The Best Clean Sunscreens: What to Look For + My Favorite Brands
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Let’s talk sunscreen. ☀️
For years, we were told to grab any SPF, slather it on, and reapply constantly.
But if you're someone who pays attention to ingredients, you may have noticed that sunscreen formulas can contain a LOT more than just sun protection.
Some conventional sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, synthetic fragrance, and other chemical filters that I personally prefer to avoid.
And here's something interesting:
The FDA has found evidence that at least some sunscreen active ingredients can be absorbed through the skin and enter the body.
That doesn't automatically mean an ingredient is dangerous. Absorption and harm are two different things.
But for me, it's another reason to be intentional about what I'm putting on my skin, especially when I'm using sunscreen on myself or my kids.
Sunscreen Is Still Important
Before we get into ingredients, I want to make something really clear:
I'm not anti-sunscreen.
UV exposure can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer, and sunscreen is one tool that can help protect your skin.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, broad-spectrum, and water-resistant when appropriate.
For me, it's about finding a balance.
I don't personally want to coat myself in sunscreen every second I'm outside but t if I'm going to be spending a long time in direct sun, especially at the beach or pool, sunscreen is absolutely something I want available.
What I Avoid in Sunscreen
Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one of the sunscreen ingredients I personally choose to avoid.
The FDA has identified oxybenzone as an ingredient for which additional safety data is needed to make a positive GRASE determination under its OTC sunscreen review.
That doesn't mean that using a sunscreen containing oxybenzone automatically means you'll experience harm but when I have alternatives available, I personally choose the alternative.
Octinoxate
Octinoxate is another chemical UV filter I personally prefer to skip.
Like oxybenzone, the FDA has said that additional data is needed to support a positive GRASE determination for octinoxate.
Again, my approach isn't about fear it's about choosing the ingredients I feel most comfortable using.
Octocrylene
Octocrylene is another chemical sunscreen filter that you'll see in many conventional sunscreen formulas.
It's also one of the ingredients currently included among those for which the FDA says additional data is needed for a positive GRASE determination.
This is another one I personally prefer to avoid when I have a mineral alternative available.
Fragrance
This is one of the first things I look for in almost any personal-care product.
"Fragrance" can represent a mixture of fragrance ingredients, and some fragrance ingredients can be irritating or sensitizing for certain people.
I personally prefer sunscreens with simple, transparent formulas and little to no added fragrance, especially for kids.
Benzene
Benzene is another ingredient that has gotten a lot of attention in the sunscreen world.
Benzene is not an intentional sunscreen ingredient.
There have been recalls of certain aerosol sunscreen products because testing found benzene contamination. The FDA continues to monitor benzene contamination in aerosol OTC products, including sunscreens.
Because of that history, I personally prefer avoiding aerosol sunscreen whenever possible and choosing a lotion, cream, or stick instead.
What I Look For in Sunscreen
When I'm choosing sunscreen, I pay attention to both the active ingredients and the rest of the formula.
Mineral Active Ingredients
My personal preference is mineral sunscreen.
The two mineral sunscreen active ingredients you'll commonly see are:
Zinc oxide
Titanium dioxide
Mineral sunscreens work by using these mineral filters to help protect the skin from UV radiation.
Why I Prefer Mineral Sunscreen
This is probably the biggest takeaway from my sunscreen routine.
When I use sunscreen, I prefer mineral formulas.
I look for:
✓ Zinc oxide
✓ Titanium dioxide
✓ Broad-spectrum protection
✓ SPF 30+
✓ Water resistance when needed
✓ Simple ingredient lists
✓ No added fragrance
I especially look for these things when I'm choosing sunscreen for my kids.
My Favorite Clean Sunscreen Swaps
There are SO many options now, which is amazing.
Ffinding a mineral sunscreen that doesn't leave you looking like a ghost used to be an entire project. 😂
These are some of the brands and products I would personally look at when shopping for cleaner sunscreen options.
Rowe Casa Organics
Rowe Casa makes mineral sunscreen options for both adults and kids.
Their formulas are a great option if you're looking for a mineral sunscreen and want something that fits into a more natural personal-care routine.
Primally Pure
Primally Pure is another brand I love seeing in the clean sunscreen category.
Their mineral sunscreen is a great option if you're looking for a simple formula with zinc oxide.
Sky & Sol
Sky & Sol makes mineral sunscreen options for both adults and kids.
They also have different formulas depending on what you're looking for, which makes them a great brand to check out if you don't love the texture of traditional mineral sunscreens.
Earthley
Earthley makes mineral sunscreen options for adults and kids.
Their products are another option to consider if you're trying to move away from conventional chemical sunscreen formulas.
Beauty by Earth
Beauty by Earth has both regular and tinted mineral sunscreen options.
Tinted sunscreen can be especially nice if you don't love the white cast that some mineral sunscreens leave behind.
Earth Mama
Earth Mama makes mineral sunscreen options for adults and kids.
They're another brand I would look at if you're looking for a more straightforward mineral sunscreen.
Think Sport
Think Sport is another mineral sunscreen option that's especially popular for active days.
If you're heading to the beach, pool, or spending a lot of time outside, this is one I'd have on my list to check out.
Badger
Badger makes mineral sunscreens using zinc oxide and has options for both adults and kids.
