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The 18 Best Natural Sunscreens For Every Skin Type, Say Dermatologists

Whether you're looking for an acne-friendly SPF or one that will blend on deeper skin tones, we've got the best picks.

By Katrina Mitzeliotis, and
natural sunscreens lead image
Christine Giordano

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Clean beauty fans who are looking for the best possible sunscreen picks for the best price, you've come to the right place. There are a lot of reasons why you might want to opt for a natural sunscreen, but knowing what to look for and which one to choose can get tricky.

Peep some of the best sunscreens, below:

  • 1
    Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Sunscreen

    Best For Acne

    Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Sunscreen

    $28 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

    Best Skincare-Infused Sunscreen

    Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

    Read more
  • 3
    Cocokind Daily SPF, Face Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Unscented, Reef Safe Sunscreen with SPF 32 Protection

    Best Reef-Safe Formula

    Cocokind Daily SPF, Face Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Unscented, Reef Safe Sunscreen with SPF 32 Protection

    Read more
  • 4
    Natural Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted SPF 50

    Best Anti-Aging

    CyberDERM Natural Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted SPF 50

    Read more
  • 5
    SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

    Best For Outdoor Workouts

    Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

    Read more

First, it’s important to know that the FDA doesn’t regulate the term “natural,” but there are only two options when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun: Chemical and mineral. And when it comes to "natural," dermatologists say your best choice is a mineral formula.

Meet our experts: Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine, Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital's Department of Dermatology, Gretchen Freiling, MD, a dermatologist in Wellesley, MA, Tsippora Shainhouse, MD, a dermatologist in Beverly Hills, CA, Dana Marshal, MD, a dermatologist in Gretna, LA, Keira Barr, MD, a dermatologist in Gig Harbor, WA

Despite all the controversy about what "natural" exactly means, the most important thing is to make sure you’re protected from the sun—whether that be with a mineral sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen, as skin cancer doesn’t discriminate against either. That said, if you do want to go the clean route, our dermatologist experts say these natural sunscreens (some with a high SPF value) actually work.

1
Best For Acne

Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Sunscreen

Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Sunscreen
1
Best For Acne

Kinship Self Reflect SPF 32 Probiotic Sunscreen

$28 at Amazon$35 at Walmart$25 at Ulta Beauty
Pros
  • Won't cause breakouts
  • Reinforces skin's natural microbiome
Cons
  • May leave a white cast on dark skin

If every sunscreen tends to make you break out, here's a solution: this probiotic-packed formula nourishes the skin's microbiome, first of all. It also has a secret ingredient, turmeric, an ingredient with natural anti-inflammatory properties, says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner.

2
Best Skincare-Infused Sunscreen

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
2
Best Skincare-Infused Sunscreen

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Pros
  • Hydrating formula
  • Non-greasy
Cons
  • Can feel heavy on acne-prone skin

Whether you're super dry, or have oily or combination skin, the combo of squalene—a botanical lipid that helps restore the skin's natural barrier, says dermatopathologist Gretchen Frieling—and zinc in this super sheer sunscreen will keep your face (and body) hydrated and won't cause irritation.

3
Best Reef-Safe Formula

Cocokind Daily SPF, Face Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Unscented, Reef Safe Sunscreen with SPF 32 Protection

Cocokind Daily SPF, Face Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Unscented, Reef Safe Sunscreen with SPF 32 Protection
3
Best Reef-Safe Formula

Cocokind Daily SPF, Face Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, Unscented, Reef Safe Sunscreen with SPF 32 Protection

Pros
  • Protects against blue and other visible light
  • Good for dry skin
Cons
  • May not blend seamlessly on dark skin

This eco-friendly, reef-safe blend of zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton and microalgae of course guards you against those harmful UVA/UVB rays, but it also protect you against "all of the lights" including blue light, and pollution damage too.

