The 9 Best Safe Sunscreens of 2024
Summer is almost here and so is the sun. Skin protection is essential, but it’s important to pay attention to ingredient lists to ensure you’re using products that are safe for both you and the environment.
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreens: Are They Safe?
All sunscreens work by using active ingredients that block or reflect the sun’s rays, but the main difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is the way they interact with the suns rays. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens don’t absorb into your skin, but rather, create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun to reflect UV light with their active ingredients—titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical (or non-mineral) sunscreens absorb into your skin and transform UV rays into heat.
According to the FDA, there are only two sunblocking ingredients that are known to be both safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—the two ingredients found in mineral sunscreens. In September 2021, the FDA proposed that the requirements be updated to “improve the quality, safety, and effectiveness” of sunscreens available in the United States. In the proposal, the FDA announced that it needs more safety information for the 12 ingredients found in chemical sunscreens.
Why Check Ingredient Lists?
It’s important to read ingredient lists to avoid harmful chemicals readily found in the majority of conventional sunscreens. Ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are easily absorbed into the skin, are endocrine disruptors. (Endocrine disruptors, also known as hormone disruptors, are chemicals that can interfere with, block, or mimic the body's hormones and can have severe, negative impacts on human health.) The use of these ingredients can increase one’s risk of cancer and reproductive health, amongst other issues.
Ingredients to avoid:
Oxybenzone
Octinoxate
Dioxybenzone
Avobenzone
Sulisobenzone
Omosalate
Meradimate
Octocrylene
Cinoxate
Octisalate
Padimate O
Ensulizole
Other ingredients to look out for in combination with sunscreen are:
Vitamin A. Some sunscreen brands include Vitamin A (aka retinyl palmitate) in their ingredient list because it’s an antioxidant. However, in the presence of sunlight, many studies have shown that Vitamin A may “speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied to the skin.” Additionally, Vitamin A is not recommended in lip products for the same reason.
Bug repellants. According to the FDA, “Sunscreen-insect repellant combining products are proposed not safe and effective” because the sunscreens they are generally paired with get absorbed into the skin, and it’s important for bug repellents to sit on top of the skin. (The FDA recommends applying sunscreen first, followed by a separate insect repellant.)
Reminder: Sun protection goes beyond sunscreen. Limiting your time in direct sunlight, and wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, hats, and rash guards can significantly reduce the harmful effects of sun exposure.
Why Buy Reef-Safe Sunscreen?
In addition to questionable human safety, there is also the issue of chemical sunscreens’ negative impact on marine ecosystems. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that can lead to coral reef bleaching and harm other marine wildlife. This happens when chemical sunscreens wash off skin and enter waterways while people are in the water, on the sand, or later at home in the shower. In some places around the globe such as Hawaii, Florida, Thailand, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, some chemical sunscreen ingredients are banned to protect aquatic ecosystems.
What about Spray Sunscreens?
In short, spray sunscreens should be avoided. The application of spray sunscreens has been shown to give less adequate coverage—resulting in more sun damage. It’s often hard to tell how much you’ve applied and where you’ve missed coverage—not to mention even a small breeze can impact how much product actually makes it onto your skin. Accidental inhalation while spraying your skin also poses a risk to your health—not to mention harming local waterways when sprayed in their vicinity.
If you are going to purchase a spray sunscreen, be sure to apply it in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhalation. Do not spray it directly onto your face—spray in your hands first and then apply it. Children are more at risk of accidental inhalation while applying so opt for sunscreen lotion instead for children, when possible.
How I Compiled My List
When researching products for this list, I looked for sunscreens that are EWG VERIFIED®—meaning every product must meet EWG’s strictest standards for health and safety, doesn’t include any of the ingredients on EWG’s “Unacceptable List,” and the brand provides full transparency of ingredients, including fragrance. Additionally, I tested many of the products myself; while also reading online reviews to compare my experience against others.
Note: Some links in the post contain affiliate links. We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links with no additional cost to you. No money was accepted for product reviews or inclusion on this list.
