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Dr. Speron's Clear Defense and Purely Physical Sunscreen™ is our pick for best natural sunscreen product, with CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF30, Coola Organic Face Sunscreen, and Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 close behind. Read on for
the full list, plus tips for choosing the best natural sunscreen products for you.
A quick look at the best natural sunscreen products
- Best overall: Dr. Speron’s Clear Defense and Purely Physical Sunscreen l Skip to review
- Best SPF moisturizer: eltaMD UV Daily Face Sunscreen I Skip to review
- Best tinted moisturizer: CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF30 I Skip to review
- Best plant-based: Thrive Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen I Skip to review
- Best high-level sun protection: Image Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen I Skip to review
- Best antioxidant-rich plant protection: Coola Organic Face Sunscreen I Skip to review
- Best lightweight formula: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 I Skip to review
- Best hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide I Skip to review
- Best retinol alternative: Burt’s Bees Sunscreen Moisturizer I Skip to review
- Best oil-free matte finish: Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 I Skip to review
Sunscreen is a crucial skin care regimen for protecting your skin’s health and appearance. It not only prevents skin cancer and sunburns, but it also helps prevent wrinkles and other signs of premature aging. But not all sunscreens are created equally. Some can contain chemicals that irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions. Additionally, a number of aerosols may contain cancer-causing benzine. In this article, we’ll evaluate ten all natural sunscreen products so you can choose the best natural sunscreen for your face and body.
The importance of sunscreen
SPF can be your BFF on a sunny day. It’s your best defense against a very powerful and extremely hot sun. While it won’t protect you from the intense heat at a temperature of 5728°C, sunscreen is the only thing that protects you from the sun’s intense electromagnetic radiation.
The World Health Organization points to an increase in cases of skin cancer, reporting an average of 132,000 cases a year of melanoma skin cancer worldwide. In the U.S., it’s the most common form of cancer. The sun isn’t getting stronger, but the Earth’s ozone layer is getting thinner and isn’t able to provide as much protection as in years past. That’s why it’s more important than ever to find the best natural sunscreen.
The Food and Drug Administration regulates all sunscreens to make sure they’re both safe and effective. While all sunscreens must protect against sunburn, they’re not required to be broad-spectrum, meaning they may not protect you against skin cancer-causing UVB rays. It’s imperative that you read the label before purchasing any sunscreen.
While no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s rays, The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends an SPF of 50, which blocks about 98% of UVB rays, providing more protection against UVB radiation compared to a sunscreen with an SPF of 30.
Chemical vs. mineral based sunscreen
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a mineral based sunscreen over one with chemicals, especially for children who may have an allergic reaction to some chemicals. The chemicals in some sunscreens may also exacerbate problems with acne.
A mineral based sunscreen uses minerals such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead of chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which can be absorbed into the skin and sometimes lead to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and, in rare cases, skin cancer. The mineral based sunscreen also reflects the sun’s ultraviolet rays instead of absorbing those rays.
In selecting this top ten best natural sunscreen list, we’ve considered several key factors, including each product’s ingredients, SPF level, water resistance, broad spectrum (whether it provides UVA and UVB protection), as well as cost-effectiveness.
News7Health's picks of the best natural sunscreen products
4.5 (44+) FROM DR SPERON NATURAL SKIN CARE
- Special Ingredients: Niacinamide, Tocopheryl acetate, Japanese knotweed extract, hyaluronic acid
- Sourcing: Formulated with all-natural ingredients
- Targeted Benefits: Provides the highest possible level of protection while restoring brilliance to the skin
- Cost: Higher price range ($$$)
- Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: The mineral ingredients make both an all natural sunscreen, using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in Purely Physical. Clear Defense goes even further by adding:
- Vitamin B3: Otherwise known as niacinamide, which reduces redness and blotchiness, treats dark spots, and can prevent clogged pores.
- Tocopheryl acetate: This form of vitamin E offers antioxidant benefits for the skin, making it a natural sunscreen for both the face and body. It also helps prevent wrinkles.
