Check Out Our Favorite Cruelty-Free And Vegan Mineral Sunscreens That Are Reef Safe!
Finding the right non-toxic, cruelty-free, vegan sunscreen is harder than it sounds. If you've ever searched the topic online, you've likely been bombarded with strong opinions about what makes a good sun protectant.
In some hippie circles, people actually warn against sunscreen, calling it unnatural and dangerous. We've even seen a recommendation to use coconut oil as a sole protectant. (FYI–while there's room for debate on the perfect sunscreen, we can definitely confirm that slathering on coconut oil before you go out for the day is not sufficient!)
In light of this predicament, we put together an ultimate guide to selecting your new everyday vegan sunscreen. Stick around till the end of the article to see our top picks for each skin type.
Sun Protection 101
Before getting into our recommendations, let’s explore the basics of sun protection. You’ve probably heard the following terms a million times, but we’re going to dig in on their meaning:
UVA AND UVB
These two acronyms refer to the ultraviolet light produced by the sun. Though invisible to our eyes, this energy has a substantial effect on our skin. While the two types of UV radiation affect our skin in different ways, both can be detrimental.
UVA (Ultraviolet A) has longer wavelengths and can cause skin aging, damage, and cancer. UVB (Ultraviolet B) has a shorter wavelength and is the primary offender behind sunburns, but it can also cause skin damage and cancer.
SPF
SPF refers to a sunscreen's “sun protection factor.” Essentially, SPF measures how long a sunscreen can block UV radiation from harming your skin. The number attached to the SPF, such as SPF 30, indicates for what amount of time the sunscreen can (in theory) protect your skin from reddening. When used properly, an SPF 30 should keep your skin from burning for 30 times longer than if you used no sunscreen.
Broad-Spectrum
A broad-spectrum sunscreen is one that protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer?
Using sunscreen daily is one of the most important things you can do to shield your skin. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends at least an SPF 15 for ideal protection. If you’re going to be outside for an extended period, consider bumping it up to an SPF 30 or higher.
Remember to reapply your reef safe sunscreen throughout the day, especially when sweating or swimming. If you slap on some sunscreen at the beginning of a beach day and leave the rest of the bottle at home, you won’t be protected for long.
Besides using vegan sunscreen consistently, be thoughtful about how much you actually expose your skin to the sun. If it’s between the hot hours of 10am and 3pm, stick to the shade as much as possible. Wear protective clothing and don’t forget your hat.
It's easier to prevent a sunburn than heal the consequences of one. Resist the urge to tan, especially in a tanning bed. If you really want that golden glow, look into vegan, sunless tanning products. Tanning lotions have come a long way and we promise that with a quality product, you won't turn orange!
Our last tip is to stay conscious of your own skin. Scan your body once a month and monitor any moles or birthmarks that change in size or color. Develop a relationship with a dermatologist who can do a professional exam at least once a year.
The Toxic Relationship Between Sunscreen and the Sea
If you're visiting the beach, we'd recommend going for reef-safe, or physical sunscreens. One more critical factor to consider when selecting a reef-safe sunscreen is the effect on our treasured sea life. As we know, our sunscreen doesn’t simply remain on our skin when we go for a dip. According to The Ocean Foundation, there are approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen deposited in the oceans every year (yikes!).
Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that common sunscreen ingredients cause irreparable damage to coral reefs. The chemicals that do a solid job of blocking rays from burning our skin end up bleaching and destroying corals.
With our coral reefs already being threatened by overfishing, climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution, the last thing they need is an invasion of chemicals. The main culprits are oxybenzone and octinoxate. A 2015 study showed that oxybenzone can severely damage corals at a concentration as low as the equivalent of one drop of water in six-and-a-half Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, and are of utmost importance to marine life. However, the corals are animals themselves, that live in colonies called polyps. Each individual secretes a calcium carbonate skeleton that joins them together and builds coral reefs over time. As this occurs, an algae called zooxanthellae grows within the polyps, producing food through photosynthesis, which is then shared with the coral. This algae is also what gives coral their signature color. However, when coral reefs lose their zooxanthellae after coming in contact with the harmful chemicals in our sunscreen, coral bleaching occurs, destroying them and exposing their calcium carbonate skeleton.
