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An effective natural face sunscreen is crucial for protecting the skin of your face from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The best natural sunscreens for your face will contain protect the delicate skin on your face with the sun-blocking minerals zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their active mineral ingredients.
You shouldn’t see chemical sunscreen ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, or any other chemical sunscreens in a non-toxic mineral sunscreen, even if it’s been labeled as a “mineral sunscreen.” The only active ingredient should be zinc oxide or a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
We’ve gathered the best natural sunscreens for your face, including mineral and organic sunscreen options. Read on for the full list, starting with a quick look at why non-toxic sunscreen is the way to go for sun protection.
Why to Use Natural Sunscreen on Your Face
There are several reasons why natural sunscreens for your face are important to apply whenever you’re heading out to spend some time in the sun:
- Preventing sunburn: Sunburns occur whenever your skin is exposed to excessive UVB radiation. Sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) helps prevent sunburn by blocking or absorbing the majority of these UVB rays.
- Reducing skin cancer risk: Prolonged unprotected sun exposure increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Applying sunscreen daily can significantly lower this risk by shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which are known to contribute to skin cancer development.
- Preventing early aging: The sun’s UV rays are a significant contributor to aging signs like wrinkles, fine lines, age spots, and sagging skin. By wearing sunscreen consistently when you’re younger, you can help prevent these signs of aging skin for longer.
If you know you’re going to be out in the hot sun without much shade, it’s best to go with a higher SPF number like 50 for maximum protection. For daily use, an SPF 30 sunscreen will feel lighter and easier to apply to your skin along with your skincare routine.
The Case for Mineral-Based Natural Sunscreens for Your Face
The best mineral sunscreens offer a range of advantages in comparison to chemical sunscreens.
Safer Ingredients
Natural sunscreens for the face feature physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, creating a protective shield on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays. Conversely, chemical sunscreens utilize ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which absorb UV rays and convert them into heat released from the skin.
The Environmental Work Group (EWG) advises using caution regarding chemical sunscreen ingredients, as they may pose safety concerns. Studies have shown that these ingredients can penetrate the skin, persist in the body for weeks after use, and potentially disrupt hormone function. Needless to say, if you can avoid them by using mineral sunscreens instead, why risk the potential concerns over chemical sunscreens?
Another concern is that some American companies that make chemical sunscreens actually exceed the recommended limits set by the European Commission for ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. To make matters worse, some of these ingredients, such as oxybenzone, have even been associated with an increased risk of certain cancers.
Enhanced Sun Protection
Mineral sunscreens typically deliver comprehensive broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. In contrast, some chemical sunscreens might only shield against UVB rays, leaving you vulnerable to painful sunburns. Additionally, certain chemical sunscreen ingredients may degrade when exposed to sunlight, diminishing their efficacy over time.
Positive Environmental Impact
The best mineral sunscreens are often renowned for their reef-safe properties, as they do not harm marine life or the environment. On the contrary, chemical sunscreens, particularly those containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, have been proven detrimental to coral reefs and other marine ecosystems.
Overall, mineral sunscreens not only ensure safer and more effective sun protection, but they also contribute to the preservation of our precious marine environments. You should always check for a “reef safe” mineral sunscreen if you plan on doing any swimming with that sunscreen on your body or face.
7 Best Mineral Based Natural Sunscreens for Faces
Here are our favorite mineral sunscreens for your face which are effective at protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays and are non-toxic to the environment.
1. Blue Lizard Sheer Lotion for Face
This dermatologist-recommended mineral sunscreen from the Australian company Blue Lizard offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 50+. Its mineral active ingredient, zinc oxide, ensures a healthy defense against harmful rays. The sunscreen applies smoothly, leaving a clear, sheer finish.
This is my summer-time face sunscreen of choice these days because it goes on nice and light, like a lotion (unlike a lot of heavier mineral sunscreens) and even makes my skin look, dare I say, a bit dewy after applying it.
This sunscreen also provides blue light protection for those of us who are chained to our screens for many hours a day. Its light formula is enriched with cucumber and papaya extracts, helping reduce the risk of skin aging.