- Knotweed extract: Japanese knotweed benefits include anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This Asian herb, used for centuries to treat and prevent skin burns, is high in resveratrol--an antioxidant that may reduce the risk of skin cancer.
- Hyaluronic acid: Sometimes called sodium hyaluronate, this substance helps keep your skin hydrated. Hyaluronic acid is often used in moisturizing creams due to its ability to reduce wrinkles.
2. SPF Level: Clear Defense has an SPF of 45, while Purely Physical has an SPF of 47. Both are fast absorbing and designed to provide immediate protection.
3. Water Resistance: Both products are water and sweat-resistant, so they only have to be reapplied every 80 minutes or so.
4. Broad Spectrum: Both provide the highest possible level of protection against UVA and UVB sun rays, meaning they are broad-spectrum sunscreens.
5. Pricing: The price for a 2 oz container of Clear Defense is $102; Purely Physical is less expensive, at $85 for a 2 oz container.
Dr. Speron's Natural Skin Care offers a choice of two all natural sunscreen products: Clear Defense SPF 45 and Purely Physical SPF 47. Both products contain essential ingredients to fight the sun’s dangerous rays and offer wrinkle-reducing benefits. “We are an actual medical office; we offer free virtual consultations seven days a week, said Dr. Sam Speron, company owner and plastic surgeon. “If someone has questions, they can reach out to us on the plastic surgery website or on the skincare website, and we can set them up with one of our licensed estheticians.”
+ All natural, mineral sunscreen.
+ Clear Defense has added ingredients for additional skin benefits.
- The pricing for both products places them on the more premium side.
- Dr. Speron’s products are marketed as a natural sunscreen for the face, not for the body.
Best SPF moisturizer
4.7 (17.1K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Tocopheryl acetate, sodium hyaluronate, octinoxate
- Sourcing: Fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, sensitivity-free, paraben-free
- Targeted Benefits: Provides superior hydration and effective sun protection for your skin
- Cost:Moderately priced($$)
- Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: The UV Daily Face Sunscreen serves as a mineral sunscreen moisturizer. Its main ingredients are:
- Zinc oxide: Prevents burns and other minor skin irritations.
- Tocopheryl acetate: Vitamin E, which may also help prevent wrinkles
- Sodium hyaluronate: The salt form of hyaluronic acid, its smaller molecular size allows it to penetrate the skin more effectively, providing deeper and more efficient hydration.
- Octinoxate: Sometimes called octyl methoxycinnamate, it is used to absorb UVB rays from the sun. It is also approved by the FDA.
2. SPF Level: UV Daily Face Sunscreen has an SPF of 40.
3. Water Resistance: eltaMD’s UV Daily Face Sunscreen is not water or sweat-resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Provides broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays.
5. Pricing: The cost is $36 for a 1.7 oz bottle.
eltaMD offers a wide array of more than 20 all natural sunscreen products for both face and body. Each is formulated for a specific skin type. To make your choice easier, we’ll focus on the UV Daily Face Sunscreen.
+ Fragrance and paraben-free.
+ Main ingredients consist of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two naturally occurring minerals that help deflect the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
- While eltaMD’s UV Daily Face Sunscreen is geared toward hydrating the skin, people with acne-prone skin say it often leaves their skin feeling greasy. The company does offer an array of accompanying products to counteract this, but the full regimen can cost you upwards of $110.
- Not water or sweat-resistant, so it must be reapplied after a heavy workout or swim.
Best tinted moisturizer
4.4 (52.3K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, niacinamide
- Sourcing: Oxybenzone-free, avobenzone-free, benzene-free, 100% mineral
- Targeted Benefits: Reflect UVA/UVB rays, while leaving all skin tones with a healthy glow through sheer tint
- Cost: Budget–friendly($)
- Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: The mineral sunscreen has two active ingredients: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect the skin from damaging UV rays. It also lists a number of inactive ingredients, such as niacinamide to reduce blotchiness and keep your skin better hydrated, and C12-15 alkyl benzoate, an emollient used in many cosmetics.
