A Review of 23 Eco-Friendly Sunscreens [Week 23]

Posted On August 4, 2021

I tried out 23 different sunscreens so you don’t have to! Here’s my eco-friendly sunscreen reviews. Which ones worked, which ones didn’t and a little about the companies they come from.

Amanda Drews, 8 minute read

Last week we learned about what to look for in a healthy and eco-friendly sunscreen. This week, let’s put those top sunscreens to the test!

You want to have a sunscreen that works well, rubs in easily, and is healthy for you and the planet. After trying out these 23 “eco-friendly” sunscreens, I took a look at what is really in them and what kind of companies they come from.

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Let’s review what we’re looking for in an ideal sunscreen. Some of these are must haves for me, but you may vary on what you want:

• Broad-Spectrum protection
• SPF 30-50
• Water-resistant
• Non-nano
• Rub on lotion only (avoiding sprays and powders)
• Easy to rub in
• Doesn’t leave too much of a white residue
• Affordable
• Available
• From a good company (B-corp, no animal testing, most local etc.)
• Not containing microbeads
• Decent smell
• Recycled or recyclable packaging-I noticed while looking through my sunscreen stash that very few of the tubes had information on recycling or even a resin identification code. Some of these even had little recycling arrows on them that typically surround that number which tells us nothing.
• Reef safe chemicals (avoiding Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, avobenzone, homosalate,4-methylbenzylidene camphor, Octocrylene, Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), Methyl Paraben, Ethyl Paraben, Propyl Paraben, Butyl Paraben, Benzyl Paraben, Triclosan)
• *Remember that covering up and avoiding the sun is always a better choice

I use a 3 star rating system for basically everything. Each product will have an overall ranking and I’ll try to give a bit of an explanation.

Even though I can’t predict changes in pricing I can provide you with an idea of how much each product costs in relation to the other products on this page. One $ is a more budget friendly product while $$$ represents a more expensive product. As as right now these sunscreens ranged from $1.31-$24.70 per fluid ounce.

All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30-$

This is my top favorite sunscreen! Not only do all the boxes that get ticked down below plus the fact that it rubs in pretty decently but it looks like they’ve committed to having ALL their sunscreen be reef safe, not just a select few. It is also not crazy expensive so it’s available to more people. The big downfall to this particular package of sunscreen is that the tube is not recyclable in a normal single sort recycling system. It looks like some of their other products come in different packaging so I will be checking those out in the future.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Water Resistant 80 minutes
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 16% (non-nano particles)
• 1% and B corp company
• Cruelty Free
• GMO Free
• Gluten Free
• Vegan
• Woman owned business
• Solar powered factory
• Thoughtful packaging throughout the company
• Product of Elemental Herbs in Morro Bay, CA
• Ranks well as a 2 on EWG

All Good Mineral Sunstick SPF 30- Coconut-$$$

This thing goes on clean and smells good. I’m still confused on how it is a mineral sunscreen but I like it! The only issue is making sure you’re getting good coverage because it does go on clear! This one is my overall favorite for slipping into your purse for sunscreen on the go but also when you don’t want to deal with the white residue.

• Company info above…plus
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% (non-nano particle)

ThinkSport– $

This is a top notch sunscreen for the active outdoor enthusiast. It’s also one that you’re going to actually find on the shelves at multiple stores. Rubs in nicely. This is another company that sells only reef safe sunscreens. Since I don’t have my old bottle on me, I can’t see if it’s recyclable packaging. Although the company’s website has a whole section on thoughtful packaging, it doesn’t give specifics.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% (non-nano particles)
• Passes Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements
• Water Resistant 80 minutes
• Vegan
• Leaping Bunny Cruelty Free Certified
• Gluten Free
• Does not contain oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, phthalates, BPA
• Made in the USA
• Ranks well as a 2 on EWG

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 Vanilla-coco-$

This stuff is good and has a pleasant scent to it. They have a list of ingredients they don’t use here but there’s some big ones missing like avobenzone. They also talk about using recycled and recyclable materials whenever possible for their packaging but don’t go into specifics.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Water Resistant 80 minutes
• Vegan
• PETA certified Cruelty Free
• Non-GMO
• Gluten Free
• Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 2.9%, Zinc Oxide 7.8%
• Product of COOLA LLC in San Diego, CA

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+-$

This born in Australia, moved to the United States sunscreen is great in this specific formula. I wish they would leave some of the not as reef safe chemicals out of their other sun screens as well though. Bonus trick with this one is that the bottle turns blue in the presence of UV light to remind you to reapply!

