5 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands For Your Next Vacation!

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 potentially hazardous chemicals found in traditional chemical sunscreens. These chemicals include oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, homosalate, and octocrylene. 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 Manda Organic Sun Paste is perfect for those looking for a nontoxic sunscreen that is also reef and ocean-safe!

You will love the soft feel of this sun protector, as it is packed with moisturizing products like organic coconut oil and shea butter.

SPF: SPF 50 is specifically designed for more active- surfers, hikers, and swimmers.

WHAT TO KNOW: Thanaka, a main ingredient of Manda Paste, is sourced from trees located in Myanmar. Burmese people have used Thanaka for 1000s of years to protect their skin as it is high in antioxidants and has anti-bacterial and anti-acne properties.

KEY INGREDIENTS: Made from high-quality, all-natural, and organic ingredients. Active Ingredients in clude: Non-nano zinc oxide – 20%. Other ingredients include: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Thanaka, Organic Cacao Powder, Organic Shea Butter, and Organic Cinnamon Oil. Manda does not use harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate.

2) Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Ilia is a top-rated, non toxic sunscreen brand. Its products contain nourishing ingredients and are formulated with Titanium Dioxide and Non Nano Zinc Oxide protecting your skin from UV Rays, UVA Rays, UVB Rays, UVC Rays, blue light, and pollution- all without being absorbed into your skin.

Why you will love it? The Ilia Super Serum is a plant-based SPF coverage that helps hydrate without clogging your pores. It offers a lightweight, dewy makeup SPF coverage that keeps your skin hydrated and smooth all day. It’s perfect for beach days or outdoor activities where you want to wear lightweight makeup.

SHADES: This product comes in 29 colors that will work for a light or dark skin tone.

WHAT TO KNOW: Super clean! It is vegan, cruelty-free, silicone-free, fragrance-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. It is safe for sensitive skin and has been dermatologist-tested! The niacinamide helps give you a visibly smooth skin texture and refines uneven skin tone. Packed with hyaluronic acid, it helps plump and moisturize your skin. Lastly, the Squalane ingredient helps hydrate and improve elasticity.

KEY INGREDIENTS: Zinc Oxide 12.0% Aqua/Water/Eau, Squalane, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Isoamyl Laurate, Polyglyceryl-3 Ricinoleate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Methylpropanediol, Niacinamide, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Phenylpropanol, Sodium Myristoyl Glutamate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid. May Contain/Peut Contenir (±): CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide). This product is formulated without Gluten.

Ilia SPF Makeup- Best Sunscreen For Face

3) Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen For Face Protection and Body

Why you will love it? Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen for the face and body is a luxurious blend of natural, organic ingredients like Tulsi, Aloe, Green Tea, Wakame, and Olive Leaf that offers superior protection from UVA Rays and UVB Rays without leaving your skin feeling greasy.

Additionally, you will love that this mineral sunscreen formula contains none of the harsh chemical sunscreen ingredients or irritants such as parabens, sulfates, or oxybenzone – making it an ideal sun care solution for those with sensitive skin.

SPF: Stream2Sea has a sunscreen SPF of 30.

WHAT TO KNOW: Stream2Sea is a revolutionary brand that provides mineral sunscreens unlike any other! Not only are its ingredients safe for humans, but also aquatic life like fish and coral. This eco-friendly sunscreen is made with all-natural components and even the containers they come in are produced from sustainable sugarcane resin – truly making Stream2Sea an unparalleled choice for protecting yourself while helping protect the planet.

Please note that this mineral sunscreen is thicker than other non-chemical sunscreens and may slightly alter skin tone, leaving a subtle white tint on the surface.

KEY INGREDIENTS: Active Ingredients: 8.8% Titanium Dioxide (Non-Nano) Inactive Ingredients: Deionized Water, Aqueous Extracts of Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf*, Ocimum Tenuiflorum (Tulsi) Leaf*, Alaria Esculenta (Wakame Seaweed)* and Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice*, Cocoglycerides, Glycerin, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Methylcellulose, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Stearic Acid, Acrylates Copolymer, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Sorbitan Palmitate, Tocopherol, Xanthan Gum, Alumina, Benzyl Alcohol, Salicylic Acid, Sorbic Acid.

Favorite Non Toxic Sunscreen By Stream2Sea

4) Skinnies Conquer Sungel Sun Cream

Why you will love it? This Award-winning vegan-friendly Skinnies Conquer SPF 50+ is the perfect choice for those looking for a protective and environmentally friendly sunscreen. This innovative product sets itself apart from other sunscreens by eliminating water from its formula, making it less toxic to the planet.

SPF: The Skinnies Conquer is a sunscreen SPF of 50+ and a PA ++++.

WHAT TO KNOW: Skinnies is an innovative, revolutionary, waterless Orangogel that bonds to your skin’s outer layer and does not penetrate further.

Due to its lack of water content, the formula is thick yet economical: you only need a teaspoon amount on each area of exposed skin—unlike other non-toxic sunscreen brands who demand applying a shot glass worth for proper coverage! Skinnies thus provide the perfect sun barrier from UVA rays and UVA rays without excess waste or mess.

Here’s a helpful tip: Skinnies provides moisture with its Vitamin E and Manuka oil components, yet we highly recommend you put your daily moisturizer on first. Let your skin absorb your moisturizer cream for a few minutes before applying Skinnies sunscreen, which will act as a sun barrier on your skin’s surface.

KEY INGREDIENTS: Octocrylene 50mg/g, Bemotrizinol 50mg/g, Zinc Oxide 25mg/g, and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 50g/g, Natural Manuka Oil & Nautral Vitamin E.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT UPDATES: Skinnies has eliminated chemical sunscreen ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone from their non-toxic product line. Although this was not originally the case with Skinnies products, they have since altered their formula to meet most reef-safe regulations using Zinc Oxide.

It is important to note that this product does contain a low amount of Octocrylene, which meets the regulations outlined by the Hawaii Sunscreen Bill 2021. This guarantees you a safe and environmentally friendly sunscreen with minimal damaging ingredients.

5) Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen

WHY YOU WILL LOVE BLUE LIZARD?

Australia’s Blue Lizard is one of the mineral sunscreen brands that has been referred to us over and over again. Over the last year, Blue Lizard has become one of our favorite non toxic zinz oxide sunscreens on the market.

This Zinc Oxide-based sunscreen is one of the more affordable, nontoxic sunscreens on the market. Blue Lizard’s line of mineral sunscreens is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it the perfect sunscreen for your next outdoor adventure. There are no harmful chemicals, making it safe for all skin types, and it is also safe for our reefs.

SPF: Blue Lizard has a sunscreen SPF of 50+

WHAT TO KNOW: Blue Lizard is a clean, non-toxic sunscreen perfect for sensitive skin. Dermatologists worldwide have tested and recommended it for its gentle, effective formula. Free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and fragrance, it’s an excellent choice for anyone with sensitive skin. The line also includes a mineral sunscreen stick and options specifically formulated for babies and children. Plus, you’ll love that it’s reef-safe!

KEY INGREDIENTS: Blue Lizard’s active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium oxide which help protect your skin from harmful rays (UVB rays, UVA rays)

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 Blue Lizard 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.

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 skin’s surface.
• Nano= Bad, small particles that 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.