2. SPF Level: CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen has an SPF of 30.
3. Water Resistance: This sunscreen is not water or sweat-resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for UVA and UVB protection.
5. Pricing: Priced at $14 for a 1.7 oz tube.
Developed by a dermatologist, CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30 is a sunscreen with a “Universal tint for all skin tones that instantly leaves skin with a healthy glow and offsets the white cast typically associated with mineral sunscreens.”
+ One of the least expensive all natural sunscreen products that also serves as a mineral sunscreen moisturizer.
+ The slight tint helps avoid the white pasty look that comes with some sunscreens.
- CervaVe tinted sunscreen only comes in one shade, so it may not be ideal for darker skin.
- This sunscreen is not sweat or water-resistant and must be reapplied often if working out or swimming, thus negating the savings you might see when purchasing it.
Best plant-based
4.3 (2.5K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, wakame seaweed, tazman pepper, arabica coffee oil
- Sourcing: No chemical sunscreen filters, benzene free, cruelty-free, vegan, PABA-free, GMO-free, paraben-free, no synthetic colors or unhealthy ingredients
- Targeted Benefits: Hydrates, nourishes, and revitalizes skin while providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays
- Cost: Moderately priced ($$)
- Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Thrive Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen boasts that it contains non-nano zinc oxide, meaning it’s larger than 100 nanometers so that it won’t penetrate the skin. It also contains wakame seaweed, tazman pepper, and arabica coffee oil to help skin retain its elasticity.
2. SPF Level: Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen has an SPF of 30.
3. Water Resistance: This sunscreen is not sweat or water-resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen creates a physical barrier against UVA/UVB rays.
5. Pricing: Priced at $30 for a 2 oz bottle.
According to their website, Wholier was born when its founder, Lisa Gonzalez-Turner, struggled to find a vegan multivitamin to fit her lifestyle. While searching for the perfect vegan multivitamin, she found many supplements with fillers and ineffective ingredients. When asked about the brand's mission, she states, “Built on principles of honesty, purity, and sustainability, our mission took form: to champion clean, sustainable, and genuinely effective ingredients in supplements.”
+ The plant-derived formula is filled with antioxidants and is allergen-free.
+ At $30 for a 2 oz bottle, it’s fairly inexpensive.
-The product claims to be a “repairing face moisturizer.” While sun damage can be treated and prevented, doctors say it can’t be reversed or repaired.
- The sun protection factor of 30 is strong enough for short-term use, but you will have to reapply it after a workout or swimming as it is not water resistant.
Best high-level sun protection
4.6 (2.9K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Zinc oxide
- Sourcing: Physician formulated, consciously made, no animal testing
- Targeted Benefits: Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to help prevent sunburn. Hydrates the skin
- Cost: Moderately priced ($$)
- Customer Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: The main ingredient is zinc oxide, which makes it mineral based. Additional chemicals include homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.
2. SPF Level: Image Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen has an SPF of 50.
3. Water Resistance: The product is not water or sweat-resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while hydrating the skin.
5. Pricing: Priced at $50 for a 3.2 oz container.
Image Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen states that it’s a physician-formulated daily SPF moisturizer that includes both physical and chemical UV filters for protection from high sun exposure.
+ With an SPF of 50, Image Natural Care Mineral Face Sunscreen is formulated to protect you against 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
+ Product boasts a pleasant apple scent.
- Contains additional chemical ingredients like octocrylene, which could irritate sensitive skin and eyes.
- Not sweat or water-resistant, so it must be continually reapplied.
Best antioxidant-rich plant protection
4.7 (2K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Plant-derived antioxidants
- Sourcing: Hawaii Reef Compliant Act 104, vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free
- Targeted Benefits: Provides sheer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while hydrating skin
- Cost: Moderately priced ($$)
- Customer Rating: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Contains antioxidants found in red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract. This product also contains avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, which are organic chemical additives in many sunscreens, not minerals.
2. SPF Level: Coola Organic Face Sunscreen has an SPF of 50.
3. Water Resistance: The product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
4. Broad Spectrum: The product claims to provide sheer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection while hydrating skin.
