10 Best Expert-Approved PABA-Free Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin – 2024
If you love your skin, you will definitely have chemical-free sunscreen in your pouch.
Anna MisztelaLicensed Esthetician
Anna is a licensed esthetician and the founder and owner of Beauty and Cutie® hair, skin and nails vitamins from New York. Her interest in nutrition analysis and beauty propelled her to obtain a certification in Nutrition Science from the ... more
kirtana divakarMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after read... more
medha debIntegrated MA
Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in ... more
monomita chakrabortyMA (Journalism & Mass Communication)
Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global Univers... more
Image: Shutterstock
Say hello to PABA-free sunscreen because this is what you need in order to enjoy a chilled day out at the beach. Summer is all about clicking fun pictures on the beaches, going on long bike rides, surfing, and putting on colorful dresses and shorts. But it is the sunburn that poses a threat to your skin every time you go outdoors. Although sunblocks and sunscreens that claim to protect your skin from the sun rays are in abundance in the market, what you really need is a protective shield that can not only protect your skin from the harsh rays of the sun but also preserve it long-term. Researchers have found out that sunscreens that are PABA-free work wonders if you are looking for that ideal protection. Therefore, knowing the immense significance of these expert-recommended sunscreens, we, in this article, have created a list of the 10 most effective PABA-free sunscreens that you must carry whenever you are out there trying to enjoy the summer heat. All you have to do is scroll down and learn more about how they work. Take this article as a buying guide.
In This Article
What Is PABA-Free Sunscreen?
A PABA-free sunscreen basically means that the sunscreen you are using has no paba-aminobenzoic acid. Paba-aminobenzoic acid is known to cause skin irritation and even stain clothes. More serious side effects of exposure to paba-aminobenzoic acid sunscreen include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. So it’s very important you look at the fine print on your sunscreen and skin care products and ensure they are PABA-free!
Keep Your Skin Silky And Healthy With TheTop 10 PABA-Free Sunscreens
1. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion
Looking for a PABA-free sunscreen that can not only take care of your sun protection worries but also doubles up as a cosmetic tool? Try the Australian Gold’s Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen lotion that does just that. Apart from being a silky smooth PABA-free lotion for your daily skincare regime, you can use this dermatologist-tested product as a base for makeup and contouring! What we love about this particular PABA-free sunblock is that it contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide healthy sun protection in a non-abrasive, non-chemical way. It is also rich in natural ingredients and antioxidants like Kakadu plum, eucalyptus, and red algae and also contains iron, folic acid, and amino acids. And for sensitive skin woes, we are happy to say this non-greasy sunscreen lotion is fragrance-free too! Learn more about the product and the tester’s experience in this video.
Pros
- 100% mineral sunscreen
- Can double up as a foundation
- Dermatologist-tested
- No gluten, alcohol, sulfate, dyes, or phthalate
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
Cons
- Limited shades available
Remember2. Best Lightweight:Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen
Image: Neutrogena PABA-free sunscreen sticks are the best for on-the-go application. So it’s no wonder that we’d pick dermatologist-recommended Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Face & Body Sunscreen Stick. What’s great about this compact little number is that it simply glides onto your skin effortlessly and effectively, leaving behind a lightweight layer of powerful PABA-free sunscreen to protect you from the sun’s harsh rays and sun damage. Even better is that this safe sunscreen is water-resistant and transparent — great news for swimmers, surfers, or outdoor trekkers! Beat the heat and sweat and stay protected from those dangerous UVA/UVB rays for hours. This video on the tester’s experience gives you more information about the product.
Pros
- Easy-to-use stick
- Lightweight sunscreen
- Non-greasy formula
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Contains fragrance
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
There are more than 13,588 Amazon reviews attesting to the quality of the product and endorsing its value.
3. Best Water-Resistant:Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen
This one’s a special treat, especially for people with oily and sensitive skin. Like other PABA-free sunscreens, ThinkBaby gives ample protection against sunburns. But what’s special about it is that it contains non-nano zinc oxide, which is biodegradable, non-toxic, and reef-friendly. According to reviews, it is safe to use for children, and safe for the environment as well! Its water-resistant formula helps you enjoy up to 80 minutes in the pool or ocean, without a worry! This everyday sunscreen is the perfect solution for a kiddie pool party, because it’s super-quick with skin absorption with no white residue and you won’t have to wrestle your little ones to be still until it starts taking effect! Just lap it on and let ‘em jump in the pool!
