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The Best 12 Non Toxic Face Sunscreens for Natural Sun Protection
We could think of our faces as the most important facet of a first impression... They hold our emotional expressions, our smiles, and the deepness in our eyes that can convey so much meaning. Our faces are precious assets to our being - and they deserve to be treated like it! If you're like us and consider the sun a vital nutrient to your well-being, you'll wanna find the best non-toxic face sunscreen that fits you so you can safely enjoy every ray. And that's exactly what we'll help you within this article.
Like many, I didn’t always prioritize sunscreen, and let’s be honest, most of the conventional sunscreens are just plain gross. It’s no secret that they are packed with harmful ingredients that have been linked to disease, hormone disruption, and skin irritation, and they're not doing Mother Earth any favors. More on this later...
You may have already made the switch to non-toxic skincare products like moisturizer, facial cleansers or clean foundations- we LOVE that! So let's get into the what, why, and how of getting your face sunscreen on board with your blossoming nontoxic lifestyle.
Why Switch to Non Toxic Mineral Face Sunscreens?
Daily use of face sunscreen protects your skin year-round from harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer. Beyond that, it’s a crucial part of any anti-aging routine, helping to prevent fine lines, sunspots, and premature aging. In fact, sun exposure is the #1 cause of aging, responsible for 90% of visible skin changes over time.
As sunscreen is a part of our daily routine for most of the year, what’s inside really matters. Unfortunately, many chemical sunscreens are packed with ingredients that do more harm than good. Here’s why switching to a non-toxic option is a game-changer for your skin and the planet:
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Be Kind to Your Skin: Natural sunscreens are all about using gentle, natural ingredients that keep your skin calm and happy—no more worrying about harsh chemicals causing skin irritation.
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Stop It With the Gross Stuff: Conventional sunscreens often contain chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone, which are linked to hormone disruption.
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Protect What You Love—Including the Ocean: Did you know that about 14,000 tons of sunscreen wash into coral reefs every year, contributing to reef bleaching? Many of the conventional brands have even been bannedfrom being sold or used in Hawaii.
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Your Go-To for Everyday Defense: Making the switch to mineral-based sunscreens changes everything. Active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide offer broad-spectrum protection by reflecting UV & UVB rays, giving you safer and longer-lasting coverage. They work by sitting on top of the skin, reflecting UV rays without being absorbed.
The Best Clean and Non Toxic Face Sunscreen Brands
Annmarie | Shop here*
Activist | Shop here*
ILIA | Shop here*
ThinkSport | Shop here*
ATTITUDE | Shop here*
All Good | Shop here*
Beauty By Earth | Shop here*
Thrive | Shop here*
Earth Mama | Shop here*
Solara Suncare | Shop here*
Pipette | Shop here*
Babo Botanicals | Shop here*
How Do We Choose the Best Nontoxic Face Sunscreens?
Our selection process for the best non-toxic face sunscreens begins with thorough research of ingredient lists, brand vetting, and analyzing customer reviews. We look closely at key factors like whether the sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide, and if it’s reef-safe, ensuring it doesn’t harm marine ecosystems.
What You’ll Never Find in the Sunscreens on This List:
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Harmful Ingredients: We avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and other chemicals linked to health concerns such as hormone disruption and skin irritation. None of the sunscreens on our list contain these ingredients.
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Aerosol Sprays: Unfortunately, non toxic spray sunscreens don't really exist. You'll notice that none of the sunscreens on this list are aerosol sprays, as they have been linked to potential contamination with benzene, a known carcinogen. We focus on creams, lotion sunscreen, and sticks that offer safer, more reliable application methods.
Once we’ve compiled our favorite sunscreens, we put these to the test ourselves—and on our kids—to see how they hold up across different ages and lifestyles. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a hike, or just daily wear, we make sure each sunscreen delivers on protection, comfort, and ease of use.
What Are the Best Non Toxic Face Sunscreens?
Annmarie Sun Love - Everyday Sheer Sunscreen* (Our Top Pick)
Best Overall
Pricing: $50.00
Certifications: Made Safe, Leaping Bunny
SPF: 20
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Certified Organic Buriti Fruit Oil, Certified Organic Pumpkin Seed Oil
Why We Like It:
Annmarie Sun Love is our top pick because using it checks all the major boxes AND it just makes us feel extra special when we use it. Whether we’re out in the sun running errands or lounging on the beach, it leaves our skin feeling nourished and pampered. The wildcrafted herbs and organic oils are a luxurious touch, and the fact that it’s Dr Hyman’s go-to gives us another level of confidence in the product. Plus, Annmarie stands behind their product with a money-back guarantee and offers a free 90-minute group skin care consultation, making sure you get the most out of your sun care routine. This is the sunscreen we trust and love every single day.