5. Pricing: Priced at $32 for a 1.7 oz tube.
Another plant-based sunscreen, Coola Organic Face Sunscreen is a fragrance-free lotion that serves as “your invisible shield against the sun and elements.”
+ Coola Organic Face Sunscreen is vegan-friendly and fragrance-free.
+ Plant-based with antioxidants from red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract.
- The product's inclusion of chemicals, such as avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate, may harm the coral reefs when they wash off into the ocean.
Best lightweight formula
4.5 (4.8K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
- Sourcing: Vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free, hypoallergenic
- Targeted Benefits: Acts as a primer, leaving a matte finish with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 protection
- Cost: Budget-friendly ($)
- Customer Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 features a fragrance-free formula with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its main ingredients.
2. SPF Level: Sun Bum Mineral features an SPF of 30.
3. Water Resistance: This product is water resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
5. Pricing: A 3 oz bottle will only cost you $17.50.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 is a mineral based tinted sunscreen face lotion. Enriched with zinc oxide, it is “gluten- and cruelty-free to ensure a fun, clean day in the sun.”
+ Customers like its light tint and the fact that it doesn’t leave their skin feeling greasy.
+ Contains cocoa seed butter, a good skin-softening agent.
- Sun Bum markets this product as a mineral sunscreen, yet it contains butyloctyl salicylate and methyl dihydroabietate, synthetic chemicals that are often used to boost the SPF of a product. It also contains phenoxyethanol, a preservative used to promote longevity in cosmetics. Therefore, the mineral label may be misleading.
Best hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
4.3 (10.3k+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Zinc oxide
- Sourcing: PABA free, non-comedogenic, clinically tested
- Targeted Benefits: Provides superior protection against aging UVA and burning UVB rays to help prevent sunburn
- Cost: Budget-friendly ($)
- Customer Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Its number one ingredient is the mineral zinc oxide, but it does include a few chemicals that it lists as inactive ingredients, including:
- Alkyl benzoate
- Phenyl trimethicone, a silicone-based compound that helps improve the texture of sunscreen.
2. SPF Level: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide features an SPF of 50 for maximum protection.
3. Water Resistant: The product is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
4. Broad Spectrum: The product states that it “delivers 2x better UVA protection than the leading mineral sunscreen among mineral sunscreens containing only mineral active ingredients.”
5. Pricing: Priced at $16 for a 2 oz container.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide is a lightweight, mineral sunscreen that markets itself as “dry touch,” meaning it dries without leaving a greasy or oily residue on your skin. It’s an excellent choice for people who suffer from sun or chemical allergies, as it is fragrance-free and has no dyes that could irritate your eyes when used on the face.
+ Hypoallergenic.
+ High SPF 50 for maximum protection.
- The thick consistency sometimes leaves a white, chalky appearance on your skin until it has a chance to be absorbed into the skin, so it may not be the best choice to wear under makeup.
- Alkyl benzoate may cause allergic reactions.
Best retinol alternative
4.1 (3.3K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: Zinc oxide, bakuchiol
- Sourcing: Paraben-free, phtalates-free, petrolatum-free, SLS-free
- Targeted Benefits: Fast-absorbing moisturizer that helps improve skin’s firmness while it protects from damaging UV rays
- Cost: Budget-friendly ($)
- Customer Rating: 4.1 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.3 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Burt’s Bees Sunscreen Moisturizer contains bakuchiol, a healthy alternative to retinol that reduces wrinkles while protecting you from the sun. This extract from the babchi plant has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for years to fight the aging process and help the skin produce collagen. Like just about every mineral based sunscreen, the main ingredient is zinc oxide.
2. SPF Level: Burt’s Bees Sunscreen Moisturizer features an SPF of 30.
3. Water Resistance: The product is not water resistant.
4. Broad Spectrum: Offers naturally derived broad spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.
5. Pricing: A 1.8 oz container costs about $15.
Burt’s Bees Sunscreen Moisturizer is a mineral sunscreen moisturizer formulated for your face. The product states that it’s a “Fast-absorbing moisturizer that helps improve skin’s firmness while it protects from damaging UV rays with naturally derived sunscreen.”
