Best Non Toxic Sunscreen

For as long as I can remember, it was always “slather on the sunscreen” before I could go outside. Having fair skin that burns easily is not fun!

It is especially hard trying to find the best non toxic sunscreen on the market – between performance and ingredients that you can pronounce.

Let’s take a look at the difference between sunscreens and some ingredients you want to steer away from.

Toxic Ingredients

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral or chemical.

First up is mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens form a physical barrier for the skin against the sun by using ingredients such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to protect against UVA and UVB rays.

Next you have chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. Oxybenzone is one that is especially talked about since it is considered an endocrine disruptor. A study done by the CDC found that 96% of the population has oxybenzone in their bodies. To me, this is an alarming statistic and one that should not be taken lightly since endocrine disruptors mean that there can be a reduction in sperm count for men and reproductive issues with women.

Something else that you might have seen is certain sunscreens being labeled “reef safe”.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate have been cited to cause damage to coral reefs due to a study showing that they can cause bleaching, deformities, and kill off coral reef. If you want to do better for not only yourself, but the environment, it might be wise to avoid something that has shown to be dangerous to the ecosystem.

Mineral sunscreen might be the best way to go if you have sensitive skin or are looking for something specifically for children.

It is found that when looking at mineral sunscreens, you want to look for ones that have non-nano zinc oxide in them so that it does not enter the body and pose harm to the individual.

Best for Adults

In my older years, I have ventured away from sunscreen and have strictly moved to covering up with long sleeve yet lightweight clothing with a hat or I have purchased clothing specifically for sun protection.

However, I do know some people who have personally used the following and have liked them.

• Raw Elements Sunscreen
• Poofy Organics
• Suntegrity Sunscreen
• All Good Sport Sunscreen
• Thinksport
• JASON Mineral Sunscreen
• Bull Frog Sunscreen
• Sunology Natural Sunscreen
• Earthley Sun Shield

There is also a list that was put out by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) that goes through safer sunscreen options and maintains a bigger list. You can find that here.

For Makeup Lovers

Something that I have been asked before to is about a sunscreen that can be used in place of makeup or even in conjunction with makeup. Here are a few that I have found on my searches:

• Crunchi Sunlight Facial SPF
• Earth Mama Lady Face Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick
• Suntegrity Tinted 5 in 1 Mineral Sunscreen

I have personally used the Crunchi Sunlight Facial SPF and I find that it glides on very nicely underneath my makeup. You can find that product here.

Although I’m sure that Earth Mama’s Lady Face Tinted sunscreen is an equally comparable choice as they make high quality products in my experience.

Something for the Kiddos

There are two sunscreens that I have personally used with my children and have felt they worked well by keeping my babies from burning and had a pleasant smell to them.

They are on the thicker side and take some TLC to fully apply them.

• Thinkbaby SPF Sunscreen
• Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Here are some other brands that I have not personally used, but feel that they contain safe ingredients:

• All Terrain KidSport SPF30 Oxybenzone-Free
• Two Peas Organics
• Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
• California Baby Hypoallergenic Sunscreen
• The Honest Company Sunscreen
• Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen

Another valid option in lieu of putting sunscreen on your baby, infant, or child, is to put hats and sun protective clothing on them.

You can also help keep them in a shaded area which will in turn keep them cooler and happy!

Spray or Cream/Lotion?

Application of sunscreen can be a personal preference.

Some may like the convenience of spraying it on while others may want to apply it in physically with their hands and rub in.

With that being said, please look on the back of the bottle if you are using a spray form. Most spray forms have a warning label regarding use on children because they can be dangerous if inhaled.

For this reason, I choose to use the spreadable form of sunscreen as an extra precaution.

Choices, choices!

There are many different options when it comes to sunscreen.

If you opt to use sunscreen, mineral sunscreen is probably the safer option, however, covering up or staying in the shade is also a good choice if you do not want to put anything on your body.

What sunscreen do you use? Or do you choose to use clothing to help protect your skin? Let me know in the comments below!