What Is A Natural, Organic, And Mineral Sunscreen? What Makes It Natural?

Sunscreens are of two types:

Chemical Sunscreens: This is a no-brainer. These sunscreens contain chemicals, especially oxybenzone, as their key ingredients. These chemicals let your skin absorb the UV rays. Chemicals sunscreens need 20 minutes to become effective as they need time to get absorbed into your skin. Natural Sunscreens: Also referred to as mineral-based or organic sunscreens, these contain minerals, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which reflect UV rays. These sunscreens have an immediate effect (you can apply and walk out into the sun immediately) as the minerals will not get absorbed into your skin. This is why these sunscreens are considered gentle and safe.

Both protect your skin – but in different ways. If you prefer the natural way, here’s the list of natural sunscreens that you cannot miss.

10 Best Organic, Mineral, And Natural Sunscreens

1. Best Lightweight:Biossance Squalane + Mineral SPF 45

The product claims to be a non-greasy mineral sunscreen that can also double as a makeup primer. It is lightweight and offers a smooth finish, making it a perfect base for your foundation. It keeps your skin hydrated and protects it from UV rays.Pros

SPF 45 Non-greasy Lightweight Preps and primes the face Mild fragrance Cruelty-free

Cons None

2. Best Water-Resistant:CoTZ Sensitive

Dermatologists recommend this mineral-based sunscreen. This product is formulated to suit extra sensitive skin. With SPF 40, this sunscreen blocks UV rays and prevents sun damage. It doesn’t smear and can be an excellent base for your makeup.Pros

100% oil-free Preservative-free Doesn’t contain parabens, gluten, and phthalates Water-resistant (for 40 minutes) Non-greasy Cruelty-free Doesn’t irritate your skin

Cons None

3. Best Non-Greasy:Kypris Pot Of Shade Heliotropic

This product is rich in botanical extracts. It is gentle yet effective and shields your skin from UV rays. It has a non-whitening formula that preps and primes your skin and gives it a luminous radiance. It has a calming impact on the skin and is suitable for hypersensitive skin. Check this video to learn more about the product.Pros

SPF 30 Gluten-free Sulfate-free Cruelty-free Eco-friendly packaging (glass packaging) Non-greasy Spreads easily Can double as a primer

Cons None

4. Best Non-Comedogenic:MD Solar Sciences Mineral Creme

This product not only functions as a sunscreen but also doubles as a moisturizer under your makeup. It is incredibly lightweight and has a silky smooth texture that blends into your skin easily, without leaving a whitish film on it. It is water-resistant and so gentle that it can be used on babies (6 months and older). Take a look at this video to get more information on the product.Pros

Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation Fragrance-free Paraben-, gluten-, and cruelty-free Non-comedogenic Contains vitamin C Oil-free Broad-spectrum (SPF 50)

Cons None

5. Best Travel-Friendly:Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen

This is an eco-friendly spray sunscreen that is extremely convenient to use, especially for reapplication. It has a broad spectrum (SPF 50) and contains natural extracts. It is water and sweat resistant and keeps your skin nourished. This video offers a more detailed explanation of the product.Pros

Easy to apply (and reapply) Travel-friendly Doesn’t irritate your skin Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) Can be used on kids (over six months) 100% vegetarian Cruelty-free No parabens, sulfates, and phthalates

Cons None

6.Best Matte Finish: TIZO 3 Mineral Sunscreen

This is a tinted facial sunscreen that has a silky smooth texture. It is extremely lightweight and gives your skin a velvety smoothness. It can be used instead of your regular BB or CC cream or foundation or as a primer for your makeup. It is non-greasy and gives a matte finish.Pros

Gluten-free Doesn’t contain dye and oils Fragrance-free Doesn’t contain preservatives Doesn’t contain any chemicals

Cons Price

7. Best Anti-Aging:Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Made with 100% zinc oxide (naturally sourced), this sunscreen is the ultimate shield for your skin. It not only protects your skin from UVA rays and signs of aging but also blocks UVB rays to eliminate the risk of sunburn. The dry-touch technology of this formulation gives you a non-greasy finish. It is water-resistant (for 80 minutes) and will not leave a white film on your face and can be used under makeup.Pros

Fragrance-free Phthalate-, dye-, and chemical-free Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic Non-oily

