“What we put ON our bodies is as important as what we put IN our bodies.”
Since moving to Los Angeles about 12 years ago, I've become increasingly concerned with protecting my skin from harmful sun rays to maintain a youthful glow. After realizing how many toxic sunscreens I’ve been using over the years, I decided to take a deep dive and research cleaner formulations to find out what are truly the best ones. My latest favorite SPF products have a great texture, provide excellent protection, and hydrate the skin, without leaving a scary white cast, which many sunscreens tend to do.
Proper sun protection is an important part of any skincare routine, especially if you want to maintain the health and texture of your skin. Since the skin is our largest organ, we must protect it by using safe sunscreens for us and for what may live in the ocean. Toxic chemicals can be found in most sunscreens, including the most popular brands like Neutrogena, Hawaiian Tropic, Coppertone, Banana Boat, Sun Bum, and more. Regular exposure to these can lead to all kinds of immune system illnesses, hormone/reproductive disorders, and even cancer! Keep scrolling to explore my tried-and-true #glowgirlcertified SPF picks that will keep your skin glowing and well-protected all summer long!
XxMelissa
P.S. This article was updated from last year with several new SPF products!
TOP 18 GLOW GIRL CERTIFIED CLEAN SUNSCREENS FOR FACE AND BODY
This sunscreen is formulated with organic ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and green tea extract to soothe and nourish the skin. It is free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and synthetic fragrances, making it reef-safe and eco-friendly. Gentle enough for sensitive skin and suitable for daily use, this moisturizing sunscreen provides effective sun protection while hydrating the skin for a smooth and comfortable application. Ideal for those seeking a clean, natural sunscreen option.
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 with Niacinamide
Caudalie's Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 is a silicone-free mineral sunscreen designed to safeguard your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Infused with brightening Grapevine Viniferine, non-nano Zinc Oxide and Niacinamide, it not only provides high SPF protection but also works to diminish the appearance of dark spots, leaving your complexion with a natural, radiant glow finish in the most clean and beautiful way!
This sunscreen is tailored for active individuals seeking robust sun protection combined with skincare benefits. It’s a lightweight moisturizer with SPF 50 broad-spectrum defense against UVA and UVB rays. Infused with antioxidant-rich argania active complex featuring organic argan oil and leaf extract, it shields against environmental stressors while nourishing the skin. The non-comedogenic formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin, ensuring it won't clog pores. Water-resistant properties enhance durability during outdoor activities, and its fast-absorbing, non-greasy texture promises comfort throughout wear, making it the perfect SPF for healthy, protected skin.
Grown Alchemist Invisible Natural Protection SPF 30
This clean sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with non-nano zinc oxide as its active ingredient. It's formulated with botanical extracts like rosehip oil and camellia seed oil, which provide hydration and nourishment to the skin. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and leaves no white cast, making it ideal for daily use. Additionally, it's reef-safe and free from harmful chemicals, making it a great choice for both your skin and the environment.
Kora Organics Silky Skin Drops are luxurious and nourishing for the skin and formulated with a blend of organic and natural ingredients. Infused with hydrating oils such as rosehip, noni fruit extract, and sea buckthorn, these drops provide essential fatty acids and antioxidants that deeply moisturize and rejuvenate the skin. They leave the skin with a natural, dewy glow and can be used as a lightweight moisturizer or mixed with foundation for added luminosity. Free from parabens, sulfates, and synthetic fragrances.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 provides broad-spectrum protection using 100% mineral filters, specifically titanium dioxide. This lightweight, non-greasy fluid is designed for easy absorption and leaves no white cast, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Enriched with La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water, it helps soothe and protect the skin. The formula is free from parabens, fragrance, and harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, ensuring it adheres to high safety standards. Ideal for daily use, this sunscreen offers reliable sun protection while maintaining skin health and comfort.