+ It does not leave an oily residue or white cast on your skin, so it may work well under makeup.
+ The small container makes it easy to carry in a purse or pocket to reapply when necessary.
- While the sunscreen contains aloe to help it stay on longer, it is not water resistant, so it must be reapplied after a swim or workout.
- Contains benzoic acid, which could irritate the eyes.
Best oil-free matte finish
4.4 (16.1K+) FROM AMAZON
- Special Ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium oxide, shea butter, plant-based antioxidants
- Sourcing: Non-nano and free of parabens, PABA, phthalate, petroleum, SLS, dye andoil. Dermatologist andpediatrician tested, gluten-free and not tested on animals
- Targeted Benefits: Mattifying daily sunscreen doubles as a BB Cream foundation with a fragrance-free touch
- Cost: Budget-friendly ($)
- Customer Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
- Our Expert Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0 stars
*Price is accurate as of the date of publication.
The Review
1. Ingredients: Its two main ingredients are zinc and titanium oxide. It also contains shea butter, which has anti-inflammatory and healing properties. Other ingredients include Kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae, plant-based ingredients that are rich in antioxidants as well.
2. SPF Level: Australian Gold Botanical features an SPF of 50.
3. Water Resistance: The product is water-resistant and good for most skin types.
4. Broad Spectrum: Contains zinc and titanium oxide, the best minerals for blocking both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
5. Pricing: At $12.75 for a 3 oz container, Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 is one of the least expensive natural sunscreen moisturizers on the market.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 is a hypoallergenic face sunscreen “with a subtle tint, which is so light and refreshing that you can use it every day.” It is dermatologist and pediatrician-tested, gluten-free, and not tested on animals.
+ Its thicker consistency helps you avoid squeezing out too much, even if you’ve had the tube out in the sun for a while.
+ The small container makes it easy to carry in a purse or pocket to reapply when necessary.
- Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 has a white matte finish, so it could leave a powdery residue on your skin.
- The thick consistency that makes it easy to apply can also make it tough to wash off.
- The light tint may stain clothes.
Our pick of the most sun-sational sunscreen: Dr. Speron's Clear Defense and Purely Physical Sunscreen
As mentioned, in choosing the best natural sunscreen for your skin, we’ve considered several key factors. These include each product’s ingredients, SPF level, water resistance, broad spectrum protection, as well as cost-effectiveness.
Many companies will boast their products are “dermatologist tested.” That doesn’t mean they were created by a licensed dermatologist who has been working to improve skin health for years. This is why we listed Dr. Speron’s Clear Defense and Purely Physical Sunscreen as our top choice. It is formulated by a dermatologist to offer the maximum benefits without irritating even the most sensitive skin.
While $100 may seem pricey for a sunscreen, we found it cost-effective because of its high SPF and the fact that it’s water and sweat-resistant, so it doesn’t have to be constantly reapplied. And let’s face it, spending even 30 minutes in the hot sun will cause you to sweat. This all natural sunscreen also provides the maximum anti-aging benefits of a mineral sunscreen moisturizer. All of the best natural sunscreen products contain zinc oxide, but Dr. Speron’s was the only facial sunscreen to include niacinamide, knotweed extract, and hyaluronic acid—all essential ingredients for fighting the effects of aging as well as the sun. In the world of natural sunscreens, this product truly shines.
For further reading:
World Health Organization: Radiation: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and skin cancer
EPA.gov: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation and Sun Exposure
Cleveland Clinic: Top 6 Benefits of Niacinamide
Healthier Steps: Japanese Knotweed Benefits
American Academy of Dermatology Association: How to Decode Sunscreen Labels
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Manufacturers And Distributors: We hope that you enjoyed this article and found it informative. If your company, brand, or product was featured in this article and you believe that our assessment or evaluation was not fully accurate, or if your company, brand, or product was not mentioned in this article and you think that it should have been included, please let our editorial staff know about it! Contact us at editor@news7health.com.