Cons None

8. Best Dermatologist-Recommended:Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

Australia is known for its harsh sun and climate. This product is tested with Australian standards to offer ultimate sun protection. The formulation is made using high-action mineral technology that prevents sunburn and protects your skin from harsh and intense sun rays. It has a smart bottle technology, where the bottle changes color under UV rays.Pros

SPF 30 Dermatologist recommended Sweat and water-resistant (for 80 minutes)Doesn’t cause breakouts

Cons None

9. Best Sweat-Resistant:Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

This mineral sunscreen lotion is specially formulated for sensitive skin. It contains green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile extracts that soothe and calm sensitive skin. It has a broad spectrum (SPF 30) and is extremely lightweight.Pros

100% vegetarian Cruelty-free No parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates Water and sweat-resistant (for 80 minutes) Biodegradable material

Cons None Buy it here!

10. Best Mineral-Based Formula:Thinkbaby SPF 50 Sunscreen

Don’t let the name fool you! Although it is meant for babies, even adults can use this sunscreen. It has a mineral-based formula and a broad spectrum of SPF 50. It protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.Pros

Safe ingredients Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) Non-greasy Doesn’t irritate the skin Nice fragrance

Cons None

11. Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector

This lightweight mineral sunscreen is loaded with natural extracts (marigold and black chokeberry) and antioxidants. It feels amazing even under makeup and does not give you that whitewashed look. It also supports collagen development.Pros

Contains titanium and zinc oxide Patent protected ingredients (Echinacea purpurea) Non-greasy Easy to apply and lightweight

Cons None

12. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen

This sunscreen feels like a lightweight mist on your skin and makes you feel refreshed instantly. It is perfect for sensitive skin as it contains organic ingredients that calm and soothes your skin. Although it is meant for adults, the ingredients make it safe for babies as well.Pros

100% non-nano zinc oxide Water and sweat-resistant (up to 80 minutes) LightweightHypoallergenic Contain natural extractsFragrance-free Spray bottle

Cons None

13. All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter

The best thing about this product is that despite its thick consistency, it feels extremely light on your skin. It has SPF 50 and 25% zinc oxide. It provides complete protection from both UVA and UVB rays and is a great option for prolonged outdoor activities.Pros

Organic ingredients Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) EWG verified (top rated)

Cons None

14. Badger Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream

This sunscreen contains only five ingredients and is one of the best sports sunscreens available in the market. It is water-resistant and best suited for those who indulge in sporting activities under the sun for extended hours (such as surfing, biking, running, swimming, hiking, and snowboarding). It protects your skin from the sun, cold, and wind and keeps it nourished for long.Pros

No added scent Sweat and water-resistant (lasts 80 minutes) No chemicals (oxybenzone and octinoxate) Cruelty-free Sunflower oil-base Recyclable packaging Biodegradable Phthalate- and BPA- free

Cons

A bit thick Leaves a white film on the skin (needs to be massaged well)

15. Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense

This sunscreen has a creamy texture and contains antioxidants that nourish and moisturize the skin. This brand is well known for its excellent quality control. The product has a beige tint, but it works well on different skin tones and does not give a chalky look.Pros

Doesn’t contain alcohol Silicone-free Chemical-free Contains zinc oxide, vitamins, and fruit enzymes

Cons A bit greasy

16. Sanre Sparkling Aloe Solar

This is another mineral sunscreen that is highly rated by EWG. It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The formula feels smooth on your skin and is specially created for sensitive and acne-prone skin.Pros

Lightweight Moisturizing SPF 30 Contains natural ingredients

Cons A bit greasy for oily skin

17. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen

Sports sunscreens are usually on a thicker side, and this product is no exception. However, unlike other sports sunscreens, this one will not leave a chalky layer behind. It has SPF 30 and contains 20% zinc oxide. It is meant for providing long-lasting sun protection during outdoor activities such as hiking, running, cycling, and running. It is suitable for acne-prone skin.Pros

Water-resistant Contains soothing aloe vera and organic ingredients The non-nano natural mineral zinc Blends easily

Cons The smell (can be overpowering for some)

18. Goddess Garden Daily SPF 30 Moisturizer

This product contains 19% zinc oxide and has SPF 30. This sunscreen provides great protection. It feels smooth on application and can be used beneath your daily makeup. The best part is, it contains chicory root extracts that have a firming effect on your skin.Pros

