Sun Protection 101: What Are the Top Natural Sunscreens?

You don’t have to worry about looking like a Twilight star with some of the best natural sunscreen formulas — gone are the days of thick gloop that looks like diaper cream when dry. Today’s natural sunscreens feel great on the skin and offer broad-spectrum protection, which means they block the sun’s damaging UVA and UVB rays, thanks to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And they do it without leaving a white cast like conventional sunscreen does, making it easier to wear face and body sunscreen no matter the weather or season, which experts agree is key for your skin.

“The single best thing you can do for your skin is protect it from the sun,” says Dr. Caroline Robinson, board-certified dermatologist and member of the Roven beauty board. “There’s a misconception that this just applies to the summer months, but sun protection is very important in the winter months as well.”

So whether you’re looking for coverage on your all-day summer adventures to work-ready protection, our round-up of reef-safe face and body sunscreens has you covered.

If you're looking for a primer on natural and mineral sunscreens, including a breakdown of terms and the benefits of switching to natural, read through our Natural Sunscreen Guide too.

Some of the best mineral sunscreens for all-over protection

You like: A hydrating lotion with SPF

Try: COOLA Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 50

It’s easy to remember to slather on SPF before hitting the pool or the beach, but what about the rest of the time? You’re exposed to the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays while sitting at your desk, driving, or running errands. This moisturizing sunscreen lotion blends into the skin and is lightweight enough to wear every day.

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You like: Sunscreen your kid will actually let you apply

Try: Badger Balm SPF 40 Kids Clear Sport

Made with clear zinc oxide and 98 percent organic base ingredients, this sunscreen offers the protection you want without the sticky feeling your child hates. Moisturizing organic sunflower oil and jojoba oil protect kids’ sensitive skin through cannonballs and cartwheels.

Bonus: No yucky chemical sunscreen smell here. Natural ingredients like tangerine and vanilla essential oils give this sport sunscreen a scent that’s reminiscent of a refreshing creamsicle.

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You like: Fresh baby faces (and hands)

Try: Babyganics Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Little ones are best covered by sun-protective clothing according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, but you can’t fully cover everything from the pesky sun. This gentle formula is great for all of the little patches that remain, like your baby’s face, hands, and feet.

Bonus: The hydrating stick goes on smoothly so you can apply it one-handed, even when your canvas is wiggling.

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Best mineral face sunscreens

You like: Surfing, SUPing, or kayaking

Try: ALL GOOD Sport Sun Butter Stick SPF 50

Most sunscreens wash off quickly in the surf, and reapplying can be a sandy, painful mess. Prevent the dreaded wetsuit tan and sunburned lips, ears, nose, hands, and feet with this easy-to-apply stick. ALL GOOD uses certified organic oils like jojoba, coconut, and avocado to lock in moisture and keep the zinc in place to prevent sun damage while you're shredding the gnar.

Bonus: As one of the best natural sunscreen products for surfers, ALL GOOD’s Sport Sun Butter Stick is biodegradable and coral reef–friendly, so you can safely play in your favorite waters without worry.

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You like: Sunscreen you can’t feel

Try: COOLA Mineral Sun Silk Creme SPF 30

This oil-free and fragrance-free formula soaks into the skin for a silky, barely there finish. COOLA’s Full Spectrum 360° formula is clinically proven to help mitigate the damaging effects of UV rays, blue light, and pollution on the skin. While it’s great for every skin type and skin tone, people with oily skin will especially appreciate the light Sun Silk Creme.

Bonus: Niacinamide, a form of vitamin B-3, is added to support moisture retention and smooth your skin.

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You like: Festivals and expressing your playful soul

Try: Bare Republic Mineral Neon Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 - Triple-Pack

Mineral sunscreen with natural, show-stopping color? Yes, please! People of all ages can color, draw, and play with these neon sunscreen sticks. They’re ideal for protecting often-forgotten, frequently burned spots like noses, cheekbones, and shoulders, but they can be used anywhere.

Bonus: Food-grade ingredients give these fun sticks their color, so you don’t have to worry about kids — or adults — laying it on thick.

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You like: Face sunscreen that keeps up with you

Try: Mad Hippie Facial SPF 30+

Whether you throw it on before a run or use it as a base layer for flawless makeup, Mad Hippie’s facial SPF is ready to go everywhere you do. The everyday formula can stand up to sweat, but it’s just as at home in your skincare collection. It’s made with ingredients found in your favorite antioxidant serums — sodium hyaluronate, vitamin C, vitamin E and ferulic acid — to help fight photoaging and reduce the appearance of wrinkles while protecting your skin from extended sun exposure.

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You like: luxurious hydration

Try: Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream with SPF 30

Forget having to choose between a hydrating moisturizer and a wearable sunscreen. You can have them both with this lightweight, SPF 30 moisturizing day cream. Aloe vera, shea butter, and a blend of 11 oils (including evening primrose, avocado, and sea buckthorn oils) combine to create a UV-protective cream that leaves skin feeling hydrated and soothed. Don’t let it’s lucious ingredients fool you: The Nutrient Day Cream easily soaks into the skin for a matte finish.

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Here at Grove Collaborative, we’re big believers in the power of natural products — both for ourselves and for the planet. But we know making the switch can be daunting, especially if you’re accustomed to conventional products and are new to the world of natural, eco-friendly alternatives. That’s why we’ve created Beginner’s Guides to Natural. Each week, we’ll give you a primer on the ins and outs of transitioning to a natural version of a common household item, plus a few of our favorite brands for making the switch. Let’s get to swapping!

11 of Grove's favorite natural & mineral sunscreens.

What is Grove Collaborative?

Some of the best mineral sunscreens for all-over protection

You like: A hydrating lotion with SPF

You like: The perfect highlighter and a little shimmer

You like: Sunscreen your kid will actually let you apply

You like: Fresh baby faces (and hands)

You like: Spending hours in the water or on the trails

Best mineral face sunscreens

You like: Surfing, SUPing, or kayaking

You like: Sunscreen you can’t feel

You like: Festivals and expressing your playful soul

You like: Everyday coverage with extra benefits

You like: Face sunscreen that keeps up with you

You like: luxurious hydration

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