Your clean beauty agenda requires a sunscreen that is both nontoxic and completely shields your skin from sun damage. Thankfully, the best natural sunscreens have you covered. Not only do they provide clean protecting power, they are also nongreasy. Which means they won’t leave behind a chalky residue. Another bonus? Most actually contain skin-perfecting ingredients that will leave your skin better than it was before you applied your daily SPF.
Most of us look so hard for lighter, nongreasy, sheer sunscreens that we often settle for formulas that rely on parabens, artificial fragrances and other harmful ingredients. Since sunscreen is something you should wear daily, it’s definitely one skin care item you don’t want to skimp on.
Luckily, there’s a huge range of labels making natural sunscreens with organic or safely-sourced natural ingredients that focus on protecting your skin. Here are our faves.
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Facial Sunscreen SPF 40, $20.99 at Goop
Kate Solomon's brand Babo Botanicals first started off with products meant to treat children's allergies so you know it has a strong focus on clean formulations. This nongreasy sunscreen formula is almost completely sheer and offers intense protection.
MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28 Unscented, $22 at MyChelle Dermaceuticals
This unscented, full-spectrum sunscreen is made without any parabens, sulfates or gluten. It contains aloe, honeysuckle extracts and a translucent form of zinc oxide, which is a smarter substitute for more abrasive chemicals.
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30, $34 at Sephora
No one wants you to have a safe beauty regimen more than Drunk Elephant founder Tiffany Masterson, who has also busted quite a few myths about what it means to be "natural." This broad-spectrum sunscreen offers UVA/UVB protection and doesn't interfere with the pH balance of skin.
Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen, $16 at Goop
Not only does this natural, water-resistant sunscreen keep your skin protected for up to 80 minutes, it's also made with plant stem cells and a blend of organic juices.
Peter Thomas Roth Max Mineral Naked Broad Spectrum SPF 45, $38 at DermStore
This SPF 45 moisturizer has safflower seeds and vitamins A, C and E for a formula that nourishes as it protects. Bonus: A subtle tint provides a skin-perfecting sheen.