The 4 Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens to Use This Summer in 2024

With hundreds of sunscreens to choose from, picking out a safe, non-toxic, and effective one is no easy feat. 

Many of the most effective sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemicals, while the non-toxic ones tend to leave you with a ghostly white cast that never seems to go away.

In this list, I found the best four non-toxic sunscreens to use all summer long. With minimal white cast, safe ingredients, and effectiveness against sunburn, you’ll find sunscreen for every occasion and usage, including spray sunscreen, sunscreen sticks, a water-resistant option for recreational use, and the best non-toxic sunscreen for babies and kids.

What Makes a Non-Toxic Sunscreen?

Non-toxic sunscreens are most often mineral or physical sunscreens rather than chemical sunscreens. 

Chemical sunscreens are made of active ingredients (“chemicals”) that absorb UV rays before your skin can absorb them. Unlike physical or mineral sunscreen, which creates a barrier that physically blocks UV rays, chemical sunscreen absorbs UV radiation. These active compounds include: 

• Oxybenzone: One of the worst when it comes to both human and marine life health. It is thought to be an endocrine disruptor, affecting thyroid and testosterone levels, and may also be linked to breast cancer. Oxybenzone receives a red “4” rating from EWG (out of 10, with 10 being the worst). 
• Octinoxate: EWG gives octinoxate a red “7” rating, which is not great, to say the least. It shows evidence of endocrine disruption, reproductive effects, allergic potential, and environmental effects. It also shows estrogenic effects in laboratory animals and disrupts thyroid hormones and brain signaling.
• Avobenzone: EWG rates avobenzone a “2” (pretty good) for its association with immunotoxicity or allergies and weak endocrine disruption.
• Octisalate: A red “5” rating from EWG for endocrine disruption, allergic potential, and environmental effects.
• Octocrylene: One of the better chemical ingredients, with a “1-2” from EWG. However, it produces free radicals when exposed to UV light, which can contribute to skin aging and unhealthy cell signaling. 
• Homosalate: EWG rates this a “2-4,” with concerns for endocrine disruption and environmental bioaccumulation. 

Most chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that are considered endocrine disruptors, meaning they can alter or interfere with healthy hormonal and reproductive activity. Some chemical sunscreen ingredients are considered more hazardous than others, with oxybenzone and octinoxate likely being the worst. Many of these chemicals also harm marine ecosystems, including coral reefs. 

For our list of non-toxic sunscreens, I used EWG’s (Environmental Working Group) Sunscreen Guide. I looked for EWG-verified sunscreens or those with a green “1” or “2” score that don’t contain chemicals or compounds harmful to human health or the environment. 

Not all mineral sunscreens are always automatically non-toxic. We also looked to avoid parabens and phthalates, which are also considered endocrine disruptors, and sulfates, which can cause skin irritation.

Our Insider Picks

Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Spray: Oars and Alps 100% Mineral Sunscreen Spray → Go to Review

Best Non-Toxic Stick Sunscreen: Attitude Sunly Mineral Sunscreen Stick -→ Go to Review

Best Non-Toxic Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion → Go to ReviewBest Non-Toxic Sunscreen for Babies and Kids: Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion → Go to Review

Why Trust Our Reviews?

The Nutrition Insider prides itself on being a neutral third party that only reviews products we believe in. Our team consists of doctors, registered dietitians, and food experts who are dedicated to providing you with the best science-backed takes on the latest food and nutrition trends and health products.Our content dives deeper than surface-level branding and marketing claims, providing you with value-added “industry insider” information. For more information about how The Nutrition Insider conducts its reviews and other aspects of our business, please feel free to read our Editorial Policy.

1. Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Spray: Oars and Alps 100% Mineral Sunscreen Spray (A+)

Sunscreen sprays are pretty hard to find 100% non-toxic, but Oars and Alps 100% Mineral Sunscreen Spray is the best one we found. It’s free of harmful chemicals like octinoxate, oxybenzone, parabens, and other endocrine disruptors. Its spray can does not use aerosol, and it also includes skin-supporting ingredients like vitamin E and jojoba oil. 