Le Prunier Plumscreen SPF 31 is a natural, mineral-based sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide. This sunscreen is formulated with the brand's signature plum oil, rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids to nourish and protect the skin. The lightweight and non-greasy formula absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast, making it ideal for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive skin. Its clean, non-toxic ingredients are recognized, and free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum is a versatile addition to any skincare routine, offering a blend of protective and nourishing ingredients for comprehensive daily care. This serum is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF protection (zinc oxide) and enriched with antioxidants like vitamins C & E, ferulic acid, and niacinamide. It also features hydrating elements such as sodium hyaluronate and organic argan oil, which help to moisturize and plump the skin for a smoother texture. The lightweight serum is free from parabens, synthetic fragrances, and harmful chemicals, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Mama Sol Lipbrella SPF 30
Think of this as a lip gloss meets sunscreen! Lipbrella gives your lips a sheer, hydrating shine while protecting them from sun damage with SPF 30. It’s non-sticky, nourishing, and makes a great clean alternative to chemical-laden lip balms. A beach bag must!
Mama Sol Mineral Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30
This mineral sunscreen feels more like skincare than SPF! It’s moisturizing but not greasy, with a smooth texture that works well under makeup. I love the gentle, reef-safe formula made with zinc oxide—perfect for daily wear, especially on sensitive skin.
Nécessaire The Sunscreen
This sunscreen is perfect for those seeking a clean and effective formula that blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving behind a natural finish. The lightweight, fragrance-free formula is enriched with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it an excellent addition to your skincare routine. With SPF 30 and broad-spectrum protection, Nécessaire The Sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UV rays while providing hydration and calming benefits.
OneSkin Lip SPF
This lip treatment is skincare-first with the added bonus of sun protection. It’s infused with the OS-01 peptide to target visible signs of aging while shielding lips with SPF 30. I love how hydrating and smooth it feels—no stickiness, just soft, protected lips.
OneSkin OS-01 Face SPF 30+
This mineral sunscreen is a summer essential! It offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection with a lightweight, silky texture that layers beautifully under makeup, without white cast or a heavy feel. Formulated with OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide, it not only protects your skin from the sun but also supports skin health and longevity.
This body sunscreen blends luxurious skincare with effective sun protection. Infused with non-nano zinc oxide, it offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 defense against UVA and UVB rays without clogging pores. Enriched with green tea extract for antioxidant benefits, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and CBD to soothe and calm the skin, it's designed to nourish while safeguarding against sun damage. This lightweight formula absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth and protected, making it ideal for daily use and suitable for all skin types.
Sky & Sol Face and Body Sunscreen SPF50
Sky & Sol sunscreen blends only 7 (edible) natural and pure ingredients, including 100% grass-fed tallow and zinc oxide. Free from processed seed oils, fragrances, preservatives, and chemical UV filters, it offers sun protection that is both pure and effective. Ideal for active lifestyles, it is water-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor adventures. You can count on its reliable protection that stays put through all your activities. Say goodbye to white residue and breakouts—just healthy, protected skin all day long.
Sol Labs Fountain of Youth Formula SPF 30
This ultra-clean, mineral-based SPF is a non-toxic, reef-safe favorite for body! Made with just a few simple ingredients that are perfect for sensitive skin. The formula glides on smoothly, blends in without a white cast, and leaves skin feeling nourished and protected.
Suntegrity Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray SPF 50 provides high-level, broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide. Enriched with hydrating and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, it ensures the skin remains moisturized and calm. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast. Committed to clean beauty, this sunscreen is free from harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, making it suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen is a weightless, invisible sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. This wildly popular sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin without leaving a white cast. It's enriched with red algae to help protect against blue light and meadowfoam seed oil to increase hydration and even skin tone. Ideal for all skin types, it leaves a velvety finish, making it a perfect primer under makeup while safeguarding your skin from UV damage. It’s formulated with 100% mineral actives, making it one of their cleanest products.
if you enjoyed this article read, “My Best Self-Tanning Secrets for Natural Summer Glow”