Vegan Sunscreen | The Ultimate Roundup of the 9 Best Vegan Sunscreens
Summertime is here, and with it comes to fun in the sun – but before you head out, it’s important to make sure you’re not just protecting yourself from harmful UV rays, but also protecting the environment. That’s why we created this ultimate guide to the 9 best vegan sunscreens on the market: so you can stay safe and eco-friendly while soaking up those summer rays! Read on to learn more about these top-rated sunscreens and find the perfect one for your unique needs.
What is Vegan Sunscreen?
Vegan sunscreen is a type of sun protection that does not contain any animal ingredients or by-products. This means that it is cruelty-free and suitable for those who follow a vegan lifestyle. Typically, vegan sunscreen is made with natural minerals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to block harmful UV rays. It's important to note that just because sunscreen is vegan, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's environmentally friendly.
However, many vegan sunscreen brands are mindful of their impact on the planet and use eco-friendly packaging and ingredients. They come in many forms, such as lotions, sticks, sprays, or oils, and can be applied just like regular sunscreen.
How do you use it?
Firstly, choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and broad spectrum protection. Apply it generously to all exposed areas of skin, making sure to cover all the nooks and crannies such as behind your ears and on your scalp if you have thinning hair.
Don't forget to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating. Remember, using sunscreen is just one important step in protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.
How to Make the Most Out of this Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best vegan sunscreen for your needs!
Best for Tanning: Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil
Best for Tanning: Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil is the perfect vegan product for anyone wanting to enjoy the benefits of a natural tan responsibly. The broad spectrum SPF 15 UVA/UVB protection shields your skin from harmful rays of the sun and enriches your skin with natural ingredients, such as Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado oil. This is also a good protective option for those who hate wearing sunscreen. Thanks to these natural ingredients this non-greasy and reef-friendly product will provide long-lasting protection against UV rays whilst hydrating the skin!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado Oil.
This product is made Hypoallergenic and Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free.
Best Hypoallergenic (Sensitive Skin Inclusive): Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Best Hypo-allergenic: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing, non-whitening, and lightweight sunscreen that provides up to 80 minutes of water and sweat-resistant coverage without the use of harsh chemicals or irritants. This unique mineral formula—formulated with zinc, meadowsweet, calendula, watercress, and chamomile—has been rated number #1 in safety by the Environment Working Group (EWG) and is clinically tested to be gentle on the most sensitive skin types, including children and babies.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include meadowsweet, calendula, watercress, and chamomile.
This product is made gluten-free, sulfate-free, phthalates-free, fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, and octinoxate-free.
Best Standard (2 Fan Favorites):
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Best Standard: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is the best standard solution for those looking for high-quality, vegan-friendly sun protection. This formula offers effective protection from UVA/UVB rays without putting your skin at risk of clogged pores or other damage. Plus, its water-resistant design and reef-friendly technology mean that you're taking essential steps to protect yourself as well as the environment around you.
Another great standard vegan sunscreen option is Supergoop! Play Everyday lotion. It's a great standard option for anyone with sensitive skin or if you're just looking for extra nourishment. It includes clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extracts, plus it won't leave behind a "white cast" on darker skintones.
What's in it & How's it Made?
This product is made Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free.
Best for Dry Skin (Sensitive Skin Inclusive): ACURE Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream
Best for Dry skin: ACURE Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream
Why We Are Passionate About It
ACURE's Seriously Soothing SPF Day Cream is a vegan-friendly and nature-inspired way to protect your skin from the sun's rays. This day cream is formulated for dry to sensitive skin and provides long-lasting moisture and sun protection to protect you from the harsh effects of UV radiation. The ingredients are carefully collected to provide maximum hydration, comfort, and soothing relief while protecting your delicate skin.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter, coconut oil, and argan oil.
This product is made vegan, certified cruelty-free, paraben-free, sulfate-free, mineral oil-free, petrolatum-free, and formaldehyde free.
Best for Face: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Best for Face: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen gives you invisible and weightless protection from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. This scentless formula provides oil-free sunscreen for all skin tones and lifestyles - without disrupting your skincare routine. Not to mention it helps filter blue light, skin-damaging light emitted from our phones, laptops, and tablets, with natural ingredients like frankincense and meadowfoam seed to help soothe your skin while protecting it. If you're looking for an innovative vegan face sunscreen that serves a multi-purpose, then this is the sunscreen for you!
If you want something, a little different, perhaps a powder for the face or a way to reduce the chances of a greasy face, we've got you covered. Check out the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include red algae, frankincense, and a complex derived from meadowfoam oil.
This product is made oil-free, vegan, reef-friendly, beard-friendly, scent-free, oxybenzone-free, and octinoxate-free.
Best for Infants, Toddler & Kids: Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
Best for Infants: Thinkbaby SPF 50 Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Thinkbaby’s SPF 50 provides, approved by Whole Foods Premium Care, is crafted with a clean mineral formula providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It offers gentle defense against the sun’s rays while remaining free of any unpleasant chemical scents or sticky residue. Plus since it’s water resistant your baby can splash, swim or play safely knowing they are well-protected from burning and long-term damage caused by the sun. It's also effective for children and toddlers!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include non-nano Zinc Oxide.
This product is made Leaping Bunny certified with no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
Best Sunscreen With A Little Glow: Supergoop! Glowscreen
Best for Hair: Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Best Sunscreen for hair: Coola 70%+ Organic Ocean Salted Sage Scalp and Hair Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Coola's 70%+ Organic Ocean Salted Sage Scalp and Hair Mist water-resistant mist is designed with SPF 30 protection that helps prevent UV-related issues like color fade while also being reef-friendly - saving our oceans and keeping you safe in the sun!
