9 Natural Sunscreens You Need This Summer
Made from minerals, these sunscreens are a healthier alternative to chemical sunscreens.

Summer and all that comes with it — warmer, longer days; weekends in Nantucket; vacations to Provence — present quite a catch-22. We love the sun — no, we need the sun (hello vitamin D! Goodbye seasonal affective disorder!) — but without proper protection, prolonged exposure can lead to painful burns and an increased risk of skin cancer. On the flip side, if we do protect ourselves with conventional sunscreens, potentially toxic chemicals can not only be absorbed into our skin and body systems but also wash off and harm the environment.
Several scientific studies have reported that chemicals in sunscreen can bleach our precious coral reefs and stunt their growth. As a result, Hawaii passed a bill last month banning sun blocks that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, two of five potentially harmful ingredients found in conventional products, according to the Environmental Working Group. And if these chemicals can have such detrimental effects on our natural ecosystems, imagine what they can do to our bodies. While more research is needed to truly discern the effects of oxybenzone and the like (studies point to hormone and endocrine disruption, for starters), the ingredient is certainly pervasive: It has been detected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in over 96 percent of the American population.
There is another option: physical sun blockers, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. “Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients, which are naturally broad spectrum,” says Kimberly Sayer, founder of her eponymous natural skincare brand. “[They] work by sitting on top of the skin and deflecting the sun’s rays.” Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are meant to absorb the rays, says Tara Foley, the woman behind green-beauty store Follain. “Natural sunscreens are arguably more effective,” she says. And they’ve come a long way from the chalky, opaque paint we associate with surfer bros and lifeguards’ noses. Recent innovations have better options, like clear or tinted zinc formulas, Foley says.
Below are our top picks for safe summer fun.

Kimberly Sayer Antioxidant Daily Moisturizing Cream, SPF 30
With both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this velvety-smooth day cream offers broad-spectrum protection without feeling like a sunscreen at all. Organic ingredients like aloe vera, apricot oil, and rose water soothe and hydrate skin, while rosemary and lavender fight free radicals and give the cream a deliciously soothing scent. It leaves skin soft and supple, making it an ideal primer for makeup — and the top candidate for your daily SPF. $36

Mad Hippie Facial SPF, SPF 30
Mad Hippie’s award-winning mineral sunscreen combines 16 percent zinc oxide with a trio of photoprotective oils — red raspberry seed, avocado, and carrot seed — for a full-coverage yet moisturizing finish. The medium-weight cream can be used on top of your favorite moisturizer or serum but works best layered over a facial oil for easier application. $25

Naturopathica Daily UV Defense Cream, SPF 50
With a nearly 20 percent concentration of zinc oxide, this beach-bag essential is ideal for a little extra sun protection. The cream’s medium to heavy consistency is perfect for long days in the sun, and the deep-sea enzymes help boost the skin’s natural barrier, defending it from harsh environmental conditions. $58

Pacifica Mineral Color Lip Balm, SPF 30
This all-in-one water-resistant balm protects and hydrates lips while also providing a subtle wash of color. The formula, which contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, could be white and chalky, but instead, it’s buttery smooth and tinted with just the right amount of pigment — a year-round staple. $5

3Lab Aqua BB, SPF 40
Foundations are a super easy way to sneak sunscreen into your skincare routine. This one is divine: The sheer-coverage formula sets into skin for a natural, matte finish and contains rose water and tiny hyaluronic acid particles for long-lasting hydration. The small compact can easily be thrown into a bag for easy SPF reapplication during the day. $105

ColoreScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield, SPF 50
ColoreScience’s broad spectrum, SPF 50 tinted sunscreen goes on smooth and blurs imperfections; it works great alone or as extra protection under your foundation. Antioxidants in the form of snow mushroom extract and sunflower sprout extract and iron oxides protect from environmental stressors, ever-present blue light, and infrared radiation. Reapply throughout the day with the Sunforgettable brush-on powder. $39 for liquid; $65 for powder.

EiR NYC Surf Mud, SPF 30
Don’t be fooled by the name: EiR NYC’s Surf Mud sunscreen is the ideal combination of hydrating skin care and everyday sunscreen (their thicker Surf Mud Pro is made for surfers, swimmers, and snowboarders). With four different oils and butters — and only seven ingredients total — the formula is slick and hydrating but not at all slimy. It absorbs easily and completely into skin and even contains cocoa powder to increase blood flow and cell turnover. $24

Vive Sana Serum Crema, SPF 20
This new sun care brand is super natural: Vive Sana’s waterless formulas don’t require any fillers or preservatives and are packed with good-for-your-skin naturals like antioxidant astaxanthin, argan, and licorice root. All ingredients are natural, and 70 percent of them are certified organic. The daily serum is rich and hydrating enough to replace your everyday moisturizer. $75

Erbaviva Sunscreen, SPF 30
Erbaviva — a brand that cares for mothers and babies alike — offers an elevated basic: an SPF 30 sunscreen with a whopping 20 percent zinc oxide that easily blends into skin. It also boasts skin-soothing ingredients like organic aloe, chamomile oil, and lavender oil to calm skin on hot summer days. $23
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