Are you frantically looking for the best eco-friendly sunscreen options in 2023? After reading hundreds of reviews, we created an all-encompassing, non-toxic sunscreen roundup! Protect and hydrate your skin and the planet with the highly-reviewed options, below.

For a skincare formula that has so many wonderful qualities — protecting us from sun damage, preventing wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation—sunscreen does come with some upsetting side-effects. Unlike eco-friendly sunscreens, chemical-packed formulas can be heavy and irritating. Not to mention, the dreadful white cast that comes along with SPF 50 protection. However that’s not all, the chemicals in some sunscreens can be immensely harmful for the reef and marine life. The biggest offender is Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3, BP-3). This sunscreen ingredient disrupts coral reproduction, causes coral bleaching, and damages coral DNA.

Reef-friendly sunscreens, on the other hand, are completely free from oxybenzone and Octinoxate, two common UV-blocking chemicals, that studies have shown can cause coral bleaching. According to EWG’s latest report, Zinc Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide are the only two active ingredients in safe and eco-friendly sunscreen formulas you should look for.

So without further ado, here’s our list of the most trustworthy eco-friendly sunscreen brands of 2023.

The Best Reef-Safe & Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Options In 2023

Chantecaille Sea Screen 30

First up, Chantecaille’s SeaScreen 30 sunscreen– a raved-about, mineral-based, eco-friendly sunscreen with SPF 30 protection. The main ingredients in the Chantecaille Sea Screen 30 are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are both mineral sun-blocking agents. The non-toxic sunscreen also contains a number of botanical extracts, including plankton extract, which is meant to help protect the skin from damage caused by pollution and UV rays. The formula is designed to be lightweight and non-greasy, and be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for use during outdoor activities like swimming or hiking and everyday use. To top it all off, this ocean-friendly sunscreen is also packaged in a recyclable container, and the brand uses sustainable sourcing practices for its ingredients.

M-61 Hydraboost Body Sunscreen

This lightweight, oil-free, reef-safe SPF 40 sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and hyperpigmentation. Free of parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, which are common chemicals that can be harmful to health and the environment, the M-61 eco-friendly sunscreen is packed with a number of hydrating and nourishing ingredients, including aloe vera, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid. In addition, the formula is infused with a highly concentrated, power-packed Peptide that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The results equal a lightweight yet effective coverage and absolutely no white cast.

Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist

Touted as one of the best eco-friendly sunscreens with SPF 50, Supergroup Play Antioxidant body mist promises to leave our skin looking radiantly glowing. The Vitamin C-based formula has a light, natural scent that dissipates after a few minutes! What’s more, this raved-about skincare ingredient helps to protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals. Plus, it is made with clean chemical sunscreen actives that go on completely clear! No white cast, no grease. Just maximum sun protection that’s water and Sweat Resistant for up to 80 min. “I used it on my arms and legs and noticed that my skin also felt moisturized,” many reviewers mentioned!

Activist Tinted Sunscreen

Activist’s mineral, non-toxic sunscreen is lauded as one of the best eco-friendly sunscreen formulas in a stick form. Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and tinted in a range of four shades — from light to deep –it glides onto the skin effortlessly and camouflages any imperfections. In addition to the SPF 30 protection, this ocean-friendly sunscreen boasts 80 minutes of water resistance. The ingredients of choice? Coconut Oil, Organic Jojoba, Seed Oil, and Sunflower Oil, just to name a few. Also, the formula comes in a Bio-based, compostable push-up tube. Not a fan of eco-friendly sunscreen sticks? Activist also offers tinted sunscreen creams with the exact same ingredients.

Beauty By Earth Natural Sunscreen

Beauty by Earth’s natural eco-friendly sunscreen is formulated with skin-nourishing ingredients like clear non-nano zinc oxide, Coconut Oil, Aloe Vera, and Shea Butter without silicones or harsh chemicals. Additionally, all reef-friendly sunscreens are free of parabens, oxybenzone, nano-particles, chemical fragrances, phthalates, or any other junk your skin doesn’t need. On their virtual shelves, you can find very inclusive, non-toxic sunscreens (for light to dark skin tones), mineral sunscreen sticks as well nontoxic sunscreen sprays ranging from SPF 25 to 30. The latter comes in 4 different scents with vanilla and coconut being the most popular option.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Ilia needs absolutely no introduction. Specializing in clean beauty products that make our skin look and feel alive, this vegan brand certainly knows a thing or two about high-performing skincare. Their best eco-friendly sunscreens – or, “Super serum skin tints, to be exact– come in 30 different light-coverage shades that offer the oh-so-coveted dewy finish. Boasting SPF 40 protection, these ocean-friendly sunscreen options promise to shield you against UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light, and pollution. For the key ingredients, Ilia chose Hyaluronic Acid draws hydration into the skin to visibly plump and replenish; Niacinamide to minimize the look of pores, smooth skin texture, and refine uneven tone and Non-Nano Zinc Oxide. All you have to do is reapply it every 80 minutes Plus, the packaging is fully recyclable!

Attitude Plastic-free sunscreen

Meet the world’s first-ever EWG top-rated, completely plastic-free, and waterless mineral, eco-friendly sunscreen. Attitude’s wide range of non-toxic sunscreens formulated with non-nano zinc oxide. Its universal tint blends beautifully into all skin tones and has a sheer tint that rubs in clear without leaving a heavy, filmy residue. All reef-friendly sunscreens are Hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and unscented. Not to mention small enough to fit in your purse for protection on–the–go. The plastic-free, biodegradable packaging is also a huge plus. Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for everyone who needs a PETA Certified, Vegan, and cruelty-free sunscreen that nourishes the skin with stellar ingredients like coconut oil, polyhydroxystearic acid, and shea butter. Just make sure to re-apply every two hours or after swimming, towel drying, etc.

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

The Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by Beauty Counter is definitely worth the splurge. It offers SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB with the least amount of white residue. Additionally, it’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, verified by 1K+ glowing reviews. Plus, the smooth, nourishing formula blends evenly onto the skin like a dream. As for its ingredients, the brand thrives on responsible sourcing and adheres to the California Transparency in Supply Chain Act. The entire Countersun line is formulated without Octinoxate and oxybenzone, two common sunscreen ingredients that contribute to the collapse of coral reefs.

Bless the Ocean and Your Skin