13 Best Eco Friendly Sunscreens for Travel

Sunscreen is a necessary purchase, and just because summer is over doesn’t mean you should stop thinking about it. SPF shields you from more than just sunburn, after all. Traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that harm the ocean, yet eco-friendly sunscreens enable us to enjoy the sun without endangering fragile marine environments.

Even though our bodies require sunlight, excessive exposure can cause several skin conditions, including skin cancer. Sunscreen is just as necessary as water and food, whether you’re going on an ambitious hike or spending the day relaxing by the beach. However, finding the finest sunscreen that offers the highest protection and comfort is still difficult. In this article, we are giving tips on choosing the best sunscreen, as well as our top 13 picks for the best eco-friendly sunscreens for travel.

Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50

13

The biggest downside of mineral sunscreens is how expensive they are, compared to their chemical counterparts. Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 defies this generalization, as it’s one of the most affordable mineral sunscreens in the market and is still one of the safest sun creams for sensitive skin that you will find anywhere in the world.

Don’t let the low price fool you; it offers up to 80 minutes of waterproof sun protection. It’s a non-oily, all-natural sun cream that won’t separate, does not require shaking before use, and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky or greasy.

Are you traveling anytime soon? If Yes, then you should check out our best light-sensitivity sunglasses for traveling.

Safe Sea Sunscreen with SPF 40 Spray

12

When it comes to an environment-friendly sunscreen, nothing can beat the Safe Sea Sunscreen with SPF 40 Spray. It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection. This sunscreen is highly water resistant and designed to last longer in water conditions.

It’s also suitable for use while traveling and when swimming in open waters. In addition, leading hospitals and academic institutes around the world found that Safe Sea sunscreen does not harm ocean life.

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

11

Many of the best facial sunscreens can be problematic when they contain chemical substances which end up affecting the skin. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen option is completely free from chemicals and protects your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body.

This lotion is amongst the best environment-friendly sunscreen on our list, as it provides true broad-spectrum protection and contains no fragrances or parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

SurfDurt Original Reef Safe Sunscreen

10

For outdoor enthusiasts and travelers, sunscreen usually means oily skin and burning eyes. SurfDurt Original Reef Safe Sunscreen is the solution to all these problems. It protects your skin and keeps marine and aquatic life safe.

Without washing off, it will shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays while adjusting its moisture according to the weather changes. Also, it’s a premium, surf-resistant sunscreen that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

9

Most of the products on our list of best eco-friendly sunscreens are for preventative care, just like the Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 provides water-resistant broad spectrum SPF 50 sun protection, hydrates, nourishes, and revitalizes your skin.

The Thrive Natural Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is reef-safe sunscreen, and non-nano zinc oxide blocks UVA/B rays. It’s quickly absorbed, leaving minimal residue, and is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Everyday Humans SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum

8

Comfortable and lightweight sunscreen for broad-spectrum protection. The Everyday Humans SPF 30 Sunscreen Serum contains a moisture magnet hyaluronic acid, antioxidant-rich spinach, and green tea that helps neutralize free radicals, repairing and strengthening the skin’s natural defense systems against pollution and environmental aggressors.

It offers invisible protection, is suitable for light and dark skin tones, and dries down to a glow finish for a healthy, lit-from-within look. In addition, it’s an everyday anti-aging and wrinkle defense, used on its own or as a primer under makeup.

Brush on Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder

7

By now, you must have figured that finding a non-greasy and white-cast-free sunscreen is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Brush on Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder goes on smoothly without affecting your normal skin tone for flawless coverage with broad spectrum, water-resistant protection.

The active ingredients in this eco-friendly sunscreen for travel, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide, are both widely known, naturally occurring minerals. When combined and used as directed, they create one of the safest sunscreens on the market. Overall, Brush on Block Mineral Sunscreen Powder is a lifesaver for people with sensitive skin.

Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 20

6

The organic ingredients in this sunscreen lotion act as a physical shield that protects the surface of your skin against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Stream2Sea Tinted Sunscreen with SPF 20 is ideal for you if you like traveling and spending time in the sun.

This non-greasy sunscreen lotion is concentrated, so it only needs a small portion to cover areas of your body. Also, it’s safe to use for the face and body, will provide shield protection on your sensitive skin while outdoors, and prevents aftersun skin burns and irritation, so you can have fun while enjoying the sun!

MANDA Organic Sun Paste

5

MANDA Organic Sun Paste is specially designed for surfers, climbers, hikers, athletes, adventurers, or anyone who loves to be outside or in the water. This formulation is made with the highest quality, food-grade, all-natural and organic ingredients. It has everything you can expect from the best environment-friendly sunscreen; water-resistant, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and antioxidants that reflect free radicals.

Additionally, it does not contain chemicals such as oxybenzone that have been proven to kill coral reefs. The unique packaging made from bamboo and tin is recyclable.

If you’re in search of other travel-themed items, check out our best travel-themed things to buy in Walmart.

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

4

Whether you’re spending a lazy day at the beach or going on a trip, this Original formula sunscreen is your fav. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is packed with Vitamin E. This oil-free, water-resistant, and reef-friendly SPF 50 Lotion is great for all skin types.

This non-comedogenic sunscreen delivers UVA/UVB protection. Also, it fights against free radicals and premature aging. As a cherry on top, it’s cruelty and paraben free to ensure you have a fun day in the sun.

Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion

3

The Solimo Sport Sunscreen Lotion is a really good sunscreen. This product goes on easily, does not have a thick paste, and does not leave a greasy residue or stain on your clothes. There’s no smell, and it doesn’t burn my eyes or skin.

This broad-spectrum product reflects the UV rays with transparent zinc oxide in its formula. Also, it’s water and sweat-resistant quality that lasts for 80 minutes. Has a scent but is very affordable.

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen

2

With increasing controversy around the side effects of chemical sunscreens, even Eco-friendly Sunscreen manufacturers are seeking new formulations that are friendly for even the most sensitive skin. Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen stands out for its unique combination of natural ingredients. It’s made with a plant-based blend of botanical ingredients like coconut extract, shea butter, and avocado oil.

This eco-friendly sunscreen for travel provides broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Also, its 100% vegetarian formula, made without harsh ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, or gluten, makes it one of the best eco-friendly sunscreens for travel.

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

1

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports, and active use. The hydrating body and face sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection from the sun begins instantly. This fast-absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your skin feeling oily or sticky and has no unpleasant chemical scent.

Not only can it combat UVB and UVA rays with its broad spectrum, but it also alleviates the effects of free radicals from IR radiation. Besides, it also provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.

If you need to put on a face mask while traveling, then you should check out our best face masks for traveling.

How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens for Travel

What traveling headwear can’t protect from, sunscreen can. Let’s quickly go over some important things you must take into account to select the best eco-friendly sunscreen. There are a few common factors that influence the caliber of every sunscreen, whether it is intended for children, travelers, or specifically for face protection.

Water Resistance

There must be at least one person in the pool wearing sunscreen that isn’t water-resistant if you detect a trail of the greasy surface. When you swim or perspire, sunscreen that is not water-resistant will wash off rapidly. On damp skin, good sunscreen should be effective for at least an hour. Don’t worry; the length will be indicated on many water-resistant products.

SPF Factor

When we glance at the sunscreen container, the SPF number is the first thing that catches our attention, but what does it mean? SPF, short for sun protection factor, indicates how well a sunscreen can block UVB rays. The better, the greater the SPF. Even though many sunscreens block more than 90% of UVB rays, you should choose SPF30 or SPF50, which block 97% or 98% of UVB rays, respectively. If you have a family history of skin cancer, choose an SPF of 50 or greater to be safe.

Type of Application

There are several different types of sunscreens, including spray, cream, and lotion. We outlined the benefits of each form, though any of them will work.

The easiest options to use are, by far, lotions. It is simpler to apply because they are thinner and less oily uniformly.

Although creams can be more viscous and take longer to soak into the skin, they are more effective moisturizers.

Sprays are quick and simple to use, but you run the risk of inhaling.

What is the most natural form of sunscreen?

The only active ingredients in natural sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The only components that have been approved by the FDA to give your sunscreen a natural SPF are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are found naturally on the earth.

Does sunscreen hurt reefs?

Corals and other marine life are at risk from common chemicals used in millions of items to protect against ultraviolet light’s destructive effects. According to research, some of the chemicals included in sunscreen and other personal care items endanger coral reef health.

What is the healthiest SPF to use?

Dermatologists advise using sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30, which protects 97% of UVB rays from the sun. No sunscreen can completely filter all of the sun’s UVB rays. However, higher SPFs do block a little more of the sun’s UVB rays.