What is an organic, mineral, and natural sunscreen? Was it the first question that popped in your mind right after reading the title? Simply put, this type of sunscreen doesn’t contain any chemicals. It is extremely gentle on your skin and is eco-safe. Sounds interesting, right? Scroll down to find out more about natural sunscreens and a list of the best natural, organic, and mineral sunscreens you can lay your hands on.
What Is A Natural, Organic, And Mineral Sunscreen? What Makes It Natural?
Sunscreens are of two types:
- Chemical Sunscreens: This is a no-brainer. These sunscreens contain chemicals, especially oxybenzone, as their key ingredients. These chemicals let your skin absorb the UV rays. Chemicals sunscreens need 20 minutes to become effective as they need time to get absorbed into your skin.
- Natural Sunscreens: Also referred to as mineral-based or organic sunscreens, these contain minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV rays. These sunscreens have an immediate effect (you can apply and walk out into the sun immediately) as the minerals will not get absorbed into your skin. This is why these sunscreens are considered gentle and safe.
Both protect your skin – but in different ways. If you prefer the natural way, here’s the list of natural sunscreens that you cannot miss.
Best Organic, Mineral, And Natural Sunscreens
- Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45
- CoTZ Sensitive
- Kypris Pot Of Shade Heliotropic
- MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme
- Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen
- TIZO 3 Mineral Sunscreen
- Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen
- Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
- Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- Thinkbaby SPF 50 Sunscreen
- Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector
- Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
- All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter
- Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream
- Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense
- Sanre Sparkling Aloe Solar
- Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen
- Goddess Garden Daily SPF 30 Moisturizer
- Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence
- 100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick
- Nature’s Brands SPF 30 Face And Body Lotion
1. Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45
The product claims to be a non-greasy mineral sunscreen that can also double as a makeup primer. It is lightweight and offers a smooth finish, making it a perfect base for your foundation. It keeps your skin hydrated and protects it from UV rays.
Pros
- SPF 45
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Preps and primes the face
- Mild fragrance
- Cruelty-free
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
2. CoTZ Sensitive
Dermatologists recommend this mineral-based sunscreen. This product is formulated to suit extra sensitive skin. With SPF 40, this sunscreen blocks UV rays and prevents sun damage. It doesn’t smear and can be an excellent base for your makeup.
Pros
- 100% oil-free
- Preservative-free
- Doesn’t contain parabens, gluten, and phthalates
- Water-resistant (for 40 minutes)
- Non-greasy
- Cruelty-free
- Doesn’t irritate your skin
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
3. Kypris Pot Of Shade Heliotropic
This product is rich in botanical extracts. It is gentle yet effective and shields your skin from UV rays. It has a non-whitening formula that preps and primes your skin and gives it a luminous radiance. It has a calming impact on the skin and is suitable for hypersensitive skin.
Pros
- SPF 30
- Gluten-free
- Sulfate-free
- Cruelty-free
- Eco-friendly packaging (glass packaging)
- Non-greasy
- Spreads easily
- Can double as a primer
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
4. MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme
This product not only functions as a sunscreen but also doubles as a moisturizer under your makeup. It is incredibly lightweight and has a silky smooth texture that blends into your skin easily, without leaving a whitish film on it. It is water-resistant and so gentle that it can be used on babies (6 months and older).
Pros
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-, gluten-, and cruelty-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Contains vitamin C
- Oil-free
- Broad spectrum (SPF 50)
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
5. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen
This is an eco-friendly spray sunscreen that is extremely convenient to use, especially for reapplication. It has a broad spectrum (SPF 50) and contains natural extracts. It is water and sweat resistant and keeps your skin nourished.
Pros
- Easy to apply (and reapply)
- Travel-friendly
- Doesn’t irritate your skin
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- Can be used on kids (over six months)
- 100% vegetarian
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
6. TIZO 3 Mineral Sunscreen
This is a tinted facial sunscreen that has a silky smooth texture. It is extremely lightweight and gives your skin a velvety smoothness. It can be used instead of your regular BB or CC cream or foundation or as a primer for your makeup. It is non-greasy and gives a matte finish.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- Doesn’t contain dye and oils
- Fragrance-free
- Doesn’t contain preservatives
- Doesn’t contain any chemicals
Cons
Price
Rating
5/5
7. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Made with 100% zinc oxide (naturally sourced), this sunscreen is the ultimate shield for your skin. It not only protects your skin from UVA rays and signs of aging but also blocks UVB rays to eliminate the risk of sunburn. The dry-touch technology of this formulation gives you a non-greasy finish. It is water-resistant (for 80 minutes) and will not leave a white film on your face and can be used under makeup.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Phthalate-, dye-, and chemical-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Non-oily
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
8. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Australia is known for its harsh sun and climate. This product is tested with Australian standards to offer ultimate sun protection. The formulation is made using high-action mineral technology that prevents sunburn and protects your skin from harsh and intense sun rays. It has a smart bottle technology, where the bottle changes color under UV rays.
Pros
- SPF 30
- Dermatologist recommended
- Sweat and water-resistant (for 80 minutes)Doesn’t cause breakouts
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
9. Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
This mineral sunscreen lotion is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It contains green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile extracts that soothe and calm sensitive skin. It has a broad spectrum (SPF 30) and is extremely lightweight.
