Author
Katherine Englishman & Leah Balagopal
Photographer
Kat Englishman
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When the heat intensifies and the sun's UV rays become stronger than ever, it's crucial to prioritize your sun care habits. Although sunscreen should be built into daily skincare routines by now, I get it if you're a little late to the game. Ideally, choosing a non-toxic sunscreen that steers clear of harmful chemicals and minimizes its impact on our oceans is the way to go. These are called "clean sunscreens", and in this guide I'll dive into all you need to know about them—including the 10 best to buy and use all year long.
If you care about the well-being of your skin and our oceans, then this list of the best clean sunscreens is for you. Read on for a quick rundown of the important points to know when shopping, and for our top picks. I'm here to help you make informed decisions about safeguarding your skin and the environment.
The Importance of Sunscreen
For all skin types and tones, protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet rays is important. There are more significant risks associated with unprotected sun exposure, beyond looking like a cooked lobster. In addition to being mindful of reef preservation, it's crucial that your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
These two types of ultraviolet radiation can adversely affect your skin and overall health. UVA rays, with their longer wavelength, penetrate deep into the skin, even on cloudy days, causing long-term damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. UVB rays are shorter and more intense, leading to sunburns, immediate skin damage, and the development of the most severe forms of skin cancer. Look for the term broad spectrum spf on sunscreen labels, as it signifies protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Understanding Clean Sunscreen
Clean and reef-safe sunscreens are formulated with ingredients that are environmentally friendly and safe for aquatic ecosystems. The staggering estimate of 25 to 60 million bottles of sunscreen washing into the ocean each year highlights the significance of using clean sunscreen. The chemicals in conventional sunscreens can harm delicate coral reef ecosystems and profoundly impact marine life. Clean sunscreen offers protection from UV rays without inflicting harm on our precious ecosystems.
Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen
When choosing between mineral and chemical sunscreens, weighing their pros and cons is important. Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, utilize fine particles of mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to form a protective barrier on the skin. Like a shield they effectively reflect UV rays and are suitable for sensitive skin while also being safer for our bodies and the environment. However, mineral sunscreens can leave a white residue, commonly referred to as a white cast, which may be more noticeable, especially on darker skin tones. That said, a new crop of skincare brands have begun to emerge that specifically offer multiple shades of tinted mineral sun screen for darker skin tones, like Utu out of California and Ozü from Brazil (we learned about the latter while visiting Rio this past spring).
On the other hand, chemical sunscreens tend to be lightweight, easy to apply, and leave no visible residue, like many sunscreen sprays we see nowadays. However, they often contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can be harmful to your skin and also to bodies of water. Hawaii passed a law in 2002 that banned sunscreens containing these active chemicals, promoting the use of full mineral sunscreens.
Fortunately, there are sunscreens available that, while not 100% natural, exclude oxybenzone and octinoxate, which allows them to fall under the reef-safe classification and makes them better for both the environment and your skin. Read on for a full rundown of our top 10 picks for mineral sunscreen and mineral-free clean chemical combos with SPF information.
Field Mag's Top Picks:
- Best Overall & Best Face Sunscreen: Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30
- Most Eco-friendly: Utu Broad Spectrum
- Best Anti-Aging: All Good Daily Mineral Moisturizer
- Most Aesthetic (and Effective): Vacation Classic Lotion
- Best For Long Beach Days: Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen
- Best For Sensitive Skin: Salt & Stone Mineral Sunscreen
- Most Natural: Zoca Lotion Reef-Safe Broad Spectrum
- Most Lightweight: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
- Best For Multi-Sport Days: COOLA Organic Face Sunscreen
- Best For Surfing: EiR NYC Surf Mud
- Most Versatile: Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen
10 Best Clean Sunscreens
Best Clean Sunscreen Overall & Best for Face: Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30
Pros: Lightweight and surprisingly long lasting
Cons: Small pump bottle doesn’t travel as easily as classic squeeze tube
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $58
The Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30 moisturizer and facial sunscreen combo is mineral-based and great for daily wear. Plus, Ursa Major is B Corp Certified, so you know their products consider the environment. Using plant-derived ingredients, this natural face sunscreen provides full-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and blue light. It contains natural ingredients like sodium hyaluronate, organic aloe, sunflower, and green tea extracts for maximum moisture. The lotion is enriched with antioxidants that help combat environmental stressors, and it can be used as a standalone moisturizer or even a primer before your makeup. This sunscreen surprised us with its durability by standing up to a full day in the sun—it hung on from day to night without feeling heavy or greasy. If you're looking for great daily protection and a quick added step to your skincare routine, try this one.
