Growing up in the US, I dreaded wearing sunscreen. So many of the popular options were full of harsh chemicals that made my skin sting, burn, or break out in hives. I assumed sunscreen just wasn’t for me – or worse, that it was something I had to suffer through to avoid getting sunburned.
But over the years, I learned that it’s not sunscreen itself that’s the problem. It’s what’s in it.
Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are not only harmful to coral reefs but also linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation. Others rely on aluminum compounds, which have raised concerns about long-term health effects.
Thankfully, there are much better options out there now – sunscreens that are reef-safe, gentle on sensitive skin, and made with non-toxic, mineral-based ingredients. And yes, they actually work.
What to Look for in an Eco-Friendly, Skin-Friendly Sunscreen
🌲 Mineral (aka physical) filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: These sit on the skin and reflect UV rays, instead of being absorbed into your bloodstream.
🌲 No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other reef-harming chemicals: These are banned in places like Hawaii and Palau for a reason – they’re devastating to marine life.
🌲 Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores): – Ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
🌲 Plastic-free or recyclable packaging: Extra sustainability points if the bottle is reusable or biodegradable.
Here are a few brands to try for your next trip to the beach:
1. Blue Lizard
My personal favorite – it’s one of the first sunscreens I tried that didn’t irritate my skin. It uses zinc oxide, avoids reef-damaging chemicals, contains no parabens nor fragrances, and is dermatologist-recommended. Plus the bottle cap literally changes color when UV rays are strong to remind you to lather up – how cool is that?
Price: Around $13–$20
🌍 Australia-based, ships to US and internationally via Amazon or Blue Lizard’s website
2. Badger Balm
One of the OGs in natural sunscreen, Badger is a longtime favorite, and their mineral sunscreens are no exception. Made with nourishing, organic ingredients like sunflower oil and beeswax, as well as broad-spectrum zinc oxide, they’re gentle on sensitive skin and coral reefs alike. And they come in recyclable metal tins!
Price: Around $10–$18
🌍 US-based, ships internationally. You can order directly from their website, or find it through online retailers like iHerb, Amazon, and some European and Australian eco shops.
3. Raw Elements
Created by a lifeguard, Raw Elements offers serious sun protection without the harsh chemicals. Their formulas are reef-safe, water-resistant, and biodegradable, and they’re packed in recyclable or compostable packaging. It comes in stick, lotion, and tinted versions.
Price: Around $15–$20
🌍 US-based but ships internationally
4. All Good
All Good lives up to its name with certified reef-friendly sunscreens made from organic botanicals and non-nano zinc. They also offer a range of SPF options, including tinted formulas for darker skin tones as well as kids’ versions, all with USDA-certified ingredients.
Price: Around $10–$25
🌍 Available in the US, Canada, and select European markets
5. Thinksun
Thinksun’s Thinksport and Thinkbaby sunscreens are some of the most trusted mineral options on the market. They’re highly rated for safety by the EWG and formulated without endocrine disruptors or other biological toxins. They’re sweat-proof and water-resistant – perfect for active days.
Price: Around $13–$20
🌍 Widely available in the US and abroad
6. ATTITUDE
This Canadian brand makes mineral sunscreen that’s EWG-verified, vegan, cruelty-free, and sold in plastic-free packaging – like compostable cardboard tubes or aluminum bottles. A great pick if you’re trying to go zero waste.
Price: Around $15–$25
🌍 Ships from Canada and available worldwide
7. Suntribe
Suntribe is all about simplicity and transparency. Their sunscreens are made from just a handful of certified natural ingredients and are tested for both performance and reef safety. They use non-nano zinc oxide and coconut oil for moisture. Great for active days and water sports.
Price: approx. €14–€25 EUR (equivalent to about $15–$27 USD)
🌍 Based in Sweden, ships throughout Europe and internationally via their official website and global retailers.
Babo Botanicals makes gentle, fragrance-free mineral sunscreens that are especially good for kids and sensitive skin. Their formulas are hypoallergenic, reef-safe, and enriched with soothing plant-based ingredients like calendula, chamomile, and shea butter.
Price: Around $14–$25
🌍 US-based, but available in Canada and some global retailers
Switching to a reef-safe, skin-safe sunscreen is one of those little everyday choices that adds up – for your health and for the planet. Whether you’re on your way to the beach or just walking around the city, protecting your skin shouldn’t come at the cost of harming coral reefs or loading your body with sketchy chemicals.
Once you find a sunscreen that works for you, wearing it daily becomes second nature – and your skin will thank you for it.