On the lookout for the best cruelty-free sunscreen? We hear you! When you care about animal testing and are all about pushing your wellness to the next level, adding cruelty-free sunscreen to your routine is key. Everything we put in our bodies has a direct impact on our health and with summer around the corner, you may want to give cruelty-free sunscreen a chance. As a result, today we’ll be sharing with you some of the best cruelty-free sunscreen alternatives out there.
Sunscreen is an essential part of our skincare routine, in other words, is one of those products you cannot afford not to have. Once you’ve made up your mind to switch over to cruelty-free and vegan products, you’ll never look back. Contrary to what you may think, only because these are cruelty-free and natural options, doesn’t mean they don’t get the job done. Whether you’re wanting to replace your regular sunscreen with a cruelty-free alternative or you’re desperately looking to find a vegan sunscreen, you have come to the right place.
As you can tell by now, finding the right cruelty-free sunscreen may sound quite annoying, the good news is there are many options available so there’s no need to obtain your sunscreen from brands that test on animals. And to give you a little hand, we’ve come up with some of the best cruelty-free sunscreens available now. Check out our top picks below.
Cruelty-Free Sunscreen FAQs
Why do you need sunscreen in your life?
Wearing sunscreen is the best protection against skin cancer, not to mention that it keeps your skin looking young. Simply put, the sun’s rays act as a carcinogen and cause skin damage. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and heavily contribute to premature aging. Up to 90 percent of the visible skin changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by sun exposure. Sunscreen should be an essential part of every person’s skincare regimen.
Is higher SPF better?
Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. In fact, the higher the SPF, the less big of an impact it has on sun protection. An SPF of 30 will protect against 97% of UV rays, and an SPF of 50 will protect against 98% of UV rays. That being said, those that are sensitive to the sun or have pale skin should go with a higher SPF.
Is the sunscreen in your foundation enough to protect you from the sun?
The SPF 15 in your foundation or moisturizer is pretty much useless, as you’re most likely not applying enough product to provide said SPF. Because you need to apply a good amount of sunscreen for it to be effective, it’s recommended to wear an actual sunscreen product under your foundation.
Should you wear sunscreen on rainy days?
Wear sunscreen on cloudy days and all year long, as you’re still being exposed to UV rays even when the sun isn’t bright. If you’re out in the sun, always re-apply sunscreen every 2 hours or after sweating.
What are the types of sunscreen and which one is best?
- Physical (or mineral) sunblock, acts as a barrier and blocks the sun’s rays. The active ingredients in physical sunscreens are titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
- Chemical sunscreen is absorbed by the skin and protects it from the sun by forming a chemical reaction. Chemical sunscreens contain other active ingredients like Octylcrylene, Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, Helioplex, and Mexoryl.
Using a mineral sunscreen is generally recommended for various reasons: it’s immediately effective, more photostable, and there’s less risk of allergic reaction or other health issues. In addition, mineral sunscreens use ingredients whose safety is proven and therefore don’t require any more animal testing.
Is Neutrogena cruelty-free?
Neutrogena’s parent company is Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson is not a cruelty-free company. Neutrogena, specifically, says they do not test on animals, except in countries where animal testing for products is required by law. They don’t have any vegan or cruelty-free certifications.
Is Garnier cruelty-free?
All Garnier products are Leaping Bunny Certified. This ensures that their entire supply chain has been audited to ensure there are no raw materials, ingredients, or processes, that harm animals.
Is Dove cruelty-free?
Dove is globally accredited “Cruelty-Free” by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals).
Cruelty Free Sunscreen Options
SEA CLEARLY GEL SUNSCREEN SPF 30
Sonrei Sea Clearly Sunscreen is a premium, environmentally-conscious sunscreen providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection for all skin types and pigments in the form of a translucent gel.
Not watered down, Sonrei provides concentrated, water-resistant sun protection via a proprietary organogel with three powerful antioxidants: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Ferulic Acid.
Sonrei’s gentle, spreadable gel melts into the skin and leaves a velvety matte finish. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, genders, and skin colors, Sonrei stays where it is applied and won’t run.
Features:
- Broad Spectrum
- Against Animal Cruelty
- Gluten-Free & Non-GMO
- Water-Resistant
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen
The Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 is a 100%-mineral sunscreen with non-nano titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that form a protective barrier on the skin surface to help reflect the sun’s UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin.
This easy to apply formula is enriched with organic Aloe Vera and Calendula to soothe and moisturize the skin. Provides 80 minutes of water resistance.
Hold the bottle 8-12 inches away and spray onto the skin. Thoroughly rub in until the white lotion blends into the skin to avoid the white cast associated with mineral sunscreen while ensuring proper coverage.
Features:
- Gluten, Soy, and Dairy Free
- Aloe Vera
- Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic
Sea & C Body Milk SPF 30
This lightweight body moisturizer with SPF 30 protection lets you play in the sun while protecting your beautiful skin.
Formulated to add hydration, apply evenly and sheer, and melt into skin for a non-greasy feel. It smells incredible and is surfer approved too.
Helps hydrate and cool down skin after you’ve spent time under the sun. Formulated without parabens, phthalates, SLS, or mineral oil. Spray on your skin after time in the sun.
Features:
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic acid
- Aloe and marine extracts
All Good SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
This SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Lotion covers the basics (broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water-resistant) but goes the extra mile with a commitment to reef-friendly ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy, and actually hydrate and repair skin.
The SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen lotion protects against a broad spectrum of UVA/UVB rays and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
This popular product was made with plant-based ingredients that are lightweight and non-greasy. To go the extra mile, this product will also hydrate and repair skin.
Features:
- Plant-Based Ingredients
- UVA/UVB Protection
- Water-Resistant
Suntegrity UNSCENTED Natural Mineral Sunscreen
Suntegrity’s Unscented Body SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen is unscented, vegan, and offers broad-spectrum protection. This new sunscreen formula is easy to apply and loaded with antioxidants for healthy protection all year round.
This sunscreen is free of harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, mineral oil, synthetic dyes, sulfates, nanoparticles, and chemical UV absorbers.
It’s non-greasy and contains 20% non-nano, uncoated zinc-oxide for therapeutic broad-spectrum protection against the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Great for babies, kids, and adults sensitive to scent.
Features:
- UV Chemical-Free Sunscreen
- Broad Spectrum Protection
- Paraben, Phthalate, and Mineral Oil-Free
- Cruelty-Free, Vegan, and Reef Friendly
Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30
Ultralight, broad-spectrum SPF 30 mist is ideal for mess-free, full-body sun protection. This mattifying formula uses Yerba mate tea leaf to fortify skin with antioxidants, to help protect against damaging free radicals and environmental pollutants.
The water-resistant, coral reef-safe vegan sunscreen is made with broad-spectrum mineral zinc oxide and sprays evenly for full coverage.
Shake well before use. While spraying, hold 6-8 inches away from the skin for an even application. For the face, spray directly into the hands and apply with fingers. To ensure adequate sun protection, avoid spreading too thinly when applying. Apply liberally 30 minutes before sun exposure. This formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Features:
- Light
- All-Skin Types
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum – SPF 30
This broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 is infused with natural ingredients. It is paraben-free, fragrance-free, oxybenzone free, octinoxate free, silicone-free, and aluminum-free.
It is vegan and cruelty-free. It helps prevent sun damage, premature aging, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure reapply: after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating immediately after towel drying, at least every 2 hours Sun Protection Measures.
Features:
- Vegan
- Natural Ingredients
- Cruelty-Free
- Fragrance-Free
