5 Must-Have Vegan Sunscreen Brands For Your Everyday Sunscreen Solution
What is it about the summer season that makes us want to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer? We know excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays can be damaging – but what if you’re a vegan who doesn’t want to compromise on their lifestyle when it comes to finding the right sunscreen? Don't worry, we have you covered. In this ultimate guide, we will explore the best vegan sunscreen brands available so that anyone looking for vegan options can make an informed choice. Let's dive in!
What is vegan sunscreen?
Vegan sunscreen is a type of sun protection that is formulated without any animal-derived ingredients. So, if you're vegan, you can rest easy knowing that you can still protect your skin while keeping in line with your ethical beliefs.
Vegan sunscreens come in a wide range of sun protection factors, otherwise known as SPF, and in many various forms to suit the needs of every skin type and tone. To help make your buying decisions easier, we've come up with five of the best vegan sunscreen brands, and even included a few products to make it easy to find the sun protection your skin needs.
How do you use it?
Properly using sunscreen is essential for safeguarding your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Sunscreens protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and various skin cancers. To use sunscreen correctly, you need to select the right sunscreen for your skin type, apply it generously, and reapply it frequently throughout the day.
Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher will provide the best defense against UV rays. So, don't skimp on sunscreen, and make it your priority to use it correctly to keep your skin healthy and safe while you bask in the sun.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
When it comes to protecting your skin while also being mindful of our oceans, it's crucial to opt for a vegan sunscreen that is reef friendly.
Unfortunately, not every brand out there has the same concerns for our coral reefs, which are constantly under threat from chemical pollutants. Choosing a sunscreen that aligns with your beliefs and preferences is key.
By seeking out reef-friendly options, you can feel confident in not only safeguarding your own skin but also doing your part to protect our delicate marine ecosystems.
How To Get 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!
Supergoop!
Interested fact: the Super!Goop company actually started in the classroom. Founder Holly Thaggard, passionate about reducing cancer and improving the ease of wearing sunscreen every single day, worked to get SPF pumps into classrooms across Texas. Today, Supergoop! is a well-renowned vegan sunscreen brand. All Supergoop! products are vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly with over 1600+ products on their "No List", including Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and parabens.
Supergoop! creates interesting and innovative ways to wear sunscreen every day. They incorporate SPF into everyday skincare with primers, eye shadows, and morning moisturizers. Reviews show that Supergoop! is a trusted brand for all skin tones with no "white cast" left behind from using their lotions. In fact, they boast 40+ options that cater to many different skin types, tones, and routines. If you hate wearing sunscreen but want UV protection then you should give the Supergoop! brand a try. Keep reading for a sample of their coolest products.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
This lightweight and hydrating broad-spectrum sunscreen is Supergoop's standard sunscreen lotion. It's a lightweight, hydrating broad-spectrum sunscreen that absorbs both UVA and UVB rays and won't leave a "white cast" on your skin. It has a light, refreshing scent and absorbs easily without leaving that sticky uncomfortable feeling often associated with sunscreen products.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen - SPF 40
Unseen Sunscreen seems to be Supergoop's magnum opus. It's their most popular product--and for good reason! Unseen sunscreen uses a unique oil-free formula that's completely invisible, weightless, and scentless. It's antioxidant-rich, soothing, and hydrating thanks to the Red Algae, Meadowfoam Oil, and frankincense included in their formula. And bonus: it provides the perfect velvety base for a makeup primer and is beard-friendly!
Supergoop! Glowscreen - SPF 40
If you're on the hunt for a multitasking sunscreen that can do it all, look no further than Supergoop's Glowscreen. Not only does this broad spectrum SPF 40 sunscreen filter out blue light, but it also works as a makeup-gripping primer to give you a perfectly dewy, glowing complexion. It's packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide to keep your skin nourished whilst protecting it from the sun's harmful rays. And with the added antioxidant benefits of sea lavender, you can trust that your skin will be in good hands.
Sum Bum
Sun Bum is a vegan sunscreen brand that broadcasts a simple, but powerful message to the world: to live safely and have fun! They were founded in 2010 with the mission of creating products they cared about. Sun Bum cares about animals, their families, and the planet, and so they devote themselves to creating cruelty-free, kid-friendly, and reef-friendly sunscreen with clean ingredients. It's as simple as that.
This company stays close to its roots by staying down-to-earth and out in the sun. They have offices on the beach in Florida and California, where it is accepted and encouraged to take surf breaks, play ping pong during work hours, bring your kids and dogs to work, and listen to old albums. If you're looking for a brand that represents summertime fun, then Sun Bum is for you!
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Sun Bum Original Lotion is the standard Sun Bum sunscreen product and the founders' purported favorite. It's dermatologist and Sonny-approved, and non-comedogenic which means using it won't cause breakouts or acne. This is a trusted product, used daily by the people who produce it. If you're in the market for a standard sunscreen lotion, you can't go wrong with this one. If you're looking for a vegan face sunscreen, you can also find a similar product here.
Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm
Sun Bum also offers a sunscreen lip balm to provide the lips with lasting protection from the sun's harmful rays. It's smooth and hydrating, enriched with Aloe, cocoa butter, and Vitamin E. Whether you're hitting the beach, slopes or just running errands around town, this triple-action lip balm will heal, protect and moisturize your lips. Plus, it comes in three summery scents: Watermelon, Coconut, and Banana
Coola
The Coola Brand is dedicated to "a higher standard in healthy skincare". This means they create products with a focus on clean, organic ingredients effective in boosting the nourishment and health of a customer's skin. Coola is known to be 70%+ organic for every product they create. They are also known as "Farm-to-Face" thanks to formulating their products with ingredients that support local farmers who follow sustainable farming practices.
Their products are also full of active plant ingredients like aloe vera and green tea to nourish your skin with the power of nature. If you're looking for a skincare brand that's green (in every sense), then give these Coola products a try.
Classic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Coola's Classic SPF 50 packs a punch with antioxidants like Cucumber, Algae, Strawberry, and Red Raspberry Seed Oil to nourish and hydrate your skin. And the best part? It sprays on easily without the use of an aerosol propellant, so you can feel good about using a non-toxic product that won't harm the environment. Plus, it's water-resistant and has a non-greasy, lightweight finish, so you can enjoy your time in the sun without feeling weighed down.
Coola Makeup Setting Spray Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
This setting spray was designed for people who love both makeup and great sun protection. It's an easy way to reapply SPF without messing up your makeup, which makes it ideal for everyday use. This antioxidant-rich spray is refreshing thanks to the inclusion of organic cucumber extract, and lightly hydrating with a weightless matte finish. If you're looking for a refreshing way to reapply SPF over your makeup, then you need this spray!
Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
If you're someone who spends a lot of time in the sun, you know how damaging it can be for your hair. Not only does it lead to dryness and breakage, it can also cause your hair color to fade faster. COOLA's Scalp & Hair Mist Organic SPF 30 protects your hair and scalp from harmful UV rays with a blend of potent plant-based antioxidants to fortify and strengthen your strands. If you're looking for a trusted vegan brand and extra scalp protection, give this product a shot.
Thinksport
Thinkbaby and Thinksport's sole purpose is to create alternative products for everyone, from little ones to adults. The founder, Kevin Brodwich, combined an interest in health and preventative medicine with his background in biotechnology to form a company guided by product safety and the latest chemical and biological science. Thinkbaby and Thinksport continue to lead in the usage of safe materials for consumer products, and their efforts are furthered thanks to partnerships with child advocacy groups and like-minded individuals. If you're looking for a product scientifically formulated to be nourishing and protective for your entire family, then check out Thinksport!
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Thinksport provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports, and active use. Its broad-spectrum UVA & UVB formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and it is easy to apply without any oily or sticky residue left behind. It also has no unpleasant chemical scent, which is often associated with sunscreen. If you're looking for a formula with the latest in biotechnology, the give this one a try!
Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Thinksport SPF 50 for kids is a gentle and effective solution for children's sunscreen. Like the Thinksport SPF 50, this sunscreen provides reliable protection against UVA and UVB rays while being gentle enough for daily use on even the most sensitive skin. It won't leave a sticky residue or unpleasant scent and its water-resistant for long-lasting fun in the sun.
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
Thinkbaby SPF 50 is gentle enough for daily use on an infants' skin while still keeping the reliable biotechnology Thinksport is best known for. Just like the others, it's water resistant with strong protection against UVA and UVB rays, and won't leave a sticky residue on your baby's skin. If you're looking for a dermatologist-tested, scientifically formulated sunscreen for daily use on your baby's skin, look no further!
EltaMD
According to their website, more dermatologists use EltaMD personally than any other professional sunscreen brand. Elta MD got their start in the 1800s in rural Switzerland, where a powerful healing ointment was passed down by farmers for generations. When that secret came to the US in 1988, the founder of Elta MD saw its potential and developed a professional line of products called Elta. Today, Elta MD uses its medical heritage and science-backed formulas to offer products for different lifestyles, preferences, and needs, of people of all skin conditions, tones, and types.
EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear Sunscreen has been specifically formulated with sensitive skin types in mind. It's an effective sunscreen and also contains key ingredients that actually help to promote healthy-looking skin. It's especially effective for conditions like acne, rosacea, or dark spots. Plus, with its sheer, silky, fragrance free, and lightweight formula, you won't even feel like you're wearing sunscreen.
Vegan Sunscreen Brands FAQS
When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, the number of choices can be overwhelming.
Let faqs for vegan sunscreen brands help you make an informed decision. We provide detailed information about each brand so that you can be sure that you are selecting the right product for your needs.
With our help, you will be able to find a safe, effective, and natural sunscreen that meets your individual requirements.
What is in sunscreen that makes it not vegan?
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing sunscreen, it's important to be mindful of the ingredients and make sure that the products are certified vegan. Nowadays there are many sunscreens offering vegan formulas and you can easily find one that best suits your needs. Hopefully, this article has provided you with all the necessary information on the best vegan sunscreen brands available on the market.
We kindly invite you to review our other articles on this topic if you’d like to learn more about vegan skincare and awareness of environmental impact. As always, we wish you healthy skin and a beautiful day! Don't forget to check out our articles on our site for further details regarding vegan sunscreen and all its benefits.
How We Curated This Article
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!
Thanks for reading!
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