Is sunscreen vegan?
Not all sunscreen is vegan. If you want to carry over your ethical, cruelty-free lifestyle to the beach you’ll want to avoid sunscreen that contains animal products or ingredients that have been tested on animals. Some common ingredients in sunscreen you should avoid are beeswax, lanolin, carmine, and glycerin (if it is refined using animal fats). Luckily, there are a lot of suitable sunscreen options for you, my vegan darling!
What is vegan sunscreen?
Some common ingredients in vegan sunscreens include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and various plant extracts such as aloe vera and green tea. Many vegan sunscreens also contain natural oils like coconut oil or avocado oil to keep your skin nice and hydrated.
What is the best vegan sunscreen?
If just the thought of trying to read the back of a sunscreen bottle to see if it’s vegan is giving you hives then I’ve got you covered. Below are my 9 favorite vegan sunscreens. Or, if you’re feverishly looking at the store right now I’ve also included a list of more common sunscreens and whether or not they pass the vegan test.
#1 – 100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist Sunscreen
If you’re looking for a natural and effective vegan sunscreen, then the 100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30 should be on your list. Made with organic and natural ingredients, it provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection without any harsh chemicals or synthetic fragrances.
What really sets this sunscreen apart is the addition of yerba mate, a powerful antioxidant that helps protect against environmental damage and premature aging. Not only does this make it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, but it’s also perfect for daily use to protect your skin from everyday stressors like pollution.
#2 – Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen
Alba Botanica is my go-to body lotion, so I assumed I’d love their sunscreen just as much. Now that I’ve tried it I can give Alba a solid 2/2 on products I’ve tried. The formula goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.
I appreciate that this sunscreen is also reef-friendly, so I can enjoy the beach without worrying about harming marine life. I highly recommend the Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen for anyone looking for a vegan, cruelty-free, and effective sun protection option.
#3 – Badger Balm Sport Mineral Sunscreen
Some brands particularly tickle my vegan heart, and Badger is one of them! The Badger Balm Sport Mineral Sunscreen is packed with natural, organic ingredients that protect your skin from harmful sun rays without exposing it to harsh chemicals.
One of the best things about this sunscreen is that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor activities or workouts. The zinc oxide-based formula provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring your skin stays healthy and protected.
Not only is this sunscreen effective, but it’s also eco-friendly. The packaging is made from BPA-free plastic, and the sunscreen itself is biodegradable and reef-friendly, so you can feel good about using it knowing that it’s not harming the environment.
#4 – Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen
Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen is made with 70%+ certified organic ingredients, this sunscreen contains no harmful chemicals or synthetic fragrances, making it safe for both your skin and the environment. This sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which means you can swim, play sports, and enjoy other outdoor activities without worrying about the sunscreen washing off.
The unique formulation of Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is perfect for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin. It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, shielding your skin from harmful rays that can cause aging, sunburn, and skin cancer.
#5 – Elta MD UV Sport Sunscreen
Elta MD UV Sport Sunscreen is our choice for any fellow vegans who want the most from their sunscreen. It ticks all the right boxes as it is vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free. It is reef safe, making it a responsible choice for beach lovers and divers.
Plus, it will stay on during your outdoor activities such as running, hiking, or cycling. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which means that it can withstand sweat and water, making it ideal for sports enthusiasts who need long-lasting protection from the sun.
#6 – No Ad Sport Sunscreen
NO-AD Sport Sunscreen is made with a breathable texture and is perfect for athletes or anyone who spends long hours outdoors.
One of the best features of this sunscreen is that it’s free from harmful chemicals such as parabens, sulfates, and phthalates. This means that it’s gentle on the skin and won’t cause any irritation or breakouts. The real bonus? It goes on without leaving any white cast or residue.
#7 – Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen
I recently tried out the Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen and I have to say, I’m pretty impressed!I love how lightweight it feels on my skin. It doesn’t leave that greasy or sticky residue. It also applies easily and blends into my skin seamlessly, which is a big plus.
One thing I appreciate about this sunscreen is that it doesn’t have that overpowering sunscreen smell. It has a very subtle scent that is much more pleasant to apply. Most importantly, it does its job! I’ve worn this sunscreen during outdoor activities and it has protected me from getting sunburned. I think they named this one right by calling it a daily go-to sunscreen.
#8 – Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen
Raw Elements Mineral Sunscreen is my top choice for my fellow vegans with dry skin. Look, your girl has had dry skin and eczema problems as long as I can remember, and Raw Elements treats me well. It’s thick and moisturizing, so it can double as a daily moisturizer. However, it may not be the best option for those with oily skin.
Raw Elements doesn’t have synthetic fragrances and its reef-safe. The packaging is also eco-friendly, as it comes in a recyclable metal tube. And with a little going a long way, you’ll find that this sunscreen is a great value for its price.
#9 – Supergoop’s Everyday Sunscreen
Alright, y’all didn’t think I forgot about Supergoop did you? Supergoop’s Everyday Sunscreen is an incredibly awesome product that everyone should have in their arsenal! This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection from harmful UV rays and is perfect for daily use. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving any residue or stickiness.
But what makes this sunscreen truly awesome is that it’s packed with incredible skincare benefits. It contains nourishing ingredients like antioxidants, vitamin E, and aloe vera that work together to protect and hydrate the skin, while fighting against environmental aggressors. Plus, it’s free of parabens, sulfates, and other harmful ingredients, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin.