Image @ AnnMarie
ThinkSport Face Sunscreen*
Best For Active Lifestyles
Pricing: $12.39
Certifications: EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny
SPF: 50
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Nontoxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil
Why We Like It:
ThinkSport Face Sunscreen is our top pick for active days. It lasts through sweat and sun no problem. Just a small amount goes a long way. The same bottle has lasted us through months of workouts, hikes, and beach volleyball games. It’s thick but rubs in easily, so you can see where it’s applied, and it stays put, even when you’re sweating. We appreciate that ThinkSport is committed to safety and sustainability, with EWG Verified ingredients and recyclable packaging. This is the sunscreen we trust to keep up with the active parts of our lifestyle.
Image @ ThinkSport
Activist Tinted Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Stick*
Best Zero Waste
Pricing: $22
Certifications: In progress: Leaping Bunny & Carbon Neutral
Mineral SPF: 30
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Toxin Free Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Propolis, Plankton Extract, Organic Fair Trade Vanilla
Why We Like It:
This small business goes above and beyond, using certified organic ingredients and compostable packaging, even though they don’t yet have all the certifications. The stick comes in four shades, perfect for concealing blemishes and dark spots, while offering solid sun protection. We’ve noticed it doesn’t work as well on days when we have extra oily skin, but the clean, organic ingredients and ethical production by a small LA-based team keep it in our rotation. It’s a zero-waste option that aligns with our values.
Image @ Activist
ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick*
Best For Sensitive Skin
Pricing: $14.99
Certifications: EWG Verified, Hive Five, PETA
SPF: 30
Reef Safe: No
Key Nontoxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Grape Seed Oil, Oat Kernel Oil
Why We Like It:
We tested this one for 5 days straight while on vacation on Kauai and not once did we experience redness, irritation, or breakouts. Just calm, protected skin. The stick glides on smoothly without leaving a white residue, and its lightweight formula makes it easy to forget we were even wearing sunscreen. We also appreciate the biodegradable, plastic-free packaging. ATTITUDE has partnered with Eden Reforestation Projects and One Tree Planted, making a real difference in reforestation efforts around the world. Using this sunscreen feels good in more ways than one.
Image @ ATTITUDE
All Good Daily Face Moisturizer Sunscreen*
Best For Anti-Aging
Pricing: $23.19
Certifications: B Corp, Leaping Bunny, Climate Neutral
SPF: 50
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Botanical Squalane, Organic Calendula, Cucumber Extract
Why We Like It:
After searching high and low for a mineral sunscreen that wouldn’t trigger our daughter's eczema, All Good Daily Face Moisturizer Sunscreen finally delivered. Not a single flare-up. The SPF 50 offers strong protection, and the organic ingredients feel gentle on our skin. The scent isn’t our favorite, but the benefits far outweigh it. A little goes a long way, and the slight tint helps blend any white cast by the time we’re done with our makeup. Knowing that it’s a women-owned brand supporting 1% For the Planet makes us feel even better about using it.
Image @ All Good
Beauty By Earth Facial Sunscreen*
Best Naturally Scented
Pricing: $19.99
Certifications: USDA Certified Organic, Leaping Bunny, Plastic Neutral
SPF: 20
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Aloe Vera, Jojoba Seed Oil
Why We Like It:
Beauty By Earth’s Facial Sunscreen turns a simple clean skincare routine into a little moment of luxury. The all-natural vanilla scent is just the right touch of sweetness, and we find ourselves reaching for it when we could use that extra lift. The USDA Organic certification is impressive, especially for a small brand. They clearly care about doing things right. We found that it absorbs quickly, leaving no sticky residue, and blends perfectly under our makeup. And honestly, the customer service was so kind and responsive, they earned some brownie points there.