This product is 70% organic and farm-to-face, meaning the products come straight from an organic farmer's field into the product. If you're looking to protect your scalp from sun damage, this is the product for you!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Monoi Oil and Gotu Kola extract.
This product is made gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Best for Lip: Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
Why We Are Passionate About It
Protect your lips with the Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm Variety Pack! Crafted with aloe and vitamin E for added hydration and nourishment that lasts, it's your perfect companion for sun-centric days. Choose this lip balm for hydration and protection from the sun's UV Rays.
If you're interested in a tinted sunscreen lip balm, check out MDSolarScience's tinted lip balm in four gorgeous colors plus nourishing avocado oil and shea butter.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Aloe Vera and Vitamin E
This product is made Hypoallergenic, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free.
Other Forms of Sunscreen You Just Might Love!
The recent years, the sunscreen has be re-introduced in different forms to better fit each person's liking making it easier than ever to fall in love with using sunscreen!
Here's are a few of our favorite picks!
Best Mist/Spray:
For a quick, easy, refreshing application check out our two favorite sunscreens in their spray forms - the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray and the Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 30.
Best Sunscreen Stick:
For a mess-free, pill-free sunscreen experience, give the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick a try.
Best Roll-On:
For the best of both worlds, liquid texture and stick like application, try on this roll-on Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion.
Best Face Powder Sunscreen (Oily Skin Inclusive):
This is one of our favorites, especially for our oily-skinned folks. For a powder application and sunscreen touch ups throughout the day, try the Hawaiian Tropic Mineral Powder Sunscreen Brush.
If you prefer a tinted powder version, check out Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50.
Vegan Sunscreen FAQs
With more and more people becoming conscious of protecting their skin against harmful UV radiation, many are turning to vegan sunscreen as an alternative.
But with so much information out there, it can be difficult to find the answer to important questions.
That's why we've created faqs for vegan sunscreen – a one-stop shop for all your answers. From types of active ingredients to safety warnings, our comprehensive guide provides easy-to-understand answers so you can make informed decisions about your skin care needs.
Generally speaking, there are a few ingredients in many sunscreens that make them not vegan. These include animal-derived products such as lanolin, cholesterol, and chitin. Lanolin is obtained from the wool of sheep, while cholesterol is found in egg yolks and other animal-based sources. Chitin can be sourced from the exoskeletons of some crustaceans. Many sunscreens also contain Vitamin A palmitate which may come from cod liver oil or beef tallow, depending on their source.
If you have concerns about what's in your sunscreen then it’s best to look for brands labeled 'vegan' or check a product list to avoid the answers listed above.
What is the most harmful chemical in sunscreen?
While sunscreen does its job in protecting us, some chemical ingredients can have potentially harmful effects on our bodies. Of all the chemicals commonly used in sunscreen, oxybenzone has been identified as one of the most potentially dangerous and widely used. Oxybenzone belongs to a group of chemicals known as ‘organic ultraviolet filters’ that are designed to absorb UV light from sunlight and act as an invisible layer between your skin and the sun’s rays.
Oxybenzone is often found in combination with other organic UV filters such as octinoxate, homosalate, or avobenzone. However, it has unfortunately been linked to various health risks including hormone disruption, increased risk of cancers due to potent oxidative stressors and endocrine disruption when absorbed through human skin cells.
What ingredients should I look for in a vegan sunscreen?
Sun protection is a vital part of any skincare routine, and vegan sunscreens are an excellent choice for those concerned about animal welfare. When shopping for vegan sunscreen, the most important ingredients to look for are non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and natural oils like avocado oil. Non-nano zinc oxide forms a physical barrier when applied to the skin that deflects UVA and UVB rays without having to rely on chemical agents.
Avocado oil is rich in essential fatty acids that help nourish and moisturize the skin while providing an additional layer of protection from damaging UV radiation. When selecting a vegan sunscreen make sure you read the label carefully so you know exactly what ingredients have been used in manufacturing it.
What does "reef-friendly" sunscreen mean?
Reef-friendly sunscreen, sometimes called coral reef safe, is a type of sunscreen that does not contain any of the chemical ingredients that are known to damage coral reefs. These chemicals typically include oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been found to be harmful to marine life. Reef-friendly sunscreens use natural minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection instead of synthetic chemicals.
These physical blockers sit on top of the skin and scatter sunlight away from the body rather than being absorbed into it, reducing our reliance on potentially damaging ingredients. In addition to protecting coral reefs from damage caused by certain ingredients in traditional sunscreens, reef-friendly varieties often provide better UVA/UVB protection while being gentler on sensitive skin than traditional formulas containing PABA or other allergens.
Best Vegan Sunscreen - What We Recommend
In this article, you have read about the benefits of vegan sunscreen, as well as our top picks for the best vegan sunscreen for your skincare needs. We want our readers to make informed decisions about which products to use on their skin and be aware of what is best for them, and the environment.
Consider making the switch to vegan sunscreen and enjoy a safe summer knowing that you are limiting your exposure to not just dangerous UV rays but also harmful chemicals that can end up in the groundwater, potentially harming wildlife. Be proactive when it comes to your skincare, and spread awareness on how vegan options can help protect not just your skin but our planet too!
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best vegan sunscreen on the market with many different product options from mineral sunscreen to cruelty free sunscreens. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your skincare journey or have sensitive skin or oily skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered. Review this article, and others on our site, to learn more!
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