As summer approaches, protecting our skin becomes a daily priority. Dermatologists consistently agree: SPF is the single most important skincare product you can use. A good sunscreen guards against various forms of skin cancer, helps prevent future wrinkles, dark spots, and premature aging and it works best when applied every single day.
But walk down any drugstore aisle and the options are overwhelming. Worse, many conventional sunscreens are loaded with chemicals that can be harsh on your body and the environment. That discovery is what sent me deep into the world of clean sunscreen and I haven’t looked back since.
I’ll break down everything you need to know: the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens, which ingredients to avoid, what to look for instead, and my personal clean favorites.
What Even Is a Clean Sunscreen?
The term clean sunscreen means different things to different people. Some define it as containing no synthetic chemical UV filters. Others look for organic, sustainably sourced ingredients, cruelty-free formulas, or reef-safe certifications. There’s no single governing standard which is exactly why reading labels matters.
As a general rule: reputable clean brands are transparent about their sourcing and manufacturing practices on their websites. When in doubt, the EWG Skin Deep Database (ewg.org/skindeep) is an excellent resource for checking the safety ratings of specific products and ingredients. I have also recently started using the Yuka app to scan product ingredients.
Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?
There are two primary types of sunscreen, and understanding the difference is the foundation of choosing a clean formula.
Chemical Sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them to heat, which is then released from the skin. Think of them as a filter. While they tend to go on clear and feel lightweight, the concern lies in their active ingredients many of which are absorbed into the bloodstream and have been linked to hormone disruption, skin allergies, and other health concerns.
Ingredients to avoid in chemical sunscreens:
- Oxybenzone – endocrine disruptor; one of the most concerning sunscreen chemicals
- Avobenzone – unstable in sunlight; can break down and release free radicals
- Homosalate – suspected endocrine disruptor; penetrates skin
- Octisalate – may disrupt hormones; often used as a stabilizer
- Octocrylene – linked to skin allergies and possible carcinogenic effects
- Octinoxate —-banned in some locations for coral reef damage
Also watch for: Fragrance (companies aren’t legally required to disclose what’s in their fragrance it can include hundreds of undisclosed chemicals that may disrupt hormones), and PEGs (potentially carcinogenic compounds that can be driven deeper into the skin by sun exposure).
Note: The FDA has already banned two chemical UV filters, aminobenzoic acid and trolamine salicylate, and ongoing research may lead to further restrictions on currently approved chemicals.
Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral (or physical) sunscreens work differently they sit on top of the skin and act as a physical barrier that reflects UV rays away. The active ingredients are zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, both of which are recommended by the EWG and widely endorsed by dermatologists, especially for people with sensitive skin.
What to look for:
- Zinc oxide as the active ingredient (the gold standard for clean mineral SPF)
- Fragrance-free formula
- Simple, recognizable ingredient list
- Reef-safe certification (when possible)
One note on titanium dioxide: it’s generally safe in lotions, but best avoided in powder or aerosol forms when inhaled, it can cause respiratory irritation.
Mineral sunscreens have historically been associated with a white cast, but formulations have come a long way. Many of today’s options blend in beautifully, and tinted versions are a great option for the face.
Lotion vs. Spray: Which Should You Choose?
Most clean sunscreen brands offer both lotion and aerosol spray formats. Here’s a quick comparison:
- Lotions are the classic choice. They offer thorough, even coverage and are the most environmentally friendly format. Most clean brands recommend them for the best protection.
- Sprays are convenient for on-the-go or kids who won’t hold still, but aerosol packaging is less eco-friendly and may require more frequent reapplication. If you use a spray, apply it outdoors and avoid inhaling especially important for formulas containing titanium dioxide.
Sticks are another great format particularly handy for faces and reapplication throughout the day.
Why Bother Going Clean?
You might be thinking: if the FDA approves these chemicals, they must be safe enough. But the reality is more complicated. Chemicals found in conventional sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been detected in waterways worldwide, where they damage coral reefs and harm marine life. They’ve also been found to penetrate human skin and enter the bloodstream.
As research analyst Carla Burns, MS, puts it: mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide offer strong sun protection with far fewer health concerns than their chemical counterparts. Their full sunscreen guidance and product ratings are available at ewg.org/skindeep.
The bottom line: if you’re going to wear sunscreen every day (and you should), make sure it’s not creating new problems while solving others.
My Favorite Clean Mineral Sunscreens
I’ve tried a lot of clean sunscreens over the years. These are the ones that have earned a spot in our current routine:
- Badger – The active is a reliable formula for teens and adults. It rubs in without leaving a white cast, holds up in water, and is budget-friendly. I especially like their daily sunscreen and tinted face sunscreen.
- Primally Pure — A tallow-based sunscreen line that’s both effective and skin-nourishing. The sunstick is perfect for tossing in your pool bag for quick reapplication, and the lavender lotion smells amazing.
- Beauty by Earth – I’ve been using their updated formula since April on sunny garden days and really love it. Clean ingredients, great coverage.
- Counter – This line is what we used for years as Beautycounter but now the streamlined line includes the face sunscreen and dew skin tinted moisturizer with SPF.
- Think Sport Baby – What I used on my daughter when she was a baby. High SPF, super safe, available in lotion, spray, and stick.
- Babo Botanicals – Eco-conscious brand with a gentle mineral formula ideal for very sensitive skin. Their baby lotions are wonderful and they have a spray which works well.
- ILIA – this is my current favorite tinted moisturizer with SPF. For the full list of my tinted moisturizer reviews, see this post.
Ready to Make the Switch?
Switching up your sunscreen routine doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start simple: look for zinc oxide as the only active ingredient, and check your picks on the EWG Skin Deep Database or Yuka. There are so many great clean options available now your skin will thank you.
Resources
EWG Skin Deep Database: ewg.org/skindeep
EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens, annual update available at ewg.org/sunscreen