They're another longtime option for people looking for mineral sun protection.
Attitude
Attitude makes mineral sunscreens for adults and kids, including stick options.
Their sunscreen line is worth checking out if you prefer a mineral formula and want a variety of application options.
Cocokind
Cocokind makes daily mineral sunscreen options that are designed to work well as part of an everyday skincare routine.
This can be a great option if you want something that feels more like skincare than traditional beach sunscreen.
My Favorite Tinted Sunscreens
Tinted mineral sunscreen is one of my favorite swaps because one of the biggest complaints about mineral sunscreen is the dreaded white cast.
A tint can make mineral sunscreen much easier to wear, especially on the face.
Some of the tinted options on my list include:
- One Skin
- Earth Mama
- Beauty by Earth
- All Good
- Attitude
- RMS
- Clearstem
- Raw Elements
And again, everyone's skin tone and preferences are different.
The goal isn't finding the "perfect" sunscreen.
It's finding one that you'll actually use.
My Favorite Sunscreens for Kids
When I'm choosing sunscreen for kids, I keep things simple.
I want:
✓ Mineral active ingredients
✓ SPF 30+
✓ Broad-spectrum protection
✓ Water resistance when needed
✓ A formula my kids will actually tolerate
✓ Ingredients I'm comfortable using on their skin
Some of the brands on my kids' sunscreen list include:
- Rowe Casa
- Pipette
- Earthley
- Think Baby
- Sky & Sol
- Attitude
- Earth Mama
- All Good
- Daily Shade
- Badger
- California Baby
- Hiya
And yes — getting your kids to actually let you apply sunscreen is a whole different battle. 😂
Find the formula they tolerate and use it consistently when sun protection is needed.
What About Vitamin D?
This is where I think the conversation around sunscreen can get confusing.
Yes, UVB exposure helps your skin produce vitamin D.
But that doesn't mean intentionally getting unprotected UV exposure is the best way to maintain healthy vitamin D levels.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends getting vitamin D through foods and/or fortified foods and beverages rather than intentionally seeking UV exposure, because UV radiation also increases skin-cancer risk.
If you're concerned about your vitamin D levels, talk with your healthcare provider about whether testing or supplementation makes sense for you.
For me, this isn't about being afraid of the sun.
It's about respecting the sun.
I love being outside.
I love getting fresh air.
I love spending time in the sunshine.
But I also want to protect my skin when I'm going to be exposed for longer periods of time.
What About Sunscreen Every Single Day?
This is another area where I think context matters.
If you're sitting inside most of the day, your sunscreen routine may look very different from someone spending eight hours at the beach.
And if you're going to be outside for an extended period, sun protection becomes much more important.
The AAD recommends a comprehensive approach that includes shade, protective clothing, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin.
For me, sunscreen is one tool in my sun-protection toolbox.
It's not the only one.
One Important Note About Babo Botanicals
You'll notice that Babo Botanicals isn't included in my current recommendations.
I previously recommended some Babo products, but I've changed my recommendation based on the ingredient lists of newer formulations.
One ingredient I specifically look for when reviewing sunscreen formulas is butyloctyl salicylate, which is used in some sunscreen and cosmetic formulations.
If you're shopping for sunscreen, I always recommend checking the current ingredient list rather than relying on an older recommendation or product roundup.
Formulas change.
And that's exactly why I like keeping my current product recommendations in one place.
My Sunscreen Favorites
If you want to see the full list of sunscreens I recommend — including my adult, tinted, and kids' favorites — I've put everything in one place.
SHOP JASYRA'S CURRENT SUNSCREEN FAVORITES + DISCOUNT CODES
That page will have the most current product links and discount codes, since those can change over time.
What I Would Look for When Buying Sunscreen
If I were standing in the store trying to choose a sunscreen, I'd look for:
✓ Mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
✓ SPF 30 or higher
✓ Broad-spectrum protection
✓ Water resistance when needed
✓ A simple ingredient list
✓ No unnecessary fragrance
✓ A formula my skin actually likes
✓ A product that I'll realistically use
And most importantly:
Read the ingredient list.
Don't just look at the words "natural," "clean," or "mineral" on the front of the bottle.
Turn it around.
Look at the ingredients.
That's where you'll actually find the information you need.
Final Thoughts
You don't have to be afraid of the sun.
And you don't have to be afraid of sunscreen either.
For me, this is about being intentional.
I want to enjoy the outdoors.
I want my kids to enjoy the outdoors.
I want to get outside and live my life.
But when I'm going to be exposed to the sun for an extended period of time, I want to have a sunscreen I feel good about using.
There is no such thing as being 100% toxin-free.
That's not the goal.
The goal is to make better swaps where you can.
Start with the products you use most.
Read the labels.
Find brands you trust.
And don't stress about making every single choice perfectly.
Better, not perfect. Always. ☀️
Disclaimer
This post is for educational purposes and reflects personal product preferences and experience. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or replace individualized medical advice. Sunscreen ingredients and formulations can change, so always check the current product label before purchasing or using a product. Follow the manufacturer's directions and use sun-protection measures appropriate for your circumstances. If you have questions about sunscreen, sun exposure, vitamin D, or a specific ingredient, talk with your healthcare provider.