It’s not just the coral reefs that are affected by our sunscreen. Algae, mussels, sea urchins, fish, and dolphins have all been impaired by the chemicals. These chemicals are harmful to their reproductive systems, and can deform their offspring. Check out the graphic below for more toxic ingredients you should watch out for, and additional ways in which you can protect both your skin and our seas.
The good news is that eco-savvy manufacturers now develop reef-safe sunscreens free of these risky ingredients.
By using natural sun protection powered by naturally-occurring minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, we can protect our skin from the sun, and precious coral reefs from any harmful chemicals. Check out the brands opting for these animal-friendly and non-toxic ingredients below!
Our Favorite Vegan Sunscreens By Skin Type
Now that you’re fully armed with all this vegan reef-safe sunscreen knowledge, you can make an informed decision with your next purchase. To make that process easier, we compiled a list of our top picks for each skin type. All of these products are vegan, non-toxic, and reef-safe. (it took a lot of research and testing!)
For Sensitive Skin
Solara Suncare Vegan Sunscreen SPF 30
Price | $28.00
Amount | 3 fl oz.
This ultra-pure and reef friendly sunscreen is dermatologist and pediatrician-approved! It's also water resistant for up to 40 minutes. Clean Freak by Solara Suncare features skin-enhancing ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, ashwagandha, oats, and gardenia flower for a major nutrient boost. Plus, it comes in recyclable packaging! If you're on the lookout for an all-in-one everyday vegan skincare essential that can help you protect and nourish your skin, this is the one!
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Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Price | $46.00
Amount | 3.38 fl oz.
Non-toxic and sustainable, Biossance's lightweight SPF 30 mineral sunscreen can help hydrate your skin without clogging your pores! Its ultra-clean EWG Verified formula is ideal for sensitive skin, and leaves behind a healthy glow. Additionally, their primary packaging is entirely recyclable, and their secondary packaging is made out of sugarcane paperboard, using zero chemicals or dyes. Support this eco-friendly, innovative brand by trying out their amazing sunscreen today!
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MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sunscreen
Price | $25.99
Amount | 2.3 fl oz.
Another excellent option for sensitive skin, this MyChelle Dermaceuticals sunscreen is unscented and enhanced with vitamin E and aloe to not only protect your skin, but nourish it as well! This reef safe sunscreen is also Cruelty-Free and Vegan Certified, paraben-free, a score of 2 on the EWG scale, and of course, it's reef safe! Protect your skin and the oceans today by picking up this exceptional product!
For Normal Skin
Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40
Price | $38.00
Amount | 1.5 fl oz.
For a reef-safe, non-toxic sunscreen that will leave your skin glowing without looking shiny or greasy, go for Supergoop's Mineral Mattescreen! Apply a thin layer every two hours for natural skin protection against blue light and free radical damage.
Kinfield Daily Dew SPF 35
Price | $26.00
Amount | 2 fl oz.
Formulated with 20% zinc oxide, as well as moisturizing sea kelp, soothing aloe vera, and nourishing rice bran extract, this broad-spectrum SPF daily moisturizer is sure to keep your skin healthy and protected! However, one of our favorite things about this sunscreen is that it doesn't streak or leave a white cast once it's blended in! Instead, it leaves a gorgeous dewy finish and hydrated, nourished skin. It's also water-resistant for 40 minutes, making it great for sports or beach trips. Just make sure to reapply throughout the day!
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Native Face/Body Sunscreen SPF 30
Formulated with plant and mineral-derived ingredients like zinc oxide, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E, and coconut alkanes, this SPF 30 sunscreen provides more than sun protection! It keeps your skin soft and seals in moisture, leaving you with a stunning glow on and off the beach. Native offers both face and body sunscreens, in scents like Coconut & Pineapple, Rosé, as well as an unscented version for sensitive skin.
