Updated July 2025
Non-Toxic Sunscreen Guide
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Like many parts of my wellness journey, I became all the more focused on finding nontoxic skincare products in the years leading up to conception (the Primemester) and during my pregnancies. Now as a mom, of course the same mindfulness applies to anything I use on my children.
With sunscreen, the standard has to be high. We need products that provide great protection and they need to be safe in the sun.
As I explain below, we now know that common sunscreen ingredients are possible hormone disruptors, not adequately tested, and known to enter the bloodstream and remain in the body at elevated (untested) levels for weeks after use.
Why It’s Important to Use a Non-Toxic Sunscreen
The active ingredients in most chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the bloodstream. Based on recent studies, the FDA states: “when sunscreen is applied to the skin, even a single application, all six tested active ingredients and all of the formulations [lotion, aerosol spray, non-aerosol spray and pump spray], result in measurable blood levels of the active ingredient.” (More below on chemical vs. physical barriers).
These ingredients remain in the body for weeks. During the study, they were detectable in the blood for at least 21 days after participants discontinued use. Oxybenzone and homosalate were still in the body at unsafe levels at that time.
Concentrations of common ingredients exceed the FDA safety limits, prompting additional safety testing (source). Researchers noted that “multiple active ingredients lack nonclinical safety assessment data, including systemic carcinogenicity, developmental, and reproductive studies to determine the clinical significance of systemic exposure of sunscreen active ingredients.”
Benzene, a known carcinogen, has been found in several popular aerosol sunscreen sprays, including Aveeno, Coppertone and Neutrogena, causing a slew of recalls in recent years (read more here).
- In addition to blood, it’s been found in human breast milk (source), amniotic fluid and urine.
- Possible endocrine disruptor that may increase the risk of breast cancer and endometriosis, among other hormone related issues.
- Banned in various states and countries due to damaging effects on coral reefs and sea life (source).
Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreens
- Chemical sunscreens have active ingredients like Oxybenzone, Octylcrylen, Avobenzone and Octinoxate. These are absorbed into the skin and scatter the light as it enters the skin to prevent burning. Important: chemical sunscreens generally do not adequately block UVA (the rays that damage skin and contribute to aging). The chemicals that block UBV (to prevent burning) are delicate and breakdown in the sun and heat, which is why reapplication is so important.
- Physical sunscreens usually have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. They sit on top of the skin and deflect the UV rays.
What are the Safest Sunscreen Options?
- Sunscreen products made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered the most effective and safe. These also don’t burn my eyes, making them much more comfortable and child-friendly in my opinion. Note that titanium dioxide tends to be less effective against UVA rays, so I prefer products made with zinc oxide (18% or higher). Of the chemical sunscreens, Avobenzone seems to be the safest option. EWG classifies it as “green” scores of 1-2 based on current data. This is less likely to leave a white cast on the skin, which is an issue with some zinc or titanium dioxide based products. However, it is not as effective at blocking UVA.
- Look for products with Broad Spectrum coverage. SPF indicates the amount of UVB protection only, and many sunscreens don’t provide sufficient UVA protection. UBV is important for preventing burns and skin cancer, while UVA waves penetrate the skin deeper and contribute to skin again and wrinkles. Note that “Full Spectrum” is not a regulated term, and the standard for “Broad Spectrum” is not very high in terms of UVA coverage. This is why I only use sunscreens with at least 18% zinc oxide.
- Opt for sunscreen sticks and lotions. Spray bottles pose an inhalation risk and you’re likely to use too little (and I’ll just admit that I find them annoying when used in public settings since I almost always end up inhaling them when someone uses them near me!). There is also the benzene contamination risk I mentioned above.
- Avoid sunscreens that are mixed with bug repellent, which is known to interfere with the sun protection.
- Consider opting for non-nano zinc and non-nano titanium dioxide. Nanoparticles are extremely small and there’s some concern that at this size, they can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. Most research shows that very little crosses into the bloodstream and does not indicate reason for great concern. If you want to err on the side of safety, stick to non-nano until this has been studied further. Non-nano is also less harmful to sea life.
