15 Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreens for Ethical Sun Protection
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Are you ready for warmer and longer days?
The heat is on as summer is just around the corner. While it’s fun to bask in the sun, do be conscious of the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. The peak hours from 10 AM to 4 PM are when the sun is the strongest and harshest.
According to Cancer.org, these hours are when UV light is most damaging to your skin. Prolonged exposure can lead to premature aging and skin cancer.
So when you go out and about, put on that gorgeous sun hat and slather a good amount of cruelty-free sunscreen, and remember to reapply!
- Umbra sheer
- With powerful antioxidants
- Prevents skin irritations
- Sheer SPF
- Brightens and reduces skin discolorations
- With blue light defense
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- With age-defying and blemish-clarifying organic ingredients
- Suitable for babies
Table of Contents
Top 16 Top Vegan, Cruelty-Free Sunscreens
With so many amazing organic and cruelty-free sunscreens on the market, there’s no need to sacrifice our values for safe sun protection.
Whether you prefer a tinted or invisible vegan SPF moisturizer or a mineral-based, fragrance-free formula, there’s something for you on this list!
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Photoaging Protection
Finally. A sheer sunscreen that offers broad spectrum defense packed with potent antioxidants and moisturizers to keep skin healthy and youthful.
Primary Benefits: Protects skin from photoaging; moisturizes the face; neutralizes free radicals; sheer SPF
Features:
- UVA/UVB sun protection
- Added with potent antioxidants
- Made with biocompatible ingredients
- Suitable for all skin types
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
- Does not leave a white cast
It's the perfect way to protect and pamper your skin in one easy step!
Looking for a cruelty-free sun shield with antioxidants and moisturizer? Drunk Elephant has got you covered.
Drunk Elephant’s philosophy is centered around using clean, effective, and non-toxic ingredients that work with the skin’s natural processes to promote healthy and glowing skin.
The brand has gained a loyal following and has received numerous awards for its innovative, effective, and cruelty-free products.
Their Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 offers broad-spectrum sun protection and zinc oxide (20%), which helps prevent skin irritations and seals in moisture.
It also has added red raspberry seed oil that keeps environmental aggressors at bay,
sunflower shoot extract that neutralizes free radicals, and astaxanthin-rich algae extract to shield skin from oxidative damage.
These potent and organic ingredients make Umbra best for mature skin and suitable for normal, combination, and acne-prone skin.
Top Cruelty-Free Full Body and Face Coverage Sunscreen
Stay cool and protected all summer long with 100% PURE Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30!
Primary Benefits: Infused with antioxidants; mess-free application, quick-drying; matte finish; water-resistant
Features:
- Yerba mate tea leaf
- Zinc oxide
- Bentonite clay
- Effective for up to 80 minutes in water
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
A luscious and airy mineral formula perfect for a full-body application with a matte-finish complexion.
Say goodbye to heavy, greasy sunscreens, and say hello to a refreshing 100% PURE Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30!
100% PURE is a cruelty-free brand committed to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
All their ingredients are derived from nature, and the brand does not use any synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, or preservatives in its formulations.
Their lightweight Yerba Mate Mist provides UVA/UVB protection while shielding your skin from free radical damage.
Plus, it’s water-resistant! It can stay effective for up to 80 minutes, perfect for on-the-go protection.
So whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the beach, 100% PURE Yerba Mate Mist is the sunscreen to try.
Top Sweat-Resistant Cruelty-Free Sunscreen
Badger’s sunscreen is made with 98% Protect Land + Sea Certified organic ingredients like beeswax and sunflower oil.
Primary Benefits: Broad-spectrum mineral protection; skin-nourishing ingredients; hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
Features:
- Contains four simple herbal ingredients, including vitamin E
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Sweat resistant
- Made with 50% recycled tubes
- Leaping Bunny- and PETA-certified cruelty-free
A sustainable sport sunscreen created for people who loves to play all day in the sun!
Don’t let the sun or sweat slow you down!
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 is specially formulated to stay put during even the most intense workouts.
With natural zinc oxide and sunflower oil, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection while moisturizing your skin without clogging your pores!
It is sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, perfect for all your outdoor adventures.
Plus, Badger does not test on animals and is certified by both Leaping Bunny and PETA.
The brand is also a certified B Corporation, which means it meets rigorous standards for social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.
So whether you’re hitting the trails, surfing, or just running errands, protect your face and stay active with Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen.
Top Plant-Based Formula
We love this lightweight, fast-absorbing sun lotion that’s protective enough for outdoor activities.
