Hence, ensure you start using paraben-free beauty products. Usually, sunscreens are formulated with two kinds of active ingredients – oxybenzone or avobenzone (chemical ingredients) and zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (physical ingredients ideal for sensitive skin). While chemical sunscreens are less likely to leave white streaks on the skin, physical sunscreens have fewer chances of causing skin inflammation (though they may leave white streaks on the skin). With tons of options available on the market, picking the right sunscreen could be a challenge. To help you out, we have narrowed down the options and listed here the 11 best paraben-free sunscreens available. Continue reading and pick your favorite.
11 Best Paraben Free Sunscreens Of 2022- Our Top Picks
1. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen
If you are fed-up with trying to figure out which sunscreen to use for your super sensitive skin, fret no more! This paraben-free sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide and has a broad spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is considered the standard for safe sunscreens and is a safe sunscreen for kids and even for babies. It should ideally be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating as it’s water-resistant for upto 80 minutes. This paba free sunscreen keeps your skin safe and protected without that greasy, uncomfortable feeling, so do check it out. Pros
Vegan Non-greasy Environment friendly Safe for infants and toddlers Highly biodegradable Non toxic Non-aerosol formula
Cons
May not be suitable for those with eczema
2. Best Hypoallergenic Formula:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
This octinoxate, oxybenzone, and paraben free sunscreen is better than a regular sunscreen because it has a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen that offers protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun and is water-resistant for upto 80 minutes. This means you need to apply it 15 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun and after 80 minutes of sweating or swimming. It is packed with vitamin E which is a powerful antioxidant and protects your skin without making it greasy or clogging your pores. This paraben-free sunscreen contains avobenzone and can protect your skin when you’re having fun in the sun. Pros
Vegan Gluten-free Paba-free Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Cruelty-free Antioxidant enriched Dermatologist-tested
Cons
May not be suitable for very sensitive skin
3. Best Anti-Aging Benefits:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
If you’re looking for some serious UVA/UVB protection, do try this oxybenzone, and paraben free sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30. This mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin is water-resistant for upto 40 minutes, so reapply it after regular intervals if you’re out in the sun. This sunscreen without parabens has been trusted by dermatologists for over 20 years and comes with Smart Bottle Technology where the bottle turns blue on exposure to harmful UV rays. This mineral sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and prevents sunburn, premature aging, and dark spots on the skin. So, get ready for some head-to-toe sun protection. Pros
No octinoxate No oxybenzone Reef-friendly Fragrance-free Water resistant No active chemical ingredients
Cons
May leave a residue
4. Best For Skin Hydration:Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen
Do you feel that finding the right sunscreen for your skin is a losing battle? Maybe it’s time to check out this new lightweight, non-greasy formula sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 30 that protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun. This oxybenzone and paraben-free sunscreen with nourishing prebiotic oat provides all day hydration and protection from the sun. It also prevents sunburn and sun-induced free radicals that cause skin-aging and dark spots from doing much damage to the skin. Check out this review for a detailed understanding about the product. Pros
Dermatologist-recommended Oxybenzone-free Oil-free Phthalate-free Dye-free Water resistant
Cons
Contains EDTA
5. Best Waterproof Formula:Coppertone Pure and Simple 100% Mineral Sun Protection
If you are losing hope because you feel you will never find the right sunscreen for your skin, try this 100% mineral, naturally sourced zinc oxide sunscreen lotion which is infused with botanical extracts like tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus extracts. It features broad spectrum SPF 50 that protects your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun. It’s also water resistant for upto 80 minutes and offers you protection while swimming. Ideal for all skin types including sensitive skin, it gives you all-day protection from UV rays, making it one of the best paraben-free natural sunscreens. You can also check this video out for a brief review of the product. This video review will help you understand more about the product. Pros
Hypoallergenic Paba -free Phthalate-free Fragrance-free No dyes No oxybenzone Water resistant Dermatologically-tested
Cons
Some may find its texture greasy
6. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:DRMTLGY Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Still hunting for the right sunscreen for yourself? Maybe it’s time to take a look at this medical grade,non-comedogenic, paraben-free sunscreen which has a broad spectrum SPF 45 that protects you from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun. Its fast absorbing SPF also features a high level of niacinamide, also known as vitamin B3, which is a powerful antioxidant. Niacinamide along with vitamin E and hyaluronic acid works against aging of the skin and prevents fine lines, wrinkles, clogging of the pores, uneven texture of the skin, and age spots. It offers natural protection with zinc oxide and is ideal for everyday use. This paraben-free sunscreen for acne-prone skin and sensitive skin might just be the answer to your prayers if you break out upon using sunscreens. Pros
Oil-free Non-comedogenic Cruelty-free Sulphate-free Gluten-free Hormone-free Formaldehyde-free Fragrance-free Suitable for all skin types
Cons
Might leave a white cast
7. Best Weightless Formula:Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Body Moisturizer SPF 30
Fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, suntan— name any of these issues and this alcohol and paraben-free sunscreen, with pure herbal extracts promises to take care of it. It is enriched with 100% pure, natural hemp seed oil and is also infused with coffee cherry extract, citrus fruit complex, shea butter, and powerful antioxidants like vitamin A, B, C, and E. Its broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen does a great job at protecting your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun and deeply nourishes, hydrates, and protects your skin. This lightweight lotion offers streak-free hydration and gets absorbed quickly. This paraben-free sunscreen for dry skin might be just the answer to your skin problems. Pros
Non-greasy 100% vegan THC-free Gluten-free
Cons
Has added fruit fragrance Not water resistant
8. Best Tear-Free Formula:Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids Sunscreen Lotion Spray
Banana Boat paraben-free sunscreen is especially good for children because of its broad spectrum SPF 50 that keeps your child’s delicate skin safe from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. It’s made with 25% fewer ingredients which include oxybenzone, octinoxate, oils, and fragrances and is thus recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It stays on in 7 conditions of sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand, and heat. This paraben-free sunscreen is lightweight and easy to apply and has the added advantage of being water and sweat resistant for upto 80 minutes. Its mild, tear-free formula makes it safe for your child to use so they can play in the sun without suffering any sun damage. Pros
Fragrance-free No added oils Reef-safe Water resistant
Cons
May not suit extremely sensitive skin
9. Best Quick-Drying Formula:Hint Pineapple SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
This oxybenzone and paraben-free sunscreen spray may be the answer to your skin woes. It has a broad spectrum SPF 30 that offers protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. The compressed air spray ensures that it dries extra fast with no greasy residue. As it has a compressed air system, it offers an easy 360° spray application and it contains no propellant chemicals. It gives uniform coverage to the skin, ensuring full protection. Do remember not to spray it on your face directly, spray it on your hands and then rub onto your face. Pros
Oxybenzone-free Paba-free Water resistant Non-greasy
Cons
Some may not like the added pineapple fragrance.
10. Best Organic Formula:No-Ad Sun Care 50 Sport
This paraben-free sunscreen contains avobenzone, aloe, and vitamin E and a broad spectrum SPF 50 that offers protection against the harmful UV rays of the sun. It’s also water and sweat resistant for upto 80 minutes, so do remember to reapply it after swimming. Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 has been especially formulated for people with an active lifestyle. This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion is easily absorbed by the skin and protects you from sunburns. Spending a long time in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer and early skin-aging, and this paraben-free sunscreen offers an effective solution to prevent that. Pros
Fragrance-free Contains natural ingredients Broad spectrum SPF Water resistant
Cons
Some may find the texture greasy
11. Best For Children:CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
If you are concerned with your sensitive skin dealing with dryness and sun damage at the same time, then you must check this Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen from CeraVe. This 100% physical/mineral-based sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that reflect UVA/UVB sun rays to protect your skin from their damaging effects . It is also formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6- II) and hyaluronic acid to restore the skin’s natural barrier and seal moisture in to keep your skin hydrated and healthy. Pros
Non-comedogenic Allergy-tested Accepted by the National Eczema Association Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use Oxybenzone-free Oil-free Fragrance-free Suitable for sensitive skin Suitable for kids Lightweight Non-greasy
Cons
Leaves a white cast on the skin
When you’re trying to fight sun damage, it is essential to get your hands on the best paraben-free sunscreen that suits your skin and requirements. It’s important to keep a few things in mind so that you can make an informed choice, so here we bring you a comprehensive buying guide!
