Are chemical sunscreens safe for your family and will also keep you safe from sunburn & skin cancer? Recent studies linked chemicals inside sunscreens to birth defects, infertility, hormone disruption in children, and the destruction of the coral reefs. But never fear, Mamavation is here! You’ve trusted Mamavation to cover topics like safest shampoos, best non-toxic lotions, and best non-toxic dry shampoo, now join us as we share with you the problems that are arising out of chemical sunscreens formulas and rank products based on the science available on sunscreen ingredients so you can find the best non-toxic sunscreen for your family.
Disclosure: This post was medically reviewed by Sondra Strand, RN, BSN, PHN. It contains affiliate links.
Table of Contents
Sunscreen Chemicals Linked to Hormone Disruption
The chemicals in common sunscreen are problematic to human health, especially pregnant women and young children. This is partly because the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) grandfathered in chemicals used in sunscreen during the 1970s without reviewing any evidence of potential health hazards. In other words, they didn’t bother to look into it. They just gave them approval.
Today this is proving to be a very unwise decision because these chemicals are proving to be a nuisance to human health and the environment.
- Oxybenzone, in particular, has been linked to reproductive hormone disruption like degraded sperm quality in men, & endometriosis in women.
- A Danish study looked at sunscreen chemicals and which ones impacted male fertility. They found that 13 of the 29 chemicals used in sunscreen have the ability to impact calcium signaling in male sperm, which degrades the quality and can lead to anomalies.
- Men who had higher rates of oxybenzone in their system had more trouble getting a woman pregnant.
Most recently, researcher Craig Downs of the non-profit Haereticuls Environmental Laboratory published a study in the Clinical Dermatology Research Journal on oxybenzone in sunscreen products. They were trying to determine the safety of this chemical around children assuming exposure levels were under normal circumstances. They looked at oxybenzone in particular, but also considered other chemicals like avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate & octinoxate. They determined oxybenzone is detrimental to the health of children under normal conditions for several reasons, but the ones that stood out the most are:
- Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor to most species
- It has a low molecular weight allowing it to pass through human skin easily and get into the bloodstream
- Concerns have been expressed about potential systemic toxicity in children, especially considering children under two don’t have the enzyme needed to break it down inside their body
- Combining sunscreen chemicals together can cause them to become reactive at even lower levels, meaning they are more dangerous when combined with other sunscreen chemicals mentioned
Study Links Birth Defect Hirschsprung’s Disease to Oxybenzone Exposure During Pregnancy
Most recently researchers have tied Hirschsprung’s Disease with exposure to oxybenzone during pregnancy. In a study published in the Journal of Reproductive Toxicity researchers found that pregnant women with medium to high levels of oxybenzone in their urine had a higher chance of giving birth to a baby with Hirschsprung’s Disease. Later testing of the human cell lines demonstrated that very low levels of oxybenzone have the ability to disrupt cell migration in a similar fashion as Hirschsprung’s Disease.
The amount of oxybenzone to do this disruption would be easily found in the body after normal sunscreen use. This confirms that oxybenzone could very well be the hidden link behind this disease that has impacted so many lives in the United States.
In Hirschsprung’s Disease, the baby is missing vital nerves in the large intestine. For newborns, this prevents nerves from growing beyond the large intestine to the anus, and that prevents the baby from having bowel movements. Babies with Hirschsprung’s Disease face a lifetime of intestinal issues. HD affects 1 in every 5,000 babies. Children experience fecal retention, constipation, or abdominal distention. The only treatment is surgery.
Sunscreen Chemicals Bleach Coral Reefs Causing Cell Death
Corals reefs around the world have been stressed to death, literally. Coral reefs turn white when they expel the algae inside of them that gives them energy. This phenomenon is happening globally around the world putting coral reefs in serious danger of extinction. Most of the time, warming oceans from climate change are cited, but initial research on this phenomenon has demonstrated that chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, both in sunscreens, are also causing the disruption.
Around 1980-1985 was when researchers started noticing coral reef decline. This was ironically the same time that tourism to islands like Hawaii increased. Craig Downs, a forensic ecotoxicologist and the executive director of the Virginia-based nonprofit Haereticus Environmental Laboratory, says oxybenzone is an “ecologically threatening chemical” that when you add to other issues like sewage pollution, erosion of dirt and sand, and rising oceanic temperatures can damage the corals beyond what can be fixed.
