Protect your face from the sun safely with the best non toxic face sunscreen. In this article, you’ll find what to look for in a non toxic sunscreen – and what to avoid. Then, I’ve got reviews that will help you find the face sunscreen that is right for you!

Do you know how to tell if the sunscreen you are currently using is both non toxic AND effective?
It starts with the ingredients.
There are two types of sunscreens currently on the market.
The first type contains minerals.
The second type contains chemicals.
To find a non toxic sunscreen, you need to choose a sunscreen with minerals as the main active ingredients.
The two active ingredients you want to find on a mineral barrier sunscreen are titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.
Now that you know what to look for, it is just as important to know what ingredients to avoid.
Avoid sunscreens with the toxic active ingredients you’ll find on the Sunscreen Safety Scale below.

As you can see on the scale, the ingredients are listed from the most toxic, oxybenzone (red) to the least toxic (green).
A quick word about oxybenzone, which is commonly found in most sunscreen.
Oxybenzone has been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and cell damage by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why would anyone want to use a product linked to cell damage?
In addition to looking at the ingredients, to find the safest non toxic sunscreen for your face, you also need to look for non nano minerals.
Let me explain.
The newest thing in cosmetics, skincare, and sunscreens is called nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology means unseen or infinitesimally small nanoparticles are being added to your cosmetics and body care products.
Why is this a problem? Because most companies are telling you this is a great thing.
The problem is there hasn’t been much research into the safety of nanoparticles.
If you apply nanoparticles to the skin, they’re able to enter your body.
So do they end up in your brain? Or could they possibly end up in your unborn fetus if you’re pregnant?
These things have not been investigated and we do not know the answers yet.
This is kind of scary because studies have shown that up to 35% of the sunscreen applied to the skin passes through the skin and enter into the bloodstream.

When finding the best non toxic sunscreen for you, be sure to look to see if the product says it is non-nano.
If you want to read more about the ingredients in sunscreen, or nanoparticles, I suggest heading over to the EWG Sunscreen Guide.
Review of the Best Non Toxic Face Sunscreens
Now that you know what to look for, let me share what I’m currently using.
I’ve been trying tons of non toxic sunscreens looking for ease of application and effectiveness.
All of the products I reviewed you can easily find at your local Target, Ulta, or health food store.


Juice Beauty was the only “luxury” sunscreen I tried. It is a chemical-free, broad spectrum, non-nano, natural mineral zinc oxide sunscreen.
While it was easy to rub in, lightweight, and provided good protection for my face, it has a distinct smell.
I didn’t mind the smell, but my daughter couldn’t handle it.
I gave it to my daughter to try since she is prone to break-outs. The product did not cause any acne flare-ups, but the smell was a deal breaker for her.
She won’t be using it, but I will.
I suggest giving it the sniff test before purchasing, keeping in mind that it does rub in well and the smell does not linger.

Pacifica Mineral Face Shade SPF 30
If you care about the smell of your sunscreen, Pacifica Mineral Face Shade smells amazing!
It has that coconut, tropical scent we all associate with summer sunscreen.
While it smells great, and the price is good, it was one of the harder sunscreens to rub in.
I felt like it left my face white longer than any of the other sunscreens.
It is perfect for wearing to the pool when the coconut scent smells like summer, but be aware it is difficult to wear under make-up.

Bare Republic Mineral Face SPF 30
Mixed feelings on this one.
Shake it before you apply it. Let it dry if you are going to wear make-up over it.
Otherwise, it rubs in well.
I dunno. I just didn’t have any feelings one way or the other. I gave it to my husband and he is currently wearing it and seems happy.

Thinksun Everyday Face SPF 30, tinted
This was the first lightly tinted face sunscreen I tried.
What I need you to know is: even though it is tinted, it is still work to rub in. That’s just part of the problem with a mineral barrier.
However, the tint is perfect for eliminating the white cast most mineral based sunscreens leave on the skin.
I like this sunscreen for no make-up days when you want protection but also want a bit of coverage for your skin.
The tint is also weirdly universal. I’m fair with yellow undertones. My daughter is fair with blue undertones. It blends in with both of our skin. How? I don’t know!

Another good tinted product. The tint helped with the white cast common to all mineral sunscreens.
My only objection was to the consistency on my face. It felt somewhat greasy.
Due to the greasiness, I would wear this one alone, and not under any make-up.
Or, use a mineral powder over it. Then, be aware if you go to dab your skin that you don’t transfer the tint onto your clothes.

Okay friends, this is the only product I tried that I am going to tell you – get this!
In fact, get several.
Translucent, brush-on sunscreen that is perfectly portable.
If you are wearing make-up, it is easy to apply this over it.
Worried the part in your hair will burn? Brush this on and you won’t get greasy hair.
Need a sunscreen that won’t leak into your purse? Keep one of these in there.
Those were all the sunscreens I personally tried and either I or someone in my family is currently using.
Here’s what I am currently doing for sunscreen:
I’m wearing the Juice Beauty. If I need make-up, I apply it after the Juice Beauty sunscreen has dried.
If it is a no make-up day, I am wearing the Juice Beauty with the Derm-E over it so my face is protected from the sun without being shiny.
If I am working out and getting sweaty and don’t want to risk a greasy face, I am using the Derm-E alone and usually with a hat to double up on sun protection.
I’ve purchased several Derm-E brushes so I can stow them in my purse and my car for days when I need to reapply.
Any questions before you purchase? Leave me a comment and I’ll reply.
Teresa Nemecek
I am going to try the Derm E
Andrea Green
I hope you like the Derm E as much as I do! So handy to be able to reapply on the go!