The BEST Chemical-Free Sunscreens For Face & Body... Updated
I've been getting a lot of questions about sunscreens especially now that it's summer. Here are some the best chemical-free sunscreens that I could find based on the ingredients for my concerned label readers along with a few that I've tried and loved. There are so many toxic ingredients in most sunscreens, so finding a more natural alternative is important. Please also know that our skin absorbs natural vitamin D from the sun. Finding a healthy balance of wearing sunscreen protection for long periods of outdoor activities while also getting very small doses of natural vitamin D from direct sunlight is wonderful.
In terms of sunscreen ingredients zinc oxide is our number one choice for sun protection. Zinc oxide will not break down in the sun, and provides strong sun protection with little health concerns. From my experience with zinc oxide sunscreens, I've noticed that it also has some water resistant properties, yet you should still reapply more sunscreen after water activities or extreme sweating. With each of the sunscreens listed below I looked for the cleanest ingredients in the complete formulation. I've also included each sunscreen's ingredients to help with the decision process. You can see the chemical ingredients that I avoid in cosmetics here as I’m very particular. Let's get to it!
1. All Terrain TerraSport Sunscreen SPF 30
New Formulation...Active Ingredients: Non-Nano, Un-coated Zinc Oxide Zinc Oxide: 19%.Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis) Gel, Bladderwrack (Fucus Vesiculosus) Extract, Caprylic/capric triglycerides, Caprylyl Glycol, Cucumber (Cucumis Sativus) Extract, d-alpha Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Grapefruit (Citrus Grandis) Seed Extract, Jojoba Oil, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Sea Kelp (Macrocystis Pyrifera) Extract, Sunflower (Helianthus Annuus) Oil.Old formulation contains dimethicone.
2. Star Naturals Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 25
Active Ingredients: uncoated Zinc Oxide 24.5%.Protective Nourishing Ingredients: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil (Organic), Beeswax (Organic), Lanolin, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemongrass) Oil.
3. Taylor's Pure & Natural SUN! Natural Waterproof Sunscreen SPF 30
Extra Virgin olive oil, non-nano 25% zinc oxide, sesame seed oil**, candelilla wax, , coconut & macadamia nut oil**, vitamin e T-50, sun safe essential oil blend
4. Raw Elements ECO STICK 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.75% NaturalIngredients:Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Black Tea, Organic Hemp Seed Oil, Organic Cocoa Butter, All Natural Mango Butter, Organic Beeswax, All Natural Candelilla Wax, All Natural Rosemary Oil Extract, All Natural Vitamin E ***All Ingredients Marked Organic Are USDA Certified Organic
5. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen
Active Ingredients: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide - 18.75 % (Sunscreen)Inactive Ingredients: Helianthus Annuus Oil (Sunflower - Certified organic), Cera Alba (Beeswax - Certified organic), Tocopherol (Sunflower Vitamin E), Hippophae Rhamnoides CO2 Extract (Seabuckthorn - Certified organic)
6. Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (19%......Sunscreen)Inactive Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis* (Aloe Vera Gel), Water (Purified), Capric / Caprylic Triglycerides (Derived from Coconut), Glycerin (Vegetable), Hyaluronic Acid (Vegan Source), Glyceryl Stearate SE (Derived from Vegetable Oil), Lecithin Phospholipid, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) (Gluten Sensitive Safe), Allantoin, Vitis Vinifera* (Grape) Seed Extract., Ingredient Labeling Adheres to International INCI Standards., *Certified Organic, No GMO's, No Nanotechnology
From these sunscreens listed above, I've tried and love All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 for the body and Devita Daily Solar Protective Moisturizer SPF 30+ as a facial moisturizer. Badger SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen is very thick, but has some of the purest ingredients I’ve seen. Well I hope this answers your sunscreen questions while also providing some amazing natural sunscreen options for you.
Now that you have sun protection, have fun and get out there!
Image by D Sharon Pruitt