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Water Resistant 40 minutes
• Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 5% (nano particles), Zinc Oxide 10% (non-nano particles)
• Not tested on animals
• No gluten or BPA
• Recyclable #2 packaging
• Some formulas do contain octocrylene, octinoxate, and oxybenzone
• Product of Crown Laboratories, Inc. Johnson City, TN

Beautycounter-$$$

I was given a few sample sizes of this sunscreen to try out and I was sad when they were gone! It rubbed in really nicely on my face and didn’t leave any residue. Beautycounter in general is known for their social responsibility and responsible sourcing. They partner with the how2recycle program so you can figure out what to do with the packaging when you are finished. The plastic tube for this one is not recyclable.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Headquarters is in Santa Monica, CA
• Most products manufactured in the USA
• Company goals are to use only RSPO palm oil
• No animal testing
• How2Recyle information available online for product disposal
• A company that is trying to be transparent in where products come from and do find ways to do it better for the planet and for people
• Ranks well as a 2 on EWG

MyChelle dermaceuticals Sun Shield Unscented SPF 28-$$

This is a good daily face sunscreen. Easy to rub in, no funky smell. I used it as face only because it would be gone too soon if I used it on the rest of my body.

• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (ZinClear) 11.6%, Titanium Dioxide 0.67%
• No Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone or PABA
• From Louisville, CO
• Gluten Free
• No Parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sulfates, ureas, artificial fragrances, artificial coloring
• Vegan
• Cruelty Free

Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream, SPF 30-$$$

Works well as a moisturizing facial sunscreen. This one has tumeric, ferulic acid and vitamin C as a facial moisturizer as well. Seems to follow reef safe guidelines.

• Broad Spectrum
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 15.5%
• Cruelty Free
• FSC Packaging
• Vegan
• Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Formaldehyde

Attitude Natural Care Mineral Face Stick and Baby & Kids Mineral Face Stick SPF 30-$$$

I’m lumping both these face sticks into one because, according to the ingredients labels, they are the same thing. Ohhhh martketing! This one I would get for my kids because of the white residue factor. The fact that they come in small plastic tubes is both a pro and a con. More waste but I can throw them in my purse and the kids actually enjoy using the sticks to apply their own sunscreen which frees up some of my time.

• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Fragrance-free
• Hypoallergenic
• Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide 20% (non-nano particles)
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan
• Ecologo Certified
• Ranks highly as a 1 on EWG
• Product of Attitude in Montreal, Canada
• Recommended by ethicalconsumer.org with a score of 13/20

Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids SPF 50-$

Easy product to use. Widely available. All their products are definitely not reef safe. This is the most budget friendly sunscreen I tested out.

• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.5%, Zinc Oxide 6.5%
• Octinoxate and oxybenzone free
• Property of Edgewell Personal Care Brands, LLC Shelton, CA
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
• Yearly sustainability reports available from Edgewell

The Healing Hippy, SPF 30 Mineral Face Stick, coconut oil and avocado

Rubs in surprisingly well for a zinc oxide stick. The kids like using these sticks to put their sunscreen on and then I rub them in and make sure they got full coverage. This is a local MN one for me. The lip balm I really like. Good taste, SPF 15. Both get 2 stars from me. The website says it provides UVA/UVB protection but does not claim broad spectrum protection.

• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 13%
• From Eagan, MN
• Claims cruelty free
• GMO free
• Paraben Free
• Gluten Free

The Healing Hippy Coconut Lip Balm, SPF 15

Same as above. I like the taste of this lip balm. I’m sure that would be more useful if it wasn’t lost in my purse somewhere. It also comes in vanilla and peppermint flavors.

Baby Bum Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50-$$

I guess this one is fine, I’m feeling pretty neutral about it. This is one that you can commonly find at big stores as well so it’s convenient to buy.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Water Resistant 80 minutes
• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 20% (non-nano particles)
• Plant-based
• Hypoallergenic
• Most products Vegan, some contain beeswax or honey
• Claims cruelty-free, not certified
• Gluten Free
• Product of Sun Bum, LLC in Cocoa Beach, FL
• Ranks highly as a 2 on EWG

Baby Bum Face Stick, 15 SPF-$$$

Company info as above. Ya, it was fine and worked well. Although it was so small that it seemed a waste of packaging. This could also be extremely convenient as it is small enough to fit in women’s jean shorts pockets.

• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 19.2%

SunBum Coconut Lip Balm, SPF 30

Yah, I like these. Even if just for the variety of flavors they come in. I may have several tucked away in the corners of every backpack and purse I use.

• Same company information as Baby Bum

Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Baby Chamomile & Calendula Natural Mineral Sunscreen-$$

I don’t enjoy wearing it myself but will gladly dump it on my kids since they don’t really care about the white residue. But there is plenty of residue that is hard to rub in.

• Broad Spectrum protection
• Water Resistant 40 minutes
• B corp
• Non-GMO
• Active Ingredients: Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75% (non-nano)
• 98% Organic Ingredients
• Ranks well as a 1 on EWG
• Recommended by ethicalconsumer.org with a score of 15/20
• Recyclable #2 packaging

Australian Gold Botanical Mineral Lotion non-greasy, SPF 30-$$

While I like using this sunscreen, it feel nice when rubbed in, I’m not sure I’m all in on the company. There just doesn’t seem like anything great is happening here.

• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 3%, Zinc Oxide 3%
• Oxybenzone, parabens, phthalate, PABA, Petrolatum SLS, Dye and oil free
• Owned by New Sunshine, LLC Indiana

Silver Falls Sustainability Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 25-$$

Seems like a good plastic free company but I’m not so much a fan of this sunscreen. I just didn’t like how it felt, the residue it left. It doesn’t say that it’s broad spectrum anywhere. But I do like the cardboard applicator. Good try!

• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (non-nano)
• Comes in a compostable kraftboard tube
• Not tested on animals
• Offset carbon emissions from shipping
• Mailers come from 100% recycled paper, including the packing tape!
• A tree planted for every order no matter the size
• Carbon negative company

Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 30-$

Yup, this stuff sure works well and it doesn’t have any oxybenzone or octinoxate but it’s full of avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene sooooo it’s a no go unless it’s my only option for me.

• Banana Boat info as above
• Broad spectrum protection
• Water resistant 80 minutes

All Good kids sunscreen spray SPF 30

This sunscreen does work well. But the fact that it’s a spray on, turns me off. I’m a fan of the rest of the company as a whole, as listed previously. It is a zinc oxide spray and I had a hard time finding any info about whether zinc oxide inhaled poses the same dangers as titanium dioxide inhaled. Either way, I’m sticking with lotions from here on out so I would say I would use it if I had it but I wouldn’t seek it out. This spray also stained whatever material was around it while spraying.

Pacifica sun + skincare SPF 30 Mineral Face Shade Coconut Probiotic-$$

Ugh, I just didn’t like wearing this stuff at all. It was heavy and has a strong smell to it. In general, I usually like this company as a whole, just not a fan of this particular product.

• Broad Spectrum Protection
• Water Resistant 80 minutes
• Active ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 4.8%, Zinc Oxide 3.1%
• Contains caffeine
• Cruelty-Free
• Vegan
• Product of Pacifica, Inc in Portland, OR
• Ranked well with a 2 on EWG
• Recyclable #5 packaging

Neutrogena Pure and Free Sunscreen SPF 50-$

I can’t say I remember a whole lot about this one except that I wrote down a zero which means I will probably never buy it again. Neutrogena is owned by Johnson and Johnson so let’s not pretend that they are doing a whole lot for the planet.

• Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 21.6%
• Broad spectrum protection
• Fragrance Free
• Free of parabens, phthalates and dyes
• National Eczema Seal of Acceptance
• Product of Johnson and Johnson, New Brunswick, New Jersey

1. Use the rest of whatever sunscreen you have.
2. Seek out one of these sunscreens that fits with what you’re looking for and try it out!
3. Make sure you dispose of your sunscreen containers the right way when you’ve used it all up.
4. Now that you know how to protect your skin from the sun, let’s learn how to protect it from mosquitos in Week 24.

Medical disclosure: I’m not a doctor. Do not take any of my recommendations as official medical advice. A Greener Demeanor makes no warranty as to the accuracy or reliability of any information obtained through the site or that a product or method will meet your expectations. Use products at your own risk. Consult your own doctor for medical advice.