Sunscreens might contain animal or animal-derived ingredients such as collagen and elastin. So, for those who follow a vegan lifestyle, you might want to look specifically for sunscreens that are labeled as vegan. Since vegan sunscreens come in different consistencies and levels of sun protection factor, though, it might be tough to know which product is right for you.
If you're looking for some suggestions, check out our list of favorites! Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen won our grand prize thanks to its lightweight and antioxidant-rich formula that's highly effective in defending your skin against the damages of UV rays. Read on to know about nine other great options and take a look at our buying guide at the end for some tips in choosing a vegan sunscreen.
Quick List - Top Vegan Sunscreens
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
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When choosing a vegan sunscreen, there are a few factors that you should keep in mind, including ingredients to avoid, the SPF number, and the sunscreen type.
The first step to check if a product is vegan is to look for the Vegan Certified logo! But if a product doesn't have a vegan certification, screen the ingredient list to make sure that it doesn't have any animal or animal-derived ingredients.
Some of the animal products or by-products commonly found in sunscreens include lanolin, beeswax, or elastin. Beeswax is derived from beehives and has strong waterproof characteristics that help give your sunscreen a thick consistency.
There's still debate about whether beeswax is vegan or not. Some arguments mention that harvesting the honey doesn't harm bees, while others say that disturbing the hives is technically against veganism.
Lanolin is an ingredient that can deeply moisturize your skin, treat sunburn, and minimize peeling. Unfortunately, lanolin is made from sheep's wool. But it's still unclear whether sheep are harmed in the process of extracting lanolin in the wool industry. Elastin, on the other hand, helps prevent signs of aging but is extracted from the connective tissue of animals.
Also, some consumers might assume that a cruelty-free product is also vegan. However, they're actually two different things!
Cruelty-free means that the product is not tested on animals, while vegan indicates that the product has no animal products or animal-derived ingredients. So, if you see a product with a cruelty-free certification, don't jump to the conclusion that it's vegan right away.
Sunscreens are categorized into two types: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens are great for those with sensitive skin, and chemical ones are highly effective. To know more about each type's pros and cons, continue reading!
Mineral sunscreens, also known as physical sunscreens, are usually formulated with active ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They act as a mirror, reflecting sun rays away from the skin.
Keep in mind that mineral sunscreens wash off easily and require frequent re-application. They tend to leave behind an apparent white cast, too. So make sure to rub the sunscreen thoroughly into your skin to avoid looking like a ghost.
If you have sensitive skin or intend to use sunscreen on your baby's delicate skin, opt for mineral sunscreens! Compared to chemical sunscreens, mineral ones are less likely to cause allergic reactions. They're also reef-safe and are a great option for those who are environmentally conscious.
If you have eczema or rosacea, mineral sunscreens likely won’t burn or irritate your skin. These types of sunscreens are also recommended for people that have photosensitive skin disorders like connective tissue diseases (lupus) or melasma.
Look for a gel formulation for daily use, since many of the cream formulations can leave a white residue on your skin. Also, look for sunscreens with nanoparticles, as these tend to rub in easier.
Chemical sunscreens, or organic sunscreens, usually contain chemical UV filters like avobenzone, octisalate, and oxybenzone. They absorb damaging UV rays to keep your skin protected. One downside of chemical sunscreens is that they might be a bit irritating to sensitive skin or skin conditions like eczema.
However, chemical sunscreens are highly effective, and you don't have to use a lot to get adequate sun protection. They usually have a thin consistency that's easy to spread on the skin and won't leave behind any white streaks.
Chemical sunscreens also tend to rub in easier and can be used for daily facial wear under makeup. However, I recommend avoiding using these products for children and infants; stick with a mineral formulation in these cases.
UVA and UVB rays are the two types of ultraviolet rays that can damage our skin. Specifically, UVB rays lead to sunburns, and UVA rays cause tanning and accelerate your skin's aging process.
According to the American Cancer Society, both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer. So, to make sure that your skin is getting the needed protection against both types of UV radiation, look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection.
Keep in mind that sunscreen can rinse off with sweat or in water. Therefore, if you live in a hot climate or intend to participate in outdoor activities like swimming, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Remember to check how long it's effective for and re-apply as instructed for optimal protection.
Both UVA and UVB cause damage to the skin including wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, accelerated aging, and skin cancer. UVA can also go through glass windows. Wearing a sunscreen that can protect against both UVA and UVB will give you the most benefit and help keep your skin healthy.