Primary Benefits: Deeply moisturizing lotion; anti-wrinkle and anti-aging SPF
Features:
- Sting-free
- With hyaluronic acid for added moisture
- Has antioxidant-rich green tea and cucumber extracts
- Ultra lightweight formula and100% invisible on all skin tones
- Sweat- and water-resistant for up to one hour and 40 minutes
- Reef-friendly, pro planet
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
Enjoy endless outdoor fun and the best protection from the sun with Oh My Bod! SPF 50.
Get ready to show some skin this summer!
Everyday Humans is a cruelty-free brand and is committed to sustainable and ethical practices, using recyclable and biodegradable packaging materials.
Their lightweight Oh My Bod Sunscreen Lotion is perfect for daily use and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection for your entire body.
It’s enriched with natural ingredients like cucumber and green tea extract to nourish and soothe your skin, while also being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
So grab your favorite bikini and enjoy the sun safely and confidently with Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50.
Top Soothing Cruelty-Free Sunscreen
We absolutely love MyCHELLE Sun Shield. It uses non-nano zinc oxide to provide the safest UV filter option, perfect for year round clean label sun care.
Primary Benefits: Helps prevent premature aging and hyperpigmentation; soothes skin irritations; heals sun-caused burn; gives smooth, clear, and matte finish
Features:
- Clean ingredients
- With added aloe vera, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and vitamin E
- Unscented for sensitive noses
If you are looking for a mild yet effective vegan sunscreen for daily use, MyCHELLE Sun Shield SPF 28 is a must-have.
This mineral-based sunscreen is enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, to soothe and nourish the skin while protecting it from harmful environmental stressors.
Its lightweight formula is perfect for daily use and won’t leave any white residue or greasiness on your skin.
Though this product is free of parabens and reef-friendly, if you are planning on swimming or going into the water, better use a water-resistant product for maximum coverage and protection.
MyCHELLE specializes in natural, bioactive, and clinically proven skincare products and does not test on animals.
Additionally, MyChelle Dermaceuticals is committed to sustainability, using eco-friendly packaging and implementing environmentally friendly practices in its production processes.
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Daily Use
Another great vegan and zinc sunscreen we adore. Juice Beauty has everything we need for a sport sunscreen.
Primary Benefits: Blends and absorbs quickly; great for the entire family, head to toe; provides ultimate daily protection; effective SPF protection
Features:
- Reef-safe
- Good for all skin types
- Rich with aloe vera extract, jojoba oil, and coconut oil
- Water-resistant
- No chemical sunscreen
- PETA-certified
From kids to the ageless, Juice Beauty moisturizes and protects your skin all day long!
Love the outdoors but afraid of the sun?
With Juice Beauty SPF 30, a cruelty-free sunscreen for face and body, you can stay active and protected.
It provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and its antioxidant-rich formula helps protect against environmental stressors like pollution and blue light.
Made with natural ingredients like coconut oil and aloe vera, it nourishes and moisturizes your skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.
The brand Juice Beauty is also PETA cruelty-free certified.
The company was recognized with a Courage in Commerce Award for reaffirming its commitment to compassion by promising that animal testing will never be conducted for their products, formulations, or ingredients.
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Extra Sensitive Skin
Finding the right product suitable for sensitive skin is a real challenge. That's why we dote on Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50.
Primary Benefits: Lightweight and hypoallergenic; fragrance-free; soothes and nourishes sensitive skin
Features:
- Babo Botanicals' trademark Nutri Soothe Herbal Blend
- Water- and sweat-resistant
- Contains 24 plant-based ingredients
- Non-nano zinc oxide mineral active ingredient
- Has PETA's statement of assurance
A gentle sun protection you can trust!
If you have acne-prone skin like me, it can be tricky to find a product that works without irritating your skin. Thankfully, PETA-certified Babo Botanicals made the top cruelty-free sunscreen for ultra-sensitive skin.
Babo Botanicals was founded in 2010 by a mom looking for safe, plant-based solutions for her family. Their products are the result of her lifelong experience and passion for sustainable agriculture.
Babo Botanicals’ Sheer Mineral cruelty-free sunscreen SPF 50 contains 24 organic botanicals to soothe and nourish the most delicate skin while proving powerful protection against UVA/UVB rays.
It is also fragrance-free! Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is truly one great addition to your beach tote!
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Skin
Versed Guards Up is an amazing product and is one of the best cruelty-free sunscreens for acne-prone and oily skin that protects without leaving a chalky finish.
Primary Benefits: Moisturizing, natural, skin-like finish; contains antioxidants; fights off environmental and blue light damage; broad spectrum; rich in amino acids that adds bounce to the skin; vitamin C
Features:
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- With sea fennel extract
- Moringa seed extract
- Aloe leaf extract
- Leaping Bunny-certified
Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen is a broad spectrum, mineral sunscreen for your everyday life — yes, every day, all year round.
