We asked skin-care experts to share their favorite natural sunscreens—here's what they had to say.
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16 Best Natural Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
Updated on Oct. 07, 2024
Judicious use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen or moisturizer with an SPF of 30 or higher is the number-one way to reduce your risk for developing skin cancer and turn the tide on dark spots and wrinkles.
With so many options to choose from, how can you know which is best sunscreen for your skin type and needs? For starters, think natural, experts say. Natural sunscreens, also called physical or mineral sunscreens, contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically sit on the surface of your skin and block dangerous ultraviolet radiation, explains Dr. Joel L. Cohen, a board-certified dermatologist in Denver.
We rounded up the best all-natural sunscreens to help you stay protected without worrying about chemicals. Read on to find the best options for your skin.
Best overall natural sunscreen
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50
Pros:
- Protects against blue light and pollution
- Works on all skin types and tones
- Contains other good-for-skin ingredients like niacinamide and antioxidants
- Oil-free
- Water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes
Cons:
- Expensive (though you’ll save over $8 by choosing the auto-replenish option)
Among the best natural sunscreens is this elegant formulation from Colorescience that offers 12% zinc oxide and is designed with EnviroScreen technology. It provides invisible mineral protection from the sun’s UV rays, pollution, blue light and infrared radiation, Dr. Libby says. And when purchased through Dermstore, you can save money by auto-replenishing your bottle when it runs out—because you should wear sunscreen in the winter, summer and every day in between.
Best natural sunscreen for everyday use
TiZO3 Tinted Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer
Pros:
- Hydrating formula
- Formulated for all skin types
- 4,000 ratings on Amazon and a 4.8-star average
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Pricey
This tinted natural sunscreen is a favorite of Texas-based dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD. “It’s silky, lightweight, hydrating and has a universal tint that works with almost any skin type,” she says. “It feels so good on skin, you’ve got no excuse not to apply it every day.” Like this? Here are more tinted sunscreens to add SPF to your makeup routine.
Best natural sunscreen for sensitive skin
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros:
- Won’t clog pores
- Inexpensive
- Also available in SPF 30
- Choose from 3-ounce or 1.7-ounce bottles, or a stick formulation
Cons:
- May leave a white cast
This broad-spectrum Cetaphil SPF 50 contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to prevent sunburns, plus soothing vitamin E to help protect skin. The non-greasy formula won’t clog pores either, Cohen says. Plus, at $15 or less, it’s practically a steal on Amazon. Oh, and get yourself a scalp sunscreen to protect the spot you always forget about, too.
On Sale
Best natural sunscreen for acne-prone skin
EltaMD UV Elements SPF 44 Tinted Moisturizer
Pros:
- Won’t clog pores
- No white cast
- Tinted formula
- 10,000 ratings on Amazon and a 4.7-star average
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive
The EltaMD broad-spectrum sunscreen tops Cohen’s list of best natural sunscreens because it’s lightweight, hydrating, won’t clog your pores and offers up to 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance. Bonus: It doesn’t leave a white cast like other mineral sunscreens, he says.
Best natural sunscreen for kids
Blue Lizard Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros:
- SPF 50
- Spray formula formulated for sensitive skin
- Water resistant for 80 minutes
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Affordable price
Cons:
- May leave a white cast
This Blue Lizard natural sunscreen comes in cream and spray versions, both of which are easy to apply on squirmy children, says Dr. Marcus. It’s SPF 50, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and reef-safe (which means it won’t contribute to coral bleaching). Its affordable price on Amazon only makes purchasing it even more of a no-brainer.
Best natural sunscreen for oily skin
Supergoop Mineral Matte Screen
Pros:
- Non-greasy, shine-control formula and matte finish
- Minimizes pores
- SPF 40
- Protects against blue light
- The sheer tint won’t give a white cast
- Doubles as a makeup primer
Cons:
- Some skin types may find it drying
This natural Supergoop sunscreen is great for enlarged pores and oily skin. That’s because it’s not greasy and leaves behind a natural matte finish. “It provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage and also protects against blue light as it contains butterfly bush extract,” says Garshick. Pair this sunscreen with one of the best foundations for oily skin.
