer holidays. However, most conventional sunscreens contain several toxic ingredients that can impact your health. Here are the top 15 non-toxic sunscreen brands that are mineral-based, toxin-free, broad-spectrum and reef-safe!

Why Switching To A Non-Toxic Sunscreen Matters

I hear a lot of people saying, “So what if sunscreen has a couple of questionable ingredients? It ends up washing off anyway.” 

I get it. And a lot of the time, it may seem like that. 

You apply sunscreen, and then you can feel the slimy coating coming off in the water. Sure, some of the sunscreen likely washes off during water activities or showering. 

However, your skin is your largest organ, and it is semi-permeable, meaning that things come in AND out through the barrier. 

So, when you use sunscreen with potentially harmful ingredients, a portion of that sunscreen may be absorbed into the skin and into your bloodstream. 

That’s why wearing a non-toxic sunscreen is so important!

It still provides sun protection but has a natural, mineral-based formula that is entirely toxin-free. So that you can enjoy the sun without risking your health.

Common Toxic Ingredients Found In Sunscreens

Some of the most common harmful sunscreen ingredients found in conventional brands include:

• Oxybenzone: This chemical sunscreen ingredient is known to penetrate the skin and has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It can also contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs. (1)
• Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate): Another chemical sunscreen ingredient that has been shown to disrupt hormones and potentially cause allergic reactions. Like oxybenzone, it is harmful to coral reefs. (1)
• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): This form of vitamin A is sometimes added to conventional sunscreens for its “anti-aging” effects. However, studies have suggested that it may actually increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.
• Parabens: Preservatives that are commonly added in skincare products, including sunscreens, to prolong shelf life. Parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and have raised concerns about their potential carcinogenic effects.
• Fragrance: Often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum”, these additives can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals, some of which may be allergens or irritants. (3)
• Nano Zinc Oxide and Nano Titanium Dioxide: While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safe and effective as active ingredients in non-toxic sunscreen, concerns have been raised about their safety in nanoparticle form. Nanoparticles are incredibly tiny and may be able to penetrate the skin and potentially cause cellular damage or other health issues. Nanoparticles and their effects on health have not been widely researched. (2)
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, slowly release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into sunscreen over time.

Many conventional sunscreens include some (or all) of these harmful ingredients, all of which can pose real risks to your health. Instead of applying a chemical concoction onto your skin, let’s take a look at how to find a toxin-free sunscreen!

Things To Look For When Shopping For A Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Trying to find a safer, toxin-free sunscreen can feel overwhelming. Here are a couple of main things to look for to ensure you find a good, non-toxic option.

• Mineral sunscreen: specifically non-nano titanium dioxide or non-nano zinc-oxide. Both of these minerals are UV-resistant (it blocks UV waves) 
• Non-Nano minerals: Nanoparticles are 1000 times smaller than human hair, allowing them to pass through the skin faster and easier. Nanoparticles and their effects on health are not well-researched.
• Broad-spectrum: SPF is only any indicator for UVB rays. You want to find a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Non-nano zinc oxide provides both UVA and UVB protection.
• Synthetic fragrance-free: (aka parfum, scent) I love a coconut scent as much as the next gal, but synthetic fragrances are one of the biggest toxins in sunscreens. They can cause a variety of symptoms, like migraines, nausea, irritation, and so on. Synthetic fragrances can be a mixture of hundreds to thousands of different, unregulated ingredients!
• Water-resistant
• Reef Safe: Be careful with this one. Many brands will advertise their sunscreen as “reef safe,” even though it may contain ingredients that are harmful to aquatic ecosystems due to a lack of regulations. 

Active Ingredients

In a non-toxic sunscreen, the ingredients doing the sun protection are called “active ingredients.” You want to look for a mineral sunscreen that contains non-nano:

• Titanium Dioxide OR Zinc Oxide

Both are naturally occurring minerals that absorb UV light and are human and reef safe. The only difference between the two is that Titanium dioxide is a natural mineral that absorbs UVB and some UVA rays, whereas Zinc oxide is a more broad spectrum and protects against both UVA and UVB.

