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Summer is almost here, so it’s the perfect time to rethink your sunscreen.

Many conventional sunscreens are packed with chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. Luckily, there are better and safer options! These 14 non-toxic, mineral-based sunscreens are broad-spectrum, reef-safe, and free from harmful toxins—so you can have fun in the sun!

What is ‘non-toxic’ sunscreen?

The term ‘non-toxic sunscreen’ isn’t a legally defined term, nor is there any legal certification for personal products (yet).

However, in the general sense, non-toxic sunscreen is essentially physical sunscreen (more on this later), made with non-nano minerals, and free from other junk chemicals and ingredients such as synthetic fragrances.

Why switching to a non-toxic sunscreen matters

I often hear people say things like, “Who cares if sunscreen has a few sketchy ingredients? It just washes off anyway.”

And hey—I get it. It feels like that. You slather it on, dive into the water, and that greasy, filmy layer seems to disappear.

But here’s the thing: your skin is your largest organ—and it’s not just a protective shell. It’s semi-permeable, which means substances can pass into your body just as easily as they pass out.

So, even if some sunscreen rinses off, a portion of it can still be absorbed into your skin—and potentially into your bloodstream. That’s especially concerning with conventional sunscreens which contain ingredients linked to hormone disruption or skin irritation.

That’s why making the switch to a non-toxic sunscreen matters. Cleaner sunscreens use mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block UV rays —without the harsh chemicals.

You still get effective sun protection, just without putting your skin (or your health) at risk. Safe sun, happy skin.

Chemical vs. physical sunscreen

As I mentioned earlier, safer sunscreen is typically a physical sunscreen whereas conventional sunscreen is chemical. Don’t worry if you don’t know what this means – I was in the same boat (and most people are too). Here are the major differences:

Physical sunscreens use mineral ingredients that essentially sit on-top of your skin surface to create a barrier causing UVA and UVB rays to bounce off. Kind of like a full-body shield.

Conventional sunscreen uses chemical ingredients that penetrate your skin into the dermis layer (where blood vessels live) and there it absorbs UVA and UVB rays.

Harmful ingredients found in sunscreens

Some of the most common harmful sunscreen ingredients found in conventional sunscreen include:

• Oxybenzone: This chemical sunscreen ingredient is known to penetrate the skin and has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic reactions. It can also contribute to the bleaching of coral reefs. (1)
• Octinoxate (Octyl methoxycinnamate): Another chemical sunscreen ingredient that has been shown to disrupt hormones and potentially cause allergic reactions. Like oxybenzone, it is harmful to coral reefs. (1)
• Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A Palmitate): This form of vitamin A is sometimes added to conventional sunscreens for its “anti-aging” effects. However, studies have suggested that it may actually increase the risk of skin cancer when exposed to sunlight.
• Parabens: Preservatives that are commonly added in skincare products, including sunscreens, to prolong shelf life. Parabens have been linked to hormone disruption and have raised concerns about their potential carcinogenic effects.
• Fragrance: Often listed as “fragrance” or “parfum”, these additives can contain numerous undisclosed chemicals, some of which may be allergens or irritants. (3)
• Nano Zinc Oxide and Nano Titanium Dioxide: While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safe and effective as active ingredients in non-toxic sunscreen, concerns have been raised about their safety in nanoparticle form. Nanoparticles are incredibly tiny and may be able to penetrate the skin and potentially cause cellular damage or other health issues. Nanoparticles and their effects on health have not been widely researched. (2)
• Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives: Preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, and quaternium-15, slowly release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen, into sunscreen over time.

Many conventional sunscreens include some (or all) of these harmful ingredients, all of which can pose real risks to your health. Instead of applying a chemical concoction onto your skin, let’s take a look at how to find a toxin-free sunscreen!

What to look for when buying non-toxic sunscreen

Trying to find a safer, toxin-free sunscreen can feel overwhelming (especially with all of the greenwashing brands are doing!). Here are a couple of main things to look for to ensure you find a cleaner and safer option.

✅ Non-Nano Minerals: Non-toxic sunscreens use mineral ingredients to physically block UV rays instead of chemically. Look for non-nano titanium dioxide or non-nano zinc oxide. Both of these minerals are UV-resistant (blocks UV waves). Non-nano zinc oxide is the better of the two as it provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

✅ 18%+ Zinc Oxide: Most mineral sunscreens will list a specific percentage of zinc oxide in the formula. If you’re planning on being in the sun for a long period of time look for a sunscreen with a mineral percentage of 18% if possible.