SPF & Ingredients

This mineral-based sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It has SPF 30 and 15% zinc oxide. The ingredients are:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (15%); Inactive Ingredients: Water, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Bentonite, Cladonia Stellaris Extract (Alpine Caribou Moss), Withania Somnifera Root Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Bisabolol, Fructose, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Coco-Glucoside, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid.

All of these ingredients are found to be “green” by EWG, indicating no to minimal concerns for human health or environmental effects. I also like that Oars + Alps shows each ingredient on their product page and describes what it is used for in the sunscreen. For example, bisabolol is a “skin-soothing ingredient commonly derived from chamomile plants.”

Product Experience

I absolutely loved this sunscreen! It sprays directly on the skin (doesn’t get everywhere), absorbs easily, does not leave you greasy, and does not leave a white cast on your skin. When exposed to water, it does not bead off or seem to be removed in any way. I highly recommend Oars + Alps for the best non-toxic spray sunscreen category.

Transparency and Sustainability

Oars + Alps is very transparent about its products, including describing why each ingredient is included in its sunscreen. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, and Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant. They don’t use aerosol for their spray, which can be harmful to the environment. Instead, their sunscreen sprays use Bag-On-Valve technology, meaning the sunscreen formula is separated from harsh propellants, so the only thing that sprays out is the sunscreen.

Value

At $20 for a 6-ounce spray can, this comes out to $3.33 per ounce. While $20 seems pricey for a standard-size can of sunscreen, it’s not outrageous, and the spray does seem to last longer than a liquid sunscreen of the same size. Plus, finding a non-toxic sunscreen spray is quite challenging, so I think it’s worth it.

2. Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen Stick: Attitude Sunly Mineral Sunscreen Stick (A)

Attitude Sunly Mineral Sunscreen Stick is an excellent choice for a sunscreen stick. It’s easy to use and has a no-mess application, which is great for kids or on-the-go use. Its ingredients are great, although it does have coconut oil, which has the potential to clog pores. As sunscreen sticks are commonly used on the face, that is one downside for acne-prone people or those with oily skin. I also love the plastic-free container, unscented option, and non-greasy finish. The only thing keeping it from an A+ is its price point—$22 for just 2 ounces is pretty steep.

SPF & Ingredients

This sunscreen is broad-spectrum and SPF 30 with 20% zinc oxide. The ingredients are: 

Active ingredient: Zinc oxide (20 %); Inactive ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Behenyl Behenate, Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Mica, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Behenate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Silica.

This sunscreen is EWG Verified, which is the ultimate non-toxic stamp of approval.

Product Experience

I really enjoyed this sunscreen stick. It’s super easy to use and apply and has a cardboard applicator rather than plastic. You simply push up on the bottom (like a Push-Up Pop) and rub the sunscreen on. It requires a light rub to get thoroughly rubbed in, but it did not leave a white cast and did not feel greasy or sticky. I love how easy it is to reapply, and I can imagine it’d be easier to get sunscreen on kids with this method.

Transparency and Sustainability

Attitude has several sustainability measures. First and foremost, it uniquely uses biodegradable cardboard (from eco-managed forests) instead of plastic for its sunscreen. The container also uses biodegradable ink, seal, and protective coating, is vegan, and has the Ocean Lovers Seal. Attitude also has many other clean and non-toxic beauty and skincare products—plus a plastic-free boutique storefront in Montreal! You can see their certifications here, including EWG Verified, ECOLOGO® Certified, and Certified by PETA.

Value

At $21.99 for 2.11oz or $10.42/oz, this sunscreen is not inexpensive. While they do use high-quality ingredients, it’s still pricey. However, the stick version does last longer than 2 ounces of liquid sunscreen would.

