The best non-toxic sunscreen products for the whole family, including mineral sunscreen lotion, sticks and safe sunscreen sprays for kids and babies, athletes, sensitive skin, facial care and more.



Swim suits, towels, organic snacks – check! Sounds like you’re ready to head out for some fun in the sun. But what about the sunscreen?
If you still using conventional, chemical-based sunscreens – the kind found at most drugstores or mass merchants – now’s a good time to make the switch to a natural, non-toxic sunscreen brand.
Why Non-Toxic Sunscreen Matters
Most sunscreen products on the market contain worrisome chemical ingredients that may lead to health problems like hormone disruption, allergies or even ironically, cancer, which sunscreen is purportedly trying to prevent. Many sunscreens also make misleading SPF claims that may put you at risk of sun damage.
One of the most troubling aspects of chemical sunscreen ingredients is that they are absorbed into the bloodstream after only one use, and can be detected in blood weeks after application.
To be safe, you should avoid the following chemical sunscreen ingredients as much as possible:
- Oxybenzone (this one is the WORST!)
- Octinoxate
(Octyl methoxycinnamate) - Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
Fortunately advocacy groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have evaluated thousands of sunscreens for safety and created a ratings scale that allows us to make safer choices. Each year the EWG comes out with a Sunscreen Guide, which is definitely worth a read. Sunscreen ratings range from 1 – 10, with 1 being the gold standard and 10 meaning don’t touch it with a ten foot pole!
A note about benzene in sunscreen: A recent report by Valisure, found a known human carcinogen called benzene in 78 popular sunscreen products. You won’t find benzene on the ingredient list because it is a contaminant from the manufacturing process. Unfortunately there is no way to know if a particular sunscreen does not contain benzene, unless the company has a policy of spot testing for contaminants. The only company I know that does this is Beautycounter. You’ll find the Beautycounter sunscreen below (it’s my favorite!) and you will find the list of sunscreens with benzene here (on page 12 of the report).
What to Look for in Non-Toxic Sunscreen
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
With guidance from the EWG, here are some things to look for in a non-toxic sunscreen product.
Active Sunscreen Ingredients
The active ingredients in a sunscreen should be minerals, not chemicals. Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical sun blockers, meaning they act as a barrier on the skin, but are not absorbed into the skin.
It’s also important the the minerals used are non-nano sized particles, due to concerns that extremely small nanoparticles may be absorbed into the skin and bloodstream.
Inactive Sunscreen Ingredients
Even when you are buying mineral sunscreen, you need to pay attention to the other, inactive ingredients in a sunscreen lotion or spray. Beware of paraben preservatives, artificial fragrances and all the other ingredients to avoid in personal care products.
Instead, look for natural, plant-based ingredients that have beneficial properties for your skin. The safest sunscreen brands will be either unscented or lightly scented with natural essential oils.
Broad Spectrum
To properly protect skin from the sun, a sunscreen needs to provide protection from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are associated with skin burning and UVA rays are associated with skin aging and damage. Sunscreens that protect from both types of rays are known as broad spectrum sunscreens.
In addition, avoid sunscreens with SPF over 50 because high SPFs give us a false sense of security and can lead to overexposure of both UVA and UVB rays.
Water Resistance
If you are active and/or planning to be in the water, it is important to consider the water resistance of the product. All water resistance claims must be tested in water for either 40 or 80 minutes.
Clear Sunscreen Formula
One of the biggest complaints about mineral sunscreen is that it is difficult to rub into the skin. I’ve found that there’s been a huge improvement on this front – even compared to a few years ago. It is now possible to find mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply and rubs in easily – yay! Look for clear zinc sunscreen formulas to ensure they are easy to rub in without leaving a white residue on your skin. Find my favorite sunscreens for kids that rub in easily here.
A quick note about spray sunscreens – the EWG recommends that we avoid all spray sunscreens due to inhalation concerns, as well as concern that it may not provide an adequate coating on the skin to ensure proper protection. But I get it – spray sunscreens are super easy and sometimes the only way we can get sunscreen on our kids. My kids used to BEG me for spray sunscreen! Both Goddess Garden and Beautycounter are the safest sunscreen sprays I’ve found.
Related: Non-Toxic Shampoo for the Whole Family
Favorite Non-Toxic Sunscreen Products
If you’re ready to make the switch to safe, non-toxic sunscreen products, here are some that my kids and I have tested out over the past few years. Since we all have different needs for sunscreen, I put together this sunscreen guide covering products for babies and kids, active folks, bargain brands, sensitive skin and even my favorite facial sunscreen brands.
All of these sunscreens are mineral-based formulas made with good quality, plant-based ingredients, by reputable companies. They all rate well on the EWG sunscreen database – with either a 1 or 2 rating. The one exception is the spray sunscreen, which is rated a 3 due to concerns about spray inhalation.



