The term “non-toxic” can be vague and unregulated in the beauty industry, but when searching for the best non-toxic sunscreen, the first question to ask is: Is it chemical or physical?
Valerie Aparovich, a certified cosmetologist, aesthetician, and biochemist at OnSkin (where she analyzes cosmetic formulas for safety), explains: “The term ‘non-toxic’ is often associated with physical sunscreens, which rely on mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sun protection. Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens form a barrier on the skin’s surface instead of being absorbed into the body. Scientific research shows they don’t pose common health risks through skin contact.”
However, not all physical sunscreens are equal. Dr. Rachel Day, a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Zest Health, advises: “Prioritize safety and effectiveness over marketing claims. A truly skin-safe mineral sunscreen should be both protective and gentle.”
### Vogue’s Top Non-Toxic Sunscreens:
– Best Overall: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen ($19)
– Best Certified Organic: Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 ($55)
– Best for Irritated Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen ($40)
– Best Vegan: Grown Alchemist Invisible Natural Protection SPF 30 ($42)
– Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($15)
Below, discover the best non-toxic sunscreens that truly deliver on their promises while protecting and nourishing the skin, as recommended by dermatologists and experts.
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### Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen
Price: $19 ($15 on Amazon)
Why We Love It: Nearly every expert we consulted—including dermatologists, biochemists, and plastic surgeons—recommended Blue Lizard.
Dr. Nava Greenfield, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC, highlights its benefits: “It’s soothing, thanks to aloe vera, and non-toxic for both skin and the environment. As a mineral sunscreen, it’s free of harsh chemicals and provides broad-spectrum protection.”
Aparovich praises its formula: “With zinc oxide as its active mineral filter, it offers reliable broad-spectrum protection while gliding smoothly onto the skin. Great for dry, normal, sensitive, or dehydrated skin, it’s enriched with shea butter, sunflower oil, and aloe barbadensis leaf extract to hydrate and soothe. It also contains caprylic/capric triglyceride and squalane to moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier.”
Dr. Arnold Breitbart, head plastic surgeon at Long Island Facelift, adds: “I’ve used Blue Lizard for years—long before non-toxic sunscreens became trendy. It provides excellent sun protection, no harsh chemicals, and works well on sensitive skin.”
Type: Physical (8% titanium dioxide, 10% zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients: Organic aloe, shea butter, sunflower oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane
SPF: 50
Texture: Lotion
Size: 5 fl oz
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### EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen
Price: $45 ($36 on Amazon)
Why We Love It: Perfect for sensitive skin, this tinted sunscreen blurs imperfections while delivering antioxidants.
Dr. Day notes: “This provides 100% mineral sun protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.”
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen combines hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep skin hydrated and reduce oxidative stress, while iron oxides offer extra protection against visible light. Dr. Day notes that shielding skin from high-energy visible (HEV) light is especially important for those with pigmentation issues or photosensitivity.
– Type: Physical (zinc oxide 13.5%, titanium dioxide 4.4%)
– Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, iron oxides
– SPF: 50
– Texture: Lotion
– Size: 1.7 oz
Why We Love It:
Dr. Day recommends this La Roche-Posay sunscreen for its gentle yet effective formula, which works well for both face and body. Enriched with vitamin E, antioxidants, and botanical extracts, it soothes skin without sacrificing sun protection. The lightweight, fluid texture absorbs quickly, leaving a matte finish. It also features the brand’s Cell-Ox Shield technology, combining UVA/UVB filters with antioxidant-rich tropical-leaf extracts. Plus, it includes La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water for added calming benefits.
– Type: Physical (titanium dioxide 6%, zinc oxide 5%)
– Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, botanical extracts, thermal spring water
– SPF: 50
– Texture: Fluid
– Size: 1.7 fl oz
Forah Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Like a nourishing smoothie for your skin, Forah’s SPF 30 blends antioxidant-rich ingredients such as organic sea buckthorn oil, golden jojoba oil, and sweet almond oil—almost tempting enough to taste (but don’t!). Greenfield loves its luxurious feel and chic packaging, along with collagen-boosting botanical extracts.
– Type: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 10%, non-nano titanium dioxide 7%)
– Key Ingredients: Organic sea buckthorn oil, golden jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, seaweed extract, biodynamic avocado oil
– SPF: 30
– Texture: Silky cream
– Size: 2.87 oz
Why We Love It:
This certified organic sunscreen is free from nanoparticles, harsh chemicals, and dyes. Its creamy texture melts into the skin, providing hydration and protection while feeling lightweight.
Kosas DreamBeam Comfy Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40
Perfect as a makeup base or worn alone, this hypoallergenic sunscreen gives skin a subtle dewy tint. The peachy-pink hue helps counteract the usual white cast of zinc oxide, making it easy to blend.
– Type: Physical (non-nano zinc oxide 21.7%)
– Key Ingredients: Ceramides, peptides, allantoin, hyaluronic acid
– SPF: 40
Why We Love It:
Aparovich praises its skincare benefits, including ceramides and peptides that moisturize and strengthen the skin barrier during sun exposure. Suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types. For best results as a makeup base, let it dry for 3-5 minutes before applying other products.
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This version keeps the original details while improving readability and flow. Let me know if you’d like any further refinements!Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50
Size: 1.3 oz
Price: $58 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
Colorescience’s SPF 50 sunscreen features tone-adapting pigments in four shades (Fair to Deep). “This tinted sunscreen blends skincare and sun protection, adjusting to different skin tones while giving a matte finish,” says Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist. The mineral-based formula is cruelty-free and free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and fragrance. It also includes EnviroScreen Technology, which shields skin from UVA/UVB rays, blue light, pollution, and infrared radiation. Tip: Rub between fingers before applying to activate the pigments.
