Sunscreen is a vital part of a person's skin care routine, and if it's not it should be. But not all sunscreens are created equally. It used to be that a person could go to the store and pick a bottle off the shelf and lather up without a care in the world. But after questions posed by the FDA, it has been found that many of these sunscreens may contain ingredients that absorb into the skin. Now, there's a such a thing as "good" sunscreens and "bad sunscreens." The findings are not definitive, but the FDA is reevaluating which chemical sunscreen ingredients it will allow. Sunscreens considered "safe" use mineral UV blockers, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The best way to know if a sunscreen uses mineral filters is to rub it onto the skin and see if it leaves a white residue — sunscreens with mineral filters will leave a white cast on the skin.
Because it may be hard to tell the difference between the most effective and least effective sunscreens, we rounded up a few of the "better" ones. To start, having an SPF of 30 or higher is the goal. Other criteria was as follows: high ratings, good recommendations, the presence of "organic" or natural ingredients, and the classification of a "mineral sunscreen." Most contain ingredients such as sunflower seed oil or aloe that are natural but still have sun-protective ingredients. Although it's important to protect children with appropriate sunscreens, protecting mamas, too, is also our MO.
As we mentioned earlier, sunblocks to have are ones that actually block the sun's rays. Having zinc and "mineral" ingredients present can ensure that that sun blocking happens. The best part? Some of these sunscreens don't just deflect UV rays — they also soothe, nourish, and may even create some luminosity. Some makeups even include SPF to ensure all of the coverage: That's how important sunscreen is to a skin care routine.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen
Neutrogena has moisturizers and face washers so it makes sense they company would have a safe, mineral sunscreen too. At SPF 50, it still is oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen ($6, Amazon)
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen
This SPF 50 sunscreen works well for folks living active, sweaty lifestyles. It's "top-rated by EWG since its creation in 2010 with a '1' rating." Cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen ($13, Amazon)
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Color Stick
Another great option for active folks, the Bare Republic Mineral stick comes with "80 minutes of water-resistant protection." It's also cruelty-free, chemical-free and paraben-free.
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Color Stick ($12, Amazon)
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Want to protect skin and the Coral Reef? This Australian sunscreen is the way to go. It contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate and has no active chemical ingredients. It's all mineral.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15, Amazon)
Caribbean Solutions Sol Guard Sun Block
With a rating of "0" for sunscreen safety, Caribbean Solutions sun block is a safe and "clean" protective option. It's oxybenzone-free and biodegradable.
Caribbean Solutions Sol Guard Sun Block ($20, Caribbean Sol)
Jason Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sport Sunscreen
Jason's sport sunscreen lasts on skin up to 80 minutes and contains no parabens, phthalates, octinoxate, oxybenzone or harsh sulfates. Another great option for active lifestyles.
JASON Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Sport Sunscreen ($10, Amazon)
Badger Broad Spectrum Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
This sunscreen not only protects but it also nourishes, thanks to the natural sunflower oil base in its formula. It's biodegradable, reef-safe and contains 98% certified organic ingredients. Bonus: It's fragrance-free, too.
Badger Broad Spectrum Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 ($13, Thrive Market)
Natural for Family Sunscreen SPF 30
This Natural for Family sunscreen definitely checks off the natural for family box and improves sun-damaged skin in the process with its "ultra lightweight Pomegranate Seed oil." It contains 20% zinc oxide only, no chemical actives, and no nanoparticles.
Natural for Family Sunscreen ($20, Burn Out Sun)
Avène Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+
This Avène sunscreen absorbs into the skin to both protect it and give it a matte finish, because skin protection can make it look good too! Its main ingredients are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide and "Avene Thermal Spring Water."
Avène Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ ($28, Dermstore)
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Beauty Counter's sunscreen has a lot of things going for it: It's award-winning, mineral-based and light-weight. Coverage lasts up to 40 minutes.
Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($39, Beauty Counter)
Glossier Daily Sunscreen SPF 35
Glossier is a cult classic in the makeup department, but the brand also has sunscreen. It protects from UV rays and "neutralizes harmful free radicals, and keeps pollutant junk from getting in there in the first place."
Daily Sunscreen SPF 35 ($25, Glossier)
Beauty Counter Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer
Sunscreen usually goes underneath makeup, but with Beauty Counter's tinted moisturizer, sun protection can be part of the makeup itself.
Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer ($45, Beauty Counter)
Juice Beauty Sunscreen Sport
The Juice Beauty sunscreen packs a punch for outdoor types especially. It's filled with antioxidants and vitamins as well as a mineral zinc SPF for sun protection.
Juice Beauty Sunscreen Sport ($16, Juice Beauty)
Suntegrity Skincare SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body
For folks who have trouble with redness, Suntegrity sunscreen is an effectie option. It's formulated with green tea and "protects against free-radical damage while aloe vera and cucumber hydrate and soothe redness."
Suntegrity Skincare SPF 30 Natural Mineral Sunscreen For Body ($36, Dermstore)
Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion
Supergoop! is killing the sunscreen game and the brand has a new offering: Sunnyscreen. It's the first line of uncompromising SPF for babies and toddlers 6 months and older. So although it's not exactly meant for adults, it's worth having in the bag.
Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion ($26, Supergoop!)
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
The "antioxidant-rich, invisible, weightless, scentless, daily SPF" Supergoop! sunscreen goes under makeup seamlessly while also protecting skin from the harsh sun's rays. It has absolutely no parabens, synthetic fragrances, or oxybenzone.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($32, Sephora)
Everywhere SPF Body Stick
The Everywhere Body Stick is certified organic and made with 2.5 percent zinc oxide. Other natural ingredients include: argan oil, avocado, sunflower seed oil, cocoa, and aloe.
Everywhere SPF Body Stick ($38, 100% Pure)
Coola Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
Coola's sunscreen is a continuous spray that offers up to 40 minutes of UV protection. From its description: It's made with 70 percent organic ingredients including "cucumber, algae, and strawberry extracts, along with red raspberry seed oil — a natural sunscreen booster."
Coola Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($20, Sephora)
Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer 30+ SPF
For a moisturizer that doubles as a sunscreen, the Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer is a good choice and certified as natural. It has a high zinc concentration and works best for normal, dry or combination skin.
Raw Elements Tinted Facial Moisturizer 30+ SPF ($22, Follain)
Beauty by Earth Sunscreen
Beauty by Earth's sunscreen is an Amazon Choice product formulated for the whole family, baby included. "Contains no parabens, oxybenzone, chemical fragrance, phthalates, retinyl palmitate, paba or nano particles."
Beauty by Earth Sunscreen ($17, Amazon)
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Summer is here! Do you have a beloved sunscreen yet? If not, add this graphic to your Pinterest board to find out which brand would be best for you
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