Most Eco-Friendly: Utu Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen
Pros: Super moisturizing and gives skin a radiant glow
Cons: Metal tubes can kink, split, and spill if mistreated
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Price: $44
All of Utu's premium products are made with 100% recyclable packaging and zero plastic—think metal containers that are functional and built to last. The LGBTQ+ brand makes refillable products and tinted options for darker skin tones, too. More specifically, the Utu Broad Spectrum sunscreen is a great non-toxic sunscreen for your beach days (and regular days). It goes beyond sun protection, doubling as a nourishing moisturizer. Utu’s blend of 20% non-nano zinc oxide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, seabuckthorn, Vitamin C, among others, protects your skin from environmental stressors and can reduce fine lines and wrinkles. I found it to go on silky smooth, not heavy, and gives my skin a radiant glow that I don’t hate. Utu offers its SPF30 clean sunscreen in two sizes—75ml for frequent use and 20ml travel-size.
Best Anti-Aging: All Good Daily Mineral Sunscreen Facial Moisturizer
Pros: Small and portable, great coverage
Cons: Face only, strong scent
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $28
When it comes to skincare and sun protection, this facial sunscreen does it all. Made with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3 found naturally in some foods), it stimulates cell regeneration, reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and redness. It covers the essential broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection while being ultra-hydrating. It’s also lightly tinted so you don't wind up looking pasty, and it doesn't leave a greasy residue. Its gentle formula makes it safe for all skin types and is the perfect staple to any skincare routine. Don't forget to shake the bottle before using!
Most Fun (and Effective): Vacation Classic Lotion
Pros: Large size and great price
Cons: A little white cast
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $19
Although this one isn't totally chemical-free, it doesn't contain the coral-bleaching oxybenzone and octinoxate. Excellently designed packaging and “leisure-enhancing” branding aside, this sunscreen is a good go-to and although it leaves a bit of a white cast, it rubs in well, and comes in a large enough size for full-body application at a great price. Its broad-spectrum formula effectively shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays, so you can maintain a golden glow without causing long-term damage. The subtle musky summer scent will make you feel like you are on a vacation, even if you are lounging in an NYC park or wherever you decide to catch some sun.
Best for Beach Days: Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream
Pros: Ultra-durable, long-lasting, and lightweight
Cons: Some white cast
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 40
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Price: $18
Look no further if you want something that will stay on your body and not come off. With 80 minutes of sport-ready water resistance, you'll see water beading up on your skin well into your beach day. This mineral sunscreen cream is Protect Land & Sea Certified, made with four simple ingredients. Plus, it’s packaged in a 50% post-consumer recycled material tube, hypoallergenic, and sustainably made with solar power. The addition of Vitamin E leaves you feeling moisturized even after a salty, sandy day out. The one downside is the dreaded white cast from zinc oxide, but that's the trade-off for the extra water resistance.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Salt and Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Pros: Fragrance-free, absorbs quickly, long-lasting
Cons: Expensive
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $28
Salt + Stone is a bit pricey, but you're paying for quality. With no extra additives, this natural mineral sunscreen lotion feels smooth and spreads evenly across your skin without any white cast. With its all-natural, fragrance-free formula, I think this is a good choice for sensitive skin—but don't be fooled, this gentle formula definitely delivers during long days outside. I found it didn't wear off when exposed to sun, saltwater, and windy conditions, and only needed to reapply briefly after sweatier outdoor pursuits. The avocado oil and vitamin E provide an extra moisturizing layer, while rosehip seed soothed the skin, and non-nano zinc oxide blocked harmful UVA and UVB rays without a problem.