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Gluten and dairy-free
- Reef-safe
Cons
- May not be suitable for sensitive skin
| Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion Best Non-Greasy Formula | Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen Best Lightweight | Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen Best Water-Resistant | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 0.19 Pounds | 0.18 Pounds | - |
| Dimensions | - | 1 x 2.1 x 4.28 inches | 6.5 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 8.32 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 13,588 | 8,073 |
| Price | - | $11.85 | $12.88 |
4. Best Vegan:Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen
ThinkSport, as a brand, is synonymous with providing the safest standards of skincare for kids and adults alike. So their SPF 50+ PABA-free sunscreen doesn’t disappoint in the sun protection department. Taking into account your needs and health codes, ThinkSport has carefully created a PABA-free sun lotion that will keep your skin protected, preserved, and nourished all at once and also prevent premature aging. Anna Misztela, a licensed esthetician, remarks, “This sunscreen is enriched with conditioning vitamin E, cooling aloe, and nourishing jojoba oil that moisturizes the skin.” Pro athletes swear by this lotion because it is water-resistant, mineral-based, gluten and dairy-free, and provides broad-spectrum protection. At the same time, this facial sunscreen is gentle and suitable for daily use, even for children, as noted by the reviewers. Have a look at this video to learn more about the product and the tester’s experience.
Pros
- Vegan
- Eco-friendly
- Water-resistant
- No fragrance
- Great for outdoor sports
- Safe for children
Cons
- On the pricier side
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has made it to our top favorite list with more than 3,222 rave reviews on Amazon.
5. Best For Kids:Babyganics SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Taking your little ones out for a picnic in the sun on a bright summer’s day? What a wonderful idea! And you needn’t worry about their soft, sensitive skin being riddled with burns or redness because you will have Babyganics SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray in your bag! Babies rarely sit still, and certainly do not like their faces covered in cream! So this dermatologist-tested PABA-free sunscreen spray is the perfect solution for quick protection under the sun for your excitable little toddlers! This sun care boasts the Neo-Nourish Seed Oil Blend of tomato, sunflower, cranberry, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils, which provide sufficient moisturizing protection for sensitive skin. The fragrance-free formula ensures you won’t have to deal with sneezies and wheezies on your picnic, either!
Pros
- Tear-free and non-allergenic
- Dermatologist-tested
- Tested to be suitable for babies under 6 months
- Spreads easily
- Easily available
- Paraben-free
- Nanoparticle-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Not ideal for wet skin
Quick tip6. Best For Sensitive Skin:Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Cetaphil is reputed as a skincare brand, giving special attention to people with sensitive skin needs. The Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen is the ideal PABA-free sunscreen that protects, hydrates, and moisturizes your skin in one go. With vitamin E in the mix, your skin is left rich, supple, and healthy, safe from environmental pollutants and radicals. This broad-spectrum sunscreen also contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and prebiotics. It takes good care of your skin cells and skin barrier, while you are out in the sun. Cetaphil’s clinically tested PABA-free sunscreen is a safe bet for daily wear and leaves the skin hydrated, whether you are into outdoor sports, or are simply on the move for work. Its hypoallergenic formula is free of paba-aminobenzoic acid, octinoxate, avobenzone, parabens, oxybenzone, and fragrance. According to reviews, it is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes and offers advanced protection.
Pros
- Water-resistant
- Dermatologist-tested
- Eco-friendly
- Non-toxic
- Gluten and dairy-free
- BPA-free
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May leave a white cast on skin
- Not very absorbent
7. Best For Daily Use:KINeSYS Oil-Free Clear Spray For Active Skin Performance Sunscreen
Got tennis practice in the afternoons and worried that you’ll lose your grip on your tennis racket with all that sunscreen slipping off of your arms? We get it. You need a sweat-proof PABA-free sunscreen that doesn’t make you feel slick and slippery, but at the same time protects you from sunburns. Kinesys Oil-Free Clear Active Skin Performance Sunscreen answers your prayers! Its 100% oil-free formula is tailor-made for active sports. You even get up to 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance and protection from environmental aggressors. Being hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, makes this PABA-free sunscreen all the more desirable, because it is tested to be suitable for sensitive skin. And since it isn’t slick on your skin, you can even use it as a firm placeholder under your make-up!
