What’s Clean Sunscreen — And Should You Use It?

Say goodbye to harsh sunscreens and hello to healthier skin! Many modern sunscreens not only provide broad-spectrum SPF protection but also prioritize skin health and environmental sustainability in their protective formulas, and it’s never been easier to source a clean sunscreen to fit your exact needs! With safe, effective formulas and eco-friendly ingredients, you can enjoy the sun without fear of compromising your values or your skin’s well-being — a winning combination! 

What is a Clean Sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, or octinoxate that absorb into the skin. Alternatively, clean sunscreens often utilize non-nano zinc oxide, which sits atop the skin’s surface, is less likely to absorb into the skin, and reflects and scatters UV rays, making it an advantageous alternative to chemical-based sunscreens. Non-nano zinc oxide also provides broad-spectrum protection, is gentle enough for sensitive skin, and provides quicker protection than chemical-based sunscreens that have to absorb into the skin first. 

While shopping for a clean sunscreen might seem as simple as a Google search, the reality is that it’s not always easy to know what’s in your go-to SPF. Many brands enlist greenwashing tactics, misleading labeling, or vague ingredient lists, making it harder to make informed, healthy choices. If you’re unsure what you’re buying, it’s always great to search for a potential sunscreen on the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) website to see how well the product’s ingredients are rated. 

In the meantime, we’ve done some shopping for you, curating a selection of the best clean sunscreens that check off the highest standards for protection, sustainability, and skin health, so you can find the perfect one for your sun-filled adventures ahead. 

_{Prices are accurate as of June 20, 2025. Subject to change.}

For Ultra-Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS FaceGuard SPF 30

Looking to incorporate a lightweight daily SPF to wear with makeup? Tower 28’s new SOS FaceGuard SPF 30 is just the easy-to-layer clean sunscreen to reach for this summer. Unlike other sunscreens that go on with a matte, chalky, or greasy texture, this mineral-based product goes on smooth, so incorporating a daily SPF won’t feel like a sacrifice, but instead, an indulgence. This non-comedogenic, fragrance-free mineral sunscreen enlists non-toxic, non-irritating ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, so your skin can breathe easily without a breakout or sunburn in sight. This top-reviewed white cast-free formula is the perfect SPF salve for all skin types and summer activities.

For The Diehard Natural Beauty Buyer: Sky & Sol Face & Body Sunscreen SPF 30

Those who are on the hunt for a versatile sunscreen that checks all the clean-standard boxes and then some ought to invest in Sky & Sol. The gentle white cast-free sunscreen has a high EWG rating for clean standards, forgoing toxic UV filters, highly processed seed oils, and silicones in its eco-friendly formula. The brand’s chemical-free face and body sunscreen is even safe enough to put on kids as well! This reef-safe SPF 30 product enlists ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide, as well as skin-nourishing additions like tallow, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and beeswax, so you can breathe easy about skin protection from the sun as well as harsh, potentially harmful ingredients.   

For Budget-Conscious Shoppers: Thinksport Zinc-Oxide Sunscreen

I’ve worn Thinksport for years, and it’s one of those essential products I carry with me whenever sun exposure is on the agenda. This SPF 50 sunscreen is one of the more affordable clean sunscreens in the marketplace and also boasts the highest EWG rating for clean standards. In other words, you’re not sacrificing quality for a reasonable price! This sweat and water-resistant sunscreen is thicker in texture like more traditional sunscreens, but a little goes a long way. If a matte-textured SPF doesn’t bother you, especially if you’re planning on swimming or sitting beachside for long periods of time, then Thinksport is a great option to consider. Its durability in water and resistance to sweat make it perfect to wear for outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, or lounging at the beach.

For The Beauty Obsessed: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop is a fan-favorite sunscreen brand with its versatile range of formulas and finishes. From lightweight, invisible options to richer, more hydrating ones, Supergoop’s sunscreen line caters to various skin types and lifestyle needs, making it easy to find the perfect personalized fit. Of all their products, though, the clear Unseen Sunscreen might be their most beloved formula, praised for its silky, gel-like texture and seamless wear under makeup. In fact, this lightweight sunscreen works as a great makeup primer, allowing for a smooth skin canvas that helps your makeup stay in place all day long. The SPF 40 broad-spectrum sunscreen has a great EWG rating, incorporating gentle, skin-boosting ingredients like zinc oxide, marine algae, and meadowfoam seed oil.  

For Beach Babes and Water Babies: Stream2Sea Every Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 

With Stream2Sea’s reef-safe, water-resistant mineral sunscreen, you can splash and swim without worrying about your skin or the planet. Like a number of sunscreens on our list, Stream2Sea’s SPF 45 sunscreen has the highest EWG rating, boasting gentle ingredients like non-nano, eco-safe zinc, turmeric, green tea, and olive leaf. Perfect for swimmers who care about the environment, Stream2Sea’s sulfate and paraben-free sunscreens offer performance, protection, and peace of mind wherever you go. It’s a sun-ready piece you can slip into your beach bag or pool tote, so you’re ready to soak up the sun without harming the planet or yourself.

For Minimalist Beauty Buyers: Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40

If you’re on the hunt for an affordable sunscreen that everyone from baby to grandma can wear without issue, look no further than Earth Mama. The brand’s Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is specially formulated for the most sensitive skin possible, providing gentle, broad-spectrum protection that’s free from harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances. The SPF 40, non-nano zinc mineral sunscreen incorporates key ingredients like organic shea butter and organic colloidal oatmeal that soothe and protect irritated skin so you can face the outdoors without fear of breakouts or irritation. Whether it’s a family beach trip or a run on the trail, Earth Mama’s gentle sunscreen has got you covered — quite literally.

For Anti-Aging Afficionados: Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum 

Some sunscreens go above and beyond protecting your skin, and such is the case with Kiehl’s fan-favorite Better Screen UV Serum. Not only does this clean SPF 50 protect your skin with a broad-spectrum formula, but the gentle sunscreen also utilizes ingredients like collagen peptide to correct fine lines, even out skin tone, and instill dull skin with a radiance that lasts all day. I used this daily SPF for a few weeks and noticed a visible improvement in my skin’s texture and tone, with a smoother, brighter, and more even complexion. The product worked wonders under my makeup without greasy, unsightly residue in sight. Kiehl’s Better Screen UV Serum is perfect for daily use, providing protection and key anti-aging benefits in one — perfect for those who want a thorough anti-aging skincare routine. 

For Splurge-Ready Shoppers: Marie Veronique Colorfree Zinc Sunscreen

This game-changing, skin-calming SPF launched in May, and we’re sure the clean beauty community will go wild for it! Marie Veronique’s Colorfree Zinc Broad Spectrum Sunscreen offers comprehensive protection with its non-nano zinc oxide formula, combined with gentle, skin-loving antioxidants and moisturizers. The newly launched sunscreen is free of chemical filters and suspect mineral actives found in other sunscreens, meaning you can enjoy protection that not only shields your skin from UV damage but also nurtures and repairs it. This thorough, albeit pricey, SPF not only defends against UV damage but also tackles other forms of light-induced potential harm from things like phones, screens, and indoor lights. 

Featured Image Credit: Mikhail Nilov/ Pexels