Best Mineral Sunscreen for Eco-Friendly Skin: Our 7 Picks
Finding a sunscreen that’s good for your skin, safe for the planet, and actually feels good to wear can seem like a tall order. But today, more brands are rising to the challenge, offering clean, eco-friendly mineral formulas that check all the boxes. From plastic-free packaging to reef-safe ingredients, the best mineral sunscreen goes above and beyond sun protection to support a healthier planet.
We’ve rounded up our top mineral sunscreen picks that combine effective SPF coverage with thoughtful, environmentally responsible design, so you can feel good about what you’re putting on your skin and what you’re keeping out of the ocean.
What is Mineral Sunscreen, Exactly?
If you’re looking to protect your skin and the planet, choosing an eco-friendly mineral sunscreen is one of the simplest and most impactful ways to make a difference.
Unlike conventional chemical sunscreens that rely on ingredients like oxybenzone or octinoxate, both of which have been linked to coral bleaching, mineral sunscreens offer a gentler, reef-safe alternative.
These sunscreens use naturally occurring minerals, usually zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, to physically block harmful UV rays.
What’s more, many of today’s best formulas skip the greasy, ghostly finish of traditional sunblocks.
With improved textures, skin-loving ingredients, and recycled or plastic-free packaging, mineral sunscreens are as luxurious as they are environmentally responsible.
Top 6 Mineral Sunscreens: How We Chose
With so many sunscreens on the market claiming to be “clean” or “reef-safe,” it can be hard to know which ones actually live up to the label.
To help you find the best mineral sunscreens, we focused on brands that go beyond the buzzwords, selecting products that are as kind to your skin as they are to the environment.
We prioritized formulas made with non-nano zinc oxide, which offers better broad-spectrum protection without the potential health and environmental risks of smaller particles.
We also looked for eco-conscious packaging—think recycled tubes and plastic-free tins.
Most importantly, we looked for natural sunscreens that actually work. We sifted through hundreds of consumer reviews to find formulas that are well-loved for their feel, finish, and effectiveness.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Raw Elements Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Non-Toxic, Non-GMO, Cruelty-Free |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano Zinc Oxide, sunflower seed oil, beeswax, cocoa butter |
| Volume | 3 oz |
| Price at Publishing | $19.49 |
This all-natural, reef-safe sun lotion delivers broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide in a compact aluminum tin. With over 80 minutes of water resistance and a nourishing blend of organic antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, it doubles as a skin-loving moisturizer.
Highlights
The tin is plastic-free and fully recyclable, making it a standout choice for eco-conscious consumers looking for effective SPF with sustainable packaging.
Things to Consider
This sunscreen has a thicker consistency, which means it may leave a slight white cast on skin. Be sure to rub it in well!
2. Sky & Sol Face & Body Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Gluten-Free |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano zinc oxide, tallow, jojoba oil, beeswax |
| Volume | 3 oz |
| Price at Publishing | $29.99 |
This innovative sunscreen uses non-nano zinc oxide backed by nourishing tallow, jojoba, beeswax, and olive oil for superior hydration. Its anti-white cast formula is designed to blend in transparently across diverse skin tones and offers up to 80 minutes of water resistance.
Highlights
The formula is free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other reef-harming chemicals and packaged in an eco-friendly, waterproof kraft paper tube. It also contains no added fragrances, parabens, or harsh preservatives.
Things to Consider
While grass-fed beef tallow is nourishing for the skin, it’s definitely not a vegan ingredient. This might be a dealbreaker for some buyers. It’s also a little pricier than some other options on our list.
3. Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano zinc oxide |
| Volume | 5.8 oz |
| Price at Publishing | $29.95 |
This mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection using 23.5% non-nano zinc oxide, delivering up to 80 minutes of water resistance. Infused with antioxidant-rich botanicals, it hydrates, soothes, and even helps repair sun-exposed skin.
Highlights
The formula includes plant-derived ingredients that help reduce redness and support skin repair after sun exposure. Packaged in a recycled plastic tube, this sunscreen is vegan, reef-safe, and free from chemical fillers, parabens, GMOs, and synthetic fragrances. Every purchase supports regenerative farming practices in Costa Rica.
Things to Consider
Some users say that it can sometimes feel greasy on the skin, especially in hot, humid conditions.
