By: Paxton Ruzicka
Published: May 10, 2023
This post contains affiliate links meaning I may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase using these links. That being said, I only recommend products I love and trust.
While sun exposure is actually beneficial to our well-being, the UVs pose some very serious risk to our health. Staying protected is super important. But what if we are protecting ourselves with something that is also putting us at risk? YES, I am talking about conventional chemical sunscreens. Don’t worry, here is my list of the best chemical free sunscreen.
According to EWG, one in four sunscreen brands provide adequate protection. So, the other 75% don’t? That’s pretty scary!
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral sunscreens or conventional (chemical-based) sunscreens. The difference between the two comes down to their active ingredients and how they react to the sun.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen, (sometimes referred to as physical sunscreen), has an ingredient known as zinc oxide, that creates a physical barrier on top of the skin. Zinc oxide sits on the skin’s surface protecting you from those harmful UVB rays.
Chemical Sunscreen
According to MD Anderson Cancer Center, conventional sunscreen works when the chemicals absorb the sun’s rays through a chemical reaction. But remember those chemicals are also being absorbed by the skin.
Without going into too much details the chemical ingredients from these sunscreens have been found in our blood stream, breast milk, and some are a known hormone disruptor.
In recent years, and with the help of modern technology, sunscreen has been camouflaged with toxic and harmful ingredients and with little to no regulation. While the Food and Drug Administration has deemed many sunscreen ingredients as unsafe, they are still in our sunscreen products.
If you want to read in more detail about the Environmental Working Group or the difference between conventional and natural sunscreen, you can do that here.
The Best Natural Sunscreen for Kids and the Whole Family
In the meantime, I have developed a list of chemical free sunscreen brands to help you and your family stay safe from direct sunlight with none of those nasty chemicals.
Before we start please note, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30, broad spectrum protection to avoid UV radiation and reduce the risk of skin cancer.
The Best Chemical Free Sunscreen Brands
Badger
Starting the list off strong, Badger is leading the industry in organic mineral-based sunscreen. Probably the most well-known and readily available brand on my list. Being 98% organic, Badger prides themselves on the source of their ingredients. They keep it simple, Badger’s sunscreen is made with only 4 ingredients.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Thicker, excellent coverage, plastic free option, reef friendly, made with solar power
Price: $11.99 to $17.99
Earth Mama Organics
I can’t say enough about Earth Mama Organics. Besides their amazing support for new mother’s, babies and everything in between, Earth Mama Organics makes awesome sunscreen. Operating with total transparency, Earth Mama’s sunscreen contains no PFAS, chemicals, or artificial fragrance. Making it perfect for sensitive skin.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: All-natural, reef friendly, water resistant, plastic neutral promise, clinically tested for irritation
Price: $15.99
Attitude
Attitude is revolutionizing beauty by creating clean, natural products. With the safest, most natural ingredients, this brand offers hair care, body care, and face care products, as well.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Vegan, reef friendly, plastic free option, hypoallergenic, easy application
Price: $14.95-$27.95
Raw Elements
Discount Code: EARTHTOPAXTON
Raw Elements is my personal favorite chemical free sunscreen. This United States based brand was developed by an ocean lifeguard and specifically designed to protect marine life and coral reefs.
The smell is unbelievable, and the ingredients are even better. Striving toward zero-waste, Raw Elements sunscreen is packed using recyclable, compostable, and bio-based materials.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Leaping Bunny Certified, non-GMO, no fragrances, preservatives or chemicals, EWG Verified, plastic free option
Price: $16.49-$20.99
Discount Code: EARTHTOPAXTON
Stream2Sea
Stream2Sea knows how toxic sunscreen can be to our oceans. These products were built for people who care about what they put on their bodies and how they affect our fragile aquatic ecosystems.
They offer their broad-spectrum chemical free sunscreen in a stick form, as well as lotion and lip balm. This is some of the best sunscreen in terms of protecting our planet.
EWG Rating: 2-3
Highlights: safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae, antioxidants blend of ingredients, sustainable packaging
Price: $5.95-$28.95
Beauty by Earth
Beauty by Earth was founded by two friends who were fed up with the lack of natural beauty products on the market. They strive to use the most effective and cleanest ingredients out there. I personally love their self-tanner for when you want a little extra color without the sun exposure.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: USDA Organic Certified, Gluten Free, Vegan, 100% recyclable packaging, USA made
Price: $20.89-$23.74
Discount Code: BEAUTYBYEARTH
Butterbean
Butterbean is owned and operated by a Mother herself. We all know mama's do their best to protect their children, and she is no different. She created this brand with the highest quality ingredients safe for people, especially children, and the planet.
This is the only spray sunscreen on this list. Spray sunscreens or aerosol sunscreens are typically not something I recommend. But this spray bottle is made from recyclable aluminum and not a typical aerosol can.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Water resistant for 80 minutes, broad spectrum, non-whitening formula, eco-friendly refill packs
Price: $14.99-$18.99
Waxhead
Crafted in small batches in the USA, Waxhead offers an array of sunscreen safety products, including protective clothing, skincare, and gear.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Free from most allergens, reef friendly, USDA organic, one stick covers 100 applications
Price: $24.99-$33.99
Annmarie
This company is backed by my favorite functional medicine doctor and author, Dr. Mark Hyman. MadeSafe
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Reef friendly, paraben free, MadeSafe® certified, non-GMO, Certified Cruelty Free
Price: $50
All Good
- All Good Tinted Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Price: $22.00
- All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
- Price: $24.00
This women-owned brand is a B-Corporation and Climate Neutral certified. All Good is creating products good for people while inspiring individuals live in balance with nature.
EWG Rating: 1-3
Highlights: Applies thick, reef friendly, very water resistant, women owned, climate neutral certified
Price: $10-$17
Think Sport
With a biotechnology background, Kevin Brodwick, created Thinksport. With his disappointment in government regulations, or lack thereof, Kevin built this company based on three criteria: safe, functional, and sustainable.
EWG Rating: 2
Highlights: BPA free packaging, lightly scented, reef safe, biodegradable, paraben free
Price: $11.99-$22.95
Discount: SUNSAFE20 for 20% off
- Thinksport SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen
- Merchant:GOTHINK
- Price: $15.49
Be Natural Organics
Be Natural Organics contains only the best, cold-pressed, medical-grade ingredients. Every product is packed with potent botanical active components.
EWG Rating: 1
Highlights: Certified Organic, sulfate and paraben free, vegan, USA made, moisturizer, tinted version available
Price: $24
Solara Sunscreen
These zinc oxide sunscreens are loaded with hydrating natural ingredients. No chemical formulas here. They are EWG verified.
EWG Rating: Verified
Highlights: created with botanicals and adaptogens, absorbs quickly, different options to meet your every need
Price: $32
Sunscreen and protective clothing are some of the best ways to defend yourself from the potential risk of the sun. Sunscreen manufacturers don't always have your best interest at heart. That is why choosing a brand that is dedicated to protecting you and your family is so important!
Let me know in the comment your favorite chemical free sunscreen!
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