Are you looking for the best non-toxic sunscreen brands that are safe and effective?
Look no further! We’ve researched and sampled some of the top-rated nontoxic mineral sunscreen products on the market to help you pick the best sunscreen for you and your family.
Before we moved to Maui, we rarely considered the sunscreen products we were using.
While always wearing sun protection was a priority for us, it never crossed our minds to examine what potential toxins were present in the lotions and spray sunscreen we were using. Yes, we were able to avoid skin cancer… but little did we know, those same products that were made to protect us were filled with chemicals that were harming the world’s reefs and marine life!
This led us to consider, if what we were using posed a threat to wildlife, how hazardous must these elements be for human beings?!
Thus, our research into nontoxic sunscreen began.
This post is all about the best non-toxic sunscreen brands.
What does toxic-free mean?
When it comes to sunscreen, you want to ensure that you are using a product that is as safe and non-toxic as possible.
But what does “toxic-free” really mean?
Toxic-free sunscreens do not contain any of the potentially hazardous chemicals found in traditional chemical sunscreens. These chemicals can include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene. All of these ingredients have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and other health issues.
Best Non Toxic Sunscreen Brands
1) Manda Organic Sun Paste
Why you will love it? The Buy on Amazon
Best Non Toxic Sunscreen By Manda
2) Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
ILIA is a top-rated, non toxic sunscreen brand. Its products contain nourishing ingredients and a...
Ilia SPF Makeup- Best Sunscreen For Face
3) Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen For Face Protection and Body
WHY YOU WILL LOVE Stream2Sea? Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen for face and body is ...
Favorite Non Toxic Sunscreen By Stream2Sea
4) Skinnies Conquer Sungel Sun Cream
WHY YOU WILL LOVE SKINNIES CONQUER: This Award Winning vegan-friendly Skinnies C...
Safe Sunscreen for Kids & Adults
5) Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
WHY YOU WILL LOVE BLUE LIZARD: Buy on Amazon
More Safe Mineral Sunscreens By Blue Lizard
Frequently Asked Questions on Non-Toxic Sunscreen
What is the best non-toxic spray sunscreen?
The EWG has issued a warning about sunscreens in spray form, cautioning users to avoid them due to inhalation concerns. This is especially important for young children and those with respiratory issues, as the chemicals in these sprays can be inhaled into the lungs, where they could potentially cause damage. Non-toxic spray sunscreens may exist, but EWG recommends sticking to traditional sunscreen lotions and creams instead of taking any chances.
We completely understand that using spray sunscreen is a much more convenient option! In fact, it’s probably the only way you can get your toddlers to put on sunscreen without having an emotional breakdown.
So if you have to opt for a safe non-toxic spray sunscreen, we recommend Goddess Garden or Beauty Counter, which both have zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Spray
What ingredients do I look for in non-chemical sunscreens?
When looking for a non-toxic sunscreen alternative, be sure to look for products labeled with mineral-active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These minerals provide physical protection from the sun by reflecting UV rays away from your skin while also providing broad-spectrum coverage against UVA Rays and UVB rays.
Additionally, they are much less likely to irritate compared to chemical-based alternatives, so they’re ideal for sensitive skin types.
Safe Non-Toxic Sunscreen For Kids
Protect your kids from harmful chemicals with our list of the best non-toxic sunscreen for kids!
Are sunscreens with natural seed oil and shea butter non-toxic?
Natural ingredients like organic sunflower seed oil, organic jojoba seed oil, shea butter, and extras like camellia sinensis leaf extract may be added to mineral sunscreens for moisture.
Note: Sensitive skin or not, it’s always best to test a small amount of the product on your skin first to make sure you or your children do not react badly to the product.
More Natural Sunscreen Favorites
What is Zinc Oxide?
Did you know that zinc oxide, the white powder often found in sunscreen bottles, makeup products and acne treatments, is one of the most powerful sunscreens available? When applied to skin it creates an opaque layer that reflects away UV rays from both UVA and UVB range. If ever you’ve used a mineral sunscreen brand leaving your body with a light tint then more than likely its active ingredient has been Zinc Oxide!
What is Nano vs Non-Nano Zinc Oxide?
You know that Zinc Oxide is a key ingredient in most non-toxic sunscreens. But what about non-nano zinc oxide – does it offer the same level of protection as its nano counterpart?
It’s quite simple. Nanoparticles are incredibly small and have the potential to be absorbed through your skin into your bloodstream, whereas non-nano particles are much larger and do not pose such risks.
In simple terms, to ensure maximum safety from UV exposure, always purchase sunscreen containing Non-Nano zinc oxide!
Why? You don’t want smaller particles penetrating your skin and absorbing into your blood cells.
- Non-nano = Good, bigger particles that sit on the surface of the skin.
- Nano= Bad, small particles, absorbs into the bloodstream.
Overview of Sunscreen Ingredients
Non Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients
Choose a mineral sunscreen made with natural minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide – they won’t penetrate your bloodstream, yet still provide you with adequate protection from the dangerous UVA, UVB Rays, and UVC Rays.
Harmful Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients
Avoid chemical sunscreens with high levels of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene*
It is important to note that the United States allows higher levels of harmful chemicals in sunscreens!
European Commission proposed a concentration limit of 2.2 percent for oxybenzone and 1.4 percent for homosalate. In the United States, sunscreen manufacturers can legally produce these chemicals in their sunscreen brands at much higher levels- 6% for oxybenzone and 15 percent for homosalate!
Some of the mineral sunscreens mentioned in this article, such as Skinnies, contain minuscule levels of octocrylene – a substance that is compliant with both European and Hawaiian laws.
Wrap Up
There you have it, our favorite nontoxic sunscreens! Choosing the right sunscreen can be a daunting task. With so many options on the market, it’s important to read labels carefully and understand what ingredients are truly non-toxic.
Look for sunscreens with mineral-active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that reflect away UV rays while also providing broad spectrum coverage.
Avoid chemical sunscreens with high levels of oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene. Make sure to always test a small amount of product on your skin first before applying it all over.
This post was all about the best nontoxic sunscreen brands.
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