We all know that we’re supposed to slather on the sunscreen and cover up as much as possible when we head out into the sun. But the real problem is that most of those sunscreens that we’ve been told will protect us are more harmful than helpful. In fact, in a test run by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), only about 5 percent of over 1,400 sunscreens tested actually met the agencies safety standards. Not only that, but over 40 percent of those sunscreens test were actually found to contribute to skin cancer.
If you’ve been working on going chemical free (or you’re just as astonished by those statistics as we are), then looking for the best organic sunscreen is a good next step. And fortunately, the ones that made it onto this list have been tried, tested, and approved to be amongst the best organic sunscreen options on the market today.
1. Badger All Natural
Badger is an all-natural brand that relies on zinc oxide to deflect the sun’s rays and protect your skin from harm. That also makes it a mineral sunblock rather than a chemical sunscreen, which is notoriously safer. With an SPF of 30 and only 8 ingredients – all of which are easily recognizable – this sunscreen is also earth-friendly and biodegradable.
As an added bonus, its eight ingredients, including extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, coco butter, Shea butter, rosemary extract and sea buckthorn berry extract, are also certified organic.
Unlike many other mineral sunblocks, Badger can actually withstand water for at least 40 minutes. And it’s relatively cost-friendly.
You can buy the Badger All Natural Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30 for about $13.
2. Tropical Sands
Another mineral sunblock, Tropical Sands is especially good for fair-skinned individuals who are prone to burns. The most protective formula has an SPF of 50 and goes on visible and thick.
A combination of zinc oxide and titanium oxide give the sunblock its protective power. And Shea butter, green tea extract, coconut oil, eucalyptus oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba oil, vitamin E, xantham gum, gluconolactone, glycerin, and lecithin help protect and soothe your skin. A little goes a long way. And it lasts a long time.
You can buy the Tropical Sands All Natural Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 for about $20.
3. Beauty By Earth
Safe for sports enthusiasts, beachgoers, adults, kids, and even babies, Beauty By Earth is also physical sunscreen that is effective immediately. Its non-greasy formula is easy to use and safe for even the most sensitive skin.
The active ingredient in this formula is zinc oxide. It also contains functional ingredients like aloe vera juice, coconut oil, vegetable glycerin, sunflower oil, jojoba seed oil, vitamin C, Epsom salt, and cucumber fruit extract. Environmentally friendly, Beauty By Earth is not only protecting it’s also moisturizing.
You can buy the Beauty By Earth Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 25 for about $11. This is one of the less expensive of the best organic sunscreen options.
4. Kiss My Face
A combination formula, Kiss My Face contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for maximum mineral protection. Plus, the formula is water-safe for up to 80 minutes. This makes it perfect for a day at the beach or at your favorite sporting event. The other ingredients in this sunblock are certified organic and include beeswax, sesame oil, and sunflower oil.
This formula also contains powerful antioxidants, like goji berry and pomegranate extracts, to give you an extra layer of protection from the aging side effects of the sun’s rays.
You can buy the Kiss My Face Body & Face Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 for about $10. The price does vary depending on the variety you choose – body, face, kids, etc.
5. Suntegrity Skincare
With origins as a facial sunscreen, Suntegrity is especially sensitive to skin that is prone to inflammatory conditions, like rosacea and acne. Its ingredient list includes zinc oxide, aloe vera juice, coconut oil, jojoba seed oil, Epsom salt, sunflower seed oil, cucumber fruit extract, red algae, green tea extract, and pomegranate oil. Well rated by the EWG, Suntegrity is a reliable sunscreen for everyone. It’s also available in flesh tone varieties formulated especially for the face.
A bit pricier compared to other brands; however, it does serve multiple purposes as a moisturizer, sunblock, and anti-aging as well as anti-inflammatory cream.
You can buy the Suntegrity Skincare Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body, SPF 30 for $24.
6. Goddess Garden Organics
An excellent organic sunscreen option, Goddess Garden is water resistant for up to 40 minutes; it maintains its protection through sweating and swimming. The formula appears opaque out of the tube, but glides on smoothly and doesn’t leave any chalky residue like some other mineral sunblock. Infused with lavender essential oil, Goddess Garden smells heavenly and is top rated by the EWG. You can’t beat the quality you get with this option.
You can buy the Goddess Garden Organics Everyday Natural Sunscreen, SPF 30 for $13.
7. Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen
Gentle enough to use on babies, Raw Elements is also strong enough to be a favored pic by surfers and swimmers alike. Not only that, but this natural sunblock could also be awarded as the most “ecofriendly sunscreen” if such an award was given. The sunblock itself is gentle and safe, but even the packaging is recycled.
It is a bit of a thick formula, though. It’s best to warm it in your hands before applying to get a more even distribution on your body. It’s a bit pricier than other best organic sunscreen options, but it’s well worth it.
You can buy the Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen, SPF 30 for about $15.
8. COOLA Sunscreen Spray
Made of 70 percent certified organic ingredients, COOLA is one of the few organic sprays that doesn’t leave a white residue after spraying it on. And with ingredients like cucumber, algae, and strawberry extracts, this sunscreen will not only protect your skin but also leave it feeling refreshed. COOLA is designed for use on the body as well as the most sensitive skin of the face. Consequently, there’s no need to purchase separate products for a day of fun in the sun.
The COOLA sunscreen is a bit expensive, but with one of the highest ratings you can get from the EWG for a spray-on sunscreen, it can’t be beat.
You can buy the COOLA Organic Suncare Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 for about $36.
Summing Up
Finding an effective and safe sunscreen is no easy task. But, fortunately, there are more options than ever available today. This list of the best organic sunscreen options contains the most highly tested sunblocks out there. With any of these options, you can lather up yourself or your family and know that you really are getting the sun protection you need with none of the added junk you don’t.