It’s not a big secret that there’s no perfect sunscreen. However, some are far, far better than others.
But, thankfully, there are some healthier alternatives out there that contain the safest ingredients possible.
There are several permitted ingredients that provide sun protection, yet have been shown to have other toxic effects. The top 4 of these ingredients being: avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, & oxybenzone.
These ingredients are not only linked to negative physical effects, but they also have negative effects on the environment/oceans.
So using the safest, healthiest alternatives possible is important. With the research that has been completed, there’s a pretty uncontroversial conclusion that the least toxic, safest active sun protection is Non Nano Zinc Oxide.
Therefore, all of the SPFs listed below contain Non Nano Zinc Oxide for sun protection.
Another factor that makes sunscreen shopping tricky is your particular skin type. Those of us with oily skin know the disappointment of getting home with a newly bought SPF that look greasy & oily when applied. Apply it a few more times throughout the day and you are a shiny mess.
These SPFs also contribute to clogged pores & breakouts, which is never a positive.
But don’t worry if you have dry or sensitive skin because I’ve listed a couple of options for you as well. They contain ingredients that nourish the skin without harmful, toxic ingredients.
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Green Goo Natural Skin Care Salve (Dry/Mature Skin)
If you are someone with dry/mature skin, this is the perfect sunscreen for you. It contains rich ingredients like beeswax, sunflower oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, alongside it’s active ingredients of Calendula & (Non-Nano) Zinc Oxide. This sunscreen stick is pleasantly soft and smooth, making it easy to apply over makeup, if you need to quickly reapply. It’s also very easy to fit in your bag or travel with, which is always a plus.
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Love Sun Body Sunscreen-SPF 50 (Oily/Combination Skin)
This COSMOS Certified Natural sunscreen contains Lactobacillus Ferment, which keeps the skin clear and calm. It’s sheer formula provides ultimate sun protection, while keeping your skin hydrated. The Ecocert COSMOS Natural/Organic label is always something to look for when shopping for any cosmetics. They require high standards for not only the ingredient used in each product, but how they are formulated, manufactured, packaged, and labeled, ensuring you’re left with the purest, safest product possible.
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C’est Moi Gentle Sunscreen-SPF 30 (Sensitive Skin)
This sunscreen contains calming, nourishing ingredients like strawberry, apple, and kiwi extracts, to rejuvenate & protect the skin. It’s silky combination of organic aloe, shea butter, and beeswax provide hydrating without providing excess oil or clogging pores. C’est Moi’s Gentle Sunscreen is dermatologist tested, reef safe, & hypoallergenic, making it a great option for anyone looking to protect their skin & the environment.
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Erbaviva Organic Sunscreen-SPF 30 (Dry/Mature Skin)
This SPF contains chamomile fruit oil, olive fruit oil, jojoba oil to deeply nourish and moisturize the skin. It uses organic aloe vera to calm, sooth, and hydrate the skin, gently fading dark spots & neutralizing free radicals. This is a great cruelty-free, reef safe option for anyone looking for sun protection with a little added moisturization.
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Sea Kind Alive Sunscreen-SPF 30 (Oily/Combination Skin)
This is my favorite sunscreen for daily use. It contains algae, aloe, and jojoba oil to hydrate the skin without clogging pores or contributing to excess oil. I can apply it several times a day without looking oily or greasy, which is always a plus as someone with oil skin. This Alive sunscreen formula is lightweight, biodegradable, and non-toxic, so a top recommendation for anyone with oily skin!
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Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Sunscreen-SPF 40 (Sensitive Skin)
Earth Mama’s Uber-Sensitive sunscreen contains calming, organic ingredients like Red Raspberry oil, Calendula Flower extract, & Jojoba to sooth & protect the skin without causing irritation. It is artificial fragrance free and has even passed the National Eczema Association‘s most rigid standards.
