I’ve been getting a lot of questions about sunscreens especially now that it’s summer. Here are some the best chemical-free sunscreens that I could find based on the ingredients for my concerned label readers along with a few that I’ve tried and loved. There are so many toxic ingredients in most sunscreens, so finding a more natural alternative is important. Please also know that our skin absorbs natural vitamin D from the sun. Finding a healthy balance of wearing sunscreen protection for long periods of outdoor activities while also getting very small doses of natural vitamin D from direct sunlight is wonderful.
In terms of sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide is our number one choice for sun protection. Zinc oxide will not break down in the sun, and provides strong sun protection with little health concerns. From my experience with zinc oxide sunscreens, I’ve noticed that it also has some water resistant properties, yet you should still reapply more sunscreen after water activities or extreme sweating. With each of the sunscreens listed below I looked for the cleanest ingredients in the complete formulation. I’ve also included each sunscreen’s ingredients to help with the decision process. You can see the chemical ingredients that I avoid in cosmetics here as I am very particular. Let’s get to it!
1. All Terrain TerraSport Sunscreen SPF 30
New Formulation…
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Un-coated Zinc Oxide Zinc Oxide: 19%.
Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel, Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus) Extract, Caprylic/capric triglycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract, d-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Seed Extract, Jojoba Oil, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sea Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera) Extract, Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil.
Old formulation contains dimethicone.
2. Star Naturals Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 25
Active Ingredients: uncoated Zinc Oxide 24.5%.
Protective Nourishing Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (Organic), Beeswax (Organic), Lanolin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil.
3. Taylor’s Pure & Natural SUN! Natural Waterproof Sunscreen SPF 30
Extra Virgin olive oil, non-nano 25% zinc oxide, sesame seed oil**, candelilla wax, , coconut & macadamia nut oil**, vitamin e T-50, sun safe essential oil blend
4. Raw Elements ECO STICK 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.75% Natural
Ingredients:Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Candelilla Wax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E ***All Ingredients Marked Organic Are USDA Certified Organic
5. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide – 18.75 % (Sunscreen)
Inactive Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Oil (Sunflower – Certified organic), Cera Alba (Beeswax – Certified organic), Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E), Hippophae Rhamnoides CO2 Extract (Seabuckthorn – Certified organic)
6. Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (19%……Sunscreen)
Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis* (Aloe Vera Gel), Water (Purified), Capric / Caprylic Triglycerides (Derived from Coconut), Glycerin (Vegetable), Hyaluronic Acid (Vegan Source), Glyceryl Stearate SE (Derived from Vegetable Oil), Lecithin Phospholipid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (Gluten Sensitive Safe), Allantoin, Vitis Vinifera* (Grape) Seed Extract., Ingredient Labeling Adheres to International INCI Standards., *Certified Organic, No GMO’s, No Nanotechnology
From these sunscreens listed above, I’ve tried and love All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 for the body and Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ as a facial moisturizer. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen is very thick so it became a base for one of my DIY Foundation/Concealer recipes which gives full protection and provides full coverage. Well I hope this answers your sunscreen questions while also providing some amazing natural sunscreen options for you.
Now that you have sun protection, have fun and get out there!
(Image by D Sharon Pruitt)
Cecilia Teh says
I love Devita for it’s texture but the formula always stings my eyes.
May I know how you blend Badgers with your foundation? I’ve oily skin, and no matter how I blend, Badger just do not work.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Cecilia,
Thanks for your comment! I share my exact DIY Foundation recipe here and more about the formulation process here. Hope you are having a beautiful day!
Michelle says
I switched to Badger and also found it a little heavy. I mix it with a toner to help it spread more evenly on my face.
Thanks for the other recommendations. I will look into the body sunscreens next…don’t have a “clean” one yet.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Michelle,
I found the Badger sunscreen to be very thick too which is why I instead began using it for a full coverage foundation base mixed with mineral pigments. The ingredients are incredible though which is why I still like it and would use it for long hikes/camping or other extreme outdoor activities. Enjoy your day!
keisha says
thank you for the updated sunscreens! what have you used in the past that have helped to get rid of acne marks and how long did it take to start seeing results?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Keisha,
I just finished this article which will answer your question. Have a beautiful weekend!
mangomadness says
Does All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 leave a white cast on your skin?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi mangomadness,
The All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 does have a very slight white cast which rubs into the skin pretty well. I mainly use it for hiking and other extended outdoor activities. I don’t use this sunscreen on my face though.
