8 Natural Sunscreens to Try This Summer
It’s 2015, and by this point we’re all well aware of the dangers prolonged sun exposure can do to our skin (age spots, wrinkles, cancer…need we say more?). Slathering on a sunscreen will help, but what many of us don’t know is how hazardous the chemicals found in everyday sunscreens can be to our health and the environment. We’ve rounded up some of the best all natural sunscreens out there that use organic and natural ingredients to create a safe, healthy sunscreen that still provides great protection.
Rated the top product for Safety and Efficacy by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), this organic, all natural sunscreen was created by Badger, a small, family-run company devoted to developing organic and healthy products. Containing only five ingredients, Non-nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide, Organic Sunflower, Organic Beeswax, Sunflower Vitamin E and Organic Seabuckthorn, this sunscreen has no added essential oil fragrance, simply giving off a light scent of the all natural beeswax it contains. Biodegradable and environmentally friendly, it’s safe on kids and water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes. (Badger SPF30 Unscented Sunscreen Cream, $15.99, badgerbalm.com)
Surf’s up with this Marine and Reef Friendly all natural sunscreen from Caribbean Solutions. The company prides itself on using 100 percent chemical free ingredients that are safe for the ocean’s ecosystem, so swim guilt-free while still protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Blending organic skin conditioning ingredients with natural sunscreens, this SPF 25 contains Organic Aloe Leaf and Kukui Oil to keep skin hydrated during a long day in the sun. (Caribbean Solutions SolGuard SPF25, $16.99, CVS.com)
This all natural SPF 30+ sunscreen from Loving Naturals goes on and stays clear no matter what the day brings you. Highly rated by the EWG for Safety, this product is cruelty and gluten free, and even safe enough to use on babies! Non-nano Zinc Oxide provides great broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and other ingredients include Organic Honey, Organic Sunflower Oil and Organic Beeswax. (Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF30+ Sunscreen, $24.99, Amazon.com )
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This fast-acting sunscreen conditions, hydrates and rejuvenates skin all in one! The ingredients are 100 percent certified chemical free by the Natural Products Association and Broad Spectrum tested for high UVA and UVB protection. The water resistant formula is gluten free, vegan, reef safe and biodegradable and is perfect for everyday use! Depending on your skin, a range of SPFs are available for more or less coverage. (MelanSol 100% Natural Sunscreen SPF20, $29.99, Amazon.com)
Using Organic Eco-Shield Performance Technology, this verified non GMO product provides excellent UV protection. It can be used on sensitive skin and has long-lasting water resistant components that last for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for those who can’t resist a dip in the pool or ocean. The combination of all natural and organic ingredients creates a moisturizing, biodegradable and reef safe product that will never run or sting your eyes. Available in lotion and sport stick form, this is a great sunscreen for those who like to keep active. (Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen SPF30+, $16.51, Amazon.com )
Containing both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, this 100 percent natural formula is also fortified with green tea and carrot for antioxidant protection, making it great to work as an anti-aging product. It’s hypoallergenic, non-irritating and extremely gentle on any skin type. With a formula light enough to be work under makeup, make sure you apply at least 15 minutes before going into the sun. (OZ Naturals Anti-Aging Solar Shield SPF30, $17.49, Amazon.com)
MORE: What You Need to Know About Acne-Prone Skin and Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals develops and manufactures all of the products on their own farm, from which they have created this EWD #1 Rated Safety sunscreen. It’s hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten free and fragrance free for those with sensitive skin. It’s power-packed formula ensures a non-greasy feel that won’t run into your eyes when you start to sweat and contains powerful antioxidants like greet tea and rose hip. Other ingredients include shea butter, sunflower and jojoba to help soothe skin after a long day in the sun. (Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF30+, $15.99, Amazon.com)
