Best Clean, Environmentally Friendly SPF Sunscreen

This summer, protect your skin with clean sunscreen that doesn’t take a toll on marine environments. Our top SPF picks are kind to your complexion, and coral reefs. What is good for the environment is good for us.

With summer approaching and the sun shining down in full force, we’re reaching for our go-to SPFs to both pamper and safeguard our skin. Whether your preference is a spray sunscreen for a little extra cooling down on hot days, or a cream formula that feels both luxurious and protective, we’ve got something for all. Unfortunately one of the biggest contributors to aquatic damage are chemical sunscreens that leak into the ocean, killing coral reefs. So whether you’re looking for an SPF serum, a tinted sunscreen, or a blend that’s protective yet invisible on the skin, here are our top picks for reef-friendly sunscreens. After all, what’s good for the environment is probably better for the skin as well — and don’t forget to reapply!

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Why We Love It

This formula was created by a mom of three and is incredibly allergy free, making it perfect for even the most sensitive skin. The lightweight formula is perfect for even the littlest faces and will glide on sheer for barely-noticeable coverage.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide and Shea Butter

Free From

Gluten, Dairy, Soy, Peanuts, Almonds, Walnuts, SLS, Sulfates, Parabens, Phthalates, Synthetic Fragrances, Dyes, Sodium chloride, Formaldehyde, MEA, DEA, TEA, and most common allergens | Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist & Allergy Tested, Cruelty-Free

Beauty Counter Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Why We Love It

The physical sunscreen formula bounces the sun’s rays away from the skin, providing an effective shield from both UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen was also created with a pleasant skin-feel in mind to avoid a sticky or heavy application.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, California Poppy

Free From

Cruelty-Free

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Why We Love It

This sunscreen is loaded with squalane oil, a component that mimics the body’s natural hydrating oils to provide weightless moisture. The ingredient is derived from sugarcane and is one of the best emollients for your skin, making this an ideal facial sunscreen.

Key Ingredients

Zinc Oxide, Squalane, Water Lily

Free From

Synthetic fragrances, PEG, Parabens, Toxins | Vegan, Cruelty-Free

Erbaviva Sunscreen + Baby Sunscreen with Lavender and Chamomile

Why We Love It

This coral-reef safe sunscreen will protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and the application is an aromatic experience thanks to organic lavender and chamomile essential oils in the formula. This product comes from a BIPOC owned brand.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Aloe Juice, Chamomile, Lavender Essential Oils

Free From

Sulfates, Parabens | Vegetarian, Organic, Cruelty-Free

Honua Malu Day Cream SPF 30

Why We Love It

This SPF marries modern natural protectants with traditional Hawaiian ones and contains all reef-safe ingredients keeping our oceans in mind. Scents of jasmine merge with antioxidant noni and nourishing laukahi for a creamy, luxurious day cream that does not leave a white cast.

This product comes from a BIPOC owned brand and supports both Breast Cancer Prevention Partners and Sustainable Coastlines Hawaii.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Jasmine, Noni, Laukahi

Free From

Palm Oils, Synthetic Fragrances | Cruelty-free, Vegan

Ilia Beauty True Serum SP5 40

Why We Love It

This first-of-its-kind formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step: a weightless serum that leaves your skin looking like skin. The skin tint evens tone, softens fine lines and imperfections, dries down to a natural, dewy finish, and is available in a wide range of shades.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Niacinamide

Free From

Silicones, Fragrances, Oils | Non-Comedogenic

Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil Free Moisturizer

Why We Love It

This oil-free moisturizer protects your skin’s natural moisture balance and is made with organic ingredients to protect humans, animals and the ocean as well as preventing premature signs of aging caused by sun exposure.

Key Ingredients

Organic Grape, Pomegranate, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Sea Algae

Free From

Cruelty-free, Vegan, Organic

Salt & Stone Natural SPF 30

Why We Love It

This SPF has been formulated to be water and sweat resistant with a non-greasy, reef safe formula that leaves no white residue despite being a mineral (not chemical) sunscreen. Antioxidant ingredients protect the skin from free radical damage as well as stimulating DHEA and the production of natural, hydrating skin oils.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Ashwagandha, Hyaluronic Acid, Green Tea

Free From

Artificial Fragrances, Sulfates, Silicons, Petrochemicals, Parabens, Phthalates, Artificial colors | Cruelty-Free

Solara Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Suncreen

Why We Love It

Described as a multivitamin for your skin, this sunscreen goes beyond basic sun protection with Solara’s proprietary PlantDFNS blend of over 10 antioxidant-rich botanicals that nourish and infuse the skin compounds that heal at the cellular level. It’ll even defend against digital blue light.

Key Ingredients

Non-Nano, Non-Coated Zinc Oxide, Plant DFNS, Shea Butter, Avena Sativa Extract

Free From

Silicons, Artificial Fragrances, Phthalates, Parabens

Sun Bum Mineral SPF Sunscreen Spray

Why We Love It

This easy-to-apply mineral sunscreen spray is zinc-based and protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The hypoallergenic blend won’t leave a white cast on any skin tones.

Key Ingredients

Zinc-based mineral formula, Sunflower Seed Oil, Safflower Seed Oil

Free From

Vegan, Hypoallergenic, Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen

Why We Love It

This sunscreen is 3-hours water resistant, making it suitable for the whole family and perfect for swimming, playing sports or spending time in the sun. Rich in antioxidants and suitable for sensitive skin.