✅ Broad-spectrum: SPF is only any indicator for UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF30 or above.

✅ Synthetic fragrance-free: (aka parfum) I love a coconut scent as much as the next gal, but synthetic fragrances are one of the biggest toxins in sunscreens (and personal care products in general). They can cause a variety of symptoms, like migraines, nausea, irritation, and so on. Synthetic fragrances can be a mixture of hundreds of different, unregulated ingredients! Look for either unscented, fragrance-free options or ones that list only essential oils as their scent ingredients.

✅ Antioxidants: Look for vitamin C, E or green tea polyphenols under the inactive ingredients. These natural antioxidants have been shown to be protective against oxidative stress caused by UV rays.

✅ Reef Safe: Be careful with this one. Many brands will advertise their sunscreen as “reef safe,” even though it may contain ingredients that are harmful to aquatic ecosystems due to a lack of regulations.  A good place to double check a safety rating is with the EWG Product Search Tool.

Active vs. inactive ingredients

The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens—like non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—do the actual sun-blocking. Both are naturally occurring minerals that are safe for humans and reefs. Zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB), while titanium dioxide primarily blocks UVB and some UVA rays.

Inactive ingredients make up the rest of the formula, and this is where potentially harmful chemicals often hide. Avoid ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate—all linked to hormone disruption. Also watch out for synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, and polyethylene glycol.

To check product safety, two great resources I like to use are:

• MADE SAFE – The only certification that screens for both human and environmental health. It’s a no-BS resource I always trust! Also the strictest ingredient certification database currently.
• EWG Sunscreen Guide – Rates products based on ingredient safety and potential health risks.

14 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Brands

Here are 15 best toxin-free sunscreen brands that are chemical-free, synthetic fragrance-free, made with non-nano minerals, and reef-safe. So you can have fun in the sun without worrying about chemicals.

Badger 

4.4/5 | 3846 reviews

Sky & Sol

4.2/5 | 1136 reviews

Thrive

Babo Botanicals

4.6/5 | 4014 reviews

Erbaviva

4.9/5 | 16 reviews

Cocokind

4.6/5 | 1205 reviews

Earth Mama Organics

4.1/5 | 364 reviews

Rowe Casa

4.1/5 | 109 reviews

All Good Body Care

4.7/5 | 20 reviews

Substance by Matter Company

4.2/5 | 1136 reviews

California Baby

4.5/5 | 172 reviews

TruKid

4.6/5 | 1153 reviews

ThinkSun

4.7/5 | 233 reviews

Attitude

4.8/5 | 246 reviews

Tips for using mineral sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen can feel a little different from the chemical formulas you may be used to. It tends to be slightly thicker and may leave a faint white cast, so the key is to apply it evenly and really work it into the skin.

Because mineral sunscreen protects by creating a physical barrier that reflects UV rays, how you apply (and reapply) it really matters. A few simple tweaks can make a big difference in how well your non-toxic SPF protects your skin:

• Apply enough: Don’t be shy with it! Use enough product to make sure you get good coverage throughout your body. Even, thorough coverage is key.
• Reapply regularly: Reapply every 2 hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating—even if the label says “water-resistant.”
• Give it time to settle: Apply mineral sunscreen at least 15 minutes before heading out. This allows the formula to set and create a stable protective layer on your skin.
• Don’t forget commonly missed spots: Make sure to cover ears, eyelids, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and the backs of your hands.
• Pair it with other sun protection: Mineral sunscreen is a great start, but for extended outdoor time, add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing for full coverage.

By using mineral sunscreen consistently and correctly, you’ll get strong, clean protection—without the toxic trade-offs.

Extra tips for safe sun exposure

Everyone wants to be outside when summer rolls around—it’s warm and sunny, and there’s so much to do. But it’s important to practice sun safety, too! Sun exposure is essential for optimal health and well-being, but being smart about it is also important.

Here are a couple of extra ways to practice safe sun exposure aside from wearing a non-toxic sunscreen so you can have fun in the sun, minus the sunburns.

• Avoid the strongest sun from 10 am-2 pm 
• Find shade (for breaks!)
• Wear long sleeve shirts, hats and sunglasses

Use a different non-toxic sunscreen? Let me know below! Thanks for reading friends 🤎