Image @ Beauty By Earth
Thrive Face Sunscreen*
Most Sustainable
Pricing: $29.95
Certifications: Plastic Neutral, PETA, EWG Score: 1
SPF: 30
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Wakame Brown Seaweed, Arabica Coffee Oil
Why We Like It:
This sunscreen goes on like a thin lotion, blends beautifully, and absorbs quickly—everything we hope for in a face sunscreen. But the biggest draw for us is that choosing Thrive is a powerful opportunity to vote with our dollars towards systems that advocate for healing the earth and leaving it better than when we arrived. This is evident through their regenerative farming practices in Costa Rica. The unique ingredients like Wakame Brown Seaweed and Arabica Coffee Oil not only shield us from UV damage but also actively improve our skin’s health over time. It’s a product that embodies the deep connection between us, the earth, and the communities that make it all possible.
Image @ Thrive
Earth Mama Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick*
Best For Babies
Pricing: $11.99
Certifications: Oregon Tilth Organic Certified, Leaping Bunny, NSF, Plastic Neutral
SPF: 40
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Aloe Vera, Organic Calendula
Why We Like It:
A little smile comes to my face when I think of the times I've tried applying other sunscreens to my baby's face. Not an easy task when they're wriggle worms like my little nugget! The Earth Mama sunscreen stick changed this little game from a hassle to a quick and easy process. The brand itself is one of our favorites mostly because its values are so authentic and aligned with ours. "Do No Harm," "Nature is Our Pharmacy," and "Honor the Body's Ingenuity" ring so true!
Image @ Earth Mama
Solara Suncare - Go! Mineral Face Sunscreen*
Best Unscented
Pricing: $16.99
Certifications: EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny
SPF: 50
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Acerola Cherry, Shea Butter
Why We Like It:
Solara is the only brand on this list that can say that every product in their line is EWG verified. This is a huge deal and speaks volumes about their values and integrity when it comes to the quality of their ingredients and being supporters of a nontoxic lifestyle. Their featured ingredient, acerola cherry is unique and offers added antioxidant benefits that are super for the skin. This one is also a great option for beach days because it's water-resistant and really works. Recyclable packaging and a partnership with 1% for the planet are the icing on the cake.
Image @ Solara Suncare
Pipette Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick*
Best For Kids
Pricing: $11
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
SPF: 50
Reef Safe: No
Key Non-Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Squalane, Olive Fruit Oil, Bisabolol
Why We Like It:
Any chance I get, I offer my daughter opportunities to empower herself. And at the ripe ol' age of 2 and a half, we introduced the Pipette Baby sunscreen stick for her to apply her own sunscreen. It was a huge hit! At her age, it's a team effort but just being a part of that team is what lights her up. And this was the perfect stepping stone sunscreen for the job. We love that it includes squalane which is a plant based ingredient that mimics the vernix - a baby's first built-in moisturizer!
Image @ Pipette
ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint*
Best Tinted Sunscreen
Pricing: $48
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
SPF: 40
Reef Safe: No
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Squalane, Bisabolol, Aloe Vera
Why We Like It:
ILIA's sunscreen is the perfect hybrid between makeup and skincare. Their products are SO nourishing to the skin - it's like a foundation, moisturizer, day at the spa and sunscreen all in one. They offer a shade match quiz to help find your perfect shade out of the 30 they offer. It's really good! Honestly, I was surprised, but my quiz result was the perfect match. They also offer a personalized recommendation when you send in a selfie! ILIA has won tons of awards for its skincare and is recognized in the space for its commitment to quality. Our favorite part is their program for recycling makeup packaging whether it's their brand or another's.
Image @ ILIA
Babo Botanicals Face & Body Sheer Zinc Sunscreen*
Best Water Resistant
Pricing: $16.62
Certifications: EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, PETA, B Corp,
SPF: 30
Reef Safe: Yes
Key Non Toxic Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Meadowsweet Flower Extract, Bisabolol, Chamomile
Why We Like It:
This is another sunscreen we found that works really well under our foundation, but more often than not, we skip the makeup because it leaves our skin feeling so refreshed and naturally radiant. This is also the one exception for keeping face and body sunscreen separate. This one we use everywhere! And we want to note, that while they don’t label it as non-nano, the zinc oxide they use meets the non-nano standard by European regulations which are much more strict than those in the U.S.
Image @ Babo Botanicals
These were our favorite mineral face sunscreens. But remember, your sun care routine isn’t complete without a natural body sunscreen for all-over protection!
Is Special "Face" Sunscreen Really Necessary?
Absolutely, and here’s why. The skin on your face is different from the skin on the rest of your body—it’s more delicate, more prone to irritation, and often more exposed to the elements.
Body sunscreens, while great for covering large areas, tend to be thicker and oilier. This makes sense for arms, legs, and back where the skin can handle it, but when it comes to your face, that extra oil can be a recipe for breakouts and irritation.