Best for Everyday
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF30
about: Formulated for sensitive skin, the Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 is essential in protecting anyones skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. The hydrating, fast absorbing, fragrance-free formula contains 24 plant-based ingredients including sunflower oil and shea butter to moisturize and soothe skin. Created with natural origin clear zinc oxide for effective face & body protection, you can feel good using this water resistant zinc sunscreen lotion daily.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $17.50 / 3 fl. oz.
buy it here: Amazon Babo Botanicals
Best for Everyday | On a Budget
01 | Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
about: Thinkbaby sunscreen provides effective SPF 50+ sun protection for everyone (not just babies). The broad spectrum UVA & UVB water resistant sunblock is suitable for daily use, without leave skin feeling oily or sticky, or an unpleasant chemical scent. Not to mention, it’s also vegan, Leaping Bunny certified, and contains no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $16 / 6 fl. oz.
Best for Water Sports
Thinksport SPF 50 Clear Zinc Sunscreen
about: Thinksport mineral sunscreen is an ideal sunscreen for sports and activities that make you sweat and provides safe, natural SPF 50, broad spectrum UVA/UVB body and face sun protection outdoors. This sunblock provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before sunscreen reapplication. With family safety in mind, the sun block is a clean mineral formula free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, it’s vegan, contains no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten or dairy.
BONUS: It goes on much clearer than other zinc sunscreens.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $14.50 / 3 fl. oz.
Best for Baby
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
about: This sunscreen lotion is essential when protecting your little one’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. This water-resistant face and body sunscreen is created with natural origin mineral zinc oxide for effective broad spectrum SPF50 protection and 24 plant-based ingredients including nourishing shea butter. This SPF formula is one of the first-ever sunscreens to be EWG Verified® to ensure the highest safety and quality. You can feel good using this fragrance-free baby sunscreen on your little one.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $12.50 / 3 fl. oz.
buy is here. Amazon Babo Botanicals
Best for Face
True Botanicals Skin Barrier Sun Shield, SPF 30
about: This first-of-its-kind, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic mineral SPF is formulated without the toxins and pore-clogging waxes that are ubiquitous in conventional sunscreens. Fight harmful UVA and UVB rays with Non-Nano Zinc while simultaneously fighting multiple signs of aging with Chebula. Plus, the slight warm tone of Skin Barrier Sun Shield SPF 30 helps to neutralize redness and give the skin a natural glow. You will never skip wearing sunscreen sunscreen again.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $65 / 1.7 oz.
buy it here. True Botanicals
Best Plastic-Free Balms
01 | Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen Balm, SPF 40
about: This plastic-free sunscreen comes in an infinitely recyclable tin, has been Environmental Working Group verified, and is certified 100% U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased. This 20% EcoSafe Zinc™ is a non-nano mineral that applies sheer but is proven safe for you and our blue planet. With only nine simple ingredients, plus their proprietary antioxidant blend that gives you an added layer of protection from the sun’s damaging rays, this sunscreen is the perfect addition to your plastic-free summer.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $24.95 / 2.8 oz.
buy it here. Stream2Sea
02 | Babo Botanicals Swim & Sport Mineral Sunscreen Balm, SPF 50
about: Compact and always ready for on-the-go, Swim & Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 for face and any area of the body that needs extra protection. Made with natural bentonite clay and designed to withstand physical activity from the ocean to the mountains, or wherever your active lifestyle takes you. Water-resistant (80 minutes) and formulated with 19 plant-based ingredients and natural origin zinc oxide, this Balm can be applied liberally as a visible layer of protection or rubbed in to reduce whitening effect. (Fragrance free and suitable for all ages.)
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $13.20 / 2 oz.
buy it here. Amazon Babo Botanicals
Best Plastic-Free Stick
ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Sensitive Skin, SPF 30
about: This SPF 30 sunscreen stick is effective, even on delicate skin, and is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to limit our impact on the oceans. This mineral filter provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Practical and environmentally friendly, it comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube and applies easily without leaving white traces.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $20 / 2.1 oz.
Best Plastic-Free for Lips
ATTITUDE Sunly Lip Balm, Unscented, SPF 15
about: This vegan, tinted, unscented, SPF 15 lip balm is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to limit human’s impact on the oceans. This mineral filter provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Enriched with oils including coconut and argan oil, this lip balm helps your lips regain suppleness. The tint blends easily on all lip tones without leaving white traces. Practical and environmentally friendly, it comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube and applies easily.
rating: EWG VERIFIED®
cost: $7.99 / .3 oz.
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