Popular Sunscreens – Vegan or Not?
The mere thought of standing in an unfamiliar store during vacation, desperately searching for a vegan sunscreen, keeps me up at night. So I am hoping this list of common sunscreens and if they are vegan or not saves someone from that exact scenario.
Yes! Alba Botanica is a great choice for those looking for vegan sunscreen. All of their products are cruelty-free and vegan except for their lip items, Hawaiian Smoothing Sugar Cane Body Polish and Unpetroleum Jelly.
Babyganics sunscreen is not vegan because it contains beeswax. Beeswax is a natural ingredient that is commonly used in beauty and skincare products as an emulsifier or thickening agent. However, as it is derived from bees and their byproducts, it is not considered vegan.
Yes, Badger Sunscreen is vegan. Badger brand does not use any animal-derived ingredients, and they do not test on animals. Their products are certified cruelty-free by Leaping Bunny, which means they meet strict standards for no animal testing at any stage of production.
Most Banana Boat sunscreens contain ingredients derived from animals or animal byproducts, such as beeswax and lanolin, which means they are not considered vegan. However, there are some Banana Boat sunscreens that do not contain animal ingredients, such as their Simply Protect line.
According to the Blue Lizard website, their sunscreens are not tested on animals and are free from animal-derived ingredients. However, they do contain beeswax, which is a non-vegan ingredient. Naughty Blue Lizard, your products aren’t vegan!
Yes, Coola sunscreen is vegan. Coola is a cruelty-free and vegan brand which means that all of their products are free from animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals.
Yes, Elta MD sunscreen is vegan. The brand does not use any animal-derived ingredients in their sunscreens, and they are not tested on animals. Additionally, their products do not contain parabens, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals.
Garnier does offer some vegan sunscreens, but they also have non-vegan sunscreens (beeswax or honey). Some of their vegan sunscreen products are:
1. Garnier Ombrelle Ultra Light Advanced Tinted Mineral Face Lotion SPF 60
2. Garnier Ombrelle Ultra Light Advanced Tinted Mineral Body Lotion SPF 50+
3. Garnier Ombrelle Complete SPF 60 Lotion
Manufacturers may change their product ingredients over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list.
Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen products are not certified vegan. While some of their products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients, some of their other products may contain ingredients derived from animals or that were tested on animals.
Yes! Isntree’s sunscreens are vegan and do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
La Roche-Posay offers a range of sunscreens, some of which are vegan and some are not. Some of their vegan sunscreen products are:
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Oil Free Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Lotion Sunscreen SPF 60
Manufacturers may change their product ingredients over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list.
Neutrogena has a range of sunscreens, and not all of them are vegan. Some Neutrogena sunscreens contain animal-derived ingredients or are tested on animals. However, the brand does offer some vegan options. Some of their vegan sunscreen products are:
1. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen
2. Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
3. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen
Manufacturers may change their product ingredients over time, so it’s always a good idea to check the ingredients list.
Yes, No Ad sunscreen is vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients, and it is not tested on animals. No Ad sunscreen is a mineral-based sunscreen that uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as its active ingredients, and these ingredients are vegan-friendly.
Yes, Purito sunscreen is vegan. All of Purito’s products are cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. They do not test their products on animals, and their ingredients are plant-based.
Yes, Raw Elements sunscreen is vegan. Their products are made with natural, organic, and sustainable ingredients, and they are free from animal-derived ingredients such as beeswax or lanolin. Raw Elements is also cruelty-free and eco-friendly, making their sunscreen a great choice for those who want to protect their skin without harming animals or the environment.
Sun Bum offers vegan sunscreen options, but not all their products are vegan. Their “Original Sunscreen” in the SPF 30 and SPF 50 varieties are vegan-friendly, as they do not contain any ingredients derived from animals or animal by-products. However, it’s important to note that not all Sun Bum products are vegan, so be sure to check the ingredients list before purchasing.
Yes, Supergoop sunscreen is vegan. Supergoop is a cruelty-free brand that does not use animal-derived ingredients in their products. They also do not test their products on animals. Supergoop uses plant-based ingredients in their sunscreens, such as red algae, blue sea kale, and meadowfoam seed oil.
Thinkbaby sunscreen is vegan as it does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. It is also cruelty-free as it is not tested on animals. Thinkbaby uses plant and mineral-based ingredients in their sunscreen formulations, making them safe and non-toxic.
Yes, Thinksport sunscreen is vegan. Thinksport does not use any animal-derived ingredients and does not test their products on animals. Additionally, their sunscreen is free of parabens, phthalates, and other harmful chemicals.
Yes, all of Trader Joe’s sunscreen products are currently vegan and cruelty-free. They have recently reformulated their sunscreen line to exclude any animal-derived ingredients and ensure they are suitable for vegans. The ingredients used in the sunscreen products are plant-based and mineral-based.
Happy Tanning
So, that’s it my friends. All the details on what vegan sunscreen is, a list of my favorites, and some common sunscreens and whether or not they are vegan. I really hope you’re ready to hit the beach now, in all your cruelty-free glory. And if you’re just gearing up for vacation, take a peek at the best vegan pre-workouts on the market to make sure you get that beach body ready.