Fights signs of aging Hydrating formula Contains only natural extracts No parabens No synthetic fragrance

Cons May feel a bit sticky

19. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence

This sunscreen feels more like a shimmery primer on your face. It is very easy to apply and contains beeswax and shea butter. It also has a brightening effect on your skin. It is a non-greasy formula with SPF 30. However, this not completely a physical or natural sunscreen – it is a mixture of both.Pros

Contains natural extracts Brightening effect Makes the skin radiant Easy to apply Lightweight Non-greasyDoesn’t irritate the skin

Cons

Contains alcohol

20. 100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick

This formulation delivers broad coverage (SPF 30) and contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is gentle on all skin types, including baby’s skin (over six months), and can be used on the face as well as the body.Pros

Gluten-free 100% vegetarian 100% organic ingredients Water-resistant Hypoallergenic Non-comedogenic PABA-free

Cons

Greasy Overpriced for the size

21. Nature’s Brands SPF 30 Face And Body Lotion

This organic sunscreen is top-rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for being non-toxic. It is fragrance-free and contains 20.5% non-nano zinc oxide, organic jojoba oil, lavender oil, and other natural ingredients.Pros

No synthetic fragrance Dye-free No chemicals (octinoxate and oxybenzone) Good for sensitive and acne-prone skin Doesn’t irritate your skin

Cons

A bit thick May give a whitewashed look if applied liberally

Sunscreen is a non-negligible part of any skincare routine. It helps achieve healthy skin, protects you from harmful UV rays, prevents hyperpigmentation, and slows aging. Moreover, choosing an organic sunscreen means exposing your skin to fewer chemicals and harsh ingredients, which will not irritate your sensitive skin. But how do you choose the right natural sunscreen? Check out this buying guide to know what to look for while buying the best natural and organic sunscreen for sensitive skin.

Things To Consider While Choosing The Best Organic Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

Skin Type

It is very important to know what your skin type is and what it needs. Determine if you have dry, oily, or combination skin and choose a formula accordingly. For instance, if you have dry skin, go for moisturizing sunscreens and if you have oily or combination skin, choose a lightweight sunscreen with a gel consistency.

Sun Protection Factor

Make sure you pick a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. You can go up on the SPF depending on the amount of time you spend in the sun or your skin tone, but aiming for a minimum of 30 SPF is highly recommended. Additionally, make sure it is broad spectrum.

Fragrance-free

Artificial perfumes and scents can be one of the most common reasons that cause irritation and rashes on sensitive skin. Instead, choose sunscreens with very little or no fragrance that will be gentle on your skin.

Ingredients

Make sure to opt for sunscreen with the right ingredients. Just because sunscreen is organic and natural, it does not mean it will suit all skin types. Even organic sunscreens can have ingredients that may cause allergic reactions or rashes. It is best to read the ingredient list before buying organic sunscreen. Look for zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in your natural sunscreen.

Reviews

Online reviews and customer testimonials are the best way to know how any product works and how effective it is. Read and compare online reviews on various shopping platforms and the company’s official website before you invest in an organic sunscreen. Do natural sunscreens work? Yes, natural sunscreens are free of harsh chemicals, and if applied adequately and correctly, it defends your skin as long as the SPF factor is 30 or more. Is coconut oil a good sunscreen? No, coconut oil only filters 20% of the sun’s UV radiation. However, when mixed with sunscreen, coconut oil forms a protective layer and blocks the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun. Does aloe vera gel work as sunscreen? No, aloe vera gel does not work as a sunscreen, but it effectively treats sunburns, inflammation, and redness caused by UV rays. Can I use natural sunscreen on my kid? Yes, you can use natural sunscreen on your kid, as it can help protect your child from UV rays. How do I know if sunscreen is safe? Sunscreens devoid of harsh chemicals and enriched with natural ingredients that do not damage the skin are considered safe. However, conduct a patch test for the best results.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, a certified skin care coach, has a passion for reviewing skincare products that she believes are promising and useful. She has thoroughly researched numerous brands and their products and closely examined user reviews to curate this list of the best natural sunscreens available on the market. The author has also included the pros and some possible cons along with details about the products. The products shortlisted here are formulated with gentle, natural, and organic ingredients that protect your skin against the harmful rays of the sun.

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