Are you controlling your skin aging story with the best clean sunscreens? Here are the brands you don’t want to miss out on.
With the warmer weather upon us and the daylight hours tempting us out into the sunshine, you must take your SPF seriously. Unfortunately, it can be hard to find a water resistant sunscreen that meets my standards for clean skincare, so I’ve compiled a list of the best clean sunscreens on the market right now.
Let’s start with the secrets behind sunscreen labels and what you need to look for before buying.
Your Non-Toxic, Clean Sunscreen Checklist
Sun protection is an essential step in your anti-aging skincare routine. Not only does it prevent fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, full-body sunscreen protects against cancer-causing UVA and UVB rays. Here is what you should look for when you shop for clean sunscreens.
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. Ultraviolet A rays penetrate deeper into the skin and play a more prominent role in photoaging. Ultraviolet B rays, on the other hand, are responsible for sunburn and cancer formation. Needless to say, you want a sunscreen that shields you from both UVA and UVB rays to protect your skin tone and health.
SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
According to the FDA, a sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) “is a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin.”
Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Lower SPF sunscreens might reduce your sunburn risk for short periods of sun exposure, but it’s best to play it safe with SPF 30, which protects you from 97% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Higher SPF sunscreen, such as SPF 50 or 100, offers marginally more protection. While it’s never a bad idea to err on the side of caution, SPF 30 is excellent for everyday use.
Zinc oxide and titanium-dioxide
There are two main types of sunscreen — chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens.
Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the layers of the skin and absorb the sun’s harmful rays. However, the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens can cause hormonal problems, allergies, skin irritation, and more.
On the other hand, mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin, acting as a physical barrier to the sunlight.
If you’re looking for clean sunscreen, you’ll want to avoid soaking up chemicals while you soak up the sun. Instead, stick to mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient.
Protect land and sea certification
Not only are chemicals in some brands of sunscreen terrible for humans, but recent research has also shown that many chemicals in sunscreen harm marine ecosystems.
Haereticus Environmental Laboratory has created a certification program for products that pass their strict standards for environmental protection. For example, look for a Protect Land and Sea Certification seal on any sunscreen, especially if you plan to go swimming.
5 Best Clean Sunscreens of 2023
Fortunately, there are some incredible natural ingredient sunscreens on the market right now. Consumer demand for clean beauty products means that skincare brands have stepped up to the plate and formulated natural sunscreens that nourish your skin while protecting it from the sun’s harmful rays.
1. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
With its water and sweat-resistant formula, this hypo-allergenic, vegan, and gluten-free sunscreen is designed to shield even the most sensitive skin from the sun and wind for up to 80 minutes. In addition, its non-greasy texture absorbs quickly, leaving a clear, matte finish that won’t leave any white residue behind (even on oily skin and dry skin).
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is enriched with organic calendula, chamomile, and meadowsweet flower extracts, which work together to soothe and hydrate the skin. And with antioxidants like green tea and rose hip, you can rest assured that your skin is protected against sunburn and damage.
2. MARA Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum SPF 30
The MARA Sea Kale Sunscreen Serum SPF 30 is a bit of an anomaly in the sunscreen world—it’s a serum, not a cream. Allison McNamara’s algae-infused skincare line results from two years of research and development, and it’s unlike anything I’ve used before.
This sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide and the brand’s signature Algae + Zinc formula for comprehensive broad-spectrum protection. The lightweight formula hydrates and plumps skin and leaves a dewy finish. Moringa, hemp seed, and blue sea kale provide a skin-supporting mix of therapeutic proteins to repair your skin, making it the perfect daily sunscreen and day serum for your face.
3. Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF 31
Get ready to elevate your sun protection game with Le Prunier Plumscreen – the first SPF 30+ to harness the all-natural power of the plum! Infused with Le Prunier’s beloved Plum Beauty Oil, this non-nano zinc oxide formula is coral reef safe and shields even the most oily skin from the sun without leaving any pesky white residue.
But this sunscreen isn’t just any ordinary SPF—it contains a unique combination of broad spectrum SPF 31 sun protection and the nourishing benefits of antioxidant-rich superfood plum. This powerhouse formula is designed to safeguard your skin’s collagen and elastin from UV damage while reducing the harmful effects of free radicals.
4. Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Sunscreen
Give your skin the nourishment it deserves with Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Sunscreen. This vegan, silicone-free, reef-safe, and dermatologist-tested daily clean mineral sunscreen with SPF moisturizer is packed with everything you need to keep your skin healthy and protected.
With its water-resistant formula that lasts up to 40 minutes, Solara’s Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Sunscreen is like a multivitamin for your skin. Its proprietary PlantDFNS™ blend helps nourish, protect, and infuse your skin with botanicals clinically proven to heal at the cellular level during those crucial hours after sun exposure.
5. Raw Elements Face + Body Lotion SPF 30
Indulge in a luxurious sun protection experience with Raw Elements Face + Body Lotion SPF 30. The formula is gentle on your skin and won’t sting or run into your eyes. It’s suitable for all skin types and provides water resistance for at least 80 minutes of excessive sweating or water exposure.
Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, the most effective and safest sunblock with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, this eco-friendly formula from Raw Elements is remarkably water-resistant and shields your skin from harmful environmental factors. Plus, it has a light cocoa butter scent that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Final Thoughts
Don’t forget—look for sunscreens that include:
- Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection
- SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
- Zinc oxide or titanium-dioxide
- Protect land and sea certification
Whichever sunscreen you choose, make sure to apply a liberal amount to your face and neck each day after moisturizing. Looking for more info about Clean Beauty? Check out our comprehensive Clean Beauty 101 guide here.