Inactive Ingredients

Inactive ingredients are all of the other ingredients that make up the sunscreen, other than the minerals. 

The main ingredient to avoid is synthetic fragrance, often listed as ‘parfum’ or ‘scent’. Two resources you can use to check the ingredient safety of sunscreen are the EWG Sunscreen Guide and MADE SAFE. EWG provides a safety rating for each product and tells you exactly the health risks for a specific ingredient.

It’s a great tool to use when scanning a product because it gives you a general sense of whether the product is safe. I like EWG, but I feel sometimes some brands are ranked ‘EWG verified’ even if they include some common harmful ingredients like synthetic fragrances.

If you want an honest, no BS website that will show you the best, 100% non-toxic brands, MADE SAFE is the place. I love this site! They are the only strict certification for both human and environmental safety.

15 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands

Here are the best toxin-free sunscreen brands: chemical-free, synthetic fragrance-free, made with non-nano minerals, and reef-safe. So you can have fun in the sun without worrying about chemicals.

1. Badger 

Image: Badger

Ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Sunflower Vitamin E

This is my favourite non-toxic sunscreen brand by far! Its safe formula consists of non-nano zinc oxide for UVA and UVB protection and only four other certified organic natural ingredients. LOVE! Plus, they use clear zinc, which makes it so much easier to rub into the skin without a white cast! Their sunscreen line is pretty extensive, too, so the whole family can be safe in the sun.

2. Earth Mama

Image: Earth Mama

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Fractionated Coconut) Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil*, Tocopherol, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour*, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera)  Leaf Juice*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract* *Organic

Earth Mama is one of my favourite non-toxic personal care brands. Their sunscreen is made with 100% organic ingredients, has an all-natural formula, is synthetic fragrance-free, and offers broad-spectrum protection. It’s made with organic shea butter, jojoba oil, aloe vera, raspberry seed oil, and calendula, all of which are nourishing and soothing to the skin. It’s a perfect option for babies and those with sensitive skin!

As a NICU nurse, I recommend Earth Mama to all of my friends with kids!

3. Babo Botanicals

Image: Babo Botanicals

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil^, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil^, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil^, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter^, Cetearyl Alcohol^, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate^, Microcrystalline Cellulose^, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*^, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*^, Nasturtium Officinale (Watercress) Flower/Leaf Extract*^, Spiraea Ulmaria (Meadowsweet) Flower Extract*^, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*^, Bisabolol*^, Tocopherol^, Cetyl Alcohol^, Caprylyl Glycol, Coco-Glucoside^, Behenyl Alcohol^, Arachidyl Glucoside^, Arachidyl Alcohol^, Polyhydroxystearic Acid^, Citric Acid, Sodium Gluconate^, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin^, Caprylhydroxamic Acid^, Cellulose Gum^.

Babo Botanicals is one of the very few sunscreen brands that is MADE SAFE certified! It’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen made with safe, plant-based ingredients like sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, shea butter, and chamomile flower. Even with its nourishing formula, it’s a non-greasy sunscreen that applies easily. One of the best non-toxic infant sunscreen options!

4. Manda Naturals

Image: Manda Naturals

Ingredients: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Almond Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Beeswax, Thanaka powder, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Cinnamon Oil

Manda Naturals is a special sunscreen that uses only the safest sunscreen ingredients! It is made with 100% high-quality, food-grade, all-natural, and organic ingredients. There are no hidden synthetic or chemical ingredients, and it is fragrance-free. Their formula is unique and uses Thanaka, from the native tree in Myanmar, which provides natural anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties.

Manda is a great option for all ages, but you have to keep your eye out; it sells out quickly (no wonder!).

5. All Good

Image: All Good

Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Bisabolol*, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower*, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract*, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Diheptyl Succinate, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil*, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Rosa Canina (Rose Hip) Seed Extract*, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter*, Tocopherol, Water.

