• Use the physical (sometimes called mineral or natural sunscreens) sunscreens zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical sunscreens (listed on the Drug Facts label that typically end with –ate, –ene, or –one, such as homosalate, octocrylene, or oxybenzone). Although chemical sunscreens are considered safe for humans they can be harmful to marine life. Plus, one study has shown the ingredient oxybenzone can cause hormone disruption in studies of cancer cells.
• Do not contain retinyl palmitate. The ingredient is technically safe for humans to use, but it has been linked to skin cancer when applied topically in very large doses to mice, so it’s worth erring on the side of caution. (Note: the species of mice used in the study were far more susceptible to skin cancer than humans, and there aren’t any human studies showing the ingredient causes cancer). • Do not contain synthetic fragrance (often listed as fragrance or parfum) or parabens (any ingredients that include paraben). Fragrances can cause allergic reactions as well as make your eyes water, while parabens (especially butylparaben), which are used as preservatives, have been linked to coral reef damage. • Have SPF 30 or higher. While there are many sunscreens with lower SPFs that are healthy options, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30, so we do, too. Below is a list of all the natural sunscreens we tried that get our seal of approval. Just because a sunscreen didn’t make the list does not necessarily mean it’s not natural—we simply may not have had a chance to test it. So, always read labels to be sure! Note: If just a brand name is listed without the specific name of a product, that means we approve of all the sunscreens they make that are SPF 30 or higher.All Terrain Aubrey Natural Sun SPF 30+ UnscentedAva Anderson SPF 30+ Sunscreen LotionAvene Eau Thermale Haute Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50Badger (unscented products only)Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion Baby SPF 50+Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion Kids SPF 50+Banana Boat Natural Reflect Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+Beyond Coastal Natural Clear Sunscreen SPF 30+Beyond Coastal Natural Lip & Face Screen SPF 30Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen Kids SPF 30+Block Island OrganicsBlue Lizard (Sensitive and Baby formulas)BurnOut SPF 30+ Ocean Tested Physical SunscreenBurnOut SPF 32 Clean and Clear Zinc Oxide SunscreenBurnOut SPF 30+ Kids Physical SunscreenCalifornia BabyClarins SPF 30 Sunscreen for Eyes Wrinkle Control CreamClimb On!Colorescience Face Primer Sun Protection SPF 30Colorescience Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30Colorescience Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 50Coola (Mineral products only)Dr. Robin for Kids All Natural Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30+EcoElemental HerbsEltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47Goddess GardenHara Bodycare SPF 30 SunscreenJason Mineral Natural Sunblock SPF 30John Masters Suncare SPF 30 Natural Mineral SunscreenKiss My Face Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen FluidLavanila The Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 Body CreamLoving NaturalsMarie Veronique Organics Moisturizing Face Screen, SPF 30MD Solar Sciences SPF 30+ Mineral Screen GelMD Solar Sciences SPF 30+ Mineral Screen Tinted GelMD Solar Sciences SPF 40 Mineral Screen LotionMD Solar Sciences SPF 41 KidstickMD Solar Sciences SPF 50+ Ultra Mineral Screen GelMineral Fusion Mineral SPF 40My Body Protect & Serve Tinted Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30Neutrogena Pure & Free Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 50NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral SunscreenSkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF 30+Smart Girls Who Surf SPF 30+ Mineral SunscreenSmart Kids Who Play Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35Soleil Organique 100% Mineral Sunscreen for Face SPF 45SuntegritySurf-Vival SPF 30+ Mineral SunscreenVanicream Sunscreen SPF 30