Many natural sunscreens can have a slight white cast. Some just blend in better than others. A simple tip for using sunscreens on your face is to dust a tinted face powder or even cocoa powder on your skin to tone down the cast if you do have some. <3
Norma says
Hi Dawn,
Hope you are doing well. I bought the Devita but it tends to leave whitish trace, apparently they said on the website they have change the formula so that’s why. I bought then The all terrain which is lovely in terms of application and I love how smooth it leaves my skin but when I read the ingredients on the tube, it is written dimethicone as one of them, it is not on the top list but it is still before important ingredients like grapeseed extract… So I just wanted to warn other people who’d like to buy it about that, I am not a big fan of silicone so I will finish this tube and won’t order again. Otherwise too much waste of money for me. Have a lovely day.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Norma,
Thanks for the insight on the old ingredients in the All Terrain sunscreen but they have changed their formulation as well and most likely still have the older formulation circulating still. I definitely will make a note of this in the article so others see it just in case they don’t see the comments. I’m not down with silicones either. Have a great weekend!
S says
Hi,
Can you please tell me where can I buy the devita daily solar protective moisturizer.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi S,
I’ve linked (the sunscreen name in pink) where you can buy this sunscreen online in this article, but I have also seen it in natural grocery stores such as Whole Foods. Just call to see if your natural grocery store near you carries it. Have a great day!
S says
Hi Dawn,
I was about to purchase devita solar protective moisturizer with SPF 30+ From Amazon. But I have read so many reviews in amazon that says they recently changed their formula as it is lumpy and grainy.
However in your article you have raved about this product. Are you still using it currently. If so from where you bought it?
The pink link that you mentioned in your prior post doesn’t seem to be working. Can you suggest some other sunscreen which is good for dry acne prone screen. It should be light and non-greesy.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi S,
I haven’t used the Devita Solar Protective Sunscreen for awhile now. I did hear about the formula change and I have used it since then. I noticed that it was a bit thicker yet I didn’t find it grainy. Lately I have been using the Badger’s sunscreen. It is a much thicker formula than Devita so I mix it with a bit of my facial oil for easier application. I also only wear sunscreen if I am doing outdoor activities for 30 minutes or more. I prefer zinc oxide based sunscreens which is why I’ve listed these ones in this article. If you are still interested in the Devita Solar Protective Sunscreen you can find it online here. I have also seen it sold at Whole Foods. I hope this helps some. Best wishes!
Kinga says
Hi Dawn- Could I just add zinc oxide to my daily EO moisturizer? I have been using Rosehip oil to clean my face for a year and I also made my own anti-aging moisturizer based on information I learned from your website last year. I truly appreciate your input and detailed information!! The only thing my daily routine lacks is the sun protection. I really like the simple “products” I made and would prefer to add something to block the sun. Any recommendations?
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Kinga,
Adding zinc oxide to your daily moisturizer would add sun protection yet you will have to do your research to find out the exact amounts and the amount of sun protection provided. DIY beauty is extremely cost effective and rewarding! Best wishes!
Frances says
Hi Dawn!
I’m on the hunt for a good sunscreen, taking into consideration your notes on linoleic acids + avoiding toxins and ingredients that aren’t great for acne-prone skin. Badger seems to be the best so far..but do you find the beeswax in it to clog your pores? or prevent your skin from breathing? That’s the only major ingredient that’s my concern. What do you think about the seabuckthorn and sunflower oil in the formula too??
Thank you!!
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Frances,
I use the Badger’s brand. They have various formulas to choose from as well. <3
Frances says
Dawn,
Yes! I’ve looked through their other formulas and ahh it seems sunflower oil is in all of them. I emailed them and they said they use high oleic sunflower oil. I will try my luck and test it out. Thank you !
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Frances,
I don’t wear sunscreen daily yet high linoleic oils are important for daily use on acne prone skin in my opinion. Surprisingly I didn’t have any adverse reactions to their sunscreen but you won’t know for yourself how you feel about it without trying it. Have a great weekend!
suse queze says
hi there
I used to wear Zinc or titanium based sunscreens but by the end of the day my skin was so dry it was becoming irritated. My dermatologist suggested these mineral based sunscreens were way too drying and the chemical ones were more gentle- I have since fallen in love with the La Roche Posay range- I use the spray on (super light one) which I spray into my hand and apply to my face. It is non-greasy – and light as a feather. I wear it over an oil or moisturiser.
My dermatologist suggested that dry skin people should avoid mineral make up too- again as they draw the moisture out of your skin. and this includes clay ingredients.
all good- there are still many wonderful products to use, including oils and honey.
Dawn Michelle says
Hi Suse,
Thanks for sharing this. Powdered mineral makeup usually is better for combination or oily skin types so this would make sense. Although makeup in general is pigmented with iron oxides, mica and sometimes titanium oxide. It could be the formulation of the sunscreen product you were using or just like you said it’s just too drying. Regardless it is always so wonderful when you find exactly what works for you. Then you can stop searching for the next best thing.