Pros
- 100% vegetarian
- Cruelty-free
- No parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates
- Water and sweat resistant (for 80 minutes)
- Biodegradable material
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
10. Thinkbaby SPF 50 Sunscreen
Don’t let the name fool you! Although it is meant for babies, even adults can use this sunscreen. It has a mineral-based formula and a broad spectrum of SPF 50. It protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- Safe ingredients
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- Non-greasy
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- Nice fragrance
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
11. Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector
This lightweight mineral sunscreen is loaded with natural extracts (marigold and black chokeberry) and antioxidants. It feels amazing even under makeup and does not give you that whitewashed look. It also supports collagen development.
Pros
- Contains titanium and zinc oxide
- Patent protected ingredients (Echinacea purpurea)
- Non-greasy
- Easy to applyLightweight
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
12. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
This sunscreen feels like a lightweight mist on your skin and makes you feel refreshed instantly. It is perfect for sensitive skin as it contains organic ingredients that calm and soothe your skin. Although it is meant for adults, the ingredients make it safe for babies as well.
Pros
- 100% non-nano zinc oxide
- Water and sweat resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- LightweightHypoallergenic
- Contain natural extractsFragrance-free
- Spray bottle
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
13. All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter
The best thing about this product is that despite its thick consistency, it feels extremely light on your skin. It has SPF 50 and 25% zinc oxide. It provides complete protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is a great option for prolonged outdoor activities.
Pros
- Organic ingredients
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- EWG verified (top rated)
Cons
None
Rating
5/5
14. Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream
This sunscreen contains only five ingredients and is one of the best sports sunscreens available in the market. It is water-resistant and best suited for those who indulge in sporting activities under the sun for extended hours (such as surfing, biking, running, swimming, hiking, and snowboarding). It protects your skin from the sun, cold, and wind and keeps it nourished for long.
Pros
- No added scent
- Sweat and water-resistant (lasts 80 minutes)
- No chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate)
- Cruelty-free
- Sunflower oil-base
- Recyclable packaging
- Biodegradable
- Phthalate- and BPA- free
Cons
- A bit thick
- Leaves a white film on the skin (needs to be massaged well)
Rating
4.9/5
15. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense
This sunscreen has a creamy texture and contains antioxidants that nourish and moisturize the skin. This brand is well known for its excellent quality control. The product has a beige tint, but it works well on different skin tones and does not give a chalky look.
Pros
- Doesn’t contain alcohol
- Silicone-free
- Chemical-free
- Contains zinc oxide, vitamins, and fruit enzymes
Cons
A bit greasy
Rating
4.9/5
16. Sanre Sparkling Aloe Solar
This is another mineral sunscreen that is highly rated by EWG. It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The formula feels smooth on your skin and is specially created for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Moisturizing
- SPF 30
- Contains natural ingredients
Cons
A bit greasy for oily skin
Rating
4.9/5
17. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen
Sports sunscreens are usually on a thicker side, and this product is no exception. However, unlike other sports sunscreens, this one will not leave a chalky layer behind. It has SPF 30 and contains 20% zinc oxide. It is meant for providing long-lasting sun protection during outdoor activities such as hiking, running, cycling, and running. It is suitable for acne-prone skin.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Contains soothing aloe vera and organic ingredients
- Non-nano natural mineral zinc
- Blends easily
Cons
The smell (can be overpowering for some)
Rating
4.9/5
18. Goddess Garden Daily SPF 30 Moisturizer
This product contains 19% zinc oxide and has SPF 30. This sunscreen provides great protection. It feels smooth on application and can be used beneath your daily makeup. The best part is, it contains chicory root extracts that have a firming effect on your skin.
Pros
- Fights signs of aging
- Hydrating formula
- Contains only natural extracts
- No parabens
- No synthetic fragrance
Cons
May feel a bit sticky
Rating
4.9/5
19. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence
This sunscreen feels more like a shimmery primer on your face. It is very easy to apply and contains beeswax and shea butter. It also has a brightening effect on your skin. It is a non-greasy formula with SPF 30. However, this not completely a physical or natural sunscreen – it is a mixture of both.
Pros
- Contains natural extracts
- Brightening effect
- Makes the skin radiant
- Easy to apply
- Lightweight
- Non-greasyDoesn’t irritate the skin
Cons
- Contains alcohol
Rating
4.8
20. 100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick
This formulation delivers broad coverage (SPF 30) and contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is gentle on all skin types, including baby’s skin (over six months), and can be used on the face as well as the body.
Pros
- Gluten-free
- 100% vegetarian
- 100% organic ingredients
- Water-resistant
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- PABA-free
Cons
- Greasy
- Overpriced for the size
Rating
4.7/5
21. Nature’s Brands SPF 30 Face And Body Lotion
This organic sunscreen is top rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for being non-toxic. It is fragrance-free and contains 20.5% non-nano zinc oxide, organic jojoba oil, lavender oil, and other natural ingredients.
Pros
- No synthetic fragrance
- Dye-free
- No chemicals (octinoxate and oxybenzone)
- Good for sensitive and acne-prone skin
- Doesn’t irritate your skin
Cons
- A bit thick
- May give a whitewashed look if applied liberally
Rating
4.7/5
All these mineral sunscreens are mild and do not irritate hypersensitive skin. However, many people complain of a whitish layer on the skin after applying mineral sunscreens. To avoid that, take your time and massage the product thoroughly and well before you put on your makeup. Keep in mind that the minerals sit on your skin surface and do not get absorbed. So, you need to apply the sunscreen properly.
Are you a fan of natural sunscreens? Which one is your favorite? Leave your feedback in the comments section below.
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