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4
Best Anti-Aging

CyberDERM Natural Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted SPF 50

Natural Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted SPF 50
4
Best Anti-Aging

CyberDERM Natural Simply Zinc Ultra Tinted SPF 50

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • High SPF value
  • Non-greasy formula
Cons
  • Has an odor off-putting to some

Loaded with 25% zinc, this silky formula glides on with a non-chalky finish and dries almost instantly, giving you the coverage you need. Norwegian spruce extract provides additional antioxidant benefits. It also received a stamp of approval from Ecocert, an organic certification agency.

5
Best For Outdoor Workouts

Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream
5
Best For Outdoor Workouts

Badger SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Sweat-resistant
  • Lower price point
Cons
  • Thick formula

It can be tough to find a powerful natural sunscreen that won’t slide off your sweaty forehead and drip down into your eyes, but this mineral-based formula, recommended by dermatologist Tsippora Shainhouse, can keep up with your active lifestyle. It’s also non-comedogenic and fragrance-free.

6
Best For Dark Skin

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
6
Best For Dark Skin

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Pros
  • Good for darker skin tones
  • Reasonably priced
Cons
  • Can leave skin feeling greasy

Because they sit on the skin to deflect the UV rays that hit the skin surface, mineral sunscreens have a bad rep for not blending in well on black skin tones, says Shainhouse. But this one has a clear formula that actually disappears on darker skin tones without using any tint—yep, it's kinda like magic.

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7
Top Dermatologist Pick

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30
7
Top Dermatologist Pick

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 30

Now 19% Off
Pros
  • Available at mass retailers
  • Non-irritating
Cons
  • Has a slight tint

Dermatologist Dana Marshall recommends this drugstore pick, because it's non-irritating, contains moisturizing ceramides, and provides appropriate SPF for the face. The moisturizing formula gives a glowy—not greasy—finish and the slight tint helps disguise a white finish.

8
Best Transparent

EleVen by Venus Williams Natural Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Natural Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35
8
Best Transparent

EleVen by Venus Williams Natural Unrivaled Sun Serum SPF 35

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Designed for darker skin tones
  • Luxurious formula
Cons
  • Higher price point

Venus Williams partnered with clean beauty retailer Credo to create this 25% zinc oxide sunscreen specifically made with deeper skin tones in mind. Seeing that Venus is in the sun non-stop, we're going to trust her on this one.

9
Best For Touch-Ups

Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen

Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen
9
Best For Touch-Ups

Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen

Pros
  • Portable powder formula
  • Mattifies skin
Cons
  • For touch-ups only

A powder, brush-on formula is ideal when you're on-the-go or simply don't want to touch your face or deal with adding on another layer of lotion. This one is a blend of a zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that can help mop up grease as it protects the skin, says Shainhouse.

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10
Best SPF Spray

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30

Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30
10
Best SPF Spray

Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist SPF 30

Pros
  • Easy-to-use spray formula
  • Reef-safe
Cons
  • Can leave a white cast on skin

This reef-safe sunscreen relies on non-nano zinc to offer water-resistant UVA and UVB coverage, making this convenient spray a must-have for beach days.

11
Best Sunscreen Stick

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

Glow Stick SPF 50
11
Best Sunscreen Stick

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

Pros
  • Good to use on kids
  • Portable stick formula
Cons
  • Not ideal for oily skin

Dermatologists say sticks are great for targeted application, especially on the face, but you can also use this trusty stick on your body. It's easy to throw in your beach bag and glides on effortlessly—even over foundation for a mid-day application.

12
Best Tinted Formula

UNSUN Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen
12
Best Tinted Formula

UNSUN Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen

Now 25% Off
Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Super hydrating formula
  • Blends into dark skin tones seamlessly
Cons
  • Can transfer onto clothing

While many mineral formulas tend to leave behind a white, filmy residue, says Shainhouse, this tinted formula blends beautifully on darker skin tones and is loaded with shea butter and coconut oil to give skin added moisture.