In the short documentary “Reefs at Risk” he stated that “oxybenzone can do damage to corals at 62 parts per trillion, which is the equivalent to one drop in 6.5 Olympic-sized swimming pools.” Considering 14,000 tons of sunscreen chemicals come off the skin of people swimming in the ocean around the coral reefs every year, it’s no wonder there is a problem.
There is debate as to whether banning oxybenzone is a prudent reaction to the problem, but for most scientists in the industry, taking an action is better than no action. “There are so many things about coral reefs that are a problem, and not many of them are easily tackled, whereas the sunscreen is easily tackled,” says Crane, a coral reef biologist and professor at Cabrillo College. “I think we should be grabbing at anything we can in getting the public involved in trying to protect these habitats.”
How Coral Reefs Compete With The Rainforest In Oxygen Production
The Coral Reefs are incredibly important to our eco-system, so losing them would be a travesty to our planet and to our health. Coral reefs represent 1% of the ocean, yet they house 25% of marine life. When compared to the Rainforest, they rival the amount of oxygen produced and carbon captured making them “some of the most productive eco-systems on the planet” says John Burns, Marine Biologist at the University of Hawaii.
Coral Reefs also represent over $9 TRILLION dollars in terms of tourism, biomedical research, coastal protection, and food production. To give you an idea of how much that is, the oil industry represents about $3 TRILLION. In other words, they are more important to our economy than oil production and just as productive as the Rainforest to our survival.
Damage can be done to the coral reefs at 62 parts per trillion (ppt), which is an incredibly small amount. We better hurry and protect them because the damage done to the coral reefs is very serious already:
- 93% of the Great Barrier Reef has declined
- 85% of the coral reefs in the Caribbean have declined
- 99% of the coral reefs in the Florida Keys have declined
Hawaii Becomes First State to Ban Oxybenzone Prompting Feds To Take A Closer Look
Oxybenzone is still legal in most places to put in sunscreen, but some states and municipalities have taken action.
- In 2018, Hawaii became the first state to ban the sale of any chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate beginning in 2022.
- Key West in Florida banned oxybenzone and octinoxate in 2019.
This movement to remove oxybenzone from products in the stores started years ago as a way to protect the coral reefs and human health. But what it also did was prompt the FDA to take a closer look at the safety of these chemicals and how they got into sunscreens into the first place.
FDA Has Warned The Public About Oxybenzone & Other Sunscreen Chemicals Causing Panic Among Brands
The FDA recently announced it will be proposing new regulations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of chemical sunscreens. They have admitted there is a lack of scientific data to declare any of these ingredients safe other than titanium dioxide and zinc.
Then in February 2019 the U.S. FDA published a proposed rule to update the regulation of sunscreens reviewing 16 active ingredients and dividing them into three groups:
- Safe and effective ingredients: only zinc oxide and titanium oxide
- Not safe and effective: PABA and trolamine salicylate (these ingredients have actually been abandoned long ago and you won’t really find in American formulations.)
- Insufficient data for use: Oxybenzone, avobenzone, cinoxate, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, meradimate, padimate O, sulisobenzone.
Behind the scenes, this has caused somewhat of a panic among brands that are selling chemical sunscreens with toxic chemicals inside. What we noticed from our first investigation in 2018 to this one in 2021 is most brands have taken oxybenzone out of their formulations.
However, Craig Downs warns that “reef safe” sunscreens may be using other chemicals like octocrylene, homosalate, and octisalate that are also harmful to marine life.
Some Mineral Sunscreens Use Nanoparticles in Their Formulations, Which Are Also Problematic to Human Health
Another issue in the sunscreen industry is the use of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology hides inside brands you may think are “natural” but they are not. Some brands will use nano titanium dioxide and nano zinc oxide, instead of regular titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Nanoparticles are particles that are so small they have to be measured in nanometers. To put it into perspective, If the Earth represented a particle, a tennis ball in your hand would represent a nanoparticle. In others words, very very tiny.
When nanoparticles are used in sunscreen, it’s to lessen the whiteness of sunscreen on the skin. Who wants to look like a ghost, right?
Nano Titanium Dioxide is linked with accelerating the aging process of your skin. As in, using it can make you look older faster. Nanoparticles tend to heat up when they are exposed to UV radiation and that produces oxidative stress, which causes aging and wrinkles. To solve this problem, manufacturers added a coating of silicone and aluminum to the titanium dioxide nanoparticles to protect them. However, this has caused some of those formulations to go sour quicker, meaning they stop working.
