My Top Non-Toxic Sunscreen for Summer

clean, effective sunscreen you can count on

I'll be honest, finding a sunscreen that's both effective and free of questionable ingredients is no easy feat. Many conventional formulas contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate, which have been linked to hormone disruption, environmental harm, and skin irritation. Some also include penetration enhancers and synthetic emulsifiers that allow these chemicals to absorb more deeply into the skin potentially entering the bloodstream. On top of that, fillers, silicones, and artificial fragrances are often added, offering no real benefit to the skin and sometimes triggering reactions in sensitive individuals.

After plenty of research and trial and error, I’ve landed on a few mineral-based sunscreens I actually trust and use daily. Whether I’m out surfing, hiking, or just protecting my face and lips during everyday errands, these formulas consistently perform. They feature non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, steer clear of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and avoid unnecessary synthetics. In my opinion a market that often prioritizes performance over health, these sunscreens strike the right balance.

Non-nano zinc oxide is:

• The gold standard in non-toxic, mineral sunscreens

• Broad-spectrum and gentle enough for babies, sensitive skin, and acne-prone users

• A safe, effective alternative to chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate

• Preferred by many due to its reduced likelihood of penetrating the skin and increased environmental safety—it's commonly found in “reef-safe” sunscreens.

Body Sunscreen

1. Badger-Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream - SPF 40

   -Ranked my number #1

   -Non-nano Zinc based (22.5%)

   -UVA/UVA protection

   -Non-toxic

   -Minimal ingredients (8)

   -Mostly organic

   -Water resistance (40 mins)
   -Super hydrating & soothing

   -Rubs on clear (no white cast)

   -Absorbs throughly

   -Hypoallergenic

2. ThinkKids- Sunscreen SPF 50

   -Non-nano Zinc based (23.4%)

   -UVA/UVA protection

   -Non-toxic

   -Takes longer to rub in

   -No white cast

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Stays on in water (from experience especially with water sports like surfing)

3. ThinkSun- Thinksport SPF 50 Clear Zinc

   -Non-nano Zinc based non-toxic (20 %)

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Leaves a minor white cast

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Stays on in water (from experience especially with water sports like surfing)

4. Alba Botanical- Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

   -Mineral based Zinc Oxide sunscreen (24.1%)

   -Non-nano zinc

   -Non-toxic

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -No synthetic fragrances (fragrance free)

   -Not ideal if you're avoiding synthetics, alcohol, or preservatives like phenoxyethanol

   -No white cast

   -Blends is well

Face Sunscreen

1. MadHippe- Luminizing Facial SPF 29

   -Non-nano Zinc based non-toxic (22%)

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Clean ingredients

   -Promotes skin heath and hydration from (Niacinamide, Squalane and Hyaluronic Acid)

   -Fair trade

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Slightly shimmery from mica

2. ThinkSun- thinkdaily Everyday Sun Serum SPF 30

   -Non-nano Zinc based non-toxic (22%)

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Lightweight SPF 30 mineral protection

   -Enriched with Aloe Vera & Jojoba Seed Oil to hydrate & soothe

   -Perfect for everyday wear alone or under makeup

   -Blends in easily for all skin types and tones

   -Travel-sized and TSA approved

Tinted Face Sunscreen

1. Avasol- Surfer’s Barrier Stick- 30 SPF

   -100% non-toxic, natural ingredients

   -Mostly organic ingredients

   -Non-Nano Zinc Oxide (golden standard in non-toxic, mineral sunscreens)

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Bio-based clinical and allergen tested

   -100% zero-waste packaging

   -Easy to travel with

2. Sunshine Rituals- Sport Solar Resilience Ritual- Tinted

   -Non-nano Zinc

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Resistance against environmental toxins

   -Soothing ingredients

   -Water resistance (90 mins)

3. Raw Elements-Tinted Face Moisturizer SPF 30

   -100% mineral baed non-toxic

   -Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 23%

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -Comes in multiple shades

   -Reef friendly

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Stays on in water (from experience especially with water sports like surfing)

Lip SPF

1. SLO- Natural Lip Balm - Pina Colada

   -Zinc

   -All organic and natural ingredients

   -Free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS

   -No synthetics

   -No white cast

   -No gross taste

   -No beeswax

   -Hydrating

   -100% compostable packaging

2. Badger- Mineral Sunscreen Lip Balm- 15 SPF

   -Mineral based zinc (8%)

   -Organic ingredients

   -Water resistance (80 mins)

   -Free of parabens, phthalates, petrolatum, SLS.

   -No synthetics

   -Stays on in water-sports

   -Unscented

3. Blue Lizard- Mineral SPF 15 Lip Balm

   -Mineral based zinc (10%)

   -UVA/UVB protection

   -No white cast

   -No oxybenzone or octinoxate