The perfect vegan sunscreens can mean the difference between a summer glow to show off, and a crisp tan youโll be covering in after sun for weeks. โWait, sunscreen isn’t vegan?!โ, let me explain a little.
What is Vegan Sunscreen?
Vegan sunscreen, in all its glory, is simply a sunblock that doesnโt contain any animal products or animal-derived ingredients. Quite a few of the usual suspects in regular sunscreen โ think stearic acid, which often comes from animal fats (I know, ew), are a no-go for us veg-heads.
Then there’s the cruelty-free sun protection factor. Many traditional sunscreens test on our furry friends (no, thank you, sir), but a cruelty-free brand, like Medik8 or Tropic Skincare, swear off animal testing entirely. Better for Bambi, better for us.
What is in Vegan Sun Care?
What’s in this miracle potion, you ask? Well, natural ingredients take center stage in vegan sun care. Picture this โ a blend of shea butter, coconut oil, and the utterly hydrating cocoa butter slathering your skin, as well as power-packed antioxidants like green tea, and vitamin C โ a common ingredient โ fighting those nasty free radicals.
Key ingredients that provide sun protection are often mineral-based, like non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering broad-spectrum protection. They’re like teeny-tiny bouncers for your skin, fighting off harmful UV rays and UVB radiation. Even on cloudy days, these bouncers are on duty, giving you effective sun protection.
Why should you use Vegan Sunscreen?
Not only is vegan sunscreen kind to animals, but it’s also more considerate of our beloved Mother Earth. Many traditional sunscreens contain chemicals that can harm coral reefs and marine life. But vegan mineral sunscreen sidesteps these concerns, providing a safe sunscreen alternative for you and Nemo.
Vegan sunscreens are good news for all skin types, even sensitive or oily skin, thanks to their non-greasy formula. They offer protection from sun damage that can lead to dark spots, premature aging, and even skin cancer, without relying on harsh chemicals. And you can use them for your daily use, for outdoor activities, or even for achieving that sun-kissed glow without sun damage.
We also have to talk about the power of broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
UV light, UV radiation, UVB rays, whatever UV term you want to toss out, they all mean one thing: potential sun damage. Enter vegan sunscreen, the protective clothing for your skin.
Plus, with brands like Black Girl Sunscreen (because yes, every skin tone needs protection), you get to support companies that not only have cruelty-free sunscreen but also engage in eco-friendly packaging and clean ingredients.
Whether it’s your first time considering vegan sunscreen, or you’re a long-time user, it’s always a good idea to look for the perfect vegan sunscreen with the American Academy of Dermatology’s seal of approval, ensuring you have the best cruelty-free, sun care possible. After all, we only have one skin, and taking the best care of it is the only way to keep it healthy and radiant.
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So here’s to embracing the vegan lifestyle, not just in our diet, but in our skincare too. After all, who says we can’t protect our skin, the animals, and the environment all at the same time? Thereโs a great selection to choose from, and by the end of this post, youโll know which one is best for you.
Whatโs the way to know youโre making the right choice? Flip the bottle, read the label, and translate it ASAP. I know you donโt have that much time, so Iโve done it for you and rounded up 10 vegan sunscreens that do more than just protect. They make you look beautiful, they care about the planet and are just a click away.
Are you ready? The best vegan sunscreens are waiting.
10 Best Vegan Sunscreens That Do More Than Just Protect:
1. The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters SPF 30 with Antioxidants
Finding a vegan sunscreen that both works well and is super affordable can seem like a Mission Impossible, even for Mr. Cruise, himself. But thereโs no need to abseil down into a heavily guarded vault to find this secret. The Ordinaryโs SPF with mineral UV filters and antioxidants is the perfect choice if you donโt want to spend hundreds of dollars on beauty products. This one is alcohol, nut, gluten, and cruelty-free, so stocking up is a good thing to do for you (and your skin) and the planet. I love the feeling of hydration it leaves right after applying.
2. Glossier Daily sunscreen SPF 30
This vegan sun lotion does exactly what it says โ plays the role of an invisible shield. Hidden from sight, you may forget youโre wearing it. The lightweight formula is 100% transparent, which means no greasy residue and no white cast. I remember being a child and being covered head to toe in thick white suncream. Those old holiday photos still make me cringe. Those days are long behind us thanks to Glossierโs Sunscreen. The reviews speak for themselves. It promises undeniable protection and immediate absorption.
3. Typology SPF30 Face Sun Cream For Dry Skin With Aloe Vera
Itโs true. We hear certain products are the best, like, a LOT. When we are talking about beauty stuff with aloe vera, though, the statement is not a subject of discussion. Thereโs a clear winner in this category. Offering UVA and UVB protection, Typologyโs vegan sun cream is perfect for dry skin. If your skin tends to get red just from just dropping off the car close to the beach, itโs the best you can get. Plus, it also contains some hyaluronic acid โ the other top active ingredient everyone is obsessed with right now. Just ask Gwyneth Paltrow.
4. CAUDALIE Milky Sun Spray SPF 30
You may be eye-rolling in total disbelief, but one product can REALLY do it all. Milky Sun Spray SPF30 has just joined the chat. A must-have for easy, undetectable everyday coverage. This gem uses the age-defying powers of grapes and delivers maximum protection. All while helping you pursue the most natural, radiant, and long-lasting tan youโve ever had. Itโs just one of the vegan sunscreens that work. Remember to apply and reapply every two hours or right after contact with water. So simple, and so good.
5. REN Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral SPF30
I consider REN one of the best vegan brands out there. Therefore, itโs only logical to say itโs one of the best vegan sunscreen brands as well. Yours truly uses their products all the time and literally couldnโt recommend them enough. The Clean Skincare Clean Screen Mineral (thereโs a reason they use โcleanโ twice in the name) is the real epitome of perfection โ a clean, natural, sensitive-skin-friendly product that absorbs oils, controls shine, and minimizes pore appearance. If this vegan face sunscreen could make a Hollywood star out of me, then I would be JLo with her beautiful complexion after a house-hunting weekend in Miami.
6. Omorovicza Mineral UV Shield SPF 30
If your skin looks dull, Omoroviczaโs Mineral UV Shield is what you need. With SPF 30 and a mineral-infused formula, itโs vegan sun protection AND a pretty easy way to control small imperfections. Whilst many products have a thick texture, this one will not only do the business, but youโll never feel like you have something extra on your body or your face. Who says you canโt glow 24/7 when on vacation? Even after a party night out. Remember to carry a big pair of dark sunglasses. Just in case that morning sun is a little too much for those tired eyes.
7. COOLA Tropical Coconut Spray SPF30
Raspberry seed, linseed, buriti oils, cocoa seed, prickly pear. Although it sounds like a delicious summer smoothie, these are actually the ingredients youโll find in the COOLAโs Tropical Coconut Spray. Itโs safe to bet on it if you likeโฆ well, tropical aromas and cruelty-free sunscreen. The feather-light formula is also sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can swim or wait in line for ice cream โ without a worry. Otherwise, said, itโs just great for those long summer days.
8. DARLING Glowy Face Cream SPF50+
Looking for amazing vegan sunscreen SPF50? Itโs your lucky day, youโve just found it. DARLINGโs Glowy Face Cream could be considered an everyday essential for all types, but especially for those with very sensitive and fair skin. The product is moisturizing, hydrating, nourishing, enriched with vitamin E, aloe vera (we talked about this a while ago), and tons of other great stuff, so clicking โadd to cartโ seems like the reasonable thing to do. Agree or donโt, but vegan sunscreen for face is an absolute essential.
9. PAI SKINCARE British Summer Time Sensitive Sunscreen
You can rely on PAI SKINCARE to provide the ultimate summer sunscreen for sensitive skin. Iโm telling you this because the story behind it is quite interestingโฆ When the skin of the brandโs founder became super sensitive and acne-prone out of the blue, she decided to create a line that sells not just suggestions, but actual solutions. This vegan sunscreen for acne-prone skin covers a broad spectrum of rays and will never clog your pores. Is anyone else also thinking of #wokeuplikethis? Because I am.
10. MEDIK8 Advanced Day Total Protect SPF30
Hydration, sun protection, and anti-aging? All at once? Um, yeah. I feel like I donโt need to explain it step by step, so Iโll just point out three things about the MEDIK8 Advanced Day Total Protect.
- It shields the skin from everything it doesnโt need.
- Itโs free from parabens, artificial fragrances, colors, alcohol, and phthalates.
- Hailey Bieber is a fan of the brand, so letโs agree that we are talking about a must-have product this upcoming summer.
There you have it. Now all thatโs left to do is choose the vegan suncream that suits your skin and your summer activities. Once youโre covered, we can start talking about that swimwear youโve been looking for.
Ready to make the switch?
Switching gears to vegan and natural sunscreens, darlings, because why should our skincare not align with our morals? Vegan sunscreens are simply fabulous, providing top-notch protection while dancing around the pitfalls of traditional sunblocks.
Still wondering why they are better? For one, they say a big no-no to any animal ingredients. Instead, vegan sunscreens stick with natural ingredients and certified organic components. Imagine slathering your skin with a non-greasy, water-resistant sun shield, where every fl oz is packed with goodies like red raspberry seed oil.
These cruelty-free sunscreens employ physical blockers like mineral-based ingredients for sun protection. These are the bouncers, baby, who keep out the pesky UV rays while allowing your skin to breathe. Not only do they guard against sun exposure, but some also offer blue light protection. High five to a lower screen-time guilt trip!
They’re a better choice, too, for the environment. Chemical sunscreen, while effective, often contains elements harmful to aquatic life. Vegan products, however, make a conscious effort to reduce this impact. And don’t get me started on the brands offering cruelty-free products โ they’re pure love, offering water resistance and adhering to ethical testing practices.
Prepare, Protect, Perfect
So next time you’re shopping for sunscreens, let’s spend a little more time checking those labels or looking for affiliate links to brands that care. Because, trust me, nothing feels better than doing good for your skin, the animals, and our precious planet all at once.
Choose vegan, go cruelty-free, and say hello to guilt-free, sun-kissed days. Get online and let me know which one you like at @SavinaOfficial. Beach pics are expected.
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