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13
Best For Coverage

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense PF 30

Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense PF 30
13
Best For Coverage

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense PF 30

Pros
  • Has a blurring effect on skin imperfections
  • Hydrating but not greasy
Cons
  • May not layer well under makeup

Looking for a sunscreen that’ll also blur out imperfections? This cult-favorite product will leave your skin feeling hydrated and dewy, while also offering added complexion coverage.

14
Best-Smelling

Coola Organic SPF 30 Spray

Organic SPF 30 Spray
14
Best-Smelling

Coola Organic SPF 30 Spray

Pros
  • Has a light coconut aroma
Cons
  • Not ideal for oily skin

This easy-to-apply mineral spray smells like a vacation in a bottle. The lightweight formula goes on evenly and offers broad spectrum coverage, while additional ingredients like raspberry seed oil offer natural sun protective qualities and tamanu oil and chamomile extract add anti-inflammatory benefits, says dermatologist Keira Barr.

15
Best For Dry Skin

Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen

Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen
15
Best For Dry Skin

Love Sun Body Sheer Perfection Mineral Body Sunscreen

Credit: Amazon
Pros
  • Very moisturizing on dry skin
  • Blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Cons
  • Can be too heavy for some

While non-nano zinc and titanium oxide block UVA and UVB rays, glycerin, vitamin E, almond, coconut, and sunflower oils offer up hydration that'll leave you skin feeling silky and smooth.

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16
Best Drugstore Find

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen
16
Best Drugstore Find

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen

Pros
  • Available at drugstores
  • Non-greasy feel
Cons
  • Can feel heavy on skin

This hypoallergenic formula is fragrance and paraben-free, making it an affordable, chemical-free option that will give you the coverage you need without breaking the bank.

17
Best For Sensitive Skin

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion

Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion
17
Best For Sensitive Skin

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion

Pros
  • Free from common skin irritants
  • Water- and sweat-resistant
Cons
  • Higher price point

If your skin gets red and itchy after applying sunscreen, it might be time to reach for a more gentle formula, like this paraben-, alcohol-, and fragrance-free option that's gentle enough for even the most delicate skin.

18
Best Water-Resistant

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
18
Best Water-Resistant

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

Pros
  • Sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Alerts you when to reapply
Cons
  • Very thick formula

This mineral-based option is one of the top-rated formulas on the Environmental Working Guide's list, offering water-resistant coverage against UVA and UVB rays for up to 80 minutes. Another cool feature: The bottle cap serves as an indicator of harmful UV rays by changing color, alerting you to apply, says Barr.

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19

What makes mineral sunscreens natural?

Mineral sunscreens use more natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—“physical blockers that are naturally occurring minerals that sit on the skin's surface to deflect UV rays before they are absorbed,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., an associate clinical professor in Yale School of Medicine’s department of dermatology. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, “use chemicals to deactivate UV light after it’s penetrated the skin.”

Do natural sunscreens work?

While both forms work, Gohara says she recommends natural (aka mineral or physical) sunscreens for people with sensitive skin—particularly kids—since it stays on top of your skin and is less likely to cause irritation. The most controversial ingredients in chemical sunscreens are oxybenzone and avobenzone. Not only can oxybenzone mess with marine life, but a recent study by the FDA discovered that high levels of both chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream after just one use, which also makes them a no-go if you're pregnant or nursing.

Headshot of Chelsea Burns
Chelsea Burns

Chelsea Burns is the Beauty Director for Women’s Health and has been writing in the beauty and wellness space for over six years with her work appearing in Real Simple, Health, Fitness, and Byrdie.com. She’s an expert at testing products and is always on the hunt for the best tinted moisturizer.

Headshot of Mara Santilli
Mara is a freelance writer and editor specializing in culture, politics, wellness, and the intersection between them, whose print and digital work has appeared in Marie Claire, Women’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Airbnb Mag, Prevention, and more. She’s a Fordham University graduate who also has a degree in Italian Studies, so naturally she’s always daydreaming about focaccia.
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