When it comes to protecting your skin from the sun, natural sunscreens have gained massive popularity. But with so many options out there, how do you know which ones actually work? To help, we’ve rounded up the top 7 natural sunscreens that provide excellent sun protection, plus the 3 you should avoid.

What Is a Natural Sunscreen?

Before diving into our top picks, let’s address the burning question: what is a natural sunscreen?

A natural sunscreen is typically made from minerals (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) rather than chemicals. These sunscreens physically block UV rays, rather than absorbing them, making them less likely to irritate your skin or cause hormone disruption. Plus, they’re reef-safe, which means they won’t harm delicate ecosystems.

Top 7 Natural Sunscreens That Actually Work

1. Solscreen Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30

Why it works:
When you think of natural sunblock, you probably picture a white, thick cream. But Solscreen’s Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30 is a revolutionary take on the classic. Powered by grass-fed beef tallow and non-nano zinc oxide, it’s a lightweight, nourishing formula that hydrates your skin while providing solid sun protection.

Key Benefits:

• SPF 30 protection with a moisturizing formula
• Non-toxic, reef-safe, and eco-friendly
• Vitamins A, D, E, and K to repair and protect

2. Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Why it works:
Badger’s formula is a trusted natural sunscreen that’s been around for years. Made with non-nano zinc oxide and organic oils, it offers broad-spectrum protection without any harsh chemicals.

Key Benefits:

• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Certified organic ingredients
• Unscented option available for sensitive skin

3. Thinksport SPF 50+

Why it works:
If you need a high-performance natural sunscreen, Thinksport is your best bet. With an SPF 50+, this natural sunscreen is perfect for outdoor activities, including swimming and intense sports.

Key Benefits:

• SPF 50+ with broad-spectrum protection
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• No parabens, phthalates, or toxins

4. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30+

Why it works:
Blue Lizard is an Australian-made sunscreen that’s trusted globally. The brand has a reputation for natural ingredientsand high-quality sun protection. It uses zinc oxide for UV protection and gentle mineral-based formulas that are safe for all skin types.

Key Benefits:

• SPF 30+ protection
• Water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• Free of fragrance and parabens

5. All Good Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it works:
All Good Sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin. It combines zinc oxide with organic oils like coconut oil and avocado oil to protect and moisturize.

Key Benefits:

• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• Safe for children and sensitive skin
• Free of synthetic chemicals, fragrance, and GMOs

6. Suntegrity Natural Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it works:
Suntegrity’s Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 is a mineral-based formula that provides full-spectrum protection while also caring for your skin. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and sunflower oil.

Key Benefits:

• SPF 30 with hydrating benefits
• Reef-safe, cruelty-free, and non-toxic
• Gentle enough for face and body

7. Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

Why it works:
Beautycounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen is a clean, natural sunscreen that’s both effective and safe. Made with non-nano zinc oxide, it offers broad-spectrum protection without harmful chemicals.

Key Benefits:

• SPF 30 with easy application (non-greasy)
• Toxin-free, clean beauty brand
• No synthetic fragrance or chemical sunscreens

3 Natural Sunscreens You Should Avoid

While many natural sunscreens are effective, not all products live up to the hype. Here are three sunscreens that don’t quite make the cut:

1. Coconut Oil-Based Sunscreens

While coconut oil has some natural SPF (around 4-6), it’s far too low to provide real protection against UV rays. Coconut oil-based sunscreens offer limited protection, so they should only be used in conjunction with higher SPF options.

Why avoid: Low SPF makes them inadequate for sun protection.

2. Chemical-Free Sunscreens with No Broad-Spectrum Protection

Some sunscreens claim to be natural but fail to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for full protection.

Why avoid: If the product doesn’t offer full-spectrum protection, it’s not doing its job.

3. Sunscreens with Essential Oils and Fragrances

Some “natural” sunscreens contain essential oils or fragrances that can be irritating to the skin, especially in the sun. While these might smell nice, they could cause allergic reactions or rashes.

Why avoid: Fragrances and essential oils can cause skin irritation, especially when exposed to UV rays.

Conclusion: The Best Natural Sunscreens for Your Skin

Choosing a natural sunscreen doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for a high-performance option like Thinksport, a gentle formula like Badger, or a skin-nourishing balm like Solscreen’s Tallow Sun Balm, there are options for every skin type and need.

What is a natural sunscreen? It’s a safer, cleaner option for sun protection—free of chemicals and packed with natural ingredients like zinc oxide, coconut oil, and sheer hydration. And with these top 7 sunscreens, you can be confident that you’re choosing products that not only work, but care for your skin too.

Ready to Protect Your Skin the Natural Way?

Check out Solscreen’s Tallow Sun Balm SPF 30 for the perfect combination of natural ingredients and effective sun protection.