4. Project Reef Mineral Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, B-Corp, Climate Label Certified, Ocean Positive |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano zinc oxide, coconut oil, natural fruit extracts |
| Volume | 3.4 fl. oz |
| Price at Publishing | $26.00 |
Made in Maui, this vegan, reef-safe sunscreen features 19.6% non-nano zinc oxide to provide strong, broad-spectrum coverage and 80 minutes of water resistance. Packaged in a partially recycled plastic tube, it goes on clear with no greasy feel or white cast, making it perfect for both face and body use.
Highlights
The formula is designed to be non-irritating and gentle, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Users report it’s even safe for eczema-prone skin.
Things to Consider
While it will eventually blend in, it may take a little extra rubbing to get rid of any white residue.
5. Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Cruelty-Free |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano zinc oxide, sunflower seed oil, beeswax, vitamin E |
| Volume | 2.9 fl. oz |
| Price at Publishing | $15.99 |
This uncomplicated sunscreen uses 22.5% non-nano zinc oxide along with only three other ingredients—sunflower, beeswax, and vitamin E—to deliver broad-spectrum protection and 80 minutes of water resistance. It’s unscented, hypoallergenic, reef-safe, and packaged with 50% recycled materials. The short ingredient list is 98% organic and perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Highlights
The formula is both sweat and water-resistant, ready to stand up to your most outdoorsy days. The brand is also women-owned, and their sunscreen is made using 100% solar power.
Things to Consider
Some users say the texture is denser than some other sunscreens, which may make it hard to rub in completely. It can also leave residue on clothes and sunglasses.
Next Best Option: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera |
| Volume | 3 fl. oz |
| Price at Publishing | $8.79 |
This dermatologist- and pediatrician-recommended mineral lotion delivers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection using 10% zinc oxide and 8% titanium dioxide. It’s hypoallergenic, infused with soothing aloe vera, and water resistant for 80 minutes. Packaged with the brand’s signature “Smart Cap” that changes color when exposed to UV rays, it will let you know when it’s time to apply!
Highlights
The hypoallergenic formula is made without parabens or fragrances, making it ideal for individuals with sensitive or delicate skin.
Things to Consider
It’s not made with non-nano zinc oxide, so you may want to keep that in mind if nanoparticles are something you’re concerned about.
Best Daily Facial Sunscreen: Bliss Block Star Tinted Daily Mineral Sunscreen
| Certifications | Reef Safe, Vegan, Cruelty-Free |
| Key Ingredients | Non-nano zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
| Volume | 1.4 oz |
| Price at Publishing | $21.00 |
This lightweight mineral sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection using a blend of non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The sheer, tinted formula blends smoothly into most skin tones, helping even out complexion while shielding against UVA/UVB rays.
Highlights
Bliss Block Star’s oil-free formula is ideal for daily wear, doubling as a primer under makeup. It’s free from oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. Reef-safe and dermatologist tested, it also contains antioxidant-rich rosa canina fruit oil and soothing meadowfoam to nourish skin without clogging pores. We love that it has zero cakiness and did not settle into our fine lines at all.
Things to Consider
With 1.4 oz per tube, this sunscreen is best suited for face use rather than full-body application. Some users with very dry skin may prefer to layer it over a moisturizer.
How to Choose a Mineral Sunscreen
To find the best mineral sunscreen for your next outdoor adventure, consider the following:
- Ingredients: Always start by checking the active ingredients. Look for non-nano zinc oxide (at least 18-20%) for safe and effective UVA/UVB coverage. Some formulas also include titanium dioxide, but zinc tends to offer broader coverage.
- Broad-Spectrum SPF Coverage: Choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection. SPF 50 is ideal for extended outdoor exposure.
- Certifications: Opt for reef-safe sunscreens made without chemicals that can harm our delicate ocean ecosystems. Most reef-friendly formulas will be labelled as such, but watch out for ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, and parabens, all of which are linked to coral reef damage.
- Skin Type & Personal Preferences: Do you want fragrance-free? Tinted? Non-comedogenic? A good mineral sunscreen should protect your skin without irritating it, so read the formulas carefully if you’re sensitive to certain ingredients.
With the right mineral sunscreen, you can protect your skin—and the planet—with every single application!
Featured image via Sky & Sol