The sun protection factor (SPF) number indicates how well the sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays. But one of the first things you should know is that no sunscreen can provide you with 100 percent protection against UVB rays.
An SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of UVB rays. An SPF 50 sunscreen can prevent about 98 percent, and an SPF 100 one can block 99 percent of UVB rays.
So there's not that much difference in protection from 30 on up. But overall, dermatologists suggest using a sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher and emphasize the importance of reapplying every two hours when outdoors to keep your skin protected.
If you're spending a day at the beach or another outdoor setting, opt for higher SPF and remember to reapply.
For daily facial sunscreen, SPF 30 is the minimum you should use. I usually recommend SPF 45+, especially for those with skin conditions that are sensitive to the sun, melasma, or those who are on photosensitizing medications.
Sunscreens can come in the form of a lotion, cream, gel, or spray. A spray is easy and quick to apply. However, it might be tough to get even coverage with it. Make sure to spray generously until you see your skin is glistening in order to get enough protection.
A lotion sunscreen is usually formulated with moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. It has a thin texture that's easy to spread, great for everyday use, and able to sit nicely under makeup.
A cream sunscreen often contains heavy moisturizers and has a slightly thicker consistency than a lotion sunscreen. Its highly-moisturizing formula is great for those with dry skin but can be too heavy for oily skin.
A gel sunscreen is the most lightweight option and absorbs into your skin quickly. It's less likely to leave your skin feeling greasy and layers invisibly under makeup. A gel sunscreen is useful for those with oily skin as it's water-based and won't add any extra oil to the skin.
If you want a sunscreen with extra benefits for your skin, look through the ingredient list to see if it contains any nourishing ingredients. Many sunscreens are formulated with moisturizers, such as shea butter, coconut oil, and glycerin to keep your skin hydrated.
Formulas are often also infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients like red algae, aloe vera, and sunflower seed oil. Those ingredients help soothe skin inflammation, neutralize the damaging impacts of UV rays, and prevent premature aging.
There are many sunscreens that have added hyaluronic acid. These are very helpful for keeping the skin hydrated, which you'll need as the ingredients in sunscreen can be drying.
Some sunscreens also may have vitamin C, which can provide protection against the free radicals that UV rays cause. Additionally, a sunscreen with ingredients like niacinamide can help soothe irritated or inflamed skin.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 | ![]() | Lightweight, Clear, and Protective | |
2 | Coola Classic Face Sunscreen | ![]() | Sunscreen That Doubles as a Daily Moisturizer | |
3 | Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face|Medium-Tan | ![]() | Eco-Friendly SPF 50 with Natural Coverage | |
4 | Totlogic Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Safe for Both the Environment and Your Skin | |
5 | Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen | ![]() | Great for Those With Sensitive Skin, Including Babies | |
6 | Kinesys Performance Sunscreen Performance Sunscreen | ![]() | A Convenient Spray for Outdoor Activities | |
7 | MyChelle Dermaceuticals Sun Shield SPF 28|Coconut | ![]() | Gentle Sunscreen That Protects Skin from UVA and UVB Rays | |
8 | Pipette Mineral Sunscreen | ![]() | Non-Irritating and Fragrance-Free | |
9 | Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | ![]() | Vitamin E Offers Antioxidant Protection | |
10 | Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen|Green Tea | ![]() | Cruelty-Free and Moisturizing Sunscreen |
Supergoop's Unseen Sunscreen is a unique, lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. Unlike many sunscreens that leave a white cast or greasy residue, this formula is completely clear and has a velvety texture that glides smoothly onto the skin. It’s perfect for all skin types, including sensitive skin, as it is oil-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic. In addition to protecting against harmful UV rays, Unseen Sunscreen also works as a primer, creating a smooth base for makeup application. With ingredients like red algae and meadowfoam seed, it offers added antioxidant protection, making it a favorite for daily use.
This sunscreen has a lightweight texture that won't make you feel greasy, making it suitable for everyday wear. The infusion of antioxidant-rich ingredients, such as meadowfoam seed oil, red raspberry seed oil, and prickly pear extract, reinforce your skin's protective barrier and prevent skin aging.
It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and doesn't contain any added fragrance. So if you're sensitive to fragrance, this is a great option! However, some people said they got breakouts after using this product.
But many people with sensitive skin said they didn't encounter any allergic reactions. The non-greasy, fast-absorbing consistency was another plus point for most users. They also said it sits nicely under makeup and works as a daily moisturizer.
Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Face Sunscreen is a unique, multi-functional product that combines sun protection with a tinted, lightweight formula. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50, protecting against both UVA and UVB rays while helping to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Made with a botanical-rich formula that includes antioxidants like Kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae, it nourishes the skin while providing powerful sun protection. The tinted mineral sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin, offering a natural, matte finish that evens out skin tone and blurs imperfections without leaving a white cast. In addition to being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it is eco-friendly, formulated without harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and phthalates. Designed to be non-greasy and fragrance-free, it’s perfect for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
With 20 percent zinc oxide, this mineral sunscreen is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. There are many antioxidant-rich ingredients in the formula to nourish your skin, too! Specifically, aloe vera helps hydrate your skin, while chamomile flower soothes inflammation.
A few people mentioned that this sunscreen has an unpleasant scent, doesn't sink in quickly, and leaves white streaks on their skin. However, others said after some rubbing, the white streaks will disappear.
Many people were happy with the fantastic sun protection this sunscreen offers. They said it doesn't cause any irritation. Reviewers also appreciated the reef-friendly formula.
This mineral sunscreen from Babo Botanicals only contains zinc oxide as the active ingredient. The formula doesn't contain harsh chemicals and has soothing ingredients such as safflower seed oil, matricaria flower extract, and calendula flower extract.
Therefore, this vegan sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin, and it's safe for babies and kids! Plus, it's certified cruelty-free by PETA.
A few buyers complained that this sunscreen leaves behind a white cast. But, many reviewers with sensitive skin or eczema said this is their favorite sunscreen. Users also praised the sheer, lightweight consistency, saying it's easy to spread.
This fragrance-free chemical sunscreen comes in a spray bottle for easy and quick application. It's water-resistant and only takes one or two minutes to completely absorb into your skin. Plus, it will leave your skin with a soft, matte finish.
A few reviewers said it's too oily for their skin. Yet, many reviewers liked that this sunscreen effectively protects their skin from the sun and doesn't come off when they sweat, making it great for sports. Those with sensitive skin reported no allergic reactions, too.
This mineral sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to effectively protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays. The addition of aloe vera, vitamin E, and other nourishing ingredients helps minimize the damage of free radicals and prevent signs of aging.
It has a smooth, lightweight consistency. This sunscreen will give you a matte finish and is suitable to wear under makeup. Yet, some people did notice that it leaves a slight white cast on the face.
But the majority said that this sunscreen has a pleasant fragrance and goes on smoothly. They were also happy that it's non-irritating. Moreover, most people noted that they didn't get any sunburns after applying the product.
This mineral sunscreen is made with 20 percent zinc oxide and is reef-safe. It's also gentle on sensitive skin and has been clinically tested to be safe for babies, too. Its formula contains squalane and glycerin to keep your skin moisturized.
Some people said that this sunscreen leaves a white cast on their face and takes a while to absorb. A few others said that it's a bit greasy and makes their skin look shiny.
Nonetheless, the majority loved that it has no fragrance ingredients and nourishes their skin. Reviewers with sensitive skin said its formula didn't cause any breakouts or irritation as well.
This vegan sunscreen has vitamin E that supports your skin's barrier and prevents UV ray damage. On top of that, it has broad-spectrum protection to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It's water-resistant as well, but make sure to re-apply after 80 minutes.
This product seemed to cause allergic reactions to a few buyers with sensitive skin. They added that this sunscreen stings their eyes, and they suggested not using it on your face. Others were disappointed that it's not reef-safe as advertised.
Nevertheless, many loved the moisturizing formula, saying it doesn't leave an oily residue or a white cast on their skin. They said it's easy to apply as well and has a nice scent. For most people, this sunscreen provided excellent sun protection.
Alba Botanica's sunscreen is formulated with many nourishing ingredients, such as green tea and aloe vera, to prevent premature aging. This product also has a cruelty-free certification from Leaping Bunny!
Some reviewers said that it doesn't absorb quickly and is a bit hard to spread. However, most people agreed that it doesn't feel greasy at all. They added that it protects and moisturizes their skin, keeping it soft. Reviewers also noted that its scent is subtle and pleasant.
You can take care of your skin and hair without compromising your morals. Check out our other recommendations on vegan beauty and self care products!
No. 1: Supergoop!|Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
No. 2: Coola |Classic Face Sunscreen
No. 3: Australian Gold |Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face|Medium-Tan
No. 4: Totlogic|Mineral Sunscreen
No. 5: Babo Botanicals |Clear Zinc Sunscreen
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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