Best natural sunscreen for dark skin tones
Senté Even Tone Mineral Sunscreen
Pros:
- Available in two adaptable shades
- Blocks blue light as well as the sun’s rays
- Fragrance-free
Cons:
- Pricey
The tinted Senté sunscreen combines mineral sunscreen filters with Heparan Sulfate Analog (HSA) to cool inflammation and hydrate skin. Bonus: It also protects skin from blue light emitted by devices, Cohen says. It’s available in two tinted shades that adapt to your skin tone, both designed to blend effortlessly whether you’re wearing concealer over top or going au naturale.
Best natural sunscreen for aging skin
Revision Intellishade TruPhysical Tinted Moisturizer
Pros:
- Helps to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens, conceals and protects skin
- Self-adjusting tint
- SPF 45
Cons:
- Pricey
This tinted natural sunscreen boasts the most effective type of Vitamin C (called tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate) to brighten skin, while zinc oxide staves off sunburns, Cohen says. It’s formulated to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, plus provides a hydrated, plump appearance. If you’re in the market for a standalone vitamin C product, these are the best vitamin C serums, according to dermatologists.
On Sale
Best reef-safe natural sunscreen
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Pros:
- Reef-safe
- Nearly 6,000 Amazon ratings and a 4.8-star average
- SPF 50
- Also available in SPF 15, 30 and 70
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Some reviewers note being bothered by the scent
Certain chemicals in sunscreen may damage the ocean’s coral reef, which provides food and shelter to close to one quarter of all marine life. With close to 6,000 reviews, this highly rated Sun Bum natural sunscreen is widely beloved—and reef-friendly.
“I am very fair and on medication that makes me sensitive to the sun’s rays,” says verified purchaser April.” I love, love, love this product. I was in the sun for about three hours, and everywhere I put this product it did its job. It’s my go-to sunscreen this day going forward.”
Best natural sunscreen without a white cast
Sukin SPF 30 Sheer Touch Tinted Sunscreen
Pros:
- No white cast
- Antioxidant ingredients
- Tinted formula
- Available in two shades
- Vegan
Cons:
- Some reviewers report an unpleasant scent
This zinc oxide sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage without leaving a white cast, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery and an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell – New York Presbyterian Medical Center, both in New York City.
“It also contains green tea, offering antioxidant benefits to fight free radical damage, as well as rosehip which is rich in Vitamin A,” Garshick says.
Best hemp-infused natural sunscreen
Andalou Naturals CannaCell Sun Buddy SPF 30
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Vegan
- Formulated for all skin types
- Contains vitamin C
Cons:
- May leave a white cast
This Andalou Naturals sunscreen is formulated with CannaCell hemp stem cells, organic hemp seed oil and pure plant essential oils. These ingredients combine to help protect the skin from sun damage while also improving overall skin appearance, according to Garshick.
On Sale
Best natural sunscreen for dry skin
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros:
- Lightweight and non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
- Affordable price
- 11,000 ratings on Amazon
- Contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and ceramides
- Developed by dermatologists
Cons:
- May leave a white cast
This hydrating natural sunscreen contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum coverage, says Garshick. “In addition, it contains hyaluronic acid to help provide moisture, ceramides to help support the skin’s natural barrier as well as niacinamide which can soothe the skin,” she says. By the way, this is the right order to apply your skin-care products.
Best natural sunscreen makeup primer
CoTZ Face Prime & Protect Tinted SPF 40
Pros:
- Layers well with makeup
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
- Non-greasy
- 2,400 ratings on Amazon and a 4.6-star average
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons:
- Tinting may not match all skin tones
This tinted natural sunscreen pulls double duty as a makeup primer, providing a matte finish with SPF 40 sun protection. “It’s an amazing combination of sunscreen, primer and foundation,” says verified Amazon purchaser Sami. “I have the worst skin when it comes to oil, freckles, sunspots, huge pores and fine lines that collect foundation, but this stuff covers it up, evens it out and stays matte and looking silky smooth all day long.”
Best splurge natural sunscreen
Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros:
- Stylish packaging
- Sheer finish
- Smooths pores
- Hydrating
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
Cons:
- Expensive price (though you’ll save money by choosing the auto-replenish option)
This invisible SPF formula is rich in active florals, says Cynthia Franco, an esthetician in Beverly Hills. “A combination of flowers that thrive in the sun were used: hibiscus, jasmine and desert rose. Not only are they incredibly nourishing and hydrating, but they also have an innate ability to protect themselves from harsh UV rays,” she says.