Pros
- No fragrance, alcohol, preservatives, gluten, dairy, or sulphites
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Tested to be suitable for sensitive skin
- Ideal for daily use
- Easy-to-use pump
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
Cons
- May not blend well with makeup
8. Best Travel-Friendly:Safetec Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+
Imagine you’re on a work trip and you have off-site visits every day. In the sun. In the peak of summer. Yup, you’re toast. But you don’t have to be. And neither do you have to worry about spilling icky lotion all over your work tote bag, because Safetec’s Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+ comes in single-serve sachets (pack of 100) that are easy-to-use, apply-and-throw, compact, and perfect for your on-the-go needs. This PABA-free sunscreen is good protection from UVB rays for about 2 hours in the sun, without a burn in sight! According to reviews, you need to tear one open and apply it where it’s needed about 15 minutes before you are outdoors and you’re on your way!
Pros
- Value for money
- High protection factor
- Easy to carry
- Residue-free
- Perfect for emergency use on-the-go
- Good for outdoor protection
Cons
- May require more than one packet for full-body coverage
9. Best Anti-Aging:Panama Jack SPF 8 Sunscreen Lotion
It’s bikini season and you want to get out and lay on your deck chair, get that golden glaze on your legs before winter sets in and you’re all covered up again. And with a good PABA-free sunscreen, you can get the roast you want, without getting charred under the sun! Panama Jack’s SPF 8 Sunscreen Lotion is the ideal PABA-free tanning lotion on the market for those tanning sessions at the beach, by the pool, or on the sundeck. With a healthy balance of antioxidants and moisturizing oils (including green tea leaf extract), this anti-aging sunscreen is your friend this season. The SPF is at a modest 8, which indicates that this PABA-free sunscreen is ideal for skin with a higher resistance to sunburns, and is lighter than most heavy-weight sunscreens in the market. What we loved about this easy-to-pump bottle is that the PABA-free lotion has no parabens, gluten, retinyl palmitate, or oxybenzone. And it’s reef-friendly!
Pros
- Paraben, gluten, and cruelty-free
- Great for beachwear and swimming
- Water-resistant
- Easy-to-use product
Cons
- Not ideal for protection against sun burns
- Not suitable for sensitive skin
10. Best Breathable:Coppertone Sport Face Mineral Based Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion
Practicing for that triathlon? Thinking about that long trek way up in the mountains? Like to get that high-intensity training session out in the sun? Then the PABA-free sunscreen you need in your training bag is Coppertone’s Sport Face Mineral-Based Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion. Even though it’s a strong cream that keeps your skin well-protected for long intervals in the sun, what we love about this PABA-free sunscreen lotion is that it is breathable and doesn’t clog your pores or leave an oily residue. The mineral-based formula protects your skin from 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes at a time, which is considerable. And if you’re someone who sweats rivers down your face and onto your neck, this PABA-free sunblock is your best buddy, because it was made for your face. This favorite sunscreen doesn’t slip, leak, or get into your eyes, so you can rest easy with a healthy glop of this lotion on your face, while you huff and puff outside.
Pros
- Tested to be suitable for high-intensity outdoor activities
- High performance
- Free of oxybenzone
- Light and breathable
Cons
- May leave a white cast on skin
Before you run to the store and buy your scientifically formulated PABA-free sunscreen, it’s important to know a few things. Read our buying guide for more information.
How To Choose A PABA-Free Sunscreen
- Know your skin
Before you buy any professional-grade skin care product, it is crucial that you know your skin type and how it behaves with or without any skincare or cosmetic product. Understand if there are any skin conditions that require medical attention. Always consult your dermatologist to detect if you have any allergies or skin ailments before you buy any clinically proven skincare or cosmetic products.
