24 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens That You’ll Actually Love

If you’re trying to switch to cleaner beauty and skincare, sunscreen is one of the most important products to start with. You’re literally slathering it all over your face and body, sometimes every day, and yet so many conventional formulas are loaded with hormone-disrupting ingredients, synthetic fragrances, and chemicals that aren’t even allowed in some countries. I’ve been on the hunt for actually non-toxic sunscreens that feel good on the skin, don’t leave a white cast, and won’t clog pores or ruin makeup. After trying a bunch, I put together this list of the best non-toxic sunscreens.

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Why I Care So Much

I didn’t just wake up one day and decide to go non-toxic because it was trendy. I did it out of necessity. After being diagnosed with cancer, I committed to healing holistically, which meant rethinking everything I put in and on my body.

Sunscreen is something we use daily, often without thinking twice about the ingredients. But when your health is on the line, those “little things” matter. That’s why I take the time to research, test, and share cleaner, safer alternatives.

What Even Is Non-Toxic Sunscreen?

“Non-toxic” isn’t a regulated term, but here’s what I personally mean when I use it:

• Uses mineral-based filters (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
• Avoids chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate
• Free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, and other hormone disruptors
• Often scores 1–2 on the EWG Skin Deep scale

It’s about choosing sunscreen that protects you without compromising your health or the environment.

Why Use Non-Toxic & Mineral-Based Sunscreen

Sunscreen is non-negotiable. But what’s in your sunscreen can matter just as much as wearing it in the first place. The reality is that many conventional formulas are made with chemical filters that not only irritate your skin but also get absorbed into your bloodstream and can mess with your hormones. And when you’re slathering it on your face, chest, and arms every day? It adds up.

Here’s why it’s worth making the switch to non-toxic & mineral-based sunscreen:

• Safer for your hormones: Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been linked to endocrine disruption (aka they mess up with your hormones).
• Better for sensitive skin: Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation, breakouts, or stinging.
• Reef-safe & eco-friendly: Chemical filters are known to damage coral reefs and marine ecosystems.
• No weird ingredients: Most non-toxic formulas are also free from synthetic fragrance and parabens (which are known endocrine disruptors).
• Instant protection: Mineral sunscreens start working immediately, while chemical ones take 15–30 minutes to activate.
• Peace of mind: Non-toxic formulas using mineral filters (like zinc oxide) work just as well at blocking UV rays, without being absorbed into your bloodstream.

How to Choose a Non-Toxic Sunscreen

It’s easy to get overwhelmed. So, here’s what to look for:

• Mineral filters: Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide; they sit on top of your skin and block UV rays physically, rather than being absorbed.
• Ingredients to avoid in sunscreen:
  • Oxybenzone: linked to hormone disruption and contributes to coral reef bleaching.
  • Octinoxate: It is both hormone-disrupting and environmentally damaging.
  • Avobenzone: It breaks down quickly in sunlight, which can make your sunscreen unstable.
  • Homosalate: It is a potential endocrine disruptor.
  • Octocrylene: It is a possible carcinogen when it degrades over time, and it’s toxic to coral reefs.
  • Synthetic fragrance: Linked to allergies, skin irritation, hormone disruption, and more.
  • Retinyl palmitate: It can make your skin more sensitive to sun damage. May increase the risk of skin tumors when exposed to UV light.
• Choose based on use:
  • Lightweight for everyday wear or under makeup
  • Tinted for no-white-cast coverage
  • Water-resistant for swimming
  • Sensitive-skin friendly if you react easily

24 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens by Category

After testing a lot of clean sunscreen options, I’ve narrowed it down to the best of the best. These picks are all non-toxic, mineral-based, and free from the sketchy ingredients we just talked about.

Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens for Face (Everyday Wear)

These are your ride-or-die daily sunscreens, the ones you’ll actually want to wear every morning. Lightweight, non-greasy, and perfect under makeup or on bare skin, these formulas protect without feeling heavy or clogging pores. Most of them also double as moisturizers or primers.

Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreens

If you want that “no makeup makeup” glow without layering on foundation, tinted mineral sunscreens are a game-changer. They help even out your skin tone, blur imperfections, and, best of all, no white cast. Perfect for hot days, lazy days, or any day you want your skin to look effortlessly good.

Best Mineral Body Sunscreen

Body sunscreen can be annoying to apply. You want something that rubs in easily, doesn’t leave you sticky or an annoying white-cast. These non-toxic mineral formulas give you broad-spectrum protection without the mess.

Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens for Acne-Prone or Oily Skin

If you have oily or breakout-prone skin, you know the struggle: so many sunscreens leave you shiny, greasy, or break you out. These sunscreen picks are made with acne-safe ingredients and matte-ish finishes, so you can protect your skin without looking extra shiny or triggering breakouts.

Best Sunscreens for Dry or Sensitive Skin

If your skin gets dry, flaky, or irritated easily, you’ll want something that soothes as much as it protects. These non-toxic options are packed with gentle, hydrating ingredients.

Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens for Kids & Babies

These mineral sunscreens are made with simple, safe ingredients that are dermatologist-approved, tear-free, and easy to apply. They’re also a great option for adults with super sensitive skin or anyone looking for extra-gentle protection.

Best Water-Resistant & Reef-Safe Sunscreens

Headed to the beach, pool, or just planning to sweat a little? These non-toxic sunscreens are water-resistant and reef-safe, so they’ll stay on through swim sessions or hikes without harming your hormones or the ocean.