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You shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to figure out how to choose the best sunscreen for your family. There’s a big difference between being sun-kissed and chemical-coated, and we’ll take zinc over oxybenzone any day.
When you know what to look for (and what to avoid), finding the right SPF gets way less overwhelming. Sun protection should work with your body, not against it. That means ditching chemical-filled formulas and going back to basics with natural sun safety or mineral sunscreens that are safe, simple, and effective.
Today, we’re sharing how to choose the best sunscreen for your body, your babies, and your non-toxic lifestyle. Let’s talk sunscreen that actually deserves a spot in your beach bag.
Chemical Sunscreens? We’ll Pass.
Let’s start with what we don’t want. Unfortunately, most of the sunscreens lining big-box store shelves fall under the "chemical sunscreen" category. These products use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate to absorb UV rays.
If you’re already living the non-toxic life, your red flag radar is probably going off. As it should! Many chemical sunscreen ingredients have been linked to things like:
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Hormone disruption
- Coral reef damage
In a study published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), oxybenzone was found in human breast milk and bloodstreams. That’s especially concerning because this chemical is known to disrupt hormones, and babies are still developing theirs.
For families raising young children or dealing with skin conditions like eczema, chemical sunscreens can be way too harsh. And let’s be honest: no one wants to slather questionable chemicals on their baby’s chubby cheeks.
How to Practice Safe Sun Habits (Before You Slather)
Sunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t always be your first line of defense. For those of us with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, less is more—especially when it comes to skincare products.
When done safely, sun exposure can actually be a great thing for your health. Natural sunlight is the best source of vitamin D, which we need for everything from immune health to mood regulation.
There’s a reason you feel happier in the sunshine! Instead of layering on sunscreen every hour, it’s worth knowing how to safely enjoy the sun without overdoing it.
Here are a few tips for practicing skin-friendly sun exposure:
- Ease into sun exposure. Gradually build your tolerance by starting with short amounts of time in the early morning or late afternoon when UV rays are less intense.
- Know your limits. If you’re fair-skinned or prone to burns, keep sun exposure short and sweet. Try starting with just 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
- Use natural protection. Find wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, long-sleeved clothing, and shade to protect your skin without any chemicals.
- Ditch the seed oils. Highly processed vegetable oils (like canola and soy) can make your skin more prone to burning. Instead, try using tallow, ghee, or coconut oil.
- Support your liver. A well-functioning liver can help your body handle sun exposure better. Consider adding things like bitters, castor oil packs, or dandelion tea to your routine.
- Eat your antioxidants. Antioxidant-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, and grass-fed butter can help your skin combat UV damage.
- Get curious about root causes. If you’re more sun-sensitive than most, it could be tied to mineral imbalances, poor gut health, or even parasites. Consult with a functional medicine doctor to find out what’s going on beneath the surface.
Safe sun habits can go a long way in protecting your skin without the need for any extra products. But if sunscreen is a must for your lifestyle, skin tone, or schedule, keep reading to learn how to choose one that works with your body.
Why Mineral Sunscreen Is the Way to Glow
So, what’s the crunchy alternative to chemical sunscreen? Mineral sunscreen.
Unlike chemical versions that absorb into the skin and then into your bloodstream, mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier against UV rays. The two active ingredients to look for are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
These ingredients are generally recognized as safe and effective by the FDA and are much gentler on sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreen is the go-to for anyone looking for:
- Sunscreen for sensitive skin
- Baby sunscreen for little ones
- Sunscreen for your face
- Body sunscreen for daily use
- Sunscreen for people with eczema
- Sun protection for the whole family
If you’re still picturing the white-nosed lifeguard from your childhood, don’t worry. Today’s mineral sunscreens have come a long way. Many formulas go on smoothly, rub in clear, and leave your skin feeling protected without a sticky, greasy residue.
What to Look for When Buying Sunscreen
With so many options to choose from, knowing what to look for when buying sunscreen can help you eliminate the not-so-great ones. Here’s your crunchy-approved checklist:
- Mineral-based – Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients.
- SPF 30 or higher – SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays and going higher offers only slightly more protection (SPF 50 blocks ~98%). The key is reapplying every 1-2 hours.
- Non-nano particles – These won’t penetrate your skin or enter your bloodstream, so they’re safer for long-term use while still being effective.
- Fragrance-free – Synthetic fragrances can irritate sensitive skin or trigger headaches.
- No parabens or phthalates – These chemical preservatives can disrupt hormones and irritate sensitive skin.
- Broad-spectrum protection – Protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- Reef-safe – Even if you’re not at the beach, we’re all about protecting our waterways and supporting companies trying to do the same.
Look for a sunscreen that fits into your daily routine without adding any unnecessary toxins to your life. If you're feeling extra crunchy, you can even try making your own—here's our favorite DIY mineral sunscreen recipe using simple, skin-loving ingredients.
Choosing Sunscreen for the Whole Family
When it comes to sun protection, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all—especially when you're shopping for a family with sensitive skin, babies, and different routines.
Crunchy mamas know that what works for your spouse might be way too harsh for your baby’s skin… and that the best sunscreen for infants isn’t always what’s in the aisle at Target.
Let’s break down what to look for based on who's using it, so you can keep your family sun-kissed and chemical-free.
Sunscreen for Babies & Infants
We all know that baby skin is delicate. It’s thinner, more sensitive, and way more prone to irritation than ours. That’s why choosing a sunscreen for babies with sensitive skin is a must.
Skip anything with synthetic fragrance, chemical filters, or flashy bottles that hide chemicals behind scents like “tropical fruit explosion.” Instead, look for a mineral-based sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide as the only active ingredient.
It physically blocks UV rays without being absorbed into your baby’s skin, and it’s less likely to cause stinging or redness. Look for terms like “fragrance-free,” “hypoallergenic,” and “baby-safe” on the label—and don’t be afraid to patch test it on a small area first.
Best Sunscreen for Face
Facial sunscreen has to pull double duty. It should protect your skin from UV damage without clogging pores, triggering breakouts, or making you look like a ghost.
The best sunscreen for your face is lightweight, non-greasy, and made with mineral blockers like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If you’re already dealing with eczema or sensitive skin, avoid anything with citrus oils, drying alcohols, or synthetic preservatives.
Look for clean, non-comedogenic ingredients that work well with your usual skincare routine. And yes, SPF 30 is strong enough for everyday wear.
Body Sunscreen for Daily Use
The best body sunscreen for daily use should check a few boxes: mineral-based, broad spectrum, reef-safe, and easy to apply. Because if it’s sticky, chalky, or hard to rub in, it’s going to live in your beach bag forever without being touched.
Look for a formula with zinc oxide that blends in well and doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy. Bonus points if it’s packaged in a non-aerosol bottle or stick for easy, on-the-go use.
If you’re outside often (gardening, hiking, swimming, etc.), go with SPF 30 or higher and make sure it’s water-resistant so it stays put during sweat or splash time.
Tips for Staying Sun-Safe the Crunchy Way
Choosing the right sunscreen for your family is only part of the equation. A well-rounded, crunchy-approved sun protection strategy includes:
- Wearing wide-brimmed hats and UPF-rated clothing
- Seeking shade during peak hours (10am to 4pm)
- Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating
- Protecting your lips, scalp, and eyes when you’re outside
If you end up with a sunburn, reach for natural after-sun care like aloe vera gel, calendula balm, or Bend Soap’s gentle goat milk lotion to soothe and hydrate.
Skip the Toxins and Make the Swap to Safer SPF
You don’t need synthetic chemicals, hormone disruptors, or a 20-ingredient mystery formula to protect your skin from the sun. Mineral sunscreen is simple, safe, and proven to work—especially when you know what to look for on the label.
Whether you're shopping for your baby, your partner, or yourself, choosing the best sunscreen comes down to one thing: reading the ingredients. Look for zinc oxide, skip the synthetic junk, and protect that beautiful skin.
Have a favorite mineral sunscreen your family swears by? Drop it in the comments to share the love!
For more tips on non-toxic living, check out The Sudsy Scoop for ingredient guides, lifestyle swaps, and crunchy living made simple.
