3 best natural face sunscreens

Natural face sunscreens are skincare products formulated to provide sun protection for the face while using natural and often organic ingredients. They have become increasingly popular due to concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of chemical sunscreen ingredients. Here are some key points about natural face sunscreens:

  1. Ingredients: Natural face sunscreens typically contain mineral-based active ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals act as physical barriers that sit on the skin's surface and reflect or scatter harmful UV rays.

  2. Broad-Spectrum Protection: Many natural face sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, which means they guard against both UVA and UVB rays. This helps prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.

  3. Chemical-Free: Natural sunscreens are free from chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which some people prefer to avoid due to concerns about their potential impact on health and the environment.

  4. Skin-Friendly: These sunscreens are often gentle on sensitive skin and suitable for those with skin conditions like rosacea or eczema. They are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.

  5. Non-Nano Formulations: Many natural sunscreens use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles. Non-nano particles are larger and sit on the skin's surface, reducing the risk of absorption into the bloodstream.

  6. Environmental Considerations: Natural face sunscreens are often considered reef-friendly, as they do not contain the chemicals that have been shown to harm coral reefs when washed off in the ocean.

  7. Cruelty-Free and Vegan Options: Some natural sunscreen brands emphasize cruelty-free and vegan formulations, aligning with ethical and sustainable values.

  8. Variety: Natural face sunscreens come in various forms, including creams, lotions, sticks, and even tinted options for added coverage and a natural look.

  9. Water Resistance: While some natural sunscreens offer water resistance, it's important to note that they may require more frequent reapplication, especially after swimming or sweating.

  10. SPF Ratings: Like chemical sunscreens, natural face sunscreens have SPF ratings, indicating their level of protection. It's essential to choose a product with an appropriate SPF for your skin type and planned sun exposure.

  11. Texture and Finish: The texture and finish of natural sunscreens can vary. Some may leave a white cast on the skin due to the mineral ingredients, while others are formulated to be more cosmetically elegant and blend in well.

  12. Price Range: Natural face sunscreens can be more expensive than their chemical counterparts, partly due to the higher cost of mineral ingredients.However, consumers often prioritize these products for their perceived health and environmental benefits.

  13. Reapplication: It's crucial to reapply natural sunscreen regularly, especially if you are in direct sunlight, to maintain its protective efficacy.

Choosing the right natural face sunscreen depends on your skin type, preferences, and sun exposure habits. Testing different products and consulting with a dermatologist can help you find the best natural sunscreen for your needs while protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best natural face sunscreens on the market
  

THRIVE Natural Moisturizing Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30, 2 Ounces – Lightweight Moisturizer Broad-Spectrum Matte Natural Face Sunblock with Clear Zinc Oxide & Antioxidants – Vegan, Made in USA & Non Greasy

Thrive Natural Care

Based on 898 reviews Check latest price
  • LIGHT DAILY MINERAL SUNSCREEN FACE SUNBLOCK WITH 20% ZINC OXIDE – Non-nano Zinc Oxide sunscreen creates a physical barrier to the sun. Safe & healthy alternative to chemical sunscreens. No white cast, fast absorbing, non-greasy, non oily & non-sticky and doesn’t sting eyes. Matte finish, non-tinted mineral sunscreen
  • SUN DEFENSE & REPAIRING FACE MOISTURIZER – All natural daily face lotion with SPF 30 hydrates, nourishes, and revitalizes skin while providing broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays. Anti-oxidant infused sun block formula for men and women helps repair skin damaged by sun and environmental stressors
  • EFFECTIVE NATURAL INGREDIENTS – Powered by Thrive’s anti-oxidant rich Costa Rican super-plants, Juanilama and Fierrillo, combined with Arabica coffee oil, Wakame seaweed, and Tazman pepper. Plant-derived formula helps reduce irritation and redness while repairing skin from sun exposure, pollution, and daily stressors
  • HIGH QUALITY & SATISFACTION GUARANTEED – No chemical sunscreen filters, cruelty-free, vegan, PABA-free, GMO-free, paraben-free, no synthetic colors, fragrances or ingredients. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: if you don't love your Thrive, we'll refund your purchase
  • SUPPORTS COSTA RICAN FARMERS – With every purchase, you get a healthy natural facial moisturizer & sun screen while helping support the rural farmers who produced our super plants. Thrive’s business model and supply chain is designed to help farmers restore degraded soil on their land and improve their livelihood

Product features

The strength of two unique-to-Thrive plants in a powerful skincare experience

Thrive harnesses the strength of botanicals from Costa Rica. Our regenerative farming method boosts the potency & purity of these super-plant oils so you can ditch the synthetic products to look better & live healthier.

Juanilama: citric-scented herb with potent anti-oxidants that help combat irritation, redness, & stress impacts on skin*

Fierrillo: rainforest vine with anti-microbial & anti-inflammatory properties used by indigenous Costa Ricans to heal skin*

*Statements not evaluated by FDA

Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Tinted Face Mineral Lotion SPF 50 | 3 Ounce | Broad Spectrum | Water Resistant | Same Formula as Fair/Light: B07YZQTKDJ

Australian Gold

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Lotion is more than just powerful sun protection - it's gentle care for your skin. This non-chemical sunscreen lotion delivers a refreshingly luxurious, powdery-clean feel, while the subtle tint seamlessly blends into any skin tone yet washes away with water. Specially designed for sensitive facial skin, this lotion won't clog pores and is fragrance free. Rich in vitamins and antioxidants from native Australian botanical ingredients, it allows you to enjoy the sun your way, protected from both UVA and UVB rays, and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Discover the non-greasy, non-sticky feel of the Australian Gold Botanical Line and experience worry-free days in the sun! Children under 6 months - ask a doctor. Directions: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply: After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours. Children under 6 months: Ask a doctor.