Nano titanium dioxide is also linked to problems during pregnancy. A recent study found that during the first trimester when pregnant mothers are exposed to nano titanium dioxide through aerosol, it can impact the growth of the baby by damaging the main artery and umbilical vein, while exposure later cut off blood flow to the fetus. Less is known about nano zinc oxide, but years ago it was linked to mitochondrial damage.
Mamavation Investigation on Sunscreens
Mamavation took a look at close to 230 of the most popular sunscreen products on the market today to assess the safety of the products for families. Always check the label of your sunscreen to avoid contaminants. We recommend that you do not rely on sunscreen alone, but also use the following tips from our advisors so you won’t need to use as much sunscreen in general and can minimize your sun exposure to UV rays and up your sun protection factor.
- Purchase a mineral-based non-toxic sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide.
- Seek shade between 10am and 2pm when the sun is the most dangerous and has the ability to do the most damage to your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
- Take more precautions to stay out of the sun like purchasing a sun umbrella or staying undercover of the sun in general.
- Wear a long-sleeved shirt or other clothing that protects your body from the sun such as hats and long pants.
Not Our Favorite Sunscreen Products
These are all chemical sunscreens. These brands contain oxybenzone, or other chemical sunscreen chemicals like octinoxate, homosalate, or octisalate. We are also putting products here that contain parabens or other hormone-disrupting chemicals like benzene that were discovered in brands in 2021.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Kid’s Clear Spray Fragrance-Free, SPF 50
- Alba Hawaiian
- Alba Botanica Maximum Sunscreen Fragrance-Free Spray, SPF 70
- Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen Fragrance-Free Spray, SPF 50
- Australian Gold Botanical Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Daily Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Avon Bug Guard Plus IR3535® Expedition SPF30
- Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
- Banana Boat Kids Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 100
- Banana Boat Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
- Bare Republic Clearscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Lotion for Face & Body, SPF 50
- Black Girl Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Blue Lizard Australian Kids Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Blue Lizard Australian Regular Sunscreen, SPF 50
- CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion with Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Coola Scalp & Hair Mist, SPF 30
- Coppertone Water Babies Foaming Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 70
- Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous AccuSpray, SPF 70
- Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50
- Coppertone Wet’n Clear Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50+
- Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
- Coral Isles Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Coral Isles Reef-Friendly Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
- CVS Health Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 & 70
- CVS Health Sun Lotion, SPF 60
- EltaMD UV Clean Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 46
- EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, SPF 40
- Equate Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70
- Hawaiin Tropic Island Sport High-Performance Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Hawaiin Tropic Island Silk Hydration Continious Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Hint Sunscreen Pineapple Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Hint Sunscreen Grapefruit Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Hint Sunscreen Pear Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Kiss My Face Cool Sport Air-Powered Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Kiss My Face Sensitive Side 3 in 1 Sunscreen, SPF 30
- La Roche Posay Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk, SPF 60
- La Roche-Posay Antheilios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion, SPF 50
- Mary Kay Sun Care Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Mary Kay Timewise Repair Volu-Firm Day Cream with SPF 30
- Melaleuca Sun Shade Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Mele No Shade Sunscreen Oil, SPF 30
- Nature’s Gate Aqua Vegan Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 60+
- Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunscreen, SPF 60+
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Stick & Spray Sunscreen, SPF 70+
- Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture, SPF 50
- NO-AD Sun Care Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
- NO-AD Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 45
- Ocean Potion Scent of Sunshine Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Panama Jack Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 85
- Raw Elements Face & Body Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids, SPF 30
- Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Broad Spectrum
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30
- Sunright® Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 50
- SuperGoop Everyday Sunscreen with Sunflower Extract, SPF 50
- Super Goop City Sunscreen Serum, SPF 30
- Super Goop Play Antioxidant Body Mist, SPF 30
- Super Goop Play Everyday Lotion, SPF 30
- Super Goop Unseen Sunscreen, SPF 40
- Trader Joes Spray Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Target Generic Brand up & up Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Stick & Spray, SPF 55 & 50
- Vanicream Sport Sunscreen, SPF 35
Better Sunscreen Products
These brands may contain octisalate, octocrylene, harsh preservatives, nanoparticles, formaldehyde releasers or undisclosed fragrances. That basically means they are better than the ones in the “bad” category, but still have some concerning ingredients.