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For At-Risk Skin
SunBum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Price | $17.49
Amount | 3 fl oz.
If you have melasma, very fair skin, or a history of skin cancer, you’ll want a vegan sunscreen that offers extra protection. SunBum’s lotion, with a seal of recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation, is our favorite for this. With proper application, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes. This lotion also utilizes Vitamin E to neutralize free radicals, which are the leading cause of premature skin aging. Bonus, right?
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Body Shield SPF 50
Price | $46.00
Amount | 4 fl oz.
Available in a lighter and darker shade to cover most skintones, this vegan tinted sunscreen is formulated at 50 SPF for extra protection. It's also water-resistant for 80 minutes, meaning you're safe to head to the beach or pool!
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Oath MD Inzincable Sunscreen SPF 50+
Price | $54.00
Amount | 3.3 fl oz.
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is praised for its lightweight, zero-white-cast formula! And just like the others on our list, it's still totally mineral based, made with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxides. Simply apply generously 15 minutes before sun or blue light exposure and reapply every two hours to stay protected all day!
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EleVen Game Set Match Body Lotion SPF 50
Price | $38.00
Amount | 3.17 fl oz.
This one-of-a-kind dermatologist-approved serum is formulated to leave NO white cast on any skin tone! A brand by Venus William (one of our favorite vegan athletes), EleVen offers sportswear, accessories, and skincare for active women. This time, they've outdone themselves with a naturally-derived and 100% vegan sun serum that provides both SPF protection and hydration for all-day glowing skin!
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Suntegrity Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray
Price | $48.00
Amount | 3.4 fl oz.
Named EWG's Best Daily-Use SPF, Good Face Project Approved, and USDA Certified Biobased, this sunscreen has plenty of certifications to back it up! Not only is it SPF 50 for extra protection, it's also water resistant for 40 minutes, making it perfect for your beach trips and pool days.
Its milky formula is ideal for all skin types and works as a serum, delivering plenty of nutrients to your skin. It leaves no white cast, and instead protects, hydrates, and evens your complexion for an all-day glow. Simply reapply every two hours to make sure you're covered all day!
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MyChelle Dermaceuticals Repleneshing Solar Defense Body Lotion SPF 50
Price | $32.99
Amount | 6 fl oz.
Another excellent option for aging or at-risk skin, MyChelle Dermaceuticals' vegan sunscreen is infused with coconut oil and shea butter to not only protect your skin, but hydrate it as well! This zinc oxide sunscreen is also cruelty-free and vegan certified, Clean Label Project Certified, paraben-free, and of course, it's reef safe! Protect your skin and the oceans today by picking up this well-rounded daily SPF!
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Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
Price | $22.99
Amount | 6 fl oz.
This healthier, non-toxic sunscreen was designed specifically for athletes, but it's perfect for anyone seeking a cleaner, eco-conscious alternative!
This pick is non-oily, water resistant for 80 minutes, suitable for the face and body, and safe for daily use. You may also be relieved to know it's totally reef safe and contains zero endocrine disruptors. So, you can take it from the beach, to the gym, to the office! This versatile daily SPF ticks all the boxes, so try it out today!
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Our Pick: Coola Organic Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 50
Price | $36.00
Amount | 5 fl oz.
Our top pick had to be Coola's incredibly clean, fragrance-free mineral sunscreen! At SPF 50, it's the perfect daily vegan sunscreen to prevent premature signs of aging, keeping your skin radiant and healthy for the long run.
It's formulated with 7.25% non-nano zinc oxide and 3.5% titanium dioxide as its actives, making it totally reef-safe and suitable for beach trips. And not to worry, you can enjoy the water for over an hour before reapplying; it's water-resistant for 80 minutes!
Not only does this sheer, non-greasy lotion function as a daily SPF, it also works to hydrate and protect your skin with the help of antioxidant-rich ingredients like aloe juice, safflower oleosomes, and buriti fruit oil. The ultimate anti-aging cream!
