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Is Your Sunscreen Eco-Friendly?
Skiier racing down the slopes.

Is Your Sunscreen Eco-Friendly? Reef-Safe and Mineral Sunscreen Guide

Before the read

Q: Is eco-friendly sunscreen really different from regular sunscreen?

Some formulas protect more than your skin. The difference comes down to ingredients, impact on reefs, and how they are made.

Q: How can I tell if a sunscreen is reef-safe and mineral-based?

Labels and ingredient lists reveal more than you think, especially when you know what to look for in reef-safe sunscreen.

Q: Do you still need sustainable sunscreen in winter and snow?

Cold weather does not cancel UV exposure, and winter activities can increase the need for mineral sunscreen protection.

Is Your Sunscreen Eco-Friendly? Reef-Safe and Mineral Sunscreen Guide

Before the read

Q: Is eco-friendly sunscreen really different from regular sunscreen?

Some formulas protect more than your skin. The difference comes down to ingredients, impact on reefs, and how they are made.

Q: How can I tell if a sunscreen is reef-safe and mineral-based?

Labels and ingredient lists reveal more than you think, especially when you know what to look for in reef-safe sunscreen.

Q: Do you still need sustainable sunscreen in winter and snow?

Cold weather does not cancel UV exposure, and winter activities can increase the need for mineral sunscreen protection.

[acf_article_content]

Summer may be over, but it isn’t time to ditch the sunscreen. In fact, winter still exposes you to harmful UV rays that can damage your skin.

Sunscreens all aim to mitigate these issues, but not all are created equal. Some sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that can endanger wildlife and disrupt sensitive ecosystems.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate, for instance, are two chemicals often found in sunscreens. These compounds, while effective in dispersing UV rays, can damage coral reefs and their larvae. Coral reefs support aquatic ecosystems and are home to many species. Oxybenzone and octinoxate may also cause health concerns in humans, including absorption into the bloodstream and hormone disruption. Eco-friendly sunscreens often use mineral-based formulas containing non-nano zinc or titanium oxide, which are better for your skin and the planet.

You can also do your part by choosing a sunscreen with sustainable packaging. Packaging accounts for a large amount of waste on our planet. Plastics, cardboard, paper, and other materials pile up in landfills, clog waterways, and add to environmental damage. Major climate organizations, including the Sustainable Packaging Coalition, recognize packaging as one of the leading hazards facing our world today. Eco-conscious companies often invest in creating smart packaging with biodegradable materials.

Photo of coral reef and fish swimming.
Photo of coral reef and fish swimming.

And don’t forget that while the winter season may offer a reprieve from hot weather, the sun’s reflecting rays on snow and ice can wreak havoc on unprotected skin. Try sustainable sunscreen for skiing, hiking, and all your winter activities. Yet with so many choices on the market, finding the perfect sustainable sunscreen may feel a bit overwhelming. We’ve made it easier to decide with a vetted and curated list of products dedicated to ethically preserving the planet–and your skin.

Blue Lizard

Blue Lizard

Blue Lizard

Hailing from the land down under, Blue Lizard Sunscreen is an Aussie brand featuring a sensitive skin zinc-oxide-based formula. This broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product comes in a convenient spray form, and with an SPF of 50, it’s guaranteed to give you the protection you need. This formulation features soothing ingredients, like aloe, and doesn’t contain harsh fragrances. It is also oxybenzone and octinoxate-free, making it a safe choice for reef protection.

The Mike Field Face Stick has a long-lasting formula that withstands harsh winter elements but is gentle enough for babies and young children. It’s not only reef-safe, but it also contains skin-friendly oils like calendula, coconut, sunflower seed, and chamomile. This sensitive stick glides on smooth and won’t sting your eyes.

Snow Filled Activities
A woman smiling while wearing a coat and scarf.

If you’re going to hit the slopes or engage in some fun, snow-filled activities, Green People Facial Sun Cream fits the bill. This product is vegan, reef-safe, and cruelty-free. It provides UVA/UVB sun protection with an SPF of 30. It contains a soothing combination of edelweiss, green tea, rosemary, and avocado. It is also water-repellent, an excellent bonus for outdoor sports in snow and ice.

SPF 30 MIKE FIELD FACE STICK

Scent Free Facial Sun Cream

Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Badger’s long-lasting formula is great for the winter-sport enthusiast. It contains ingredients like beeswax and vitamin E and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes before the need to reapply. Its innovative and concise packaging design includes a cruelty-free 50% post-consumer recycled (PCR) tube made with solar power.

Thrive Bodyshield 50 not only has what it takes to protect your skin and the Earth, it also has a smooth and creamy formula that allows for easy absorption. It’s no surprise, given that their moisturizing components include essential oils such as rosemary and lippia alba. Besides a smooth application, this sunscreen won’t give you the dreaded white cast. It also has an SPF 50, non-nano oxide, non-greasy, reef-safe, broad-spectrum formulation. With a certified plastic-negative rating, you can help combat waste.

Raw Love is not only reef-safe, but comes with a plethora of moisturizing and protective ingredients. This sunscreen contains soothing elements such as sunflower, jojoba, and coconut oils, making application a breeze. It features a non-nano zinc oxide base, is cruelty-free, and safe for babies and children. It also comes in a sustainable PCR container.

Body Shield 50

Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Alba Botanica Sunscreen

If you’re looking to defend the skin you’re in–and the environment–without sabotaging your budget, give this sunscreen a try. At under $15 USD per bottle, this sunscreen provides the essentials. It’s water-resistant, biodegradable, and has an SPF of 50. It also contains a mineral formulation that’s safe for the environment.

At under $20, SunBum’s face stick protects without the hefty price tag. You’ll also safeguard the environment with its mineral compounds, which include a zinc oxide formulation that is vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free. It’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers water resistance and up to 80 minutes of UVA/UVB protection. This sunscreen has been carefully crafted to withstand higher altitudes, so it works well for mountain hiking and skiing adventures.

Get Your Skin Winter Ready

Winter is coming, but you can skip the sunburn with a clean SPF brand. Using eco-friendly sunscreens also helps protect the planet. A 2020 study found that climate change may increase the global risk of skin cancer by 2050. You can join the fight against ongoing environmental damage and ensure your skin’s continued health by purchasing sustainable sunscreens. It’s a worthwhile investment and an easy way to enhance your winter skincare routine.

Eloise Stark
Contributing Team Coordinator & Content Strategist

London, UK

More by this author

The Wrap

  • Eco-friendly sunscreen prioritizes mineral filters like non-nano zinc oxide instead of chemical UV blockers.
  • Reef-safe sunscreen avoids ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate that harm marine ecosystems.
  • Sustainable sunscreen brands often pair clean formulas with low-waste or recycled packaging.
  • Winter conditions like snow and high altitudes intensify UV exposure, making daily sunscreen essential year-round.
  • Mineral sunscreen options can be effective, gentle on sensitive skin, and safe for children.
  • Choosing eco-friendly sunscreen supports both long-term skin health and environmental preservation.

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    ©2018 -2025 – TrooRa is a registered trademark of Rare Luxury Living LLC TrooRa Magazine, A Fortunest Group and is registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

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