Best Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Zoca Lotion Reef-Safe Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
Pros: Uber eco-conscious
Cons: Small tube
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 36
Water Resistance: 40+ minutes
Price: $24
Zoca Lotion is a reef-safe, broad spectrum natural sunscreen lotion with a deliciously mild scent of chamomile, calendula, and lavender based in Rockaway Beach, NY—Field Mag's hometown surf break. Unlike many mineral sunscreens, this one leaves little white cast and blends into your skin easily. The antioxidant-rich, natural base ingredients list includes jojoba oil, avocado oil, shea butter, vitamin C, raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, tulsi leaf, and more. Plus, they went above and beyond with eco-friendly packaging for their products: the sunscreen stick tube is made from compostable and biodegradable paper, while the sunscreen lotion tub is made with 40% post-industrial recycled aluminum with a BPA-free inner lining. Zoca also offers a botanically-based sun-soothing salve to apply to dry or burned skin that's been in the sun a little too long.
Best Lightweight Sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Pros: Velvety soft, transparent, ultralight
Cons: Face only, expensive
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 40
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Price: $38
Some products are worth the hype—and Supergoop is one of them. If your priority is a face sunscreen you really can't feel or see, this is the one. I found Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen to be lightweight, smooth, and moisturizing, perfect for everyday use. After applying, the sunscreen was so lightweight I almost forget I was wearing anything on my face at all. I loved this light-as-air texture and oil-free consistency that's unlike anything else out there. Although not totally chemical free, Supergoop uses safe chemicals and even has a list of all the ingredients they don't use in their products, which includes the oxybenzone and octinoxate, among (many) others.
Best For Multi-Sport Days: COOLA Classic Face Organic Sunscreen
Pros: Long lasting and durable
Cons: Expensive
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Price: $32
Field Mag Editor and fellow tester Graham Hiemstra put the COOLA Classic Face Sunscreen to the test not only on multi-sport days, but multi-sport days under Morocco's Sahara sun, thank you very much. From cycling to hiking and surfing, it went on easy and finished with a nice matte appearance, with only a minor white cast. "It works too—didn't get burned at all, even in 96 degree heat without shade for eight hours," reports Hiemstra. COOLA's organic ingredients are mainly plant-based and ethically-sourced, with an antioxidant-rich formula made that's lightweight, moisturizing and has a mild, pleasant scent.
If you're looking for an equally as effective spray-on sunscreen to throw into the mix, check out their lightweight spray-on sunscreen.
Best For Surfing: EiR NYC Surf Mud
Pros: Long-lasting coverage in the water
Cons: Thick consistency, white cast
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: A few hours
Price: $26
Born among the Montauk surf community, EiR NYC Surf Mud combines reef-safe sun protection with nourishing skincare benefits. Surfers know how hard it can be to find a sunblock that can withstand the intense conditions of the ocean and provide all-day sun protection. Surf Mud does exactly that; its unique formula is enriched with natural ingredients to create a protective barrier against the sun’s rays while also hydrating the skin. Its formula contains 100% pure, all-natural ingredients without any nasty sulfates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or oxybenzone. It has a thick texture, so it’s not one of the invisible ones, but sometimes when you're in the ocean all day, that’s what you need. Plus, it comes in a reusable, plastic-free tin.
Most Versatile: Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen
Pros: Lightweight, easy for whole-body application
Cons: Not fragrance-free
Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: 80 Minutes
Price: $22
Reef-safe Bask Sunscreen is so lightweight and easy to apply that you'll wear it all-day, everyday for just about anything. The water-based formula allows for a silky smooth finish that absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast, so it's great for all skin types. Packed with hydrating antioxidants, I reapplied every two hours of full sun (especially when working up a sweat) because of the way it cools and moisturizes dry, sun-soaked skin. I love that it works great on beach days as well as hard charging outdoor adventures that require sunscreen that's light yet effective and easy to take with you. As major perk: Bask began after the founder lost a loved one to skin cancer and wanted to make sure more people got their Vitamin D in a way that's good for you and the ocean. Now, this mission-driven brand works to raise awareness and donates 10% to nonprofits each year.
Published 04-25-2024
Updated 05-01-2024
