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If we are what we wear, we absolutely are what we put on our skin, especially when we are trying to protect it! Animal testing is a cruel and unnecessary practice that is still common in the cosmetics industry, and sadly extends into sunscreen products. Many popular sunscreens contain animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax and lanolin, contain ingredients that are harmful to our ocean life, and are made by companies that test on animals. By choosing a cruelty-free and vegan sunscreen, you can help protect animals and the environment while also taking care of your skin. Here are my best vegan sunscreens for daily wear in 2023.
My best picks for vegan sunscreens in 2023
Looking for a cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-friendly sunscreen that ticks all the boxes – sheer, quick-absorbing, effective sun protection, vegan, cruelty free, and reef-friendly – can be overwhelming, especially with so many options out there. As someone who tries a lot of sunscreens, ranging in both price and quality, I understand the importance of finding the perfect one. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my top picks for vegan sunscreens for 2023. All of my recommendations are vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly, and are made by companies that are committed to using environmentally sustainable ingredients.
KINeSYS Fragrance Free Clear Spray Sunscreen
KINeSYS Fragrance Free Clear Spray Sunscreen is an award-winning Canadian-made gem that quickly became my go-to for all my sun protection needs. The clear spray formula applies evenly and quickly without leaving a greasy residue, providing protection that lasts up to 80 minutes in water. What really impressed me is how gentle it is on my skin – the hypoallergenic formula ensures that I don’t experience any irritation or breakouts, making it perfect for the whole family. Even my teenagers did not experience acne when using KINeSYS over an entire week’s vacation. If you’re looking for an easy-to-use, fragrance-free sunscreen that’s gentle on the skin and has been recognized for its quality, give KINeSYS a try – you won’t regret it!
Price at time of publish: $26.99
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 4 fl oz | Sun Protection: 50 SPF
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a daily sunscreen that is effective and gentle on the skin. What sets this sunscreen apart is its unique, non-greasy lotion formula that quickly absorbs into the skin, providing broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30. But what really makes it stand out is its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and paraben-free formula, making it perfect for those with sensitive skin or who prefer unscented products. Plus, it’s a safe and healthy choice for you and the environment.
Price at time of publish: $14.99
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 6 fl oz | Sun Protection: 30 SPF
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Natural Sunscreen Spray
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 50 Natural Sunscreen Spray sunscreen is a game-changer for many people. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and doesn’t leave a white cast on skin. It absorbs quickly, making it perfect for daily wear, and provides reliable protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it’s great for outdoor activities. If you struggle to find a sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy and irritating, I highly recommend giving Rocky Mountain Sunscreen a try.
Price at time of publish: $13.27
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 6 fl oz | Sun Protection: 50 SPF
Pacifica Beauty, Sea & C Mineral Combo Sunscreen SPF 30
I would be remiss if I didn’t include my go-to brand for cosmetics, Pacifica Beauty. If you’re on the hunt for a more natural sunscreen, try Pacifica Beauty’s Sea & C Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30. It goes on super smoothly and absorbs completely without any greasiness or white residue. What sets it apart from other mineral formulations is the addition of natural moisturizers that leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. And, unlike many other scented sunscreens, the fragrance is actually pleasant. Although it’s not entirely mineral-based, it’s definitely better than most conventional sunscreens in terms of its natural ingredients.
Price at time of publish: $19.99
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 6 fl oz | Sun Protection: 30 SPF
Andalou Naturals DIY Booster SPF 30 Facial Serum
Andalou Naturals DIY Booster SPF 30 Facial Serum is my for-reals daily go-to lotion, and an excellent option for daily sun protection. The lightweight formula is easy to apply and absorbs quickly, making it perfect for incorporating into your daily skincare routine. What sets it apart from other sunscreens is that it’s a mineral-based formula, making it a natural choice. It also includes antioxidant-rich ingredients like Vitamin C and resveratrol to reduce redness, protect against environmental stressors, and support healthy skin. With an SPF of 30, it provides ample protection from harmful UV rays. If you’re looking for a natural and effective daily moisturizer and sunscreen, it’s definitely worth trying. It might seem expensive to those with budget-friendly lotion and sunscreen in mind, but I find that a pea-sized amount covers my entire face, and the bottle lasts for months.