3. Best Non-Toxic Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion Sunscreen (B+)

Supergoop! PLAY 100% Mineral Lotion is a good choice for recreational use or sports, as it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes. While it’s not EWG Verified, it has a green rating on EWG, indicating no significant health risk is present. However, it’s a “2,” not a “1” score. It rubs in very easily and leaves no white cast or greasy finish. But it’s also pretty expensive, which also dropped down the score.

SPF & Ingredients

This is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 and 16% zinc oxide. The ingredients are: 

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 16.0%; Inactive Ingredients: Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Astrocaryum Vulgare Kernel Oil, Behenyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C13-14 Alkane, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Diheptyl Succinate, Erythritol, Ethyl Ferulate, Glycerin, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Jojoba Esters, Lauryl Laurate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Polyester-7, Polyester-8, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Propanediol, Sea Water, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Water

While the ingredients are good, this sunscreen does not have the EWG Verified certification. EWG rates it a “2,” which is in the green, low-risk category. The two ingredients bringing down its score are Arachidyl Glucoside, which shows possible immune or allergic effects, and Butyloctyl Salicylate, which may have endocrine-disrupting effects.

Product Experience

This is a great mineral sunscreen, as it leaves zero white residue and is incredibly easy to rub in—similar to the ease of a chemical sunscreen. I also love that it is water- and sweat-resistant for 80 minutes and even feels like a nourishing lotion.

Transparency and Sustainability

Supergoop has this product’s SPF sun protection efficacy report available on the product page, which is a transparent move. However, I don’t see much in the way of sustainability efforts other than their boxes being made from recyclable, post-consumer recycled materials.

Value

At $38 for 3.4oz, Supergoop Play comes out to $11.18/oz. There’s no getting around the fact that this is a very pricey sunscreen!

4. Best Non-Toxic Sunscreen for Babies and Kids: Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (A)

Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is an excellent choice for babies and kids, as it’s been tested by dermatologists and pediatricians. It’s also great for people of all ages with sensitive skin and contains natural, plant-based ingredients like coconut, red raspberry seed oil, pomegranate seed oil, olive oil, and jojoba. However, it does leave a whitish cast on your skin that is hard to rub in. 

SPF & Ingredients

This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen has an SPF of 40 with a high concentration of zinc oxide at 25%.

EWG rates this as a “1,” which is the best score you can get before being EWG Verified. Surprisingly, the only ingredient that is keeping this from being EWG Verified is the high concentration of zinc oxide, at 25%, which may have allergic or immunotoxic potential. However, this appears to be only if inhaled, like if it were a sunscreen spray. 

The ingredients are: 

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 25%, Inactive Ingredients: Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Fractionated Coconut) Oil*, Cera Alba (Beeswax)*, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis Flower (Calendula) Flower Extract* *Organic

This is one of the most natural mineral sunscreens I’ve seen, using primarily plant-based or food-based ingredients. 

It’s not non-comedogenic (may clog pores), as it contains coconut oil and shea butter. However, babies and kids tend not to have a pore-clogging problem, so that is likely not an issue here. If you are an acne-prone adult using this sunscreen, just beware about using it on your face.

Product Experience

You can tell that this sunscreen is getting the job done—it’s thick, it’s white, and it takes a while to rub in. I can imagine this would be a great quality for sunscreen use on babies and kids, as you can see where the sunscreen is. Plus, kids don’t care too much if their sunscreen is leaving a white glow on their skin!

Transparency and Sustainability

Earth Mama is NSF/ANSI 305 Certified by Oregon Tilth, which certifies organic personal care products, as well as Leaping Bunny Certified and Plastic Neutral. However, I don’t see much else for sustainability. 

Value

At $14.99 for 3oz or $5.00/oz, Earth Mama is one of the more affordable non-toxic mineral sunscreens.

Non-Toxic Sunscreen FAQs