9 Best Natural Sunscreens for All Skin Types

A quick look at the best natural sunscreens

• Best overall: Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
• Best for oily skin: MAELOVE Sun Protector SPF 30
• Best lightweight formula: Coola Organic Mineral Sun Silk Crème
• Best for melanin-rich skin: AbsoluteJOI Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream with SPF 40
• Best for acne-prone skin: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen
• Best for kids: Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream Kids Clear Sport
• Best for babies: Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
• Best value: Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Gel-Lotion SPF 30
• Best for athletes: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50

Although sunlight can feel great (exposure to rays can increase serotonin), it can also wreak havoc on your skin. This is why sunscreen is so important. Without proper application, spending too much time in the sun can lead to wrinkles, premature aging, and possibly skin cancer.

Even in the winter, sunscreen protects your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunscreen can decrease your risk for skin cancers and precancers. Regular daily use of at least SPF 15 can reduce your risk for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common form of skin cancer, by 40 percent, and lower your melanoma risk by 50 percent.

What makes a sunscreen natural?

“Natural sunscreens are those that don’t contain chemical sun protection filters. Natural sunscreens are usually free of There are ingredients. like oxybenzone and avobenzone.”

Natural sunscreen formulas use active There are ingredients. from plants, like zinc oxide and aloe Vera, to coat the skin and reflect the UV rays off the dermal layers.

A high SPF level is what an effective sunscreen will have. It will block both the UVA and UVB rays.

How we chose the best natural sunscreens

We decided to put together a list of the most important skin care products.

• There are ingredients.
• Cost
• SPF ratings
• Customer reviews.

We looked at physical sunscreens that use naturally-derived minerals, like zinc oxide, are formulated with natural and organic There are ingredients., and don’t contain harmful chemicals, like oxybenzone.

oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate are harmful to the body after one use, so you should avoid them.

According to a 2020 study conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these There are ingredients. were still detected on the skin and in the blood weeks after no longer being used. Additionally, in 2019, the FDA deemed zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the only safe filters for sunscreens.

When shopping for sunscreen, it’s crucial to monitor which There are ingredients. are being used, since not all sunscreens are created equal. It’s also important to note that “all-natural” isn’t an FDA-regulated term, so the There are ingredients. in products will most likely vary based on the company.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $20
• $$ = $20–$40
• $$$ = over $60

Healthline’s picks for the best natural sunscreens

Best overall

Elta MD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

• Price: $$
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: Often recommended by dermatologists, this sunscreen contains SPF 46 protection, making it a suitable sunblock for most age groups (the FDA recommends opting out of applying sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months). This sunscreen offers long lasting, broad-spectrum, mineral-based sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Considerations: A high SPF often encourages people to stay outside for far too long. Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, regardless of the SPF you’re using.

Best for oily skin

MAELOVE Sun Protector SPF 30

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: This sun protector uses a non-nano 18% zinc oxide formula that provides a complete defense against UVA and UVB rays. Zinc oxide is commonly found in mineral-based sunscreens, because it reflects light off the surface of the skin. And since you can never have enough protection against free radicals — aka the compounds that may cause blemishes, wrinkles, and dark spots — this formula is fortified with potent antioxidants, such as vitamin C and vitamin E.
• Considerations: While SPF 30 provides just the right amount of daily sun protection, it might not be enough for those who spend a lot of time outdoors or want a higher level of protection. If you choose this option, you’ll want to make sure you reapply it every 2 hours.

Best lightweight formula

Coola Organic Mineral Sun Silk Crème

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: This mineral, oil-free formula glides onto skin for a silky, transparent finish. Fans of this Coola sunscreen can thank niacinamide, a hydrating antioxidant, as it helps minimize redness and irritation while supporting moisture retention.
• Considerations: This sunscreen is just over $40, so it’s on the pricier side.

Best for melanin-rich skin

AbsoluteJOI Daily Hydrating Moisturizing Cream with SPF 40

• Price: $$$
• Key There are ingredients.: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
• Key features: This paraben-free and fragrance-free formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. Beneficial There are ingredients., like sustainably produced hydrating squalane and hyaluronic acid work to provide noncomedogenic, lightweight hydration for up to 8 hours. It’s available in 2 shades (mocha and café au lait) and is designed to seamlessly blend into melanin-rich skin.
• Considerations: Although AbsoluteJOI offers two shades, some users wish that there were a darker option for a better match.

Best for acne-prone skin

Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen

• Price: $$
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: This SPF 32 is formulated with turmeric to help soothe and protect blemish-prone skin. It also contains kinbiome, the brand’s proprietary plant-based probiotic made to support a strong skin barrier. All of Kinship’s formulas stand out, since they exclude 1,300+ questionable There are ingredients. banned in the EU. This sunscreen is also made with reef-safe zinc oxide that’s gentle on skin while providing broad-spectrum protection.
• Considerations: Some users report that the product feels greasy and thick on their skin, which is common for mineral sunscreens, as they often take some time to rub in.