  • 100% Mineral Sunscreen: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide provide a non-chemical sun protection option, with a powder-like matte finish that’s never greasy
  • Australian Botanicals: Kakadu Plum, Eucalyptus and Red Algae form a unique combination of antioxidant rich botanicals
  • Eco Conscious Formulation: Designed to be Oxybenzone Free, Paraben Free, Phthalate Free, PABA Free, Petrolatum Free, SLS (Sulfate) Free, Dye Free and Oil Free. Hypoallergenic. Dermatologist and Pediatrician Tested. Not tested on animals.
  • Fragrance Free for use on most delicate skin.
  • Same Formula as the Fair/Light (B07YZQTKDJ). Also, try our new Medium/Tan (B07YZRT2S8) and Rich/Deep (B07YZRFH5C) shades

User questions & answers

Question: Does this go on easy, not too thick on your face
Answer: I actually enjoy using this sunscreen. It feels very comforting to your skin, especially if your skin is already very sensitive or irritated from something else - sunburn, glycolic acids, Retin-A usage, etc. I do find that at night, it takes a double cleanse and a washcloth to remove all of the color from your face. It is waterproof for up to i0 mins...
Question: Does it dry your skin? I have very dry skin
Answer: I’ve been using it for about a year and never noticed it was drying until I read these reviews and then noticed that it may be a tiny bit drying but this is without using a moisturizer so I will try adding moisturizer to my face. I just ordered the darker tint and I really like it. I’m very pale, mainly because I always use sunscreen, and I hate using foundation so I love this tinted sunscreen. I’m 60 and I have normal skin.
Question: Are there any chemicals in this sunscreen or is it 100% natural
Answer: Even water is a "chemical," dihydrogen monoxide. Chemical does not mean bad or good, natural or unnatural. Each ingredient in every cosmetic product or food you will ever experience is a chemical. I think the better way to go about this inquiry is to ask if any artificial or synthetic ingredients are in the formula, and it is very rare to find any cosmetic without some of these. Even if the original source of an ingredient was a botanical source, it often takes artificial chemical processes to isolate or convert the substance into the final material, which is added to the cosmetic formula. It is virtually impossible to to make a completely "natural product" without some synthetic chemical manipulation of raw materials, even if you do not use artificially created ingredients.
Question: What color is the tint
Answer: I would caution that the tint is too dark if you wear porcelain/super light foundations. I can’t wear most drugstore foundations because I am too pale. I wear the lightest IT Cosmetics shade, shade 1N2 in Estee Lauder (the neutral shade of the palest color), etc. I can only wear this sunscreen when I am also wearing sunless tanner. Then, I can wear it alone with some bronzer on top, or my favorite foundation mixed with liquid bronzer. I absolutely love this foundation, but it isn’t for the palest or most fair among us.

Product features

What is SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a measure used worldwide to indicate the level of sunscreen protection. Using an SPF 15 sunscreen means it will take 15 times longer for skin to begin to burn than it would without sunscreen.

Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB

There are two types of ultraviolet (UV) light that can harm your skin- UVA and UVB. A Broad Spectrum sunscreen protects you from both. UVB rays are primarily responsible for causing sunburn while UVA rays are associated with skin aging.

Sunscreen Application

The recommended amount of sunscreen for the average person is 1 Fl Oz. A simple way to remember how much sunscreen to apply is imagine the amount of sunscreen that would fit in a shot glass or the size of a golf ball. Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 2 hours or immediately after swimming, sweating or drying off.

Traditional vs Mineral Sunscreens

There are two general types of sunscreen - traditional and mineral. Traditional sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays while mineral sunscreens protect skin by blocking the sun's rays. Whichever type you choose, make sure it provides Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion | Vegan and Reef Friendly (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Fragrance-Free Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E , Yellow , 3 oz

Sun Bum

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Designed for daily use, Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50 is a weightless lotion that quickly absorbs into your skin for easy, invisible protection with a matte finish. Made for the face but works everywhere you want a super sheer look and feel without compromising our strong and trusted coverage.

  • ORIGINAL SPF 50 FRAGRANCE-FREE SUNSCREEN FACE LOTION . This is the stuff we use every day. The sunscreen that started it all. We wanted a sunscreen to protect those who live and love in the sun, so we made it.
  • MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection and is packed with Vitamin E. Our oil-free, water-resistant and reef friendly SPF 50 Face Lotion is great for all skin types.
  • HOW TO USE. 15 minutes before sun exposure, apply liberally to all areas of the skin and avoid the eye area. For best results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sonny’s Tip: Apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
  • PROTECT YOUR SKIN. The key to practicing safe sun is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Original Sunscreen line is Hypoallergenic and Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun day in the sun.
  • TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better.

User questions & answers

Question: Has anyone gotten a fake version of this product
Answer: I did order travel size that’s comes in Tubes
Question: Do your products have zinc in them
Answer: Urea is the 12th item on the list of 20 contents. Ingredients are listed by the highest amount to the lowest. I've been using it for 5-6 years, for my dry itching skin. Safe on clothing, doesn't stain.
Question: Description says use 3 tablespoons which seems excessive. Does anyone really use that much
Answer: It works for straight hair too!! I is wonderful stuff!
Question: Is this face sunscreen reef safe
Answer: No it’s not. I have used this product for several months.

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