Looking for a high-performing sunscreen to add to your skincare?
Versed Skincare is committed to sustainability, eco-friendly packaging, and environmentally friendly practices in its production processes.
With its affordable prices and clean formulas, the brand has quickly become a favorite among skincare enthusiasts who want effective and affordable skincare that is safe for both their skin and the environment.
Their creamy, lightweight mineral sunscreen fights UVA/UVB, pollution, and blue light for three-way protection and premature aging prevention.
Plus, it comes with a peachy hue to neutralize white cast and match any skin tone.
With a pump of this kind-to-skin, plant-derived sunblock, your skin is protected while left looking plump, supple, and smooth for a natural dewy-matte finish.
Tip: If you want to wear makeup, allow the sunscreen to sink in for two to three minutes before applying primer or other cosmetics.
Top Cruelty-Free Moisturizing Sunscreen
We are a big fan of Korean skincare, and the COSRX vegan sunscreen is our favorite. It is lightweight, moisturizing, and does not leave a white cast!
Primary Benefits: Lightweight and moisturizing; natural skin finish; blocks UV rays; targets dehydrated skin
Features:
- Aloe arborescens leaf extract
- SPF 50
- Broad spectrum
- Cruelty-free
Designed to be travel-friendly, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream can be carried around anywhere and used anytime.
If you are constantly on the go, you do not have to worry about not getting enough protection and skin hydration.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream got it all in one bottle for you.
Also, COSRX is all about developing clean and natural products. So you know only organic, plant-derived ingredients touch your skin.
Its products are formulated with simple and natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin, yet highly effective.
In addition to its commitment to quality and effectiveness, none of their products are tested on animals.
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Dry Skin and Colder Months
We love Cocokind especially in the colder months. It gives enough sun protection and skin hydration while boosting skin radiance without the stickiness and greasiness.
Primary Benefits: Optimal sun defense; prevents signs of premature aging; provides hydration and skin barrier support
Features:
- 21% non-nano zinc oxide
- Fragrance-free
- Blue pytoplankton / spirulina maxima extract to defend skin from oxidative stress
- Microalgae extract to fortify the skin barrier
- Rice starch
- Reef-safe
- No essential oils
- Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free
A non-irritating mineral-based daily vegan sunscreen lotion with a soft and matte finish.
With its natural and affordable products, commitment to sustainability, and sense of community, the Leaping Bunny-certified Cocokind has become a beloved brand for effective, eco-friendly, and socially responsible skincare options.
And with Cocokind Daily SPF 32, you get glowing skin and stay protected every day.
The sunscreen has a very liquid-like, milky consistency and has no detectable scent.
Since this product targets dry skin, it may not be a good fit for oily and combination skin. Also it is not water- or sweat-resistant.
Overall, Cocokind is a good option for daily and regular use and is best for the colder season.
Top Cruelty-Free Weightless Sunscreen
All Bum products smell like summer. If you like a whiff of a tropical banana or coconut, this is for you.
Primary Benefits: Quick-absorbing; moisturizes the skin; hypoallergenic; invisible protection with a matte finish
Features:
- Water-resistant and reef-friendly
- Suitable for all ages
- Fragrance-free (better for avoiding skin irritations)
- Added with vitamin E
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
All the skin goodness in a tube! No wonder this is one of the best selling SPF 50 in the market!
If you have sensitive skin and prefer fragrance-free sunscreens for daily wear, then you will love Sun Bum’s sun lotion.
It is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and moisturizing while giving you broad-spectrum protection from both UVA/UVB rays for up to one hour and 20 minutes!
You have to trust the Bum for that much-needed strong and trusted coverage.
Sun Bum is a popular sunscreen brand that offers a range of products designed to protect your skin and the planet’s wildlife.
The brand is also committed to sustainability, using recycled materials in its packaging and supporting environmental initiatives through its Protect the Park program.
Top Cruelty-Free Sunscreen for Active Lifestyle
We absolutely love this beauty-boosting, multitasking, and non-nano zinc oxide mineral suncare from Suntegrity.
Primary Benefits: Moisturizing; therapeutic broad-spectrum protection; free from harsh chemical UV absorbers
Features:
- Waterless formula
- Light uplifting citrus scent
- Non-greasy for smooth application
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Contains organic Ingredients like green tea extract, cucumber extract, and pomegranate seed oil for added protection
- Tube made with eco-friendly sugarcane
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
The ultimate sun care and protection at the beach or on the go.