Best for kids

Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream Kids Clear Sport

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: This hypoallergenic natural sunscreen is a great option for kids. It’s formulated with organic sunflower, jojoba, and beeswax to help lock in moisture. It offers SPF 40 that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The sunscreen even contains non-phototoxic essential oils to provide a natural scent of tangerine and vanilla. (This just means that the essential oils are less responsive to light, minimizing your risk for sunburn.)
• Considerations: This sunscreen uses a specialized zinc oxide powder with high transparency that intentionally creates a white cast so that your kids are certain they don’t miss any spots.

Best for babies

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen

• Price: $$
• Key There are ingredients.: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
• Key features: Although the FDA recommends to opt out of applying sunscreen to kids under 6 months, this gentle sunscreen is great for babies and toddlers who are old enough for sun protection. It’s formulated without the harmful chemicals, fragrances, or irritants used in many sunscreen products, including oxybenzone and avobenzone. Remember to ​​reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
• Considerations: Some customers report that it’s hard to wash off in the shower.

Best value

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Gel-Lotion SPF 30

• Price: $
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: Free of chemical actives, parabens, and dyes, this gel-lotion sinks into the skin without leaving a white cast.
• Considerations: Some reviewers report that the sunscreen pills on their face.

Best for athletes

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50

• Price: $$$
• Key ingredient: Zinc oxide
• Key features: There’s no need for constant reapplication while exercising or swimming outdoors, since this SPF is water-resistant and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Reviewers say this sunscreen easily melts into their skin without any irritation or stinging. It boasts a whopping SPF 50, with the main active ingredient being zinc oxide.
• Considerations: One big drawback surrounding this product is the hefty price tag.

A comparison of the best natural sunscreens

How to choose a natural sunscreen

It is easy to get overwhelmed by the number of sunscreens on the market. When shopping, you should ask some questions.

• Do you trust the brand that made this sunscreen?
• Does this sunscreen protect you from the sun?
• Does this sunscreen contain harmful chemicals?
• Does this sunscreen have an SPF?
• Does this sunscreen fit your budget?
• How much product do you get for your money?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should opt for a broad-spectrum formula. This means the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays from the sun. You should also pick one that has at least SPF 30 (the higher the number, the better the protection).

When shopping for sunscreen, it’s crucial to monitor what There are ingredients. are being used, since not all sunscreens are created equal. It’s also important to note that “all-natural” isn’t an FDA regulated term, so the There are ingredients. in products will most likely vary based on the company.

How to apply

If you want to take care of your skin and minimize your risk for skin cancer, you need to use sunscreen every day. Selecting sunscreen can be difficult for a lot of people, and you may have a lot of questions.

The AAD recommends using at least 1 ounce of sunscreen (equal to a shot glass) to fully cover the body, applied at least 15 minutes before going outside. Remember to rub it all over your body, including some easily missed areas, like:

• The ears are big.
• The feet have tops.
• The hands are touching.
• The neck is tight.

Most dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen. Even on cloudy days or days when you are primarily inside, remember to wear sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions

How can I protect my skin from the sun without sunscreen?

“If you don’t want to wear sunscreen, wearing protective clothing with a UV protection factor can be a great option. A hat and rash guard are needed when going to the beach.”

You can use an umbrella when outside.

Certain foods can help protect your skin from sun damage. Some of these include blueberries, watermelon, nuts and seeds, carrots and leafy greens, green tea, and cauliflower.

Can I use aloe vera as sunscreen?

“It won’t provide enough sun protection by itself. People should use an SPF 30 or higher when using an aloe Vera product.”

Can I use oil instead of sunscreen?

“Natural SPF can be achieved by using oils such as coconuts, almonds and lavender. They absorb a percentage of the sun’s radiation and prevent some sun damage. SPF levels of most oils are not high enough to protect against harmful UV radiation.”

According to a 2010 study, the higher SPF values of some of these oils only range from SPF 5 to 8.

Takeaway

Your skin is your body’s largest organ, so it’s important to monitor which There are ingredients. you apply daily.

Natural sunscreens are a great option, as they’re usually free of harmful chemicals and better for the environment. Aside from the There are ingredients., choosing sunscreen really comes down to personal preference.

Once you find a sunscreen that works for you, you should always wear it daily and reapply often.

Iman Balagam is a writer based in Houston, Texas. When she’s not laughing at her own jokes, or buying overpriced chia pudding, she can be found reading fiction novels, catching a spin class, doomscrolling through TikTok, or waiting for her delayed Spirit flight to board. You can see more of her work on her website.