All Good offers a huge line of suncare products with SPF 15-40 and even non-toxic tinted sunscreen options. They are a great, affordable, non-toxic sunscreen option, and I would say they feel very comparable to conventional sunscreen. Their lightweight sunscreen formula is free from harmful chemicals and synthetic fragrances and contains gentle ingredients such as coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, buriti oil, and rosehip that heal, soothe, and nourish the skin.

6. California Baby

Image: California Baby

Ingredients: Water, isoamyl laurate, coco-ca-prylate, calendula officinalis extract (calendula), viola tricolor extract (pansy), polyglyceral-2 dipolyhydroxystearate, euphoria cerifera (candelilla) wax, glyceral starch, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) oleosomes, polyglyceral-3 diisostearate, levulinic acid, glycerin, tapioca starch, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract, cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, squalene, magnesium stearate, p-anisic acid, mica, allantoin, panthenol

Califonia Kids is a plant-based, synthetic ingredient-free sunscreen line for kids and those with sensitive skin. It is EWG-rated for safety and is a great option for those who need an ultra-sensitive sunscreen option that is allergen-free.

7. TruKid

Image: TruKid

Ingredients: Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Capric Caprylic Triglyceride (Coconut), Sorbitan Stearate (vegetable), Polyglyceryl-4 Isostearate (and) Cetyl Dimethicone (Sand), Hexyl Laurate, Certyl Dimethicone (sand), Dimethicone, Castor Oil, Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt), Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Oil, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Mixed Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Punica Granatum Extract (Pomegranate Juice), Hyaluronic acid, Ethylhexylglycerin (Vegetable), Polyaminopropyl Biguanide

TruKid sunscreen is a great, non-toxic sunscreen for kids and is also a great option for the whole family. Its formula is made with non-toxic ingredients, featuring jojoba oil, aloe vera, sunflower oil, and green tea oil, which nourish the skin while having fun in the sun. It’s rated 4.2/5 stars by dozens of parents online!

8. Erbaviva

Image: Erbaviva Organic Skincare

Ingredients: *Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, *Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, *Helinathus Annuus (Sunflower) See Oil, Hydrogenated Methyl Abietate, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Oil, Magnesium Sulfate, *Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Polyglycerol-10 Laurate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, *Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Stearate, Tocopherol, Water

Erbaviva sunscreen is a great option for the whole family. It is made with all organic ingredients and is 100% toxin-free. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. I love that the formula is made with aloe and jojoba oils! It’s a nice way to add moisture to the skin while out in the sun and heat.

9. Annmarie

Image: Annmarie

Ingredients: *Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, Sorbitan olivate (olive derived emulsifier), *Cannabis sativa (hemp) seed oil, *Olea europaea (olive) oil, *Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seed oil, *Cera alba (beeswax), Lavandula angustifolia (lavender) oil, *Persea gratissima (avocado) oil, Mauritia flexuosa (buriti) fruit oil, Tocopherol (non-GMO vitamin E)

This Annemarie Sun Love option is great if you’re looking for a non-toxic facial sunscreen. It’s made with 100% natural, organic ingredients and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It’s a sheer sunscreen made for all skin types, making it super easy to apply! No white cast, just a natural, nourishing, sun-protecting glow!

 10. Dakota Tallow

Image: Dakota Tallow

Ingredients: Grass-fed Tallow, Organic Raw Shea Butter, Non-nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil, Local Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Powder and Organic Rosemary Antioxidant

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I’m a huge fan of tallow-based skincare. If you don’t know why, read all about tallow skin benefits. This sunscreen is made with high-quality grass-fed tallow and offers broad-spectrum protection. It uses only a handful of natural, nourishing ingredients while providing mineral-based sun protection. Since tallow is a natural fat, it’s a great option for all ages, babies, and those with skin sensitivity, too!

11. True Botanicals

Image: True Botanicals

Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate, Glycerin*, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Squalane, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Seed Oil*, Silybum Marianum (Milk Thistle) Ethyl Ester, Pisum Sativum (Pea) Peptide, Terminalia Chebula Fruit Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis (Astaxanthin) Powder*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice*, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Distillate*, Isopropyl Jojobate, Jojoba Alcohol, Jojoba Esters, Xanthan Gum, Polyglyceryl-6 Behenate, Lactic Acid, Acacia Senegal Gum, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Allantoin, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Phytate, Glycerin, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Tocopherol. Organic*

Another great non-toxic face sunscreen option. It provides broad-spectrum protection, but it doubles as a moisturizer, too! True Botanicals states it is good for fine lines, wrinkles, anti-aging, breakouts and uneven tone. Unlike many facial sunscreens that clog your pores, this Sun Shield option protects your skin without the clogging.

