Are you planning your summer vacation and looking for zero-waste sunscreen that is safe for you and the planet? I hear you! Protecting your skin from the sun during the hottest hours of the day is non-negotiable, especially during outdoor activities. But how do you choose the best non-toxic sun care for you? Find out more in this article.
Zero-waste and non-toxic sunscreen is an excellent alternative to chemical sunscreen and for creating safe and healthy protection from the sun. Moreover, having one of these eco-friendly sun creams is incredibly beneficial: it protects the environment by reducing plastic waste and preserves your health by eliminating harmful components.
To help you decide which sun cream is best suited for you, your travel habits and your skin type, here is a round-up of the top eco-friendly sunscreen, including reef-safe, plastic-free, cruelty-free, and vegan sun care.
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Overview: Must-Have Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
- Raw Elements – Best sunscreen overall
- Green People – Best sunscreen for sensitive skin
- Eir – Best sunscreen for the face
- Badger – Best sunscreen for water activities
- Butter Me Up – Best sunscreen for the body
- All Good – Best sunscreen for kids
- COOLA – Best sunscreen spray
- Herbal Chest – Best sunblock
- ByRobinCreations – Best vegan sunscreen
- SunButter – Best sunscreen for high protection
BONUS:
- Balmy Fox – Best sun balm for lips
What is a zero-waste sunscreen?
Living a zero-waste lifestyle means striving to use as little single-use plastic as possible, opting instead for sustainable, reusable alternatives. And this definition applies to sunscreen.
A zero-waste sunscreen aims to lower waste and its impact on our planet, whether from the packaging or ingredients.
But how do you identify zero-waste (and reef-safe) sunscreen?
1- Its package is sustainable, reusable or/and recyclable
When buying a zero-waste sunscreen, check that the packaging (and shipping packaging) is either more sustainable or plastic-free, which will ultimately protect the environment, benefit communities and support a circular economy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
A zero-waste packaging can be a glass jar, tin or plant-based tube. The most important is to find as little amount of plastic as possible.
2- Its ingredients are natural, organic and ethically sourced
Common and commercial sunscreens contain many harmful chemicals such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, damaging your body and our planet and particularly toxic to reefs and corals.
That is why it is essential to choose a zero-waste sunscreen without toxic components and Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free. Preferably, look for a mineral-based sunscreen containing non-nano zinc.
And as a plus, learn more about the company and how they produce their sunscreen, as this will impact waste. For instance, some of these sunscreens listed are produced by sustainable farming or made in a solar-powered factory.
In any case, it is always good to ask questions! Zero waste may sound unachievable, but it is about the goal, a visionary future for a better future for our planet.
It is not about perfection (zero waste in our lives is nearly impossible) but a conscious effort to make better choices today – for the future.
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Best Zero-Waste & Reef Safe Sunscreens
1- Raw Elements Face + Body Sunscreen Tin
The best eco-friendly sunscreen overall.
Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30 Plastic-Free is a reef-safe, water-resistant sunscreen perfect for a day at the beach! Made from certified all-natural ingredients, it provides broad-spectrum UVA-UVB protection.
Filled with biologically active antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and extracts, it gently protects your skin from sun exposure and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Plus, the lotion comes in a recyclable and reusable tin, which is the ideal way to take care of your body without harming our planet.
Product highlights:
- SPF 30+
- Reef safe
- Biodegradable
- Safe for all ages
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
- Soy, gluten and nut-free
About Raw Elements:
An ocean lifeguard created Raw Elements after discovering the effect of sunscreens on our bodies and the planet. The goal was to develop a natural sunscreen and become an industry pioneer to force change. Today, they are dedicated to creating a positive impact on the world and are committed to education, environmental awareness, and sun safety.
2- Butter Me Up Natural Organic Sunscreen
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for the body.
Butter Me Up Natural Organic Sunscreen is all-natural and safe sun protection for your body and the environment, containing non-nano zinc oxide, organic butter and oils, all you need to enjoy long sun protection naturally! In addition, its extra-large glass jar will accompany you all summer long.
This lotion offers you a natural SPF protection of around 45+. It was tested in 104-degree (40°C) weather with no shade and lasted about 3 hours without a sunburn.
And to top it all, the sunscreen smells incredible and is excellent for your skin, with not a paraben to be found. Plus, it soaks very nicely into your skin. The trustworthy companion for this summer!
Product highlights:
- SPF 45+
- Reef safe
- Organic
- Cruelty-free
- No sulfates, phthalates or parabens
- No synthetic dyes or fragrances
- Safe for all ages
- Zero waste company
About Butter Me Up:
Butter Me Up believes your skin is just as vital as any other organ in your body and likes to say: “Don’t put anything on your body that you wouldn’t put in it.” As a result, all of their products are edible. They may not be tasty, but everything they use is non-toxic premium ingredients.
3- Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Tin
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for water activities.
Badger has developed an expertly designed, ocean-approved sunscreen for you. Its Sport Mineral Sunscreen is one of the first sunscreens certified by Protect Land + Sea, a new stamp verifying that this product does not contain any ingredients or contaminants considered harmful to coral reef environments, sea turtles, and other aquatic life.
Reef-safe, biodegradable and water-resistant for at least 80 minutes, this sport mineral sunscreen nourishes and protects your skin and is an ideal travel essential for summer and any water activities!
Made with just four ingredients and packaged in a recyclable tin, this eco-responsible skincare is also perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Product highlights:
- SPF 40
- Reef safe
- Cruelty-free
- Made with solar power
- Organic & Gluten-free
- Zero waste
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
About Badger:
Badger is a family-run company operating since 1995. Its mission is to create a healthier world and cultivate good through actions and advocacy. As a result, they conscientiously craft each of their products using minimally processed and wild-grown ingredients. They are also passionate proponents of regenerative and sustainable agriculture.
4- SunButter Water Resistant Sunscreen
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for high protection.
SunButter Water Resistant Sunscreen is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sun care that respects the skin and the earth. Its gentle formula is vegan, palm oil-free and reef-safe – a natural recipe without harmful ingredients, ideal for all skin types.
This moisturising sunscreen will leave your skin feeling soft, smooth, and protected from the elements.
Packaged plastic-free in an easy-to-reuse and recyclable tin, the rich non-watery formula lasts a long time, with a little bit going a long way. And with four hours of water resistance, this durable skincare is the perfect travel accessory for busy days at the beach!
Product highlights:
- SPF 50
- Reef Safe
- Zero waste
- Palm Oil Free Certified (POFCAP)
- Therapeutic Goods Administration registered
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Made in a solar-powered factory
About SunButter:
Two marine biologists and conservation ecologists created SunButter in 2016, initially aimed at guides, photographers and divers. The company expanded in 2019 by launching the first reef-safe sunscreen in Australia packaged in reusable and recyclable tins and its first vegan surf zinc. Today, their ethical skincare company is driven by the mantra, “Protecting People & The Planet”.
5- Herbal Chest Vegan Sun Butter
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for vegans.
Herbal Chest Vegan Sun Butter is a vegan, coconut oil-free, unscented Matcha Green Tea sunblock. This all-natural, eco-friendly sunscreen provides essential sun protection whilst nourishing your skin with antioxidant green tea oil. Excellent addition to your toiletries for this summer!
Plus, this lovely vegan sunscreen contains no harsh chemicals, synthetic colours and artificial fragrances but only pure botanical food for your skin, perfect for those with sensitive skin or anyone allergic to coconut oil.
It is truly a one-of-a-kind sunscreen that provides coverage for both sun protection and nourishment for your delicate face and body, all whilst protecting the environment.
Product highlights:
- SPF 20
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan & natural
- Plastic-free
- Zero waste
- Gluten-free
About Herbal Chest:
Herbal Chest is a small shop created by Tina, who fell in love with making herbal, botanical, and wellness care products. Inside her store, you will find handmade botanical skincare and holistic self-care in a small batch. Everything is plant-based, cruelty-free, all-natural and eco-friendly.
6- ByRobinCreations Vegan Sunblock Lotion
The best eco-friendly sunblock.
ByRobinCreations 100% Vegan SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion Bar is perfect and effective at protecting your skin from sunburn. One single application keeps you covered for many hours, even whilst swimming. Candelilla wax and uncoated non-nano zinc allow the sunblock to be virtually waterproof.
Last but not least, made 100% with natural ingredients, this eco-friendly sunblock lotion is safe for all ages. Plus, it is plastic-free and zero-waste. The ideal companion to add to your packing list for this summer!
Product highlights:
- SPF 30
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- 100% Vegan & natural
- Organic
- Plastic-free
- Zero waste
About ByRobinCreations:
ByRobinCreations manufactures all of its products by hand in its Santa Fe, New Mexico workshop, with the highest quality ingredients: unrefined and organic, when possible. They incorporate aromatherapy through beneficial essential oils into every product, working great and smelling amazing. Everything they create is 100% vegan and leaves skin looking refreshed!
7- Green People Scent Free Sun Cream
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Green People Scent Free Sun Cream is natural, organic skincare providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection whilst being gentle on the skin.
Made 84% with certified organic ingredients, this reef-friendly sun cream is safe and non-toxic to the body and the environment. Plus, it comes in a fully recyclable and renewable sugar cane tube farmed on sustainable land. As a result, this plant-based packaging is fully carbon-neutral.