It also nourishes the skin with a super blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, shea butter, antioxidants, and vitamin E, effectively locking in moisture. I’ve been super happy since I discovered this non-toxic face sunscreen from Blue Lizard.
2. Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen
Babo’s mineral face sunscreen is a dermatologist-tested, ultra-sheer, lightweight sunblock that’s designed for extra sensitive skin. This non-toxic sunscreen for your face has a zinc-based mineral formula that delivers gentle yet effective protection. Formulated with organic oils like avocado and jojoba, it also helps nourishes your skin as it protects it from UV rays.
Made in the USA and B Corp Certified, this sunscreen prioritizes your skin’s well-being and the environment. Gentle enough for even younger members of the family, you just need to apply it to the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours for optimal protection.
3. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen
Sun Bum’s zinc-based face sunscreen glides effortlessly and doubles as a primer, providing a matte finish while offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection. Lightweight and silky, Sun Bum’s sunscreen spreads easily and doesn’t feel too heavy on your face.
To use, simply apply this mineral sunscreen face lotion at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. For continued protection, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, and every 2 hours. It does have a white tint, which helps to see where you put it on, but requires more rubbing in that some might not enjoy than some of the clear zinc options on this list.
I always like to have a few of Sun Bum’s sunscreen sticks handy in my car, purse, and in my house for easier application to myself and my kids’ faces as we’re running around to soccer games and the playground.
4. Supergoop Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen is a multitasking sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection while also priming your skin for makeup and shielding against blue light. This non-nano zinc oxide formula easily blends into the skin, delivering a natural and smooth finish.
It can be worn alone or as a primer under makeup, creating a seamless canvas. I’ve used it, and it looks and feels great when it’s on my skin, even giving it a bit of a reflective quality that I like.
This mineral face sunscreen is made with botanical ingredients, including bush clover extract, which is known for its ability to reduce the visible effects of free radicals. Aloe leaf juice moisturizes and helps smooth the skin, while squalane leaves your skin soft without any greasy residue.
The only real downside is that this sunscreen tends to be pricier than others, costing $48 for a 1.5 ounce tube.
5. Badger Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
This zinc oxide sunscreen provides safe and effective sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s gluten-free and non-GMO. With a minimalistic approach, the sunscreen is made with just five natural ingredients that moisturize, nourish, and protect the skin. It is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and gentle on sensitive skin.
This mineral sunscreen for faces is easy to apply, suitable for both the face and body, and offers 40 minutes of sweat and water resistance, ensuring reliable protection during outdoor activities. What sets it apart is its reef-friendly formula, free from oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs.
The brand prioritizes sustainability by using 50% PCR tubes made from post-consumer recycled materials and producing the sunscreen with 100% solar power. As a women-owned family business, they take pride in their commitment to quality and environmental responsibility.
Badger also makes one of my favorite sunscreen sticks out of clear zinc — no more stains on my car’s seats with this thing!
6. Thinksport Everyday Face SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Thinksport makes one of the best non-toxic sunscreens for faces, offering everyday SPF protection with a natural tint. It absorbs quickly, suits all skin tones, and doesn’t feel oily. This clean mineral formula provides effective SPF 30 defense for sensitive skin, without harmful chemicals. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and reef-friendly, making it safe for you and the environment.
You can also get this sunscreen in a handy sunscreen stick form to make application easier.
7. Ethical Zinc Daily Wear Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
Ethical Zinc is another Australian company that makes its sunscreen out of zinc oxide with over 50 SPF protection. You can get this sunscreen shipping to you if you live either in Australia or in the U.S. Make sure to apply at least 20 minutes prior to going out into the sun and to reapply this sunscreen after swimming or exercise.
Ethical Zinc also makes its tinted face sunscreen in a dark tint option.
Natural Face Sunscreens: The Safest Option for Serious Sun Protection
The sun’s UV rays can be harmful, causing sunburns and advancing the aging of our skin, and even potentially leading to more serious conditions like skin cancer. Luckily, we can easily protect ourselves from the sun’s by using a good non-toxic mineral sunscreen on a daily basis.
For more natural skin goodness, you might also enjoy:
- Best Mineral Sunscreens for Kids
- Best Natural Face Moisturizers for Glowing Skin
- Best Organic BB Creams
- Best Organic Eye Creams
