15 Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreens Of 2023 To Protect Your Skin
Don’t let the harsh sun rays penetrate your skin and leave signs of lasting damage.
Krati Darak Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years o... more
Shiboli ChakrabortiCertified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 4 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce edito... more
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Healthy skin requires sunscreen, but not at the cost of another’s suffering. Choosing the best cruelty-free sunscreen will keep the Sun’s harmful rays away and help the earth. You cannot skip sunscreen from your routine. You should use them every day, regardless of your skin type or age. Since cases of skin cancer are on the rise, it’s critical to protect ourselves against harsh UVB and UVA rays any time of the year. Therefore, sunscreen must be applied every day, rain or shine. It’s worth choosing cruelty-free sunscreen, too, owing to growing awareness of taking care of the earth.
Cruelty-free and eco-friendly sunscreens rely on natural and vegan ingredients rather than harsh chemicals, which effectively protect your skin from the Sun. A cruelty-free sunscreen is your best bet for UV protection! In our review of the 15 best cruelty-free sunscreens, we hope to make it easier to choose one for yourself.
In This Article
Top 15 Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreens Reviews And Buying Guide
1. Best Non-Greasy:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Spray Gel Sunscreen SPF 30
Image: Australian Gold Made from a special formulation of Australian ingredients, this is a gel-based sunscreen that is oxybenzone-free, PABA-free, phthalate-free and gluten-free, apart from not being tested on animals. Its spray bottle makes it easy to use during a sporting event or outdoor activities and its broad-spectrum formulation provides protection from the sun for up to 80 minutes. A blend of kakadu plum that has vitamin C, and tea tree oil, they act as antioxidants that help in fighting free radicals, while its ultra-chill formulation derived from the use of menthol helps soothe irritated and burned skin.
Pros
- Gel-based formulation
- Non-greasy
- Uses an ultra-chill formulation
- Oxybenzone-free
- PABA-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Needs reapplication after 80 minutes
- May not be suitable for children
Did You Know?
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 21,589 great reviews on Amazon.
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Image: Alba Botanica This is a formulation that is not only free of animal cruelty but is also certified as reef-friendly, making it great for the planet. It contains chamomile and aloe vera juice that have proven efficacy to nourish the skin and fight the signs of aging, while its use of a mineral and botanical formulation makes it safe for sensitive skin. It absorbs into the skin easily and leaves it non-greasy. This non-irritating liquid sunscreen also boasts a lightweight formulation and smells amazing after application. Check out this tester’s experience of using this product in this YouTube video.
Pros
- Reef-friendly
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Fights aging and sunburn
- Easily absorbs into the skin
Cons
- Unclear if it is suitable for acne-prone skin
3. Best Paraben-Free:Acure Radically Rejuvenating SPF Day Cream
With turmeric, ferulic acid, and vitamin C, this is a reef-safe zinc vegan sunscreen that is also free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oils,and formaldehyde. Enriched with ingredients such as aloe vera leaf juice, coconut oil, shea butter, and blue tansy flower oil, this sunscreen helps fight sun damage, rejuvenates the skin, and has antioxidants that fight the early signs of aging caused by sun exposure. Prolonged exposure to the sun can also cause skin cancer but a liberal application of this product 15 minutes before stepping out helps in protecting your skin. Check out this reviewer’s experience of using this product in this video on YouTube.
Pros
- Vegan
- Fights sun-damage and early signs of aging
- Paraben-free
- Sulfate-free
- Uses non-nano reef-safe zinc oxide
Cons
- Might leave a white residue on the skin
- Contains caprylyl glycol that may irritate sensitive skin
4. Best Plant-Based Formula: Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Image: Everyday Humans The Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and non-greasy. It is sweat- and water-resistant which makes it suitable for outdoor activities and sports. It offers adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays with no white cast or sticky feeling. The formula contains hyaluronic acid, cucumber, and green tea extract which nourish the skin and provide anti-aging benefits. It deeply hydrates, soothes, protects, and repairs the skin.
