17 Plant Based Sunscreen: A Natural And Eco-Friendly Option For Sun Protection

In this article, we will explore the benefits of plant based sunscreens, discuss the importance of mineral sunscreens, and recommend some eco-friendly options. The sun provides essential vitamin D, but too much exposure to its ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect your skin and the environment, consider using a plant based sunscreen.

Check out other vegan-friendly articles here.

Benefits of Plant Based Sunscreen

There are several advantages to using plant based sunscreen, including:

1. Natural ingredients: Plant based sunscreens are made with natural ingredients derived from plants, minerals, and other eco-friendly sources. They typically avoid harsh chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can cause skin irritation and harm the environment.
2. Vegan-friendly: Plant based sunscreens do not contain any animal-derived ingredients or by-products, making them suitable for vegans and those seeking cruelty-free options.
3. Mineral-based protection: Most plant based sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UV protection. These minerals sit on the skin’s surface, reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens.
4. Reef-safe: Conventional sunscreens often contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Plant based sunscreens with reef-safe ingredients can help protect aquatic ecosystems.
5. Lower environmental impact: Many plant based sunscreens are biodegradable and have a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional sunscreens.

Choosing a Plant Based Sunscreen

When selecting a plant based sunscreen, consider the following factors:

1. Broad-spectrum protection: Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
2. SPF rating: Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF ratings provide slightly better protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.
3. Water resistance: If you plan to swim or sweat, select a water-resistant sunscreen.
4. Skin type and sensitivity: Opt for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
5. Environmental impact: Look for sunscreens that are reef-safe, biodegradable, and packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Recommended Plant Based Sunscreens

Here are some popular plant based sunscreens to consider:

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion: This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and is made with natural ingredients. It is reef-safe, biodegradable, and suitable for sensitive skin. However, it may leave a slight white cast on the skin.

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+: This SPF 50 plant based sunscreen is water-resistant and provides long-lasting protection. It is formulated with organic ingredients and is reef-safe. The downside is its higher price point.

Badger SPF 30 Clear Zinc Sunscreen Cream: This mineral sunscreen has an SPF of 30 and is specifically designed for children and those with sensitive skin. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and reef-safe. Some users may find it difficult to spread evenly.

Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance-Free Mineral Sunscreen: This eco-friendly sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and is formulated with moisturizing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated. It is reef-safe and biodegradable but may be less water-resistant than other options.

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen: This plant based sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, is water-resistant, and is designed for sensitive skin. It is reef-safe and vegan, but may leave a white cast on the skin.

Goddess Garden Organics Sport SPF 30: This organic, plant based sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan. Some users may find the texture slightly thick.

Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30: This sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, is water-resistant, and is made with organic, plant based ingredients. It is reef-safe and biodegradable, but may leave a noticeable white cast on the skin.

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion: This plant based sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is reef-safe, non-toxic, and vegan. However, it may leave a white cast on darker skin tones.

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen: This broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen is made with plant based ingredients and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is reef-safe and vegan, but may have a slightly greasy feel.

Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen: This SPF 30 sunscreen is made with organic, plant based ingredients and provides broad-spectrum protection. It is reef-safe and vegan, but may not be as water-resistant as other options.

Derma E Natural Mineral Sunscreen: This plant based sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and is suitable for sensitive skin. It is reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan. Some users may find the texture slightly thick.

Earth Mama Organics Baby Sunscreen: This gentle, plant based sunscreen offers SPF 40 protection and is designed for babies and those with sensitive skin. It is reef-safe and vegan, but may leave a white cast on the skin.

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen: This water-resistant, plant based sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection and is made with organic ingredients. It is reef-safe and vegan, but may have a slightly sticky feel.

Kiss My Face Organics Mineral Sunscreen: This SPF 30 sunscreen is made with plant based ingredients and provides broad-spectrum protection. It is reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan. Some users may find it slightly difficult to rub in.

Pros and Cons

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protectionHypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skinNon-greasy, lightweight formulaReef-safe and biodegradable

Cons:

May leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones

Not as water-resistant as some other options

Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protectionFragrance-free and designed for sensitive skin

• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutesReef-safe and biodegradable

Cons:

• Can be slightly difficult to rub in
• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Thinksport Safe Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protectionWater-resistant for up to 80 minutes

• Non-oily and absorbs easilyReef-safe and biodegradable

Cons:

• May leave a slight white cast on the skin
• Scent may not be preferred by some users

Badger Clear Zinc SunscreenPros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
• Unscented and suitable for sensitive skin
• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Reef-safe and biodegradable

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on the skin
• Slightly thick consistency

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 SunscreenPros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Water-resistant
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on the skin
• Some users may find the texture slightly thick

Goddess Garden Organics Sport SPF 30Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan

Cons:

May leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Slightly thick texture

Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant
• Made with organic, plant based ingredients
• Reef-safe and biodegradable

Cons:

May leave a noticeable white cast on the skin

Some users may find the texture slightly thick

All Good Sport Sunscreen LotionPros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe, non-toxic, and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
• Slightly thick consistency

Australian Gold Botanical SunscreenPros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• Slightly greasy feel
• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Coola Mineral Body Sunscreen

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Provides broad-spectrum protection
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May not be as water-resistant as other options
• Can leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Derma E Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan

Cons:

• Can be difficult to rub in
• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones

Kiss My Face Organics Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on the skin
• Some users may not like the scent

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• Can leave a white cast on darker skin tones
• Slightly greasy texture

Juice Beauty Sport Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on the skin
• Slightly thick consistency

Beauty by Earth Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• SPF 25 protection
• Suitable for sensitive skin
• Reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
• Not as high SPF as some other options

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection
• Designed for sensitive skin
• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• Can be difficult to rub in
• May leave a white cast on the skin

MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 28 protection
• Lightweight, non-greasy formula
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May not be as water-resistant as other options
• Lower SPF than some other options

Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Non-greasy, non-toxic formula
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• Can leave a white cast on darker skin tones
• Slightly expensive compared to other options

Loving Naturals Clear Body SPF 30+

Pros:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection
• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Reef-safe, biodegradable, and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on the skin
• Slightly thick texture

Green Goo Solar Goo Sunscreen

Pros:

• SPF 30 protection
• Water-resistant
• Reef-safe and vegan

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
• Comes in a small tin, which may not be as convenient as other options

Be sure to visit our YouTube Channel here.