The Pioneer Woman posted "17 Best Natural Sunscreens That Won't Leave White Streaks" The article includes Visha Skincare founder, Dr. Purvisha Patel's expert commentary on how we wash our faces in the shower, which products we're using, and the efficacy of our skincare routines.
You may already take excellent care of your skin with the best facial cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and anti-aging creams. But skincare doesn't stop at the sink. It's also important to protect your skin with one of the best natural sunscreens. (Just ask Ree Drummond, who's advocated for sun protection ever since she had a basal cell carcinoma removed from her neck when she was 30.)
But why choose natural sunscreen over other kinds? While chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin's surface and absorb UV rays, the best natural sunscreens (including Ree's fave!) generally sit on top of the skin to completely block rays. This means they're less likely to irritate sensitive skin—plus they'll work right away, whereas you typically have to wait at least 30 minutes before catching some rays with the chemical kind.
Check out this list of the best natural sunscreens to find the perfect one for you, whether it's a suntan lotion for dry skin, a clear-finish stick, or an easy-to-use spray. You'll also find plenty of options here for sunscreen for your face and moisturizers with SPF.
You'll probably notice that the most common active ingredients in natural sunscreen, also known as physical or mineral sunscreen, are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. "These ingredients are safer for you than those found in chemical sunscreens because they aren't absorbed into the body," says Dr. Purvisha Patel, MD, a Tennessee-based dermatologist and the founder of Visha Skincare. Even the FDA has proposed stricter regulations that would recognize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the only safe ingredients. Natural sunscreens have environmental benefits, too: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide don't contribute to coral reef bleaching like many chemical ones do.
With all these things going for it, why isn't natural sunscreen more popular? Well, the same minerals that protect your skin can make natural sunscreens thicker and cause them to leave behind pesky white streaks. In many cases, a slight white tinge is unavoidable if you choose to use mineral sunscreen, but thankfully you won't have that problem with these 17 top-rated natural sunscreens. Click through our gallery and add one to your beach bag today!
Blue Lizard Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
This paraben- and fragrance-free sunscreen is a dermatologist favorite. Designed to withstand the elements, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, but it makes a great choice for beach bums, too!
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion
This noncomedogenic formula is lightweight enough for your face, but it also doubles as a body sunscreen for sensitive skin. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion
Ree's fellow Food Network star Molly Yeh swears by this brand. The water- and sweat-resistant formula (It works for up to 80 minutes!) won't leave you sticky.
SkinMedica Essential Defense Mineral Shield
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based dermatologist, likes this sunscreen developed for mature and sensitive skin. It's slightly tinted, so it can double as foundation.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Mineral Lotion
This paraben-free sunscreen has a matte, slightly tinted finish (No white residue here!), and it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It's good for more than just preventing a sunburn: Antioxidant-rich botanicals like eucalyptus and red algae have anti-aging properties.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray
This water-resistant brand is a top-seller on Amazon for a reason: Its spray form makes it easy to apply all over, and the hypoallergenic formula is ideal for sensitive skin.
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Prefer lotion? Try this squeezable version of the mineral sunscreen. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Thinkbaby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock
This Environmental Working Protection Group favorite protects the reefs and babies' skin. It's unscented, paraben-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. No judgment if you buy one for yourself, too!
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
This hypoallergenic sunscreen is sheer enough that you can layer it under makeup. It's also fragrance-free and noncomedogenic, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen
For a built-in skincare routine, use this tinted facial sunscreen. "It doubles as a primer and moisturizer and will protect the skin on a daily basis," says Dr. Patel.
TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
This sunscreen passes Australia's intense "water resistant" label test—it stays effective for up to 240 minutes in H2O! Reviewers love that it has a thick, creamy texture, but looks totally clear once applied.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a New York City-based dermatologist, prefers fragrance-free and noncomedogenic sunscreens, like this one from La Roche-Posay. It's great as a facial or body sunscreen, so you can apply it all over!
Blue Lizard Australian Kids Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreen can be great for kids, as they likely won't want to wait 30 minutes to go play outside! This one doesn't have any parabens or fragrances, making it perfect for sensitive skin. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Thinksport Sunscreen
This popular sunscreen has had the Environmental Working Protection Group's approval for more than a decade. (The company also makes a baby version, included in this gallery.) It's waterproof for up to 80 minutes!
Bare Republic Mineral Coco-Mango Spray
Pretend you're on a tropical beach with this coconut mango-scented mineral spray—even if you're just running errands! The SPF 30 formula offers broad-spectrum protection.
Beauty by Earth Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen is made with natural, moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and aloe vera. It's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.