Whether you are out and about during the summer or jet setting across the warmer parts of the globe, wearing good sunscreen is a must. It’s not just about avoiding sunburn, but about protecting our skin against both UVA rays, which cause long-term cell damage, and UVB rays, which cause burning. The skin is your body’s largest organ, which is why it’s so important to choose a sunscreen that contains only natural, non-harmful ingredients. These are nine of our favorites, in no particular order.
Raw Elements SPF30+
Developed by a former Ocean Rescue Lifeguard, Raw Elements received the highest Environmental Working Group (EWG) sunscreen rating possible (1). Made from all-natural organic ingredients, it also contains zinc oxide that protects your skin from harsh sun and is extremely water resistant. Packed with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts, it continues protecting our skin long after environmental exposure. It’s also reef safe and biodegradable, making it an ideal choice for surfers.
$18.99, rawelementsusa.com
Coola Plant UV SPF30
Developed with the naturally protective plant cells of the Buddleja davidii stems and the lilac leaf, which have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, this formula is preservative-free and made with 70% organic inactive ingredients. It nourishes your skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays, and plant stem cells boost SPF protection. It’s also water resistant and infused with organic emollients like shea butter and coconut oil to moisturize and soften skin. Coola sunscreens are also sold in convenient travel packs, so you don’t have to lug the whole tube around everywhere.
$42, coolasuncare.com
Soléo Organics SPF30+
An all-natural, organically produced sunscreen, Soléo has been innovatively formulated according to Naturopathic principles. It does not contain any chemical UV-absorbers, synthetic preservatives, titanium dioxide, benzoates, petrochemicals, artificial fragrances or nano ingredients. It uses something called micronized zinc technology to provide comprehensive sun protection without leaving your skin white from application, and is water resistant for up to three hours.
$24.97, soleoorganics.com & luckyvitamin.com
ecō BODY SPF30+
Utilizing potent antioxidants such as green tea and grape seed and key anti-aging ingredients like shea butter, jojoba and silicon dioxide), ecō BODY delivers extensive moisturizing and nourishing properties to maintain the hydration of the skin. It’s free from fragrance and chemical UV absorbers, is non-comedigenic (which means it doesn’t clog pores), hypoallergenic and also provides collagen support to help reduce fine lines and repair sun damage.
$16.99, ecologicalskin.com & futurenatural.com
Lavera Organic SPF20
The sunscreens from Lavera Naturkosmetik are all organic and 100% mineral-based. One of the best natural sunscreens from Europe, it contains a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide high UVA protection. It’s rated to block 95% of all UVB rays, and UVA-rated to protect you against those most damaging rays. The chemical-free, non-toxic formula is waterproof and reef safe and contains organic calendula and organic shea butter to moisturize the skin.
On sale – $15 for a pack of 2, lavera.com
Badger Balm SPF 34
Badger has many sunscreen formulas that all provide safe, effective coverage for the whole family. This one is their original formula, lightly scented with pure, steam-distilled lavender essential oil. It provides natural, broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection using zinc oxide and is ultra-moisturizing thanks to Certified Organic ingredients like extra virgin olive oil, beeswax, jojoba and cocoa butter. It’s also biodegradable and water resistant for at least 40 minutes. The BPA- and phthalate-free packaging is made from at least 50% post-consumer recycled #2 plastic.
$15.99, badgerbalm.com
Erbaviva Childrens Sunscreen SPF15
This all-natural sunscreen formula from Erbaviva provided high-quality protection from the sun without containing any synthetic ingredients. You can feel good about applying it liberally as it’s a safe choice that works just as well for adults as it does for children. It does not contain any synthetic fragrance, but gets its discreet scent from organic lavender and chamomile essential oils.
$22, erbaviva.com
Soleil Organique 100% Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF45
Spray-on sunscreens are not ideal, since they release a lot of particles in the air (which is not healthy to breathe in), but for those who prefer to use it, this is a good option . It’s water resistant, hypoallergenic, vegan and gluten-free, provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays and contains green tea leaf extract, which can help guard against UV-induced immunosuppression and cancer-causing skin damage. Soleil Organique’s special EcoSunComplex formula contains Red Algae, Vitamins C & E and bisabolol and acts as a natural SPF booster, reduces UV-induced DNA damage, prevents loss of firmness, increases skin smoothness, and decreases wrinkle depth.
$42, soleilorganique.com
Desert Essence Mineral Sunscreen
This organic mineral-based sunscreen protects your face and body from UVA and UVB exposure and is Certified under the NSF “Contains Organic Ingredients” Standard. It uses Vitamin E, organic Pomegranate, and organic aloe vera extracts to nourish the skin and provide it with much-needed nutrients and moisture.
$15.99, desertessence.com
Check out our Sunscreen Safety Guide for more tips on how to stay safe in the sun.
Yenne
May 2, 2013
Thank you for information and sharing.