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.
Top 15 Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreens Reviews And Buying Guide
1. Best Non-Greasy:Australian Gold Extreme Sport Spray Gel Sunscreen SPF 30
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. It’s spray bottle makes it easy to use during a sporting event or outdoor activities and it’s 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 it’s 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
2. Best For Sensitive Skin:Alba Botanica Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
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 nourish the skin and fights the signs of aging, while its use of a mineral and botanical formulation makes it suitable for sensitive skin. It absorbs into the skin easily and leaves it non-greasy. This liquid sunscreen also boasts a lightweight formulation and a mild yet pleasant scent. In this YouTube video, you will find a detailed review of this product. 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 video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of the product. 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
4. Best Non-Comedogenic:Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray
This is a dermatologically-approved non-comedogenic formula with SPF 30 is an easy-to-use spray and lends a sheer finish. This vegan cruelty-free sunscreen is also hypoallergenic and free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, and parabens. It also contains vitamin E and antioxidants that helps fight premature aging of the skin and free radicals. Other than offering sun protection and shielding your skin from UVA and UVB rays, the sunscreen spray smells amazing too! Pros
Non-comedogenic Hypoallergenic Gluten-free Paraben-free Dermatologist-tested Vegan
Cons
Has to be reapplied every 2 hours
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 make up. 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
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 sunscreen contains juanilama and fierrillo that 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. 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
7. Best Water-Resistant:Panama Jack Sunscreen Tanning Lotion
This is a cruelty-free sunscreen lotion that combines antioxidants, moisturizing oils, and tropical 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
8. 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:Goddess Garden Mineral Sunscreen
Made of non-nano minerals that offer protection from UVA/UVB rays with its SPF 50 formulation, this sunscreen also contains organic shea butter and coconut oil for nourishment of the skin and provides ample hydration. It is sheer and light and has a mild lavender fragrance. This is also well-suited for kids and sensitive skin types for its use of minerals and no harmful chemicals. Pros
Suitable for kids and sensitive skin types Broad spectrum SPF protection Sheer and light on the skin Uses non-nano minerals Reef safe
Cons
May leave a white residue
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 Vegan:Pacifica Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen
For those looking for a healthy glow in a cruelty-free sunscreen, this is the answer that they are looking for. This sunscreen moisturizes the skin thoroughly and also doubles up as a bronzer. It is formulated with 14.5% zinc oxide and other ingredients such as bentonite, bisabolol, caprylyl glycol, iron oxides, and jojoba esters that work actively to keep the skin nourished and protected. It comes in a spray formulation for easy application and also boasts a pleasant fragrance. . Pros
Free of harsh chemicals including petrolatum, parabens, silicones, retinyl palmitate, phthalates and chemical UV absorbers Cruelty-free 100% Vegan
Cons
Some may find the formula slightly sticky
12. Best For Radiant Skin:Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer
A non-greasy, chemical-free formulation made with natural ingredients, it leaves the skin feeling hydrated, smooth, and radiant. The SPF 47 used in this is derived from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Argan oil, jojoba oil, and green tea are the main ingredients in this formulation, along with the brand’s SunBoost ATB blend of antioxidants. Pros
Hydrates, smoothens and makes skin radiant Uses SunBoost ATB formulation of antioxidants SPF 47 protects from UVA and UVB rays Cruelty-free Vegan Paraben-free
Cons
Slightly expensive
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 Hypoallergenic:Surface Sun Systems Non-Nano Zinc Sunscreen
Formulated to provide heavy-duty protection from the sun, this cruelty-free sunscreen uses SPF 50 derived from non-nano zinc oxide. It is hypoallergenic and does not use any oxybenzone or octinoxate, this is good for the planet and the skin and can be used both on the face and the body. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and needs reapplication after that. This is great for athletes and people looking for protection for longterm activities in the sun. Pros
Hypoallergenic Uses SPF 50 for heavy-duty protection Can be used on face and body Free of oxybenzone or octinoxate
Cons
Not specific to any type of skin
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.
Thing 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 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 important to buy one based on what you want for your skin and what suits it the best. For oily skin, look for 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 does not sit heavy or clog your pores.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Vaishnavi Kothuri, 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. 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? Higher SPF 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.
Recommended Articles: Best Vegan Sunscreens You Can Add To Your Skin Care RoutineBest PABA-Free Sunscreens To Protect Your SkinBest Cruelty-Free And Vegan Skin Care BrandsBest SPF 50 Sunscreens For Every Skin TypeBest Paraben-Free Sunscreens To Keep Harmful Rays At Bay