Type: Physical (12% zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients: EnviroScreen Technology, iron oxide pigments
SPF: 50
Texture: Liquid
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Avène Mineral Sunscreen Multi-Defense Fluid SPF 50+
Size: 1.8 oz
Price: $36 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
“This lightweight, fast-absorbing SPF 50+ sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast or greasy feel,” says Aparovich. It’s packed with skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E (hydration), bisabolol and allantoin (soothing), and niacinamide (brightening). Dr. Garshick adds, “Its gentle, high-protection formula is ideal for daily use on sensitive skin.”
Type: Physical (12% zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, bisabolol, allantoin, niacinamide
SPF: 50
Texture: Lightweight fluid
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Grown Alchemist Natural Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
Size: 1.69 oz
Price: $42 (Revolve)
Why We Love It:
“This vegan, non-toxic sunscreen uses natural oils like rosehip, coconut, and lavender for hydration,” says Dr. Greenfield. “With nearly 20% zinc oxide, it offers strong sun protection while remaining sheer and invisible on the skin.”
Type: Physical (19% zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients: Rosehip oil, castor seed oil, lavender oil
SPF: 30
Texture: Lightweight cream
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Fig. 1 Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide
Size: 1.7 oz
Price: $38 (Nordstrom), $23 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
Dermatologist-developed and clinically tested, this mineral sunscreen leaves no white cast. “It absorbs quickly and includes sea algae for DNA repair, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and soothing bisabolol,” says Dr. Hadley King. The milky texture blends seamlessly and is fragrance-free.
Type: Physical (18.76% zinc oxide)
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, sea algae extract
SPF: 50
Texture: Milky fluid
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Vanicream Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Size: Not specified
Price: $12–$15 (Amazon)
Why We Love It:
Dr. Day recommends this affordable, daily SPF for its gentle, effective protection.
Type: Not specified
Key Ingredients: Not specified
SPF: 50
Texture: Not specifiedEspecially for those with sensitive skin, Vanicream is a trusted name in hypoallergenic skincare, known for formulating sunscreens without common irritants. “This makes it a reliable choice for my eczema and psoriasis patients who need a gentle, affordable moisturizer with broad-spectrum SPF,” she explains.
### Product Details:
– Type: Physical (zinc oxide 19.5%)
– Key Ingredients: Squalane, glycerin, ceramides
– SPF Level: 30
– Texture: Lotion
– Size: 2.5 oz
### What Is a Non-Toxic Sunscreen?
There’s no official definition for “non-toxic,” but in sunscreens, it typically means avoiding ingredients like oxybenzone and other chemical filters, says Dr. Garshick.
Aparovich, a biochemist specializing in cosmetic safety, elaborates: “Non-toxic means the sunscreen contains no harmful ingredients—whether UV filters or additives like stabilizers, emulsifiers, or fragrances—that could cause skin irritation, allergies, endocrine disruption, or other health risks.”
Contrary to popular belief, non-toxic sunscreens aren’t limited to mineral options. “Both mineral (physical) and organic (chemical) filters can be safe if properly formulated,” she clarifies.
### Are Non-Toxic Sunscreens as Effective as Traditional Ones?
“Mineral or non-toxic sunscreens work just as well when applied correctly,” says Dr. Day. “For eczema or psoriasis patients, I often recommend them because they’re less likely to cause irritation while still offering strong broad-spectrum protection.” As with any sunscreen, reapplication after sweating or swimming is key.
### What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Sunscreen
Aparovich advises choosing a formula that matches your skin type:
– Oily/acne-prone skin: Avoid pore-clogging ingredients like coconut oil, wheat germ oil, and certain alcohols (e.g., isopropyl myristate, laureth-4).
– Dry/sensitive skin: Steer clear of harsh alcohols (ethanol, denatured alcohol) that can weaken the skin barrier.
An ideal non-toxic sunscreen should:
– Offer broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) protection.
– Have an SPF of at least 30 (preferably 50 for high UV exposure).
### Is There a 100% Natural Sunscreen?
“Some brands claim to be 100% natural, but that term isn’t regulated,” says Dr. Day. “What matters more is clinical testing, gentle formulation for sensitive skin, and avoiding known irritants.”What ingredients should you avoid in sunscreen?
According to Aparovich, three of the most harmful chemical filters to steer clear of are oxybenzone (benzophenone-3), homosalate, and octinoxate. “Research has found that oxybenzone can cause allergic reactions, irritate the eyes and skin, and may disrupt hormones,” she explains. Homosalate and octinoxate have also been linked to potential hormonal effects, and all three ingredients are known to harm marine life and coral reefs.
Aparovich also advises avoiding formaldehyde-releasing preservatives like Imidazolidinyl Urea, Quaternium 15, and Diazolidinyl Urea, as well as allergenic fragrances such as cinnamal, citral, farnesol, coumarin, eugenol, and geraniol. “These chemicals can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation,” she says. Dr. Garshick adds that people should opt for paraben-free sunscreens, as parabens may irritate sensitive skin.
Meet the Experts
– Valerie Aparovich – Certified cosmetologist, aesthetician, and biochemist at OnSkin.
– Dr. Arnold Breitbart, MD – Head plastic surgeon at Long Island Facelift.
– Dr. Rachel Day, MD – Board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Zest Health, a virtual dermatology clinic specializing in eczema and psoriasis.
– Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD – Board-certified dermatologist practicing in Manhattan, New York, and Englewood, New Jersey.
– Dr. Nava Greenfield, MD – Board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.
– Dr. Hadley King, MD – Board-certified dermatologist in New York City.