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Beauty/Skin/Sun Protection & Care

Top 10 Natural Sunscreens

These 10 Clean Sunscreens Are Better For Your Skin And The Environment

Image credits: supergoop!

It’s hard to believe that less than 50 years ago people were hitting the beach or heading to the pool without slathering on any sunscreen first. In 2022, we’re all well aware of the fact that excessive sun exposure can lead to early signs of aging, or even scarier, skin cancer. 

So whether you’re prone to tanning or just thinking about the sun makes your skin flush, it’s essential to have sun protection on hand if you plan on spending time outside. And it’s even better if that sun protection comes in the form of a clean sunscreen.  

But first, what does it mean if a product is "clean?" At Rank & Style, we use the word clean to refer to beauty products made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm human health. While there currently isn't an industry standard for what this means, here are some ingredients we always avoid when writing about clean products: parabens, phthalates, PEGs, ethanolamines, formaldehydes, hydroquinone, oxybenzone, synthetic fragrance, BHT, and BHA.

When it comes to choosing a natural, clean sunscreen, things get exponentially more complicated, because it’s not just your body and skin you have to worry about—it’s the environment (such as coral reefs and marine life) as well. To make your shopping experience as easy as possible, we’ve rounded up a list of 10 top-rated sunscreens that meet our definition of clean.

How We Found The Best Clean Sunscreens

Here’s how we do things at Rank & Style: we use our proprietary ranking algorithm to score and rank products based on a unique point system and a spectrum of data, including social media buzz, commentary from industry insiders, beauty editor reviews, magazine mentions, and more. We do this so that you can have an unbiased shopping experience and discover products that real people love and swear by. So with that said, keep scrolling to meet the 10 clean sunscreens that shoppers are raving about.

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July 11, 2024

Written By:Sierra Rogers

Product Expert:Georgia Jones

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Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. Products are scored and ranked using an algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. We are reader-supported and may earn a commission when you shop through our links.

The Rankings


10
Image credits: credo
Rank & Style Approved

credo

Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Overall Score

4.45

10

Indie Lee Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

4.38

560 User Reviews

2.9

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

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Best Natural Sunscreen For Kids

WHAT TO KNOW
Indie Lee’s best-selling sunscreen is formulated with 20% uncoated zinc oxide for sheer, all-over protection from the sun’s harmful rays. And while it’s appropriate for all skin types, it’s unscented and soy- and gluten-free, which makes it a good pick for small kids.

EXTRA DETAILS
Any product featured on Credo must meet its standard of “clean,” which means it can’t feature any ingredients on The Dirty List that are associated with safety or sustainability consequences. Indie Lee surpasses this standard by only incorporating natural ingredients in their sunscreen, including sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and squalane.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Overall Score

4.5

09

Salt & Stone Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

4.5

373 User Reviews

2.8

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Natural Sunscreen For Dry Skin

WHAT TO KNOW
Salt & Stone's best-selling Mineral Sunscreen includes a trio of natural skincare ingredients (ashwagandha, hyaluronic acid, and green tea extract). This combo gives it moisturizing superpowers, but the non-greasy formula keeps the feel lightweight.

EXTRA DETAILS
Looking for a fragrance-free option? If so, this is a good choice.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 100

Overall Score

4.5

08

Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 100

4.55

655 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

0

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Spray Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
No whitecast or residue here—just SPF 100 in an easy-to-apply aerosol container. For up to 80 minutes, this clean sunscreen will protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. It's reef-compliant too, so if you're headed to the tropics, this is a good choice.

EXTRA DETAILS
Bare Republic crafted its Clearscreen Sunscreen without ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and phthalates.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Cay Skin Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50

Overall Score

4.55

07

Cay Skin Isle Nourishing Body Mist SPF 50

4.79

209 User Reviews

2.7

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Lightweight Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
Cay Skin's Isle Nourishing Body Mist is powered by sea moss. Sure, that might sound a little weird, but sea moss contains 90% of the minerals needed to care for your skin. Its waterproof formula also has vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
"Great sunscreen, used it on a vacation in Puerto Rico and didn't get a burn or tan. It's not overpriced like the other brands, it sprays evenly, and it doesn't stink like others. I have several Cay skin products and am happy with them all."

