The 10 Best Non-Toxic Clean Sunscreens for Adventure & Everyday Use

As the summer 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 before the summer solstice, we 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: clean sunscreens, you can call them.

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. We're 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 recently passed a law banning 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 clasification 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 Spray Sunscreen: COOLA Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist
• Best For Surfing: EiR NYC Surf Mud
• Best Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones: OZÜ Mineral Sunscreen

10 Best Clean Sunscreens

Best Overall & Best Face Sunscreen: Ursa Major Force Field SPF 30

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 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. Its non-greasy formula makes it easy to rub into your skin to form a protective layer. 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. If you're looking for daily protection and a quick added step to your skincare routine, try this one.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $58 SHOP NOW

Most Eco-Friendly: Utu Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen

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. It contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide and hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturize your skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. This mineral sunscreen uses cruelty-free ingredients, never using parabens, phthalates, sulfates, or synthetic fragrances, which are known endocrine disruptors.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Price: $44 SHOP NOW

Best Anti-Aging: All Good Daily Mineral Sunscreen Facial Moisturizer

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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $28 SHOP NOW

Most Fun (and Effective): Vacation Classic Lotion

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. 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 tropical 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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $19 SHOP NOW

Best for Beach Days: Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 40
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Price: $18 SHOP NOW

Best for Sensitive Skin: Salt and Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

This one is pricier, 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, this is a good choice for sensitive skin. It contains avocado oil and vitamin E for an extra moisturizing layer under the sun protection. Additional sunscreen ingredients like rosehip seed soothe the skin, while non-nano zinc oxide blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: NA
Price: $28 SHOP NOW

Most Natural: Zoca Lotion Reef-Safe Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

Zoca Lotion is a reef-safe, broad spectrum natural sunscreen lotion with a deliciously mild scent of chamomile, calendula, and lavender. 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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 36
Water Resistance: 40+ minutes
Price: $24 SHOP NOW

Most Lightweight: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

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. Lightweight, smooth, and moisturizing, it is the perfect everyday go-to. You will almost forget that you have anything on your face at all. Although not totally chemical free, Supergoop uses safe chemicals (as safe as a chemical can be) 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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 40
Water Resistance: 40 minutes
Price: $38 SHOP NOW

Best Spray Sunscreen: COOLA Classic Face Organic Sunscreen Mist

The COOLA Classic Face Mist is a refreshing and convenient way to protect yourself from UV rays. The mist application makes for an effortless, even coverage you can use over makeup—without the need to rub it in. Antioxidant-rich ingredients include buriti oil (a fatty-acid-rich oil extracted from a specific Amazon palm tree nut) and prickly pear extract. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, with a mild, pleasant scent. If you're looking for a spray-on sunscreen to throw in your everyday bag, this is it.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 50
Water Resistance: 80 minutes
Price: $32 SHOP NOW

Best For Surfing: EiR NYC Surf Mud

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.

Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30
Water Resistance: A few hours
Price: $26 SHOP NOW