Pros
- Plant-powered ingredients
- Antioxidant-rich formula
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing formula
- Non-greasy
- Water-resistant
- Zero white cast
- Paraben-free
- PABA-free
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Cruelty-free
- No animal testing
Cons
None
5. Best Moisturizing:COOLA Organic Classic Face Sunscreen
This is a broad spectrum cruelty-free sunscreen containing SPF 50 and is rich in antioxidants. It is a fantastic choice for your face and is resistant to sweat and water for up to 80 minutes. The sunscreen acts as a daytime lotion and a facial moisturizer that leaves a sheer, dry finish and is great for use before applying makeup. The sunscreen uses the brand’s Plant Protection blend of ingredients like safflower oleosomes and cucumber. Additionally, ingredients like red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract help in rejuvenating the skin by fighting free radicals. If you want to know more about this product, check out this video on YouTube.
Pros
- SPF 50 protection
- Rich in antioxidants
- Doubles as moisturizing lotion
- Sheer finish
- Cruelty-free
- Dermatologist-tested
Cons
- Slightly expensive
6. Best Lightweight:Thrive Daily Defense Sunscreen Balm
A light, mineral, cruelty-free sunscreen that is great for daily use, it uses non-nano zinc oxide that acts as a physical barrier for the skin, protecting it from the harsh rays of the sun. This skin-friendly sunscreen contains juanilama and fierrillo which are rich in antioxidants, along with ingredients such as Arabica coffee oil, wakame seaweed, and Tazman Pepper, that help in repairing the skin from sun damage, pollution, and the irritation caused by them. If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test to avoid any allergic reactions.
Pros
- Light, mineral-based formulation
- Uses non-nano zinc oxide
- Broad spectrum SPF
- No synthetic colors or fragrances
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- GMO-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Might not be suitable for sensitive, acne-prone skin
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Almost 2,539 happy users have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
7. Best Water-Resistant:Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion
This is a cruelty-free sunscreen lotion that combines antioxidants, moisturizing oils, and topical lotions for those who want to get tanned but with sun protection. Free of gluten, parabens, PABA, oxybenzone, and dyes or synthetic preservatives, this product is ideal for those looking for moisturizing qualities in their sunscreen. This is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which lets you have all the fun in the sun for a long duration.
Pros
- Contains moisturizing oils
- Great for a deep tan
- Free of gluten, parabens, PABA, oxybenzone,dyes or synthetic preservatives
- Protects for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- With SPF 4, it may not provide adequate protection from sunburn
Quick Tip8. Best Quick-Absorbing:Kiss My Face Cool Sport Spray Sunscreen
A cruelty-free sunscreen suitable for application during playing sports, it is made of aloe vera, vitamin E, and cucumber coolers that help refresh the skin. Armed with an SPF 50 protection, this sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The spray is quick-drying and non-greasy, and cools your skin while protecting it from the sun. This does not use chemical propellants, along with being vegan. With its spray formulation, this is easy to apply to all parts of the body so that you can enjoy yourself under the sun.
Pros
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50
- Cooling technology
- Non-greasy
- Fast-absorbing
- Spray sunscreen for ease of application
- Gluten-free
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not tested for allergies
9. Best For Kids: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen
Image: Pipette Protect your little one’s skin from the sun with the Pipette Mineral Sunscreen. This SPF 50 mineral and zinc oxide sunscreen is perfect for babies, toddlers, kids, and the whole family. It offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection. The formula is fast-absorbing, lightweight, and non-sticky. The product contains bisabolol, glycerin, and sugarcane-derived squalane that is gentle on sensitive skin and boosts moisture. The hypoallergenic formula is dermatologist-tested and remains cruelty-free, vegan, and free of synthetic fragrances.