Green People Scent Free Sun Cream is suitable for all skin types, especially those who may be prone to sensitive skin, eczema and prickly heat. It is also suited for use on the face by those with spot-prone or combination skin, thanks to the Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Edelweiss that naturally nourish and protect.
Product highlights:
- SPF 30
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- 84% certified organic ingredients
- Plastic-free (plant-based packaging, fully recyclable)
- Zero waste
- Water repellent
About Green People:
Green People was born with the purpose of a mother, Charlotte, to create organic skin care for a daughter struggling with multiple skin allergies and eczema. She started the company in 1997 with a commitment to preserving the environment, never using unsafe ingredients and never testing on animals.
8- COOLA Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray
The best eco-friendly sun spray.
With its refreshing natural scent, this COOLA Organic Sunscreen Spray is ideal for long active days in the sun, and it efficiently protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays and aggressions.
Its Farm to Face® formula contains an antioxidant-rich Plant Protection complex that helps safeguard and nourish the skin. In addition, the non-greasy formula is quickly absorbed and is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
With over 70% certified organic ingredients and free of parabens, gluten or cruelty, this reef-safe screen is Hawaii Reef Compliant, vegan and recyclable – meaning it is excellent for your skin and our planet!
Product highlights:
- SPF 50
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- 70+% certified organic ingredients
- Vegan
- Zero waste
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
About COOLA:
Creators of clinically tested natural and organic broad-spectrum sunscreens, COOLA skin care products take the worry out of protecting your skin from UV rays. With a filter for every skin type, sun strength and activity level, their farm-to-face philosophy means that their formulas are packed with pure plant ingredients to optimise protection whilst infusing skin with nourishing extracts.
9- All Good Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for kids.
All Good Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion covers the UVA/UVA rays but also goes the extra mile with a commitment to reef-friendly ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy and gentle on sensitive skin.
This soothing sunscreen for kids includes natural ingredients and is suited for babies six months and older. In addition, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, allowing your children to play and swim with complete broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Finally, made from reef-friendly ingredients, this SPF 30 sunscreen lotion is super hydrating and easy to rub in, thanks to a blend of organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. It does not leave the skin greasy and will not clog your pores. Plus, organic chamomile is ideal for calming sensitive skin.
Product highlights:
- SPF 30
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- Certified Organic
- Biodegradable
- Zero waste
- Water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)
About All Good:
From botanical medicines to feel-good vibes, All Good was founded by meeting nature at the table and adding nothing else. Their products are clean, safe and never tested on animals. Their love for the planet has led to ideas such as the FREE THINKING Initiative, working towards a plastic-free future.
10- Eir NYC Surf Mud
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for the face.
Inspired by the Mayan Chocolate Mask, the Eir NYC Surf Mud water-resistant SPF30 and 100% reef-safe formula use seven key ingredients, including Non-Nano Zinc for UV sun protection, to deliver a hydrating sun shield. It is the perfect travel accessory and the go-to choice for beach lovers and outdoor explorers.
This natural face sunscreen features a nourishing blend of all-natural organic ingredients that keep all skin types protected, deeply hydrated, and nourished, keeping it young and healthy.
In addition, this non-chemical sunscreen is free of Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, two chemicals harmful to corals. By using Eir NYC Surf Mud, you are not only treating your skin with the best possible care but making an investment that our earth needs. Plus, it comes in a reusable and recyclable plastic-free tin. An indispensable item for your summer toiletries!
Product highlights:
- SPF 30
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- Zero waste
- Water-resistant
About Eir:
Eir is a natural and unisex skincare line for people with an active lifestyle. They harness the power of earthly ingredients to craft a line of clean skincare and wellness products created to accelerate internal healing whilst providing the external benefits of hydrating, cleansing, and repairing the skin.
Bonus: Balmy Fox Sun Protection Lip Balm
The best eco-friendly sunscreen for lips.
Balmy Fox Sun Protection Lip Balm SPF 25 provides water resistance, hydration and protection to the lips of anyone who loves to be in or on the water!
This vegan sunscreen balm is 100% natural and a perfect addition to your packing list to protect and heal chapped and sore lips. Moreover, this sun cream is not only safe for our bodies but also very eco-friendly for the environment, containing no microplastics or harmful chemicals that may otherwise leach into nature.
Finally, this SPF sun protection lip balm is cruelty and plastic-free and does not contain parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, SLS and other harmful chemicals.
Product highlights:
- SPF 25
- Reef Safe
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan & natural
- Zero waste
- 80% organic ingredients
- Plastic-free
- Water-resistant
About Balmy Fox:
Balmy Fox is a family-run company based in Wales, with a mission to manufacture and supply a different range of natural skincare products for active people. Socially conscious and using ethically sourced organic ingredients, 10% of their profits go to environmental and social projects that support a fair and sustainable natural world.
