Best Natural Sunscreen for 2023 - Earth Friendly Tips

Feel free to share

Best Natural Sunscreen Options

If you’re looking to protect your skin from the sun without the harmful side effects of certain chemicals, learn more about the best natural sunscreen options that are great for the entire family to use.

Why Choose Natural Sunscreen?

I’m a redhead who lives in Florida, so obviously sunscreen is a pretty big deal to me. I simply cannot go outside without lathering up.

However, lately the news coming out about sunscreen is pretty scary. Some studies have shown that certain chemicals in sunscreen are harming and bleaching coral. Another recent study released by the Food and Drug Administration found that some chemicals in sunscreen soak all the way into your bloodstream.

So what are we supposed to do? We can’t NOT apply sunscreen because then we’ll increase our chances of painful and dangerous sunburns that can lead to skin cancer.

Fortunately, there is a solution: natural sunscreen. These mineral-based natural sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone, which is the chemical that’s bleaching coral and can affect allergies and hormones in humans.

When you’re looking for the best natural sunscreen to help protect everyone in your family, consider some of these top options.

Plus, don’t forget, if you forget to reapply your natural sunscreen and end up with red and irritated skin, you can use this DIY after-sun spray with essential oils for sunburn to get almost instantaneous relief.

1. Best for All Skin Types

In our family, we like to use Badger Clear Zinc Sunscreen because it’s a great option if you’re looking for natural sunscreen that works with all skin types. It uses organic and reef safe ingredients that offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

The non-whitening sunscreen blends in clear. It’s also fragrance free, so it works on sensitive skin.

Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re getting sunscreen from a family-owned and operated company that’s committed to fair trade and organic agriculture and cruelty free practices.

2. Best for Zero Waste

Are you trying to live a plastic-free or zero waste lifestyle? If you don’t have a local zero waste store where you can refill your sunscreen bottles, this All Good sunscreen butter or this All Good tinted sunscreen butter is your next best option.

These zinc sunscreen butters are coral reef safe and cruelty-free. They’re made with just 6 natural ingredients, including zinc oxide, vitamin E, organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, and organic calendula flowers infused in organic jojoba oil.

They offer SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and they’re water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Best of all, they come in plastic-free metal tins that you can either reuse or recycle when you finish the sunscreen.

Plus, they come from one of the best online zero waste shops, so you know you’re making a truly sustainable and plastic-free choice.

3. Best for Sensitive Skin

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is a reef safe natural sunscreen that doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate. Instead, it uses zinc oxide to provide protection from 97% of the sun’s UV rays.

Since it contains no fragrances or parabens, it’s also great for anyone who has sensitive skin. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, so you can continue to enjoy all of your favorite water sports while being protected from the sun.

4. Best for Your Face

If you’re looking for a natural sunscreen that’s ideal for your face, go with Neutrogena SheerZinc Face Sunscreen. It’s made using naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide to provide protection against UVA and UVB rays.

Additionally, it provides a non-greasy finish and doesn’t contain any fragrances, dyes, parabens, phthalates, or other irritating chemicals, so it’s gentle on the skin and won’t sting eyes. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

In fact, it’s so lightweight, it’s the sunscreen I wear on a daily basis under my makeup.

Related: The Best Zero Waste Makeup

5. Best for On the Go

A great option to choose if you’re always on the go and need something convenient is Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen.

You can get a lightweight sunscreen in a stick designed to easily apply to your ears, lips, nose, and face.

Since it comes in a stick, it’s simple to toss in your bag and take anywhere you need to go. It also applies clear and is sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

The company also makes sunscreens in sprays and your traditional bottle, so you’ll have no problems getting everything you need to protect your entire body.

6. Best for Babies

Since my son suffers from eczema, we needed to use a sunscreen that was specifically designed for sensitive and delicate skin when he was a baby. That’s why we chose Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen.

This natural sunscreen is a great option for little ones and anyone else with sensitive skin. Along with using 100% zinc oxide for broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen also contains oats, which are known to soothe skin.

Additionally, the non-greasy sunscreen features a tear-free formula that’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free. Plus, it’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

7. Best for Nourishing Skin

Another reef safe sunscreen that’s loaded with other skin-nourishing ingredients is Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen.

Along with containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, this sunscreen is also made with aloe, cocoa butter, shea butter, and natural grape seed and algae extract.

Beyond Coastal Natural Sunscreen gives you up to 80 minutes of water-resistant protection.

8. Best for Young Kids

Trying to put sunscreen on kids isn’t the easiest task in the world.

I once read a joke that said it was basically like trying to put sunscreen on an alligator. You had to sneakily approach from behind, gain control using a bear hug, apply the sunscreen as swiftly as possible, and then quickly retreat to a safe distance away.

My son is no different. He hates when I make him stop playing to apply sunscreen. But I found that making the task a little more fun makes it easier for everyone.

That’s why Bare Republic Neon Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a great option. This chemical-free sunscreen goes on in bright colors that kids love, like blue, green, red, and purple. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. So when you see the color start to fade, you know it’s time to reapply.

I found it’s best to apply a layer of regular natural sunscreen and then use the Bare Republic Neon Sunscreen on top to add a fun splash of color.

9. Best for Sustainability

Caribbean Sol is a family-owned and operated business based in Orlando, Florida, so you know they understand a thing or two about sun protection.

The company makes Caribbean Sol Sol Guard Sunscreen, which is a reef safe sunscreen that’s naturally biodegradable. Along with zinc oxide to help protect against UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen also contains aloe vera, cucumber extract, and coffee bean extract to help nourish skin.

Plus, the company now packages its sunscreen in a fully sustainable tube, so you know what you’re putting on your skin is better for your body and the environment.

10. Best for Athletes

If you’re looking for the best natural sunscreen to keep up with all of your activities in the sun, try out Thinksport Natural Sunscreen. The mineral-based formula provides UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection without an oily feel.

It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can enjoy your activities without worrying about your skin.

Plus, since 2010, the sunscreen has had a 1 rating in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database, which is the best rating a product can receive.

11. Best for Swimming

All Good Sport Sunscreen is another great natural sunscreen that can keep up with your active lifestyle. The reef safe biodegradable sunscreen offers a lightweight feel that’s not greasy.

In addition to providing UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection, it’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Plus, it contains organic green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil to help repair damaged skin.

Choosing the Best Natural Sunscreen

As you get ready to head outside and enjoy some fun in the sun and on the water, make sure you choose one of these best natural sunscreen options to protect your skin, your health, and our beautiful coral reefs.

More Eco-Friendly Living Tips

Now that you’ve decided on the best natural sunscreen for your outdoor fun, are you ready to discover even more outstanding eco-friendly tips? Then be sure to check out a few of our other popular posts: