NOT Tested on Animals SUNSCREENS we LOVE

Sun can be a blessing on a picnic day. It can be the perfect addition to your day at the beach. Trying to keep your skin safe from too much sun can be challenging in todays world. While it seems that we see new and innovative sun protection products hit the market almost every day, there are a select few that customers love best. So many sunscreens have unhealthy additives which can clog pores, harm your skin and harmed countless animals with painful processes to ensure its not toxic for humans to wear. We have compiled a handful of cruelty-free sunscreens and many contain the mineral zinc oxide, which blocks both UVB and UVA rays.

Learning the lingo: UVA, UVB, chemical vs mineral and more

UVA: The sun’s rays are divided into two types: UVA and UVB. Most of the rays you’re exposed to are UVA (and UVA can penetrate glass). Look for ‘broad spectrum sunscreens’ in the US, which mean they protect both UVA and UVB. In the UK, look for the star rating for UVA protection; the rating is between 0 and 5 with 5 being the highest. This actually shows the ratio of UVA to UVB protection.

UVB: UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, and sunscreens were originally developed to protect from UVB. SPF ratings rate the UVB protection.

SPF: SPF stands for sun protection factor and describes how much longer you can stay in the sun without getting a sunburn; for example, if you’d burn within 10 minutes of being in the sun, an SPF of 15 will allow you to stay in the sun 150 minutes (15 times longer).

Pacifica

Pacifica is one of the only vegan and cruelty-free brands widely available at drugstores.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer | SPF 47 This is a physical sunscreen with a very high SPF of 47.

First Aid Beauty Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer | SPF 40 Great daily sunscreen, very moisturizing.

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex | SPF 30 This one works great for oilier skin types or for extra hot, humid, sweaty summer days.

Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen | SPF 50 I love the texture and the price tag! It’s great if you’re on a budget.

Avalon Organics Vegan Moisturizer Avalon Organics Moisturizer Sunscreen | SPF 10 Lightweight, it’s reef-friendly and eco friendly, and uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide!

John Masters Organics Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 30 This is another favorite and it’s great under makeup.

Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer | SPF 47 This is a physical sunscreen with a very high SPF of 47.

First Aid Beauty Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer | SPF 40 Great daily sunscreen, very moisturizing.

Paula’s Choice Hydralight Shine-Free Mineral Complex | SPF 30 This one works great for oilier skin types or for extra hot, humid, sweaty summer days.

Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen | SPF 50 I love the texture and the price tag! It’s great if you’re on a budget.

3rd Rock Essentials

3rd Rock Essentials features natural and organic sunblock and skin-care products.

John Masters Organics Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 30 This is another favorite and it’s great under makeup.