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Why should you use zero-waste sunscreen?
Protecting your skin from the sun is non-negotiable. Yes: you should always put on sunscreen in the summer, as it protects you from harmful rays. But you have to be careful about the cream you choose.
1- ENVIRONMENT
Sunscreen packaging has been a notable contributor to plastic waste and global warming and has had many negative consequences for the planet, as a significant amount is thrown away after use and not recycled.
Thanks to zero-waste sunscreen, you will seriously reduce the use and waste of single-use plastic.
In addition, some ingredients (Oxybenzone and Octinoxate) in chemical-based creams and commercial sunscreens have catastrophic effects on the ocean and corals. They devastate coral reefs, affect the fertility of marine life, and contribute to coral bleaching.
Using reef-safe sunscreen, you will minimise your carbon footprint, protect the ocean and help create a better future for our planet, setting an excellent example for many other travellers!
2- HEALTH
The harmful chemicals mentioned above are also not healthy for your skin. In fact, these chemicals block the ability of your body to absorb vitamin D, as well as disrupt your hormone and endocrine systems, according to the Environmental Working Group.
Therefore, choosing a non-toxic sunscreen is essential! A natural, zero-waste sunscreen is a safer alternative for you and certainly should be on your packing list for this summer.
+ Stay hydrated on your beach holiday with a reusable filtered water bottle! It will help you protect the environment by reducing plastic waste AND preserve your health by filtering out harmful components.
Shop the editable beach packing list
How to choose the best zero-waste sunscreen?
Now that you know you need to buy a zero-waste and eco-friendly sunscreen for this summer, it is time to decide which one to choose.
When choosing which zero-waste sunscreen with the best protection and low environmental impact is right for you, pay attention to the following terms: broad-spectrum, mineral, reef-safe and SPF.
Broad-spectrum Protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from harmful UVA (ultraviolet A radiation) and UVB (ultraviolet B radiation) rays.
UVB rays are the stronger of the two and can cause sunburns and most skin cancers. UVA rays are generally responsible for premature ageing but can also contribute to certain skin cancers.
That is why having broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential to protect and preserve your beautiful body! It will help:
- Avoid skin damage
- Protect against skin cancer
- Prevent premature ageing
What is the difference between broad-spectrum and SPF?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a measure of the quality of sun protection against UVB rays.
On the other hand, broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.
SPF – Sun Protection Factor
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the number next to it indicates how well the sunscreen protects the skin against sunburn.
The SPF number tells you how long the UV radiation of the sun would take to redden your skin when using the product compared to the time without sunscreen.
For example, with an SPF 30, it would take you 30 times longer to burn than if you were not wearing sunscreen.
The higher the SPF number, the better it is for your skin. However, keep in mind that no sunscreen offers 100% protection. It is essential to apply your sunscreen correctly every one or two hours, regardless of the SPF.
Environmental-friendly & healthy formula
For your sunscreen to effectively protect you from harmful sun rays, it needs an active ingredient or a filter, the two main ones being chemical and mineral.
However, as mentioned previously, you want to avoid chemical ingredients as much as possible, especially the following: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate and nanoparticles.
Overall, mineral sunscreen is safer for your skin and the environment, and filters to look for include non-nano Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
What does non-nano Zinc Oxide mean?
The best active ingredient alternative to toxic chemicals is zinc oxide. More specifically, non-nano Zinc Oxide.
Zinc is a mineral that lies on top of your skin to protect it from the sun.
Whilst free radicals that cause skin damage and promote skin cancer can still form, Zinc Oxide helps trap them at the surface of the skin, preventing them from reaching deeper tissues.
Reef-safe
Many studies have proven that chemicals in commercial sunscreens have been destructive to marine life and corals, especially the filter: Oxybenzone.
The latter has negatively impacted the health of our ocean by devastating coral reefs, affecting the fertility of marine life and contributing to coral bleaching.
That is why paying attention to which sunscreen you take with you for a beach trip is so important in order to preserve marine ecosystems.
Avoid these harmful chemicals (Oxybenzone and Octinoxate) at all costs, and prioritise minerals or natural ingredients.
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FAQ – Best Zero-Waste & Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Yes, using a reef-safe sunscreen wherever you are is extremely important: it protects the environment and marine life AND preserves your health by not involving harmful components.
You should apply your first layer of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply at least every 2 hours, regardless of SPF, especially after swimming or sweating.
The four main chemicals to avoid in sunscreen are Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Avobenzone and Retinyl Palmitate. Instead, use mineral sunscreens made with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
Do you use zero-waste and reef-safe sunscreen? Which is your favourite?
Let me know in the comments below!
With love ♡
Lucie
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