Let Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen be your new secret weapon for sun protection.
Suntegrity’s commitment to clean ingredients, effective sun protection, and skin-nourishing benefits made the brand a trusted name among those who want to protect their skin and the environment.
With their mineral sunscreen’s non-greasy and weightless formula, Suntegrity provides UVA/UVB protection using zinc oxide as its active ingredient.
But that’s not all; the formula is also packed with nourishing antioxidants, like green tea and pomegranate extract, that repair and protect your skin from environmental stressors.
Plus, it’s reef-friendly and free from harmful chemicals like parabens and phthalates, making it a great choice for both you and the environment.
Whatever sun enjoyment you have in mind, trust Suntegrity Natural Mineral Sunscreen to keep your skin protected and healthy all day long.
Top Cruelty-Free “Correct and Protect” Serum Sunscreen
Murad brings together a unique formula in a new serum sunscreen.
Primary Benefits: Targets dark spots and dullness; prevents hyperpigmentation; doesn’t leave a white cast; promotes vitamin D production; effective blue light defense
Features:
- UV-responsive carotenoid technology
- Mineral-based UV protection
- Mineral zinc oxide with added plant extracts
- Best for dry, combo, and normal skin
- PETA-certified cruelty-free
A cruelty-free mineral SPF and a treatment for hyperpigmentation? Yes, please.
Murad is a trusted PETA-certified brand for those who want to achieve healthy, radiant skin without hurting animals.
In addition to cruelty-free products, the brand is committed to sustainability and ethical practices, using eco-friendly packaging and supporting charitable initiatives through its Give Back to Our Heroes program.
So if you’re still using a serum for dark spots and a sunscreen separately, then you should check out Murad’s Broad Spectrum, a two-in-one innovation.
It has a thin, almost watery texture that spreads easily and sinks into the skin immediately.
The best part? Murad helps future-proof your skin and brighten hyperpigmentation the more you use it!
Plus, the beetroot extract provides fast-absorbing hydration that all skin types will love.
But be ready to spend more on this miracle in the bottle because quality does not come cheap.
Top Cruelty-Free Plant-Derived Sunscreen
Get the best sunscreen without harmful chemicals with the Beauty by Earth Mineral Sunscreen Spray!
Primary Benefits: Easy and convenient application; nourishes the skin; safe for the whole family
Features:
- With coconut oil, squalane, and non-nano zinc oxide
- Reef-safe and environmentally friendly
- Plant-based and cruelty-free
The non-greasy and lightweight texture makes it comfortable to wear, even for those with active lifestyles!
This non-toxic sunscreen spray features a blend of coconut oil, squalane, and zinc oxide, providing effective and safe sun protection for the whole family.
Plus, it’s designed for effortless application because it comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle.
It’s one of the top non-toxic sunscreen sprays that’s suitable for babies six to 24 months old, kids, and pregnant women!
Top Cruelty-Free Clean Sunscreen for Dark Skin Tones
We know finding a sunscreen for melanated skin is a real challenge. But that is about to change with Unsun Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen.
Primary Benefits: Flawlessly blends into skin; moisturizes, color-corrects; leaves a glowy and moisturized finish
Features:
- Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Serves as a primer under makeup
- Child-safe
- Water-resistant (80 minutes)
- Suitable for medium to dark skin tones
- With a blend of natural extracts
- Leaping Bunny-certified
Unsun Mineral Tinted Sunscreen is formulated to cover a range of skin tones from olive to dark chocolate without leaving behind a ghostly residue.
Unsun is a 100% mineral sunscreen, primer, and color corrector in one!
It is specifically formulated for medium to dark skin tones, functioning as a UV blocker, primer, and SPF moisturizer.
On top of that, its incredible blend of nourishing extracts is non-comedogenic and leaves skin healthy, radiant, and dewy.
Unsun Cosmetics was founded after much frustration with the lack of options within the world of clean sunscreen products for women of color.
The foundress then set out to create clean, inclusive, no-residue options that are kind to the person using it as well as the environment it’s being used in.
Additionally, Unsun is committed to using clean and non-toxic ingredients, so its products are safe for all skin types.
Understanding Cruelty-Free Sunscreen Labels
If you’re new to wearing sunscreens with natural ingredients, labels can be confusing, but don’t worry.
We’re here to help you spot the most important information so you can choose the most effective cruelty-free face sunscreen for your skin type and concerns.
Leaping Bunny, PETA and Vegan Logos
The Leaping Bunny logo, PETA logo, and Certified Vegan logo are all symbols used on product labels to indicate specific aspects of the product’s production and ingredients.
- The Leaping Bunny logo indicates that the product is cruelty-free, meaning it was not tested on animals during any stage of its development, including its individual ingredients.
