Sunscreen is in integral part of protecting one's skin and should be a part of everybody's skin care routine. Of course, you should get an appropriate amount of sun exposure, too, as vitamin D is important for absorbing calcium to build bones, immune support, dental health, muscular function, and more. But too much exposure to the sun can also damage your skin and make you at risk for skin cancer and increased signs of aging. It's best to go out in the sun before the UV radiation is too harsh on the skin, which is usually before 10 am; if you plan on being outside for longer periods of time or when the sun is strongest (between 10 am - 4 pm), it's advised to protect your skin in some way, whether that be hats, long sleeves, sitting in the shade, or sunscreen. Even on overcast days, UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds, so sun protection is still super important.

If you choose to wear sunscreen, there are many choices on the market, but some contain ingredients that pose some health risks. Most chemical-based sunscreens contain: oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octisalate, or octocrylene. It has been found that these ingredients can have endocrine-disrupting effects due to them being absorbed through the skin, can cause skin irritation, and are generally being used in unsafe concentrations in the U.S. Because these ingredients are being absorbed through the skin, studies have shown that they can also show up in urine, blood plasma, breastmilk, and amniotic fluid. As well, there has been some association with earlier menarche, decreased levels of testosterone, decreased kidney function, and potential adverse birth outcomes like decreased birth weight and gestational age, but these need to be studied a little more.

The general consensus is that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the safer active ingredients that offer sun protection and won't absorb into the bloodstream, as they provide a physical barrier to UV rays, rather than acting through absorption. However if you use spray sunscreens, there are concerns for titanium dioxide possibly causing cancer if inhaled, but topically both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are recognized as safe; cream-based sunscreens are generally the better option for sunscreen anyway, as they offer better protection since sprays might not cover you evenly.

In the end, the mineral-based (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) sunscreens are the safest options. Some people may not like them because they tend to leave a white-cast on the skin and may not absorb like chemical sunscreens, but you pick your battles. If you don't like mineral sunscreens, just try to limit your sun exposure during peaks times and wear protective clothing if you can. I am personally a fan of mineral-based sunscreens, so I'm here to recommend my top favorite brands for you to try out, especially as we approach the summer months.

Here's the 8 Best Non Toxic Sunscreens:

Babo Botanicals

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen uses high quality ingredients that won't break you out or cause long term health effects. They are free from sulfates, parabens, phthalates, fragrance, mineral oils, etc. and it uses 20% zinc oxide for optimal sun protection. It may leave a slight white cast, but if you rub it in long enough and let it sit, it should fade away. It's also EWG-verified, so it's as clean as you can get!

SPF: 50 (they have 30 as well)

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc oxide

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Spray, Stick

Price: $17.58 for 3-oz lotion

Babyganics

Who says Babyganics can't be used for adults? Their mineral sunscreen is free from octinoxate, oxybenzone, fragrance, and nanoparticles. Like most mineral sunscreens, it leaves a white cast, but it'll rub in just fine. As well, it's a pretty good price for a mineral sunscreen and the amount you get, so it should last you longer!

SPF: 50

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Both; Zinc 12%, Titanium 3%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Spray, Stick, Roll-on

Price: $15 for 8-oz

Badger

This mineral sunscreen by Badger is as clean as it can get with only 5 total ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, and seabuckthorn extract. This is a great option for the whole family, but they also have versions for babies, kids, sports, and 'adventures,' depending on how active the lifestyle.

SPF: 30 (other versions have 40 or 50)

Water Resistant: 40 minutes

Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc 18.75%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Stick, Tin, Lip balm

Price: $17.99 for 3-oz

Blue Lizard

Since Blue Lizard was produced out of Australia, you know it'll protect your skin well; if it can withstand their harsh climate, you'll have great protection anywhere. Their 100% mineral-based sunscreen contains no parabens, fragrance, oxybenzone, or octinoxate. They have a few different lines of their sunscreens as well: Sensitive, Baby, Kids, Sheer Mineral, and Sport (even though it's mineral-based, it still contains octisalate, so I would avoid). AND the caps of their bottles turn blue when UV radiation is high, so you know when you should be wearing sunscreen, which is pretty cool!

SPF: 50 (30 offered in sensitive face version)

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Both; Zinc 10%, Titanium 8%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Spray, Stick, Lip balm

Price: $19.99 for 5-oz

Mad Hippie

If you wear makeup, the Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum is a great option for using under foundation; it looks great on the skin without makeup, too. It has sheer coverage, so it won't leave a cast. It is a little on the pricier side, but I LOVE the way it feels on my skin and the fact it just rubs right in. If you want sunscreen to cover the whole body or one that will last longer than the serum, the Ultra Sheer Body SPF is a great option as well and will give you more bang for your buck.

SPF: 30 for serum, 40 for body lotion

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc 12.7%; For body lotion, it's 20.5%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Serum, lotion

Price: $18.99 for 1-oz serum; $18.99 for 4-oz lotion

Pipette

Pipette's mineral sunscreen is great for babies and those with sensitive skin. It's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly, so it's safe for everyone! It rubs in super easy thanks to the addition of squalane derived from sugarcane.

SPF: 50

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc 20%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Spray, Stick

Price: $14.99 for 4-oz

Sky and Sol

If you want simple and easy-to-read ingredients in your sunscreen, Sky and Sol has got you covered. Their mineral-based Face and Body Sunscreen uses 100% grass-fed beef tallow to match your skin's natural oils, which makes it feel less greasy on the skin and more nourishing. Total it contains only 7 ingredients: tallow, non-nano zinc oxide, beeswax, propolis, olive oil, jojoba ester, and shea butter. It's free from seed oils, fragrances, and other toxic preservatives, and it won't leave a white cast either! This is a little on the pricier side, but I think the high quality ingredients makes it a worth-while investment.

SPF: 30

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc oxide 25%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion

Price: $34.99 for 2.82-oz

ThinkSun

The Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen from Thinksun is their bestseller for a reason. It's perfect for all ages, and sensitive enough for baby or sensitive skin types. It's free from just about every harmful ingredient there is, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, phthalates, etc. It rubs in easily, and won't leave your skin looking chalky afterward. Thinksun also has a Thinkkids, Thinksport, and Thinkdaily line (which is tinted sunscreen), if you're looking for coverage for other uses in life.

SPF: 50

Water Resistant: 80 minutes

Zinc oxide or Titanium Dioxide?: Zinc 23.4%

Forms of Sunscreen Offered: Lotion, Spray, Stick, Lip balm

Price: $21.99 for 6-oz

*Disclosure: Some of the links in the article above are affiliate links, so if you are inclined to make a purchase based on the recommendations, the author will make a small commission. Thank you for your support if you so choose.*