Badger
Why it’s great: Clear zinc oxide provides mineral protection without the whitening – this one rubs in very easily.
Fav product: Badger Sport Clear Zinc SPF 35
Best for: Families with kids
EWG rating: 1



Beautycounter
Why it’s great: A luxurious formula with a lovely light scent that rubs in more easily than any other sunscreen I’ve found.
Favorite product: Beautycounter Countersun SPF 30
Best for: Moms who want the good stuff
EWG rating: 1



Think Sport
Why it’s great: Formulated for athletes and active people. Water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Favorite product: ThinkSport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best for: Active people
EWG rating: 2
Earth Mama
Why it’s great: Specific formulas for babies, kids, adults and people with uber-sensitive skin. NSF organic certified.
Favorite product: Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
Best for: Babies and anyone who is pregnant
EWG rating: 1
Suntegrity
Why it’s great: Unscented formula
Fav product: Suntegrity Unscented Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Best for: Anyone who doesn’t want fragrance
EWG rating: 1
Alba Botanica
Why it’s great: Easy to find and lower cost than many mineral sunscreens
Favorite product: Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Best for: Budget minded
EWG rating: 2



Goddess Garden
Why it’s great: Continuous spray is much safer than aerosol sunscreen sprays but is still very kid-friendly.
Fav product: Goddess Garden Kids Continuous Spray SPF 30
Best for: Squirmy kids
EWG rating: 3 (To be extra safe, spray in well-ventilated areas and never directly on the face.)
Think Baby
Why it’s great: Handy sunscreen stick is great for throwing in a purse or beach bag.
Favorite product: Thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Best for: Keeping in purse for emergencies
EWG rating: 1



All Good
Why it’s great: Water and sweat resistant formula in an easy to carry tin
Fav product: All Good Sunscreen Butter SPF 50
Best for: Zero wasters (comes in a reusable tin container)
EWG rating: 1
California Baby
Why it’s great: Fragrance-free for baby’s super sensitive skin
Fav product: California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30
Best for: Babies and kids with sensitive skin
EWG rating: 1
C’est Moi
Why it’s great: This light, fragrance-free formula is dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic.
Fav product: C’est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Best for: People with delicate skin
EWG rating: 1



Mad Hippie
Why it’s great: Creamy, lightweight formula for face that rubs in well.
Fav product: Mad Hippie Facial SPF 30
Best for: Daily facial care with no tint
EWG rating: N/A (but would be a 1 or 2 based on the ingredients)



Juice Beauty
Why it’s great: Super moisturizing and gives skin a subtle glow. My go-to tinted facial SPF moisturizer!
Fav product: Juice Beauty Tinted Mineral Moisturizer SPF 30
Best for: Daily facial sunscreen with a tint
EWG rating: 2


Do you have a favorite safe sunscreen brand? Tell me why you love it and I’ll add it to the Non-Toxic Sunscreen Guide!



Diane MacEachern says
Thanks for this great list. It’s so encouraging to see so many safer products available. Our purse power has really made a difference in this marketplace!
Micaela says
I agree Diane – it’s pretty impressive to think about all that has happened since we first started blogging and met each other!
diane says
Thanks for the recommendations. My kids always want spray sunscreens too and they aren’t really the safest option!
Micaela says
Yes, spray sunscreen is one of those compromises – but at least with Goddess Garden we know the ingredients are really safe and if used carefully, it is probably just fine!
Rachel Sarnoff says
So many of my favorites on here and so many to try, too! Thanks for sharing Mindful Momma π
Micaela says
You’re welcome Rachel! I know there are still some great brands I have yet to try – like Coola for instance!
Margot says
Thanks for this important post! We personally love Badger and Raw Elements (non-GMO) as they are chemical free, but safe for the environment as they are reef safe and biodegradable. Great for the whole family, too.
Lisa Sharp says
I use Badger. I burn so badly so sunscreen is a must! Thanks for sharing these great options!
Sophie-SCHF says
Thanks for sharing π Staying safe from the sun but also avoiding harsh chemicals can be tough during the summer. These are some great options!
Lauren says
This is a great list! Living in South Florida we are always looking for good sunscreens!
Micaela says
I’m sure you need them year-round in Florida!
Bri says
So great to have all this info in one spot! Thank you!
Micaela says
You’re welcome! Hope it comes in handy!
Anung says
Great. Always want to know which are the safest. Saving this for warmer weather.
Micaela says
Can’t wait for that warmer weather to arrive! π
Alex says
Always looking for safe options to use on my sensitive skin. Thanks!
Micaela says
None of these use artificial fragrances – which is great for sensitive skin!
Katie says
Love this article! Thanks for putting all of the work into it and making it easier for me! π Do you have a favorite? I tried Badger and it SO hard to rub in and my 3-year-old isn’t a fan of it taking so long to put it on!
Micaela says
Did you try the Badger clear zinc? That one is pretty easy to rub in! My favorite is the Beautycounter sunscreen but I also love the new formula of the Goddess Garden – it rubs in super fast. If you buy, just make sure it says new formula on it!!
LoriLeigh Moreland says
I’d like to know how to remove barrier sunscreens. What a nightmare! Ruined a rash guard, 2 neoprene life vests and we still have it on our car and boat upholstery. Not to mention impossible to wash of oneself.
Micaela says
Wow – sorry to hear about that. I’ve never run into that problem before. I asked around and someone recommended using Dawn dish soap and very hot water. Hope that helps!
LoriLeigh Moreland says
Thank you! We will give that a try!