Pros
- Suitable for kids and sensitive skin types
- Broad spectrum SPF protection
- Sheer and light on the skin
- Uses non-nano minerals
- Dermatologically-approved
- Reef safe
Cons
None
10. Best For All-Day Use:Om Botanical Skin Soft Organic Moisturizer
Made of botanical ingredients like aloe vera juice, shea butter, coconut esters,and safflower, this all-day moisturizing cream offers protection from the harmful rays of the sun with a little help from the micro algae present in it. It is free of parabens, phenoxyethanol, and synthetic preservatives, and blocks UV rays without filtering out the essential vitamin D. An ayurvedic formulation, it also contains natural humectants, emollients, and cucumber and rosemary extracts to keep your skin hydrated throughout the day, while also helping with oil-control.
Pros
- All-day moisturizer
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- pH-balanced
- Paraben-free
Cons
- Some users felt that this lotion made their wrinkles look slightly more prominent.
11. Best Antioxidant Benefits: Absolutely Natural SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion
Image: Absolutely Natural The Absolutely Natural SPF 15 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion offers natural protection from UVA, UVB, and UVC rays. It contains zinc oxide, coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and avocado oil, which offer antioxidant benefits and nourish the skin! The formula protects the skin from damaging sunlight while improving the skin texture and appearance. It boosts the skin’s natural defenses and keeps it from redness or inflammation.
Pros
- Moisturizing formula
- Offers antioxidant benefits
- Reduces redness
- Minimizes inflammation
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-safe
Cons
- May leave white cast
12. Best Silky-Matte Finish: TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer
Image: Tizo3 The TiZO3 Facial Mineral Sunscreen and Primer provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a lightweight coverage and matte finish. The tinted facial mineral sunscreen can be used alone or under makeup, and even acts as a great makeup primer. The formula contains titanium oxide and zinc oxide which prevent early skin-aging and sunburn. To use, apply after moisturizing your face and reapply as needed. The ingredients are reef-friendly, and the formula contains antioxidant molecules to help neutralize free radicals and guard the skin. The product is free from chemicals, dyes, fragrances, preservatives, paraben, gluten, and phthalates.
Pros
- Offers smoothening effect
- Offers silky-matte finish
- Water-resistant formula
- Neutralizes free radicals
- Reef-friendly
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
- Dye-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Might be difficulty to wash off
13. Best For Oily Skin:Eve Hansen Daily Defense Intense Moisture Cream
For those looking for an advanced moisturizer suited for use on the face and neck and offers good protection from the sun, look no further than this cruelty-free avatar with SPF 30. It is mattifying and absorbs into the skin fast, while leaving it hydrated. Suitable for oily skin, dry, and combination skin-types due to its non-comedogenic formula, it is also great for daily use. Some of the ingredients used in this are octinoxate, zinc oxide, water, stearyl alcohol and glycerin and this sunscreen does not provide any white residue behind.
Pros
- Daily-use moisturizer
- Non-comedogenic formula
- Suitable for oily skin
- Matte finish
- Does not leave a white residue behind
Cons
- May only suitable for face and neck
14. Best Sweat-Resistant:SALT & STONE Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
A sustainable, cruelty-free sunscreen, it repairs and hydrates the skin with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients. This is ultra-light in texture on the skin and has been designed to be sweat and water-resistant. The key ingredients are ashwagandha that stimulates production of natural skin oils, hyaluronic acid that moisturizes and green tea that is an antioxidant. It uses non-nano zinc oxide to fight rays of the sun such as UVA and UVB.
Pros
- Sustainable
- Repairs and hydrates
- Contains anti-inflammatory ingredients
- Sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Can get chalky in texture if stored for long periods
15. Best Eco-Friendly: Caribbean Sol Sunscreen
Image: Caribbean Sol The Caribbean Sol Sunscreen is an eco-friendly product that offers broad-spectrum protection from damaging sun rays. It is made with zinc oxide, aloe vera, and various plant extracts that protect the skin, while hydrating and nourishing it. The product is lightweight and provides great coverage. It is free of paraben, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. It is also cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Eco-friendly
- Hydrating formula
- Offers full coverage
- Cruelty-free
- Vegan
- Paraben-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- Gluten-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
None
After looking at the 15 best cruelty-free sunscreen creams, sprays and lotions, here’s what you can use to guide you in your purchase of the same.
Things To Keep In Mind While Buying A Cruelty-Free Sunscreen
- SPF
Depending on your usage, you should pick a sunscreen that offers protection accordingly. Sportspersons, for instance, prefer products with SPF 30 and above. However, if you’re not looking to be in direct sunlight for long periods, you can pick anything starting at SPF 15.
- Medium of application
From creams and gels to lotions and sprays, there’s a cruelty-free sunscreen for every need. You should pick depending on your preferred means of application. While creams and gels are great for the face and neck, sprays and lotions are easier for other parts of the body.
- Type of skin
Sunscreens are made keeping in mind the various needs of the skin. Apart from protection from the sun, they take care of a host of issues such as sun damage, aging, nourishment, hydration and even cooling the skin. It is essential to buy one based on what you want for your skin and what suits it the best. For oily skin, look for clinically-tested ingredients such as green tea and cucumber that soothes the skin, while for drier skin, look for a cream-based sunscreen with hydrating ingredients. For acne-prone skin, look for sunscreens with natural ingredients that combat your skin problem and that do not sit heavy or clog your pores. For sensitive skin, go for a scientifically-formulated and dermatologist-recommended sunscreen, preferably one with transparent labeling to ensure that it does not contain skin-damaging chemicals. Such products are biodegradable, hence good for the environment as well.
Infographic: 6 Benefits Of Cruelty-Free Sunscreens
Cruelty-free sunscreens not only protect your skin from the harmful effects of sun damage but also heal your skin and make you an ethical consumer. In today’s day and age, it is important to make informed decisions and choose products that benefit both your skin and the environment. Check out the infographic below to learn more about the benefits of cruelty-free sunscreens.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
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The Bottom Line
Skin needs protection from harmful sun rays that cause skin problems like melasma, aging, and skin cancer. Sunscreens are an essential step of the skincare routine. Regular sunscreen is loaded with harsh chemicals that can aggravate the condition. The cruelty-free sunscreens are non-toxic, harsh chemicals-free, eco-friendly, and can soothe skin burns and reduce skin irritations. These products are non-greasy, vegan, and non-comedogenic. If you are looking for the best lightweight, sweat-resistant sunscreen, consider the Australian Gold Extreme Sport Spray Gel Sunscreen SPF 30, while those with sensitive skin must check out the Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen. The Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is for those who persistently use sustainable and reef-safe products. However, some products may have chalky textures, and a few might not suit all. Go through the product reviews and people’s experiences to pick the right cruelty-free sunscreen that suits your skin type.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Krati Darak , is a skin care enthusiast and a strong advocate of sunscreens to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and resultant cancer. She has compiled this list of the best cruelty-free sunscreens after screening hundreds of products and evaluating loads of user reviews on multiple online forums. These sunscreens contain natural and vegan ingredients that get easily absorbed into the skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sunscreen really necessary?
Yes, sunscreen is the most necessary item in your skincare as it keeps you safe from the sun’s harmful rays that can cause premature aging, dullness of skin, or even skin cancer.
Is mineral sunscreen safer than chemical sunscreen?
Yes, they are as naturally-derived minerals are gentler on the skin than chemicals.
Is a higher SPF better?
A higher SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is better as it gives you a broader spectrum of coverage. However, the SPF you pick depends on how much time you spend in direct sunlight on a daily basis.
What are the benefits of using cruelty-free sunscreen?
Cruelty-free sunscreens often use plant-based ingredients and have less chemical content. Their gentle formula provides sun protection that is on par with some of the best sunscreens available on the market.
How often should you use cruelty-free sunscreen?
Cruelty-free sunscreens are safe to add to your everyday skincare. You can apply it before stepping out in the sun and re-apply it every 2 hours throughout the day to protect your skin.
