The last step of your morning skincare routine should always be sunscreen. My requirements? No white-cast, unscented, and made with purposeful ingredients that also nourish the skin. Let's check out some of my favorite non-toxic, vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens for face, body, and lips.
Jump to:
- What is the difference between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens?
- Best vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for your face
- Vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for body (SPF 30)
- Vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for body (SPF 50)
- Vegan & cruelty sunscreen SPF 30 (with shimmer)
- Vegan Lip Balm with SPF
- Bonus: top tip for anyone with sensitive skin
- 💬 Feedback
What is the difference between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens are most often composed of ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, avobenzone, etc. These active ingredients are absorbed into your skin and can enter the blood stream. There may be potential side effects and health concerns from using products containing these ingredients, however more research is needed*. They are also not safe for aquatic life, causing damage to our eco-systems as we dip into the water after slathering it on.
*more research is needed to understand the safety and efficacy of the common chemical ingredients used. Check out this article from EWG for more information.
Mineral sunscreens blocks UV rays by sitting on top of the skin. Mineral sunscreens are made from zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. The most common complaint with mineral sunscreens is that it leaves a white-cast when applying, however this means that it is effective and working. It's almost important to note, that you can decrease the amount of white cast by properly rubbing it in. Mineral sunscreens are more environmentally friendly than chemical sunscreens and can be regarded as a "safer" alternative (especially for those with sensitive skin).
There are some mineral sunscreens that rub in easier than others and are made with ingredients to not only protect you, but nourish and hydrate too! All of the sunscreens I am about to share with you are made from zinc oxide and leave a very minimal white cast. They are specifically made for active lifestyles, so play, sweat, swim, etc. with no worries. Additionally, they are all vegan (containing no animal products or by-products) and cruelty-free (no animal testing).
My top tip for applying mineral sunscreen: rub just a bit in at a time, like it's a luxurious & rich body butter.
Best vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for your face
- Go! Daily Defense Soothing Mineral Sunscreen by Solara Suncare
- Price: $25.00
The only face sunscreen I use & highly recommend it for anyone with sensitive skin. It doesn't irritate or cause breakouts. It's ideal for every day use as it is lightweight, easily rubs in (without any white cast) and doesn't leave a shiny tint.
Also available for purchase at Target
Vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for body (SPF 30)
It was love at first sight for me and this sunscreen. I mean, how cute is the name?! Solara Suncare calls this sunscreen a "rich + nourishing multi-vitamin for your skin" and they are spot on with this description. Shea butter, coconut oil, sunflower oil, oat extract, and ashwagandha are just a few key ingredients that leave my skin feeling incredibly supple. It is unscented, however it does have a slight coconut smell (as it should with the use of natural ingredients) but it is very subtle.
Clean Freak is also available for purchase at Nordstrom
Vegan & cruelty-free sunscreen for body (SPF 50)
This mineral sunscreen is part of Solara's GO! collection which comes at a less steep price point than the other body sunscreens mentioned here. However, it still is made with skin nutrients like mango, cocoa butter, shea butter, and coconut oil. Don't let the price point fool you; it feels just as luxurious as the other sunscreens.
Also available for purchase at Target
Vegan & cruelty sunscreen SPF 30 (with shimmer)
- Solara Glow Getter Active Wear Body Moisturizer, SPF 30
- Price: $32.00
This is my holy grail of a sunscreen option for vacations or fun day trips. I am obsessed with the shimmery glow it gives thanks to ethically sourced mica. It includes all of the luxurious and hydrating ingredients that Clean Freak does, with a few extras like coffee oil (which naturally tones the skin) and fruit extracts.
Also available at Nordstrom & The Detox Market
Vegan Lip Balm with SPF
- Hurraw Sun Lip Balm SPF 15
- Price $5.00
Hurraw's SPF chapstick is my personal favorite, for the subtle shine and the faint yet dreamy scent of tangerine and chamomile. It has a slight creamy tint to it, but if you prefer more of a matte look, I have you covered.
Other options;
- Juice Beauty SPF 8 Lip Moisturizers $10.00
Best for anyone who loves a matte lip tint. The SPF chapstick style balm comes with a clear as well as two different matte lip tints.
Also available for purchase at Thrive Market and Athleta.
- Solara Suncare Pout Protector Moisturizing Lip Serum, SPF 15 $16.00
A glossy lip balm that has a smooth texture and leaves your pout with a shine. It's not sticky, but for ultimate smoothness, massage well before use. Perfect for anyone who loves a shiny lip.
Bonus: top tip for anyone with sensitive skin
Store rosewater toner in your beach cooler or lunch bag and treat yourself with a spritz anytime your face or chest feels hot or dry.
- Rosewater and Glycerin Hydrating Facial Mist
- Price: $4.69 (2oz)
Also available at Target and Ulta
I am not paid for any of my thoughts, just sharing products I genuinely love and will continue to purchase.
I hope you found this article helpful! Feel free to comment below if you have a vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen that you love or if have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you!
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