Coola's formula is Leaping Bunny Certified, Hawaii Reef Compliant, and over 70% organic. Go for this effective, eco-friendly, and plant-powered vegan sunscreen today!
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Our Favorite Beauty Products with SPF
Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder SPF 35
Price | $35.00
Made with a totally mineral-based active ingredient, non-nano zinc oxide, Supergoop's setting powder is totally vegan and reef-safe! Plus, it's colored with non-toxic iron oxides which are 100% vegan and cruelty-free. Spare your skin from sun damage by going for this SPF product that you can comfortably reapply throughout the day!
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Supergoop Shimmershade SPF 30
Price | $24.00
Not to frighten you, but we think it's important you know that the eyelids are one of the most common sites for skin cancers! About 5-10% of all skin cancers occur on the eyelid. Why? Well, this region is the thinnest and most sensitive portion of skin on our bodies. So, we need to be extra mindful about protecting them from sun damage.
A great way to protect your eyelid skin is by going for an SPF product you can safely apply around your eyes, like Supergoop's SPF 30 eyeshadow! This product is mineral based, made with safe ingredients, and 100% vegan! Plus, it gives your eyes just the right amount of shimmery glow!
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Supergoop CC Screen 100% Mineral CC Cream SPF 50
Price | $44.00
Supergoop's makeup products are a must-have for those who want to give their skin extra protection against the sun's damaging rays! Take their CC Screen, for instance, which provides the perfect sun shield with SPF 50 mineral-based non-nano sunscreen power. This vegan face sunscreen and color corrector is sure to prevent any signs of premature aging and leave your skin feeling smooth and healthy!
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Coola Mineral Liplux Organic Tinted Lip Balm Sunscreen SPF 30
Price | $18.00
Need some protection for your lips, too? It's a good idea to go for a SPF lip balm for everyday use. However, if you're hitting the beach, you may want to go for a mineral-based version, like Coola's Mineral Liplux. This balm is packed with nourishing natural ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, carnauba wax, sunflower seed wax, and contains ZERO animal products!
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Pacifica Ultra CC Cream Radiant Foundation SPF 17
Price | $18.00
A totally vegan brand that is firmly opposed to animal testing, Pacifica has done it again with a facial sunscreen and CC cream you'll obsess over! It offers SPF 17 broad spectrum sunscreen protection and a lovely tint that can give you a youthful, dewy glow. Give it a try!
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Hurraw! Sun Lip Balm SPF 15
Price | $5.00
Want to protect your lips from the sun, too? Great thinking! Your lips need just as much sun protection as the rest of your body. So, whether you're headed to the beach or just taking a stroll around the park, you don't want to leave your Hurraw! Sun Lip Balm behind! It's made with zinc oxide as its active ingredient, but is also enriched with raspberry seed oil, sea buckthorn oil, and pomegranate seed oil, leaving your lips protected and nourished. You'll also be happy to know this product is Leaping Bunny, COSMOS, and Vegan Certified!
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Solara Suncare Pout Protector Moisturizing Lip Serum SPF 15
Price | $16.00
Carefully formulated with nourishing and hydrating ingredients like purslane, blackberry extract, peptides, ashwagandha, and other plant extracts, Solara Suncare's Lip Serum can totally restore and protect your lips! It's powered by non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide, making it a reef-safe, physical sunscreen. So, don't hesitate to take it along on all your beach trips, picnics, and summer walks!
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Derma-E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
Price | $23.95
This 100% vegan and Leaping Bunny certified setting powder is the perfect makeup product to reapply throughout your day! Why? Because, it's infused with mineral-based sun protection! So, rather than removing your makeup to apply more sunscreen, simply apply more mineral powder, remove any unwanted shine, and protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
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Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50
Price | $69.00
Looking for a high-SPF mineral formula to be sure you're getting the sun protection you need? You can reapply your sunscreen in seconds with Colorescience's SPF 50 Brush-On Shield! Available in four shades ranging from Fair to Deep, shield your skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays with this clean face powder!
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