This sunscreen is on the expensive side, but you won’t want to hide the gorgeous tube away in a cabinet. It’s pretty and protective.
Best natural sunscreen powder
Brush on Block Sunscreen Powder SPF 30
Pros:
- Convenient powder formula
- Easy reapplication over makeup
- No white residue
- 2,000 ratings on Amazon and a 4.3-star average
- Sheer coverage
Cons:
- Not ideal for all-over, all-day coverage
The key with any sunscreen is to reapply it regularly, and that’s more likely to happen when using a brush-on powder, says New York City dermatologist Hadley King, MD, a clinical instructor of dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University. “It’s a great solution for people who don’t want to reapply sunscreen because they don’t want to mess up their makeup,” she says.
This sunscreen absorbs excess oil, so it also does double duty as a finishing powder, extending the life of your makeup.
Here are some more powder sunscreens worth adding to your daily skincare routine.
Best organic natural sunscreen
Coola Mineral Sun Silk Crème Organic Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros:
- Over 70% natural formula
- Protects against blue light and pollution
- Good-for-skin ingredients like niacinamide, plant stem cells and antioxidants
- Formulated for all skin types
- Oil-free
- Vegan
Cons:
- Some users find the formula sticky
This natural sunscreen is made with over 70% certified organic ingredients. It also protects against blue light and the harmful effects of pollution, says Sumayah Jamal, MD-PhD, Director of the Skin of Color Specialty Clinic at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. Add it to your arsenal of natural beauty products.
What to consider when buying a natural sunscreen
The first step is choosing between a mineral or a chemical sunscreen. According to Cohen, both options block dangerous ultraviolet radiation.
“Mineral sunscreens do the best job with broad-spectrum sun protection; however, they have historically been thought to be more visible on the skin and not rub in as well,” he says. “More recently, great strides have been made to make these mineral sunscreens much more cosmetically elegant—so they rub in much better and are not as apparent on the skin.”
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb and disperse UV rays, explains Cohen. Potential concerns with chemical sunscreens are irritation, sensitivity and, well, chemicals. Some research shows that chemicals in sunscreens can find their way into the bloodstream, according to dermatologist Rebecca Marcus. “Although these chemicals have not necessarily been shown to be harmful once in the bloodstream, more studies are needed to confirm this, and therefore physical sunscreen poses less potential risk,” she says.
Why you should trust us
I am an award-winning health-science writer with a wealth of experience, having published articles on Reader’s Digest, WebMD, healthday.com and cnn.com. My work has covered various skincare topics, including anti-aging eye creams, LED masks, vitamin C serums and face washes. Through my research and writing, I’ve consulted with numerous dermatologists and doctors, giving me a deep understanding of the skincare industry.
For this article, I interviewed a variety of reputable sources to delve into the science behind natural sunscreens and to identify the best options on the market. Our panel of experts included:
- Joel L. Cohen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and practice director at AboutSkin Dermatology and DermSurgery
- Rebecca Marcus , MD, a dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology
- Amir Karam, MD, a facial plastic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience
- Vivian Bucay, MD, a dermatologist specializing in minimally invasive facial rejuvenation
- Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Cornell—New York Presbyterian Medical Center
- Tiffany Jow Libby, MD, the director of dermatologic surgery at Brown Dermatology and the assistant professor of dermatology at Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine
- Cynthia Franco, an esthetician in Beverly Hills, California
- Hadley King, a dermatologist and a clinical instructor at Weill Medical College of Cornell University
- Sumayah Jamal, MD-PhD, a board-certified dermatologist and the director at Skin of Color Specialty Clinic, Schweiger Dermatology Group
How we found the best natural sunscreens
To select the best natural sunscreens, we started by researching a wide range of options available on the market, focusing on ingredients and price point. We also sought out options designed for specific skin types, such as oily, dry, aging and dark skin. To narrow down our choices, we analyzed customer reviews to understand the real-world performance of each natural sunscreen. Lastly, we consulted dermatologists and skin experts to ensure that our recommendations included products they would personally use on their own faces.
Sources:
- FDA: “Shedding More Light on Sunscreen Absorption.”
- The American Academy of Dermatology: Sunscreen FAQs.