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Overall Score

4.6

06

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

4.11

2527 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Anti-Aging Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
Treat yourself to Biossance's Squalane + Zinc Sheer Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen. This luxurious protective layer uses natural zinc oxide to defend against UVA/UVB rays with the promise of an untraceable, dewy finish.

EXTRA DETAILS
Two key ingredients—ectoin and butterfly ginger extract—extend this product's SPF effectiveness. It also has squalane, a naturally occurring compound with anti-inflammatory properties.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Overall Score

4.7

05

Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

4.46

3089 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Natural Sport Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
There’s a lot to love about Badger Sport’s Mineral Sunscreen Cream, whether it’s that it’s a 98% organic sunscreen made with just four ingredients or the fact that it’s manufactured with solar power. But one thing we can’t not share with you is that this sunscreen was the first of its kind to achieve the rigorous Protect Land + Sea Certification

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
When it comes to receiving a seal of approval as a chemical-free, safe sunscreen, it doesn’t get much better than support from a professional sailor: “We own and operate a sailing charter business and spend our days outdoors on the water. Badger sunscreens work. And Badger cares about protecting the waters we love. We'll always have Badger aboard!”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Native Body Sunscreen

Overall Score

4.7

04

Native Body Sunscreen

4.5

2164 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

4

Industry Recognition

3

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Unscented Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
Native is a clean cosmetics brand known for its deodorant. The brand's unscented Mineral Body Sunscreen is a favorite amongst shoppers for its simple formula which includes just one active ingredient (non-nano zinc oxide). Made with oils derived from plants, this clean sunscreen promises to sink into the skin without leaving any residue or greasiness behind.

EXTRA DETAILS
According to Native, this sunscreen was tested on a variety of skin tones and body hair. The results? No whitecast, no matter what.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Overall Score

4.75

03

Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

4.7

1365 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

3

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Sheer Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
Coola’s Classic Body Sunscreen is 70% organic and features the brand’s antioxidant-rich Plant Protection Complex that helps fight free radicals. That means that in addition to protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, it’s also actively working to diminish visible signs of aging. Plus, its guava mango scent is proven to put you in a good mood with every application.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
Here’s a testimony from a shopper who lives in the Valley of the Sun: “I work in the Phoenix area and have to walk to and from buildings frequently for my job in the sun at all times of year. I have been looking for a moisturizing body sunscreen that actually moisturizes and doesn’t smell like your everyday beach sunscreen.This smells nice and rubs in well, and so far the SPF has kept me from burning.”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 50+

Overall Score

4.95

02

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen With Zinc Oxide SPF 50+

4.59

31601 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

4

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Affordable Natural Sunscreen

WHAT TO KNOW
If you find yourself reapplying SPF a little too late, you'll love Blue Lizard's Smart Cap Technology. While you're hanging at the beach or playing at the pool, the cap on this sunscreen will change color to remind you when it’s time to reapply. 

EXTRA DETAILS
This dermatologist-approved sunscreen is specifically designed for sensitive skin. It's free of fragrance, parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate.

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty


Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 PA++++

Overall Score

5

01

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 PA++++

4.55

14903 User Reviews

5

Best Seller

5

Industry Recognition

5

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Natural Sunscreen Overall

WHAT TO KNOW
It’s sunscreen. It’s lotion. It’s your new everyday, holy-grail skincare product. Supergoop! is known for its line of products that are all reef-friendly, cruelty-free, and made with clean ingredients. The PLAY Everyday Sunscreen Lotion is no different, with an oxybenzone-free, non-toxic formula that includes natural additions like sunflower and rosemary leaf extract.

REVIEW HIGHLIGHT
Here’s a pretty convincing tidbit we found while researching this product: “This is my favorite sunscreen. It's not oily, wears well under makeup, no white cast (!!!!), and doesn't break me out. I got a free sample and then bought the *value* bottle when I ran out. It is THE BEST!”

Cruelty Free

Cruelty Free

Clean Beauty

Clean Beauty

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