Wearing sunscreen daily is one of the best things you can do to protect your skin! It protects against dark spots, premature aging and skin cancer so everyone should be wearing it. It’s a common practice to wear sunscreen when you’re spending time outside but everyone should be wearing sunscreen daily! You can still get UV damage through windows, screens and even lights.
Our favorite cruelty-free sunscreen is Supergoop’s Play SPF 50 face and body sunscreen. This sunscreen is non-comedogenic, contains SPF 50 and doesn’t leave a white cast or sticky feeling to the skin. If you’re looking for cruelty-free SPF formulations definitely check out Supergoop. All their products contain SPF and they make products to protect every part of your body.
Here are 6 cruelty-free sunscreens to keep your skin safe all summer long!
What exactly is sunscreen?
Sunscreen reflects or absorbs the UV rays that cause your skin to burn. SPF stands for sun protection factor (i.e SPF 50). There are two types of sunscreen – chemical and physical. A chemical sunscreen uses chemicals like avobenzone, octinoxate or oxybenzone. They create a chemical reaction by absorbing the sun rays, converting them into heat and releasing them from the body.
Physical sunscreen contains minerals like zinc oxide and block the sun rays from burning your skin. Hence why they are sometimes referred to as mineral sunscreens. Both physical and chemical sunscreens are just as effective at protecting your skin from the sun. If you have sensitive skin, then physical sunscreen is the gentler option. Chemical sunscreen is sweat and waterproof so it’s good for the beach or pool.
What makes a sunscreen good?
A good sunscreen is the one you enjoy and the one that works! You always want to go SPF 30- 50, which protects the skin from 97% – 98% of rays when looking for a sunscreen. Along with something that will protect against UVA and UVB rays. (UVA = aging rays, UVB = burning rays.) Generally, sunscreens that don’t clog pores, leave a white cast or make your face feel greasy are winners.
If you’re using a chemical sunscreen, you want to look something free of octinoxate. Octinoxate bleaches the coral reefs and is banned in Hawaii because of it. Any formula that says ‘reef safe’ is free of octinoxate.
What is the best cruelty-free sunscreen?
The best cruelty-free sunscreen is Supergoop Play Everyday SPF 50 sunscreen. This is a chemical sunscreen that will not leave a white cast on your face. It has a cream texture that gently hydrates the skin and is suitable to wear under makeup. This sunscreen is easy to reapply, it’s affordable and it can be used on your face and all over your body.
Supergoop’s entire brand is all sunscreen products and everything they make is cruelty-free. They have eyeshadows that contain SPF to protect eyelids and even make sunscreen for your scalp. So if you’re looking for cruelty-free, SPF packed products, Supergoop is a great option with skincare benefits.
Supergoop Play Everyday SPF 50
Best Overall
This hydrating, fast-absorbing formula provides high-performance protection from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays, while also helping prevent photoaging and dehydration.
This sunscreen is the best-cruelty free option because it has 98% protection with SPF 50. This sunscreen is a hydrating base that works for sensitive skin types as well as the face and body. This sunscreen is good for every occasion and works all over. It’s hard to find an issue with it!
Pros:
- SPF 50
- Works on your face and body.
- Chemical formula that contains skincare benefits and is sweat-proof.
- Reef safe.
- Hydrating finish.
Cons:
- If you have sensitive skin, you may want to go with a mineral or physical sunscreen.
- If you’re looking for something to wear under makeup there’s better options that blur pores and act as a primer.
Where to buy it: Amazon
EltaMD Clear Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
Oil-free EltaMD UV Clear helps calm and protect sensitive skin types prone to discoloration and breakouts associated to acne and rosacea.
EltaMD is an amazing line of SPF loved by skincare junkies, estheticians and dermatologists alike. This formula is a physical/chemical hybrid appropriate for sensitive, oily and acne prone skin types. It’s clear so there’s no need to worry about a white cast. This formulation contains skincare ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid.
All and all this is a fantastic SPF for your face with great skincare benefits.
Pros:
- Skincare benefits.
- Free of parabens, oils and fragrances.
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- Odorless.
- SPF 46.
Cons:
- This formula is on the more expensive side.
- This specific sunscreen is for the face area.
- Not reef safe.
Where to buy it:
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen is a clear SPF that works as a makeup primer to blur pores and imperfections.
Supergoop’s Unseen sunscreen is a clear SPF that works as a makeup primer to blur pores and imperfections. It has SPF 40 and it works alone or as a makeup primer. If you hate the typical white cast associated with sunscreens, this chemical formulation is for you. It protects against UVA, UVB and blue light.
Along with the Unseen sunscreen, Supergoop also has a matte version with a beige tint and a glowy version with shimmer.
Pros:
- Oil free, scentless formula.
- Beard friendly.
- SPF 40 which protects the skin at around 97% vs 98% with SPF 50. You’re still protected and it’s a good option.
Cons:
- Not reef safe.
- More expensive option.
Where to buy it:
Purito Centella Unscented Sunscreen SPF 50
Skincare junkies love this chemical sunscreen because it’s unscented and free of essential oils. This water-based sunscreen has SPF 50, protects against UVA and UVB rays and it’s quite affordable. If you have really sensitive skin this is a good option.
Pros:
- No frills sunscreen that’s good for the skin and does the job.
- Affordable.
- Free of fragrance and essential oil.
- Vegan formula.
Cons:
- Some reviewers received a rash from this product citing a change in formulation.
Where to buy it: Amazon
Alba Botanica Clear Sport Refreshing SPF 50
This lightweight, quick-dry mist keeps you protected and in the game.
This sunscreen is made for the body and comes in a spray can applicator to ensure effective application. This sunscreen is recommended by Skin Cancer foundation and has SPF 50 to protect against UVA and UVB rays. It is waterproof up to 80 minutes
Alba Botanica’s entire line is cruelty-free and they have a great collection of sun products.
Pros:
- Reef safe.
- Waterproof up to 80 minutes.
- Alba Botanica has a Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification.
Cons:
- Some reviewers claim this product doesn’t wash off.
- Some reviewers said it stained their clothes.
Where to buy it: Amazon
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Lotion
This Sun Bum sunscreen is non-comedogenic and delivers protection from UVA and UVB rays.
This Sun Bum sunscreen is non-comedogenic and delivers protection from UVA and UVB rays. It is oil-free, water-resistant, and works on the face or body. Sun Bum’s entire line is reef safe and gluten, vegan, and of course cruelty-free.
Pros:
- Vegan.
- Reef safe.
- Doesn’t leave a white cast.
- Kid friendly formula.
Cons:
- Has a banana smell.
- Some people said the formula broke them out.
Where to buy it: Amazon
Final Thoughts
With any type of sunscreen you always want to remember reapply hourly for the best protection. SPF 50 protects your skin from the sun’s rays at about 98%. Anything that’s higher than SPF 50 is usually marketed and priced higher to make you think it’s better but SPG 50 is sufficient and hard to surpass.
At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you like and use the most! Supergoop is a fantastic option that offers cruelty-free sunscreens for the face and body. They even sell sunscreen for your scalp. Overall, every sunscreen on this list is cruelty-free and an amazing option to keep your skin protected from the sun when used correctly!