- Check a third party resource like EWG’s Healthy Living database, Think Dirty or Yuka to find how a product scores in terms of overall toxicity and efficacy. Even a sunscreen that hits the above criteria can still be made with things like parabens, phthalates, unhealthy preservatives and other possible endocrine disruptors.
Other Sun Protection Tips
- Avoid long periods in midday sun when possible (11am-2pm).
- Use an app like D Minder to keep an eye on the UV Index and get estimates on the amount of Vitamin D you’ve generated based on your location and skin type.
- Make sure you’re using enough sunscreen and reapplying every 2 hours. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends about 1 fluid ounce (a shot glass) to cover your full body.
- Remember that sunscreen doesn’t last forever! It can go bad and have reduced efficacy, so check the expiration date and don’t use past then, 3 years since opening, or if the color or consistency has changed.
- I’m a big fan of hanging out in the shade, always wearing a hat, and using UPF clothing.
Recommended Non-Toxic Sunscreens
Facial Sunscreens / Tinted Moisturizers
- Suntegrity Tinted 5 in 1 Mineral Sunscreen for Face, SPF 30. Broad spectrum, zinc-based, non-nano. Comes in 4 different shades. EWG rated 1 (on a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the most toxic).
- Juice Beauty Stem Cellular CC Cream SPF 30 tinted moisturizer and sun protection. Broad spectrum, zinc-based, non-nano. A “green” EWG rating of 2
- Previously, I used Andalou Naturals SPF 30 BB Cream, which is very similar to the Juice Beauty option above. The 1000 Roses option in Sheer Tan comes in a darker tone.
Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF50 is ultra lightweight, sheer and basically a cleaner, less expensive version of a popular SkinCeuticals sunscreen I used years ago when it was recommended by my dermatologist. I’ve been using the tinted version on my face every day this summer.
Sun Sticks
I have a sun stick stashed in my bag at all times, and usually put them in my kids’ Easter baskets for them to have a small sunscreen to keep in their backpacks while they’re at summer camp. Sometimes, they also just prefer swiping these on (I’LL DO IT MYSELF!) rather than using a sunscreen cream. Favorites:
- ATTITUDE Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, SPF 30 is always in my fanny pack, and I’ll use it on my face when I’m out and about.
- ATTITUDE Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick for Kids (SPF 30) – love that it rubs in well and is plastic free. Good, chunky size for my kids when they’re applying themselves.
Think Sun Stick (SPF 30) does leave a bit more of a white cast, but it works well. The small size is really convenient for small bags or fanny packs.
All-Purpose Sunscreens – face, body, adults & children
- We’ve been loving the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen – SPF 50 Broad Spectrum lately. I think it rubs in the best of the SPF 50 options I’ve tried. EWG Verified.
- I also like the Think sunscreens a lot, and have been using them for almost a decade. They’re made with EWG rated “safe” ingredients (EWG Verified and “green” ratings).
- Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 is also wonderful. EWG Verified and rubs in really well.
Non-Toxic Sunscreens For Darker Skin Tones
If you absolutely cannot use something made with at least 18% zinc oxide, here are some decent alternatives. These would not be my first choice and I do not believe they provide sufficient UVA coverage. However, they are less of a concern in terms of toxicity and should provide adequate UVB protection.
- Many people love Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, which is SPF 40. It’s also made of non-nano zinc and comes in a much wider range of tints. Think Dirty gives this a “green” rating of 3, but EWG rates them between 3-8 (depending on tint) because of concerns about it’s efficacy even though all of the ingredients are scored as 1-2. So I would think of it as a lower SPF (20 or 30).
- Black Girl Sunscreen is a chemical-based (avobenzone), SPF 30 option that doesn’t leave a white cast like many of the mineral sunscreens on the market. People love it and it’s got a “green” EWG rating of 2.
- Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Lotion is another avobenzone option that also works well for darker skin. It’s SPF 40 and has a “green” EWG rating of 2.
EWG Non-Toxic Sunscreen Picks
- If you’d like more safe sunscreen recommendations, check out the EWG Verified sunscreen options here on Amazon. You can also check the ratings of products you already use through their Skin Deep Database, Think Dirty or Yuka.