Price at time of publish: $15.89
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 2 oz | Sun Protection: 30 SPF
Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen
For those of you with fair and sensitive skin, when it sometimes feels like you can even get burned by the moonlight, Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen SPF 100 Sunblock Body Lotion is a must-have. This water-resistant sunscreen offers serious protection from the sun’s harmful rays with its impressive SPF 100. The best part? It goes on completely clear and feels weightless on the skin, making it perfect for anyone with fair, sensitive skin. Whether you’re spending the day at the beach or just running errands, this sunscreen provides long-lasting protection without leaving any sticky or greasy residue. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!
Price at time of publish: $16.75
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 5 fl oz | Sun Protection: 100 SPF
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Super popular Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen – SPF 40 is a revolutionary product that lives up to its award-winning reputation. Not only is it incredibly lightweight, but it also does not leave a greasy residue on the skin like other sunscreens tend to do. It works wonders as a primer under makeup, providing a smooth base for foundation and keeping it in place all day long. In fact, many people swear by it as a daily primer for a flawless makeup application. However, if you’re not a makeup wearer, simply apply it over your serum and moisturizer for a clean and dewy finish. This is the perfect sunscreen for summer, giving you the sun protection you need without compromising on texture or effectiveness.
Price at time of publish: $38
100% vegan & cruelty free | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Sun Protection: 40 SPF
What to look for in a vegan sunscreen
When choosing the best vegan sunscreen for daily wear, it’s important to look for products that are free of animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax, lanolin, and animal-based glycerin. You should also avoid sunscreens made by companies that test on animals. Look for sunscreens that are labeled, “cruelty-free,” “vegan,” and, “reef-friendly,” to ensure that they meet your ethical standards. Animal testing can be a cruel and unnecessary practice, and by choosing products that are certified by organizations such as PETA and Leaping Bunny, you can help support companies that prioritize animal welfare.
Animal-Derived Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen
When it comes to choosing the best vegan sunscreen for daily wear, it’s important to read the labels carefully and know what to look for. Some sunscreens contain animal-derived ingredients, such as beeswax, lanolin, animal-based glycerin, and stearic acid. Brands that still test on animals should also be avoided when looking for a cruelty-free and vegan sunscreen. These include popular drugstore and high-end brands like La Roche-Posay, Shiseido, Vichy, EltaMD, Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone, Cetaphil, CeraVe, Differin, Olay, Dr. Brandt, Avène, Kiehl’s, Innisfree, Skinceuticals, Neostrata, Peter Thomas Roth, Algenist, and MELĒ.
Animal-derived ingredients can be replaced with vegan alternatives that are just as effective. For instance, collagen, which is often used in sunscreens to boost elasticity in the skin, can be replaced with plant-based alternatives like pumpkin, green tea, and kale, which contain vitamin C and zinc. Hyaluronic acid, which is traditionally not vegan, can now be sourced through microbial fermentation and may contain elements of wheat or sweet potato.
An additional note about our oceans
A part of being vegan and cruelty free is to consider the health and safety of our oceans, especially if you are using sunscreen at the beach or on a cruise. All of the brands we have suggested are reef-friendly. According to Save the Reef’s Sunscreen Guide, here is a list of ingredients to avoid when buying sunscreens: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, PABA, Parabens, Triclosan, Any nanoparticles or “nano-sized” zinc or titanium (if it doesn’t explicitly say “micro-sized” or “non-nano” and it can rub in, it’s probably nano-sized), any form of microplastic, such as “exfoliating beads.”
Selecting the best vegan sunscreen to meet your daily needs
To ensure effective protection from the harmful effects of the sun, it’s important to choose a vegan sunscreen that meets certain criteria. As mentioned earlier, animal-derived ingredients should be avoided, and a broad-spectrum formula that blocks both UVA and UVB rays is essential. Additionally, a non-whitening formula that blends seamlessly into the skin can make application easier and more convenient. One common ingredient that can provide these benefits is zinc oxide, which also has the added benefit of reducing redness. By keeping these factors in mind and looking for products certified by PETA and Leaping Bunny, you can select a vegan sunscreen that aligns with your values and meets your skin’s needs.