For dry skin, look for deeply hydrating and moisturizing PABA-free creams or gels that contain hyaluronic acid, honey, ceramides, or glycerin. For oily skin, you want a PABA-free sunscreen that is more water-based or gel-based, which doesn’t leave a shiny trail. Look for active ingredients like green tea, tea tree oils, or niacinamide.
If you’re someone who struggles with sensitive or reactive skin, skin allergies like allergic dermatitis, and irritation, you need to stay away from para-aminobenzoic acid, oxybenzone, phthalates, fragrances, salicylates, and cinnamates. What you need is a mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium oxide, panthenol, allantoin, and madecassoside. Just because you have normal skin, doesn’t mean you get slack on finding good skin-friendly PABA-free sunscreens. While most ingredients shouldn’t bother you, try organic sunscreen with organic ingredients with a proven track record in clinical settings for better and healthier skin.
- Know your needs
Buying a PABA-free sunscreen isn’t just about popping over to the chemist and picking up the first bottle or tube you see. Ask yourself why you want a scientifically formulated PABA-free sunscreen. Is it for daily wear? Is it for long hours outdoors for work? Are you into outdoor sports? Is it for surfing or just laying on the beach? Each of these activities requires a different degree of protection from the sun and you will see that each product is created meticulously to cater to your needs.
- Read the fine print
Always, always read the fine print. Look at the ingredients. Make sure there is no paba-aminobenzoic acid listed anywhere. Most professional-grade PABA-free products have it written where you can see it, but it is always good to know what goes into the mix. There might be other chemical formulas that you specifically are allergic to. So never apply any product on your body without reading what’s in it.
Infographic: Skin-Friendly Ingredients In PABA-free Sunscreens
PABA-free sunscreens have emerged as skin-friendly alternatives to regular sun creams. These formulations offer effective UV protection while catering to individuals with sensitivities to PABA. Check out the infographic below to discover the key skin-friendly ingredients that make PABA-free sunscreens a top choice for safe and reliable sun defense.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Remember, that just buying something off-the-rack and slapping it on your skin before you go out into the sunny beyond isn’t enough. Always know what you’re exposing your body to. Some days are hotter than others, and you also have to take into account how much direct exposure your body has to the sun everyday. It’s so important to keep your skin protected, nourished and fortified against harmful sun rays. But being outdoors doesn’t have to be a stressful activity or something you’ll regret later. Let the sun shine on, in all its glory, and shine along with it, without any worries. With your PABA-free sunscreen by your side, you know you’re gonna have a blast in the sun. You can check out our top three recommended products like the Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Tinted Face Sunscreen Lotion that provides effective sun protection while also combating uneven skin tone. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen that provides a matte finish, making it ideal for oily skin types and the Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen that has a non-greasy formula and is ideal for all skin types.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is paraben-free the same as PABA-free?
While there is some debate on how they interact with one another, no, PABA and parabens are not the same. So PABA-free does not indicate paraben-free.
Can I wear foundation over my PABA-free sunscreen?
Some PABA-free sunscreens can double as BB creams and foundations, but you will have to try them out on your skin to see how well they sit and blend.
Does PABA-free sunscreen work for every skin type?
PABA-free sunscreen is usually suited to most skin types, but some have specific formulas. In the case of any chronic or underlying skin condition, it is always best to consult your dermatologist before trying any skincare products. Always read the fine print before buying anything!
Do sunscreens remove tan?
No, sunscreens do not remove tan from the face or body. There are other sun tan removal products that remove tan and hyperpigmentation.
How long does it take for sunscreens to start working?
It takes 15-25 minutes for a sunscreen to start working on the body and face.
How much SPF should I use on my face?
Use at least SPF 30 and above on your face. Reapply the formula every 2 hours throughout the day.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast. She loves to explore various skin care products and always comes up with the top list from which readers can easily choose. It is crucial that you invest in a good sunscreen, and if it is PABA-free, you are all set for those sunny pictures. If you are looking for sunscreens devoid of harsh chemicals., these skin-friendly PABA-free sunscreens best serve the purpose.