- 365 by Whole Foods Market Sport Lotion Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Alba Botanica Baby Mineral Sunscreen Fragrance-Free, SPF 45
- Aldi Lacura Extra Sensitive Sun Lotion, SPF 50
- Aromatica Kakadu Youth Glow Vita Tone Up Sun Serum, SPF 50+
- Aromatica Soothing Aloe Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Australian Gold Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Blue Lizard Australian Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Burnout Face & Body Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Burnout Eco Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35
- Burnout Kids Sunscreen, SPF 30
- CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen for Face, SPF 50
- ClearChoice Sport Shield, SPF 45
- ClearChoice SunShield Plus Oil-Free, SPF 30
- Coola Full Spectrum 360 Mineral Sun Silk Creme, SPF 30
- Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen Fragrance-Free, SPF 50
- Coppertone Pure & Simple, SPF 50
- Cotz Healthier Sunscreen Sensitive, SPF 40
- DeVita Solar Protect, SPF 30
- EltaMD UV Elements Broad Spectrum, SPF 44
- Eucerin Kids Mineral Sun Lotion Sensitive Protect, SPF 30
- Green People Organic Children Scent Free Sun Lotion, SPF 30
- Honest Beauty Tinted Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Human Heart Nature SafeProtect Sunscreen, SPF 30 (Philippines)
- Human Heart Nature SafeProtect for Babies & Kids, SPF 30 (Philippines)
- Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Tinted Neutral, SPF 31
- Keys Solar Rx Moisturizer with Sunscreen, SPF 30+
- Melaleuca Sun Shade Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Cream Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Ocean Potion Face Zinc, SPF 50
- Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen Coconut Probiotic, SPF 30
- Pacifica Mineral Body Butter Pineapple Flower, SPF 50
- Pacifica Mineral Body Butter Blood Orange, SPF 50
- Paula’s Choice HYDRALIGHT Shine-Free Mineral Complex, SPF 30
- Project Sunscreen Baby Mineral Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion, SPF 50
- Shea Moisture Mineral Body Cream (35 SPF) Daily Sunscreen
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Face Sunscreen Lotion
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick
- Sun Bum Baby Bum Fragrance-Free Mineral Spray, SPF 50
- Suntegrity Natural Mineral Body Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
- Suntegrity Natural Moisturizing Face Sunscreen & Primer, SPF 50
- Super Goop Matte Screen, SPF 40
- Target Generic Brand Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection Sunscreen, SPF 50
- ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50* (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off )(Now full of “fragrance” and we put in “better” instead of “best.”)
- ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50* (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off )(Now full of “fragrance” and we put in “better” instead of “best.”)
- Trader Joe’s Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30
- TropicSport SPF 50 Sunscreen
- TruKid Sunny Days Daily Mineral-Based Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Vanicream Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Willing Beauty Get Set SPF 30 Tinted Primer
Best Sunscreen Products
These are all mineral sunscreens containing either nano-free titanium dioxide or nano-free zinc oxide. These brands do not contain UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, & octocrylene. They also do not contain harsh preservatives, nanoparticles, formaldehyde releasers, parabens or undisclosed fragrances. An asterisk * means this brand has sent me laboratory results to prove they do not have heavy metal contamination and are well within California Prop.65 recommendations. We linked up as many best brands as we could find on Amazon for your easy purchase! Let me know which is your favorite! Leave a comment if we have missed a brand you’d like us to look at.
- 100% Pure Everywhere Body, SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all products)
- 100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick, SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all products)
- 100% Pure Green Tea Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all products)
- 100% Pure Tomato Lycopene, SPF 20 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all products)
- 100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist, SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off all products)
- Adorable Baby Natural Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
- All Good Tinted Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30*
- All Good Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30*
- All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30*
- Attitude Baby & Kids Moisturizer Face Unscented, SPF 30
- Attitude 100% Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance-Free, SPF 30
- Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Babo Botanicals Fragrance-Free Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Badger Unscented Broad Spectrum 30 Clear Zinc Non-Whitening
- Badger Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream Unscented, 40 SPF (Protect Land + Sea certified)
- Badger Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Bare Republic Mineral Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Beauty by Earth Sunscreen Spray, SPF 25 (Save 10% by using discount code “BEAUTYBYEARTH” on all your purchases from this small biz)
- Beauty by Earth Mineral Body Sunscreen, SPF 25 (Save 10% by using discount code “BEAUTYBYEARTH” on all purchases from this small biz.)
- Beauty by Earth Facial Sunscreen, SPF 20 (Save 10% by using discount code “BEAUTYBYEARTH” on all purchases from this small biz.)
- Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist, SPF 30
- Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Biossance SQUALANE + ZINC SHEER MINERAL SUNSCREEN
- Burnout Ocean Tested Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Butterbean Organics Simple Healthy Sunscreen, 30 SPF
- Butterbean Organics Healthy Sunscreen Sport Stick, SPF 30
- Butterbean Organics Original Healthy Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
- C’est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- C’est Moi Sunshine Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 50
- California Baby No Fragrance Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- California Baby No Fragrance Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Caribbean Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Caribbean Sol Sport Sunscreen Mist, SPF 30
- Caribbean Sol Faces Only, SPF 20
- Chantecaille SeaScreen Sunscreen Mist, SPF 30
- Cocokind Facial Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 32
- Cotz Healthier Sunscreen Kids Pure Botanicals, SPF 45
- Crunchi Sunlight Daily Facial Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Derma-E Sun Defense Clear Zinc Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen for Face, SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off products)
- Derma E Sun Defense All Sport Performance Sunscreen Spray 50 SPF (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off products)
- Derma E Sun Ultra Sheer Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off products)
- Derma-E Sun Defense Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off products)
- Earth Mama Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not to Amazon)
- Earth Mama Tinted Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 25 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not to Amazon)
- Earth Mama Lady Face Mineral Sunscreen, Stick SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Earth Mama Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Earth Mama Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40 (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off regularly priced items except for travel kits, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Earthley Sun Shield Lotion, (Legally not sunscreen, but very safe ingredients, Use coupon code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off this product, links to small biz, not Amazon)
- Erbaviva Organic Sunscreen, SPF 30
- EverEden Premium Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Goddess Garden Organics Baby Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50*
- Goddess Garden Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50*
- Goddess Garden Organics Sport Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50*
- Goddess Garden Organics Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50*
- Goddess Garden Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50*
- Goddess Garden Organics Sport Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50*
- Green Beaver Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
- Hello Bello Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 (Save 20% on products by using “LEAHS-3M0” at checkout)
- Honest Company Sunscreen Spray, SPF 30
- Honest Company Sunscreen, SPF 50
- Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Just Skin Food Natural & Organic Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Kabana Organic Skincare Green Screen Sunscreen, SPF 35
- Kiss My Face Mineral Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Kiss My Face Organics Kids Defense Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Lemongrass Spa Tinted Sports Stick, SPF 30
- Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum, SPF 30+
- Mad Hippie Hydrating Facial Sunscreen, SPF 25+
- Mad Hippie Ultra Sheer Body, SPF 40+
- MANDA Organic Sun Paste, SPF 50
- MyChelle TINTED Sun Shield Stick, SPF 50
- MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense Body Lotion, SPF 50
- Native Unscented Mineral Face Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Norwex Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Nurture My Body Fragrance-Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 32
- Nurture My Body Fragrance-Free Sunscreen, SPF 32
- Odacite Sun Guardian Oceanic Glacial Water Day Cream SPF 30+
- Odacite Sheer Sunscreen Niacinamide + Green Tea Mineral Drop SPF 50+
- Odacite SPF 50+ Tinted Mineral Drops
- Original Sprout Face & Body Worry-Free Sunscreen, SPF 27
- Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
- Poofy Organics The Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Poofy Organics Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Pure Haven Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Pure Haven Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
- Pure Haven Lip Balm SPF 15
- Sanre Shaded Rose Facial Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Shade All-Natural Sunscreen Cream (UK)
- Stream2Sea Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Everyday Tint Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Everday Shimmer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Everyday Mineral Sunscreen for Kids SPF 45+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Sport Sunscreen SPF 30+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Sport Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea Sunscreen for Face & Body SPF 20+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sear Ecostick Sunscreen, SPF 35+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Stream2Sea EcoStick Sunscreen Tint, SPF 35+ (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 10% off products)
- Substance Natural Sun Care Creme, SPF 30 (Canada)
- Substance Unscented Natural Sun Care Creme, SPF 30 (Canada)
- Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Face Lotion
- Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 50
- Sunblocz Baby + Kids
- Suntegrity Sport Natural Mineral Tinted Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
- Super Goop Mineral Sheer Screen, SPF 30
- Super Goop Sunny Screen Lotion for Babies & Kiddos, SPF 50
- ThinkSport Kids Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50* (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off )
- ThinkSport Kids Safe Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50* (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off )
- ThinkSport Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50* (Use discount code “MAMAVATION” for 20% off )
- TropicSport SPF 30 Facestick
- True Natural Neutral Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin, SPF 50
- True Natural Sunscreen Sport Stick, SPF 50
- TruKid Sunny Days Daily Mineral-Based Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
- Vanicream Sunscreen Sport Broad Spectrum, SPF 35
- Waxhead Sun Defense Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
- Young Living Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Pin it!