If you’ve ever tried using a body sunscreen on your face and ended up with clogged pores or a shiny, greasy feel, you know exactly what we mean.
We’ve been there, trying to make a one-size-fits-all product work, only to realize that our face deserves a bit more attention. That’s why we’re strong advocates for using a sunscreen that’s made specifically for your face.
What You Should Know About Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens, made with natural ingredients like zinc oxide titanium dioxide, create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays.
The best part? They work immediately—no waiting required.
The main difference between a mineral and chemical sunscreen is that chemical sunscreens absorb UV light and convert them into heat, meaning you must apply them 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Beyond the inconvenience, chemical sunscreens raise serious health and environmental concerns. When it comes to your health and the planet, mineral sunscreen is the way to go.
Ingredients to Avoid
Certain ingredients should be on your “avoid list” due to their potential health and environmental risks. Navigating clean beauty can be tricky, but knowing these big ones is a simple way to make more educated decisions about your sunscreen.
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Oxybenzone: Linked to hormone disruption, environmental damage, and increased risk of Hirschsprung’s Disease in pregnant women.
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Octinoxate: Causes hormone disruption and harms coral reefs.
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Parabens: Preservatives that mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function.
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Synthetic Fragrances: Contain undisclosed chemicals that cause skin irritation and hormone disruption.
How to Avoid Benzene
Benzene, a carcinogen, can contaminate sunscreens, especially aerosol sprays. It won't be listed on ingredient labels, so watch out for these ingredients associated with benzene contamination:
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Isobutane, Propane, Butane: Common aerosol propellants.
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Petroleum Derivatives: Ingredients like mineral oil and petrolatum, if not properly refined, can be contaminated with benzene.
Zinc Oxide vs Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
Non-nano zinc oxide is our go-to for a good reason. The larger particles sit right on the skin, providing a barrier without being absorbed—perfect for sensitive skin and safe for kids. It’s reef-safe, meaning it doesn’t harm marine life.
Sometimes we've found that these sunscreens can be a bit thicker, but the ones on this list were selected with that in mind and leave very minimal if any white cast.
Certifications: How To Look For Clean Beauty Products
When choosing a toxin-free sunscreen, it’s helpful to look for certifications that ensure the product meets high safety and environmental standards. Here are a few key certifications to keep an eye out for:
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EWG Verified means the product has met strict criteria for health and safety, with no concerning ingredients.
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USDA Organic indicates that the sunscreen is made with at least 95% organic ingredients, free from synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
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Leaping Bunny ensures the product is cruelty-free, meaning it wasn’t tested on animals.
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Made Safe verifies the product is free from harmful chemicals, ensuring it's safe for both humans and the environment.
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B Corp is awarded to companies that meet high social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency standards.
To make it even easier, consider using ingredient checker apps like Think Dirty and EWG’s Healthy Living. These apps let you scan products and instantly see their safety ratings, ingredient concerns, and certifications.
Key Takeaways:
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Conventional sunscreens often contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, which can disrupt hormones and irritate skin, posing serious health risks.
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Toxin free sunscreens, featuring non-nano zinc oxide, provide safe, immediate protection without being absorbed into the skin—ideal for sensitive skin and environmentally conscious consumers.
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Certifications like EWG Verified and USDA Organic guarantee that these sunscreens meet strict safety and sustainability standards.
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Ready to switch? Choosing non-toxic face sunscreens not only protects your health but also supports a healthier planet.
FAQs
Which is the safest sunscreen to use?
The safest sunscreens are those that contain non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient. These mineral-based sunscreens sit on the skin's surface, providing effective protection without being absorbed into the body. Look for products that are EWG Verified and USDA Organic certified for added assurance.
Why use non-toxic sunscreen?
Non-toxic sunscreens protect your skin without exposing you to harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are linked to hormone disruption and other health issues. They are also kinder to the environment, especially when they’re reef-safe and made with eco-friendly packaging.
What is the safest and most protective sunscreen?
The safest and most protective sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UV protection. Sunscreens on this list from ThinkSport and All Good offer high SPF levels and additional skin-nourishing benefits, making them top choices for comprehensive protection.
What is a natural sunscreen for the face?
A natural sunscreen for the face typically includes ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, aloe vera, and botanical oils. Options like ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint and Beauty By Earth Facial Sunscreen provide natural, effective sun protection while nourishing your skin.
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Lauren Eaton