- The PETA logo, which features a bunny as well, also indicates that the product is cruelty-free, but it may also mean that the company producing the product has made a pledge to not use any animal-derived ingredients in their formulations.
- The Certified Vegan logo indicates that the product does not contain any animal-derived ingredients or byproducts, such as beeswax or lanolin, and it has not been tested on animals.
When looking for a sunscreen product that aligns with your values, you can look for logos like these to ensure that the product meets your criteria for cruelty-free and vegan production.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF measures how long you can stay in the sun before getting a sunburn. The higher the number, the longer it takes for your skin to get burned.
Sun damage will start to occur after 15 minutes of exposure without sun protection. Applying sunscreen, say with SPF 30, will take 100 minutes or one hour and 40 minutes for the skin to get burned.
This is why if you plan to stay in the sun, you need to reapply your sunscreen.
Quick Tip
The protection offered by sunscreen differs in its SPF. SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV rays. SPF 30 filters 97% of UV rays. SPF 50 filters 98% of UV rays. It goes to show that a higher SPF provides better sun protection, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Broad Spectrum
Broad spectrum means a sunscreen protects you against both UVA (aging) rays and UVB (burning) rays.
Important Note
Your skin needs protection against both UV rays, so be sure that the product indicates the percentage of protection for either type of ray on their labels or packaging materials.
If it is not there, their claims may not be true! Also, not all products offer protection against both these harmful UV rays.
Water Resistance
Water-resistant sunscreens can stay effective for up to 40 minutes while in the water. Very water-resistant products can stay for up to 80 minutes!
Before a brand can brag about this claim, it must undergo FDA’s rigorous testing.
Quick Tip
There is no such thing as waterproof sunblock lotions. Creams will eventually wash off in the water.
This is why you need to reapply sunscreen every two hours, after toweling, when sweating, and after coming out of the water.
Why Use Vegan and Cruelty-Free Sunscreen?
Our health and well-being should not come at the expense of our furry friends.
With our growing awareness of animal testing, cruelty-free products are becoming increasingly popular. We, too, are jumping into the bandwagon.
Here are the top reasons you should too!
- Made with better ingredients: Cruelty-free sunblocks are made with organic ingredients that bring numerous benefits for your skin. These products are healthier. Once you make the switch, your skin will thank you later.
- Potent formulations: Vegan and cruelty-free formulations contain high concentrations of skin-loving vitamins and minerals. This means you use less products but with great results!
- Mindful beauty rituals: Using cruelty-free products encourages us to be aware of our choices and make a conscious decision to support companies that prioritize ethical and humane practices.
- Power to make a difference: We have the power to stop animal cruelty. So put your money where your heart is. It is time that we send a powerful message — cruelty-free beauty is the norm, not an optional standard.
Ready to make the switch?
To make your transition into cruelty-free and vegan products easier, let’s do it slow. Start with sun defense!
Cruelty-Free Facial Sunscreen FAQs
Is Sunscreen Really Necessary?
The importance of using the correct SPF and reapplying when needed should not be underestimated.
Daily use of sunscreen with an SPF of only 15 can reduce your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that exists on the skin’s surface) by roughly 40%.
It can also lower your chances of developing melanoma (cancer that exists inside the body) by around 50%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Are All Cruelty-Free Sunscreens Also Vegan?
Not necessarily. While cruelty-free products avoid animal testing, they may still contain animal-derived ingredients.
If you’re looking for both cruelty-free and vegan sunscreen, check the product’s ingredient list or look for a vegan certification.
Are Cruelty-Free Sunscreens More Expensive Than Others?
The price of cruelty-free sunscreens can vary, and it’s not necessarily linked to their cruelty-free status. Some cruelty-free brands may be more affordable, while others may be considered premium.
Check different brands and products to find options that fit your budget.
Choose Vegan and Cruelty-Free Sunscreen!
If you’re looking for a way to protect your skin from the sun while also being kind to animals and the planet, then vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen is the way to go!
Many of these sunscreens are made with sustainable and eco-friendly practices, reducing their impact on the environment.
So whether you’re a committed vegan or simply looking for a more ethical and sustainable way to protect your skin from the sun, vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen products are a great choice for you and the planet.
Interested in More Cruelty-Free Products?
You might enjoy reading these posts:
- 7 Cruelty-Free Toners for Amazing Skin
- The 6 Cruelty-Free Waterproof Mascaras We Totally Love!
- 8 Cruelty-Free Vitamin C Serums For Glowing Skin
- 9 Cruelty-Free Retinol Serums & Creams For Youthful Skin