How To Choose A Paraben-Free Sunscreen
Broad Spectrum
Always choose a sunscreen that says ‘broad spectrum’ as that protects your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays of the sun. UVA rays cause premature aging of the skin along with wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots while UVB rays cause sunburn. Overexposure to these rays can be a cause of skin cancer as well.
Ingredients
It’s best to avoid chemical sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and avobenzone and opt for physical sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Parabens in products should be avoided at all costs.
Sun Protection factor
SPF refers to the amount of UVB light that can be filtered by your sunscreen. It is ideal to use a sunscreen with minimum SPF 30 as it blocks about 97% of the UVB rays. It’s good to apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and always reapply it after swimming or sweating.
Skin type
If you have oily skin or acne, ensure that your sunscreen is labeled as ‘non-comedogenic,’ which means that it does not block your pores.If you have dry skin, look for moisturizers that feature SPF or a sunscreen that contains hydrating agents. For sensitive skin, you can opt for a physical/mineral sunscreen which preferably contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as these two ingredients are gentle on the skin and won’t burn or sting.
Personal Preference
Sunscreens usually come in the form of creams, lotions, gels, sprays, or sticks and you should choose the one you are actually going to use. Also, it’s important to use it the right way for it to be effective. So, do read the instructions carefully and follow them.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Kirtana Divakar, is a skin care enthusiast who experiments with different skin care products. She went through numerous reviews and feedback available on multiple forums and brand websites to curate a list of the best paraben-free sunscreens that protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. The products she listed in this article are ideal for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Which ingredients in sunscreen are harmful? As far as possible, avoid the following ingredients as they may do you more harm than good— benzophenone-3 also known as oxybenzone, avobenzone, cyclopentasiloxane, formaldehyde, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin and hydroxymethylglycinate, homosalate, methylisothiazolinone, microbeads, nanoparticles. Do read the list of ingredients carefully and keep away from these chemicals. Which ingredients are considered safe in sunscreen? When it comes to sunscreens, look for one that contains at least one of the following— ecamsule, titanium dioxide, sulisobenzone, or zinc oxide. Any of those should be effective. What is paba-free sunscreen? PABA stands for para-aminobenzoic acid which is an active ingredient found in many sunscreens, cosmetics, and other beauty products. This chemical tends to do more harm than good to your skin. It’s an effective sunscreen agent but it’s also a strong sensitizing agent and can cause allergic contact dermatitis. Is all good sunscreen paraben-free? No, not all good sunscreens are paraben-free. The Sun Bum premium moisturizing sunscreen lotion, Aveeno Protect + Hydrate sunscreen, and Banana Boat Simply protect kids sunscreen lotion spray are a few paraben-free sunscreens. Is paraben-free sunscreen good for oily skin? Yes, paraben-free sunscreens are good for oily skin. They protect the skin from the sun, pollution, and free radical damage, and reduce the overproduction of sebum. What is the safest ingredient in sunscreen? Only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe ingredients in sunscreen. How often should you apply paraben-free sunscreen? You can incorporate sunscreen into your CTM routine. Apply it every two hours after stepping out to minimize the damage. However, applying 20 minutes before going out is better to prevent sun damage.
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