12. Birch Babe

Image: Birch Babe

Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, *Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Castor Flakes Vegetable Wax, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (20%), Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry Seed).

This 100% mineral sunscreen is unlike most others. Its creamy, almost moisturizer-like consistency makes it easy to apply to the skin. Plus, it applies clear—no white cast! It’s a great everyday option for the whole family. Plus, for my fellow Canadians, it’s Canadian-made!

13. Think

Image: Think

Ingredients: PURIFIED WATER, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 ISOSTEARATE, GLYCERIN, HYDROGENATED GLYCERYL ABIETATE, HEXYL LAURATE, CETYL DIMETHICONE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, TOCOPHEROL, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, CITRUS PARADISI (GRAPEFRUIT) PEEL OIL, VACCINIUM MACROCARPON (CRANBERRY) SEED OIL, RUBUS IDAEUS (RASPBERRY) SEED OIL, CARICA PAPAYA (PAPAYA) FRUIT EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL, CAPRYLHYDROXAMIC ACID, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, NATURAL FRAGRANCE OIL

Think sunscreens are a popular toxin-free sunscreen option. They’re relatively affordable, free from synthetic and harmful ingredients and safe for kids and sensitive skin. This sunscreen is comparable to a conventional sunscreen with its easy to apply, non-oily lotion formula.

14. Substance

Image: Matter Co.

Ingredients: water, helianthus annus* (sunflower seed oil), isoamyl cocoate, glycerin (vegetable), leuconostoc (radish root filtrate), calendula officinalis* pot marigold), hypericum perforatum* (St. John’s Wort) flowers, glyceryl stearate (vegetable emulsifier) sesamum indicum* (sesame) seed oil, butyrospermum parkii*(Shea Butter), cetyl alcohol, bentonite, simmondsia chinensis* (jojoba) seed oil, lavandula angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) oil, pelargonium graveolens (geranium) oil, cymbopogon martini (palmarosa) oil, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, tocopherol, xanthan gum, vitis vinifera* (grape) seed extract, camellia oleifera* (green tea) extract

Substance is a great toxin-free sunscreen for the whole family. It’s made with natural ingredients, including lots of nourishing and soothing ingredients. Shea butter, sesame seed, and jojoba oil for extra sun protection while moisturizing and soothing sensitive skin. It also includes organic calendula, grapeseed, and green tea extract that cool and soothe overexposed skin.

15. Adorable Baby

Image: Adorable Baby

Ingredients: Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethyl Macadamiate, Bis-Octyldodecyl Dimer Dilinoleate/Propanediol Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Lauryl Laurate, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, C20-22 Alcohols, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Wax, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Adansonia Digitata Seed (Baobab) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Glyceryl Caprylate, Tocopherol, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate, Pongamol, Glyceryl Undecylenate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid, Sodium phytate

Adorable Baby is a great, non-toxic sunscreen for babies, kids and adults alike. It boasts a natural plant-based formula that is free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and other harmful chemicals. This sunscreen rubs on clear! No white cast. It’s also easy to apply because the avocado oil and shea butter give it a buttery, soft consistency.

Tips For Safe Sun Exposure

Everyone wants to be outside when summer rolls around—it’s warm and sunny, and there’s so much to do. But it’s important to practice sun safety, too! Sun exposure is essential for optimal health and well-being, but being smart about it is also important.

Here are a couple of extra ways to practice safe sun exposure aside from wearing a non-toxic sunscreen so you can have fun in the sun, minus the sunburns.

• Avoid the strongest sun from 10 am-2 pm 
• Find shade (for breaks!)
• Wear long sleeve shirts, hats and sunglasses