Karina J
What about Japanese sunscreens, such as Biore Watery Essence 50 spf p++++?
Kelli
I’ve been using eltaMD tinted face sunscreen and u see it’s on the worst list, although I looked at the ingredients and I don’t see what the bad ingredient would be?
Gemma Evans
Vanicream Sport SPF 35 is in the Not Our Favorite list as well as the Best list. Can you advise which is correct?
Elizabeth
Great work, thank you1 What about Zatik brand?
Ashley
TiZO 3 Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Emily
I tried the Biossance Sunscreen for my face and ended up with almost an anaphylactic reaction. My face burned and got swollen, had to go to urgent care for steroids and more Benadryl.
Anonymous
You should also test for PFAS considering some sunscreens market as waterproof or water resistant!
Adri
I’m confused about Raw Elements being listed as a chemical sunscreen. I’ve seen it highly recommended in nontoxic groups. Can you elaborate on why it’s not highly recommended? Thanks!
Ana
Why is the Kabana Tinted product listed in the “Better” sunscreen — yet the tinted version is linked (Amazon link) under the “Best” section?
I love their regular version and have been thinking of trying out the tinted version to use as a foundation (of sorts) on the rare days that I want to wear makeup.
Thank you,
Ana
Mom of 4 with a new pool
Thanks so much for this giant list of options. I also really appreciate those of you that commented on the ones you like/use because it’s a little overwhelming on what to purchase!
Yes Or No Spinner
I’m looking forward to reading more about non-toxic sunscreens in 2023!
Jenny
Can you please give your impressions of the Sprouts Essentials Clear Spray Sunscreen line?
Octinoxate, oxybenzone & homosalate free
Thank you!
Debra Shapiro
Cosmedix Zinc Defense SPF 50 was recommended by an aesthetician. Active ingredient is zinc oxide but certainly lots of other chemicals listed.
Thank you so much!
Debra
Rula
I would like to inquire about the sunscreen I use on my toddler son. Is it clean and safe enough. It is:
live-clean kids 100% mineral sunscreen spray SPF30 hypoallergenic and paediatrician tested, reef-safe, UVA/UVB protection broad spectrum, 40min water resistant, 98% naturally derived, Eco-friendly system with no chemical propellants, no synthetic chemical sunscreen, non-nano, petrolatum free, non-whitening, silicone free, paraben free, phthalate free, phosphate free, dye free, pure vegan, never tested on animals, package recyclable, fragrance free.
Zinc oxide 16.5% Non-medicinal ingredients: aloe barbadensis leaf extract*, aqua (water/eau), caprylic/capric triglyceride, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract*, dilauryl citrate, ethylhexylglycerin, glycerin, gluconolactone, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil*, hydrogenated methyl abietate, hydroxyacetophenone , isopropyl palmitate, lauryl glucoside, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower/leaf/stem extract*, leuconostoc/radish root ferment filtrate, lonicera caprifolium (honeysuckle) flower extract, methylcellulose, octyldodecyl citrate crosspolymer, phenoxyethanol, polyglyceryl-4 laurate, populus tremuloides bark extract, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, sodium lauryl glucose carboxylate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, sorbitan laurate, tocopherol, xanthan gum. *certified organic
Susan
You did a great job!! Many thx. I love the Biossance squalane and the much cheaper Pipette sunscreen
Simone
Did you also test for effectiveness against UVA and UVB rays or only for ingredients?
Sally
Great report, as usual. Thanks Leah x
Leora
Hi, what about this one: https://juicebeauty.com/collections/skincare-shop-by-category-sun-protection-spf/products/spf-30-oil-free-moisturizer
Also, you listed the same Sport Sunscreen from Juice Beauty in both Better, and Best categories. Which is it?
Anonymous
The best is 50 SPF and better is 30 SPF!
Leah Segedie
That one is fine. Thanks for spotting that. We had a question out to Juice Beauty that they answered for us that put them into best.
Lynn
Can you tell me if the Michelle spray sunscreen is also good?
Michelle Terrill
Blue Lizard and Thinkbaby or Thinksport!!