Long gone are the days that applying sunscreen was something you did not looked forward to, as it turned your skin greasy and white for the rest of your day. In 2022, a lot has changed in sunscreen world. Besides protecting your skin against UVB as well as UVA rays (we’ll get into this later), many sunscreens now have additional benefits such as hydration and leaving a luminous glow. Want to find out what the best cruelty-free body sunscreens are? We’ve got you! But first, a quick lesson in the basics of sunscreen, so you know what to look for.
Jump to: The 9 Best Cruelty-Free Body Sunscreens
SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a relative measure of how long sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays. If your skin would normally burn after 20 minutes in the sun, applying a sunscreen with SPF 30 wil allow you to stay in the sun a factor of 30 times longer, so approximately 10 hours. This however is only technically speaking and it is actually very important to reapply every two hours. Do keep in mind that no SPF blocks UVB rays totally, but the higher the SPF, the more it blocks: SPF 15 blocks 93%, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%.
UVA
What many of us don’t know is that SPF only protects us from UVB rays and not from those other harmful UV rays, called UVA rays. UVB rays cause sunburn and damage to the skin’s outer layers, which can cause surface-level skin cancers. UVA rays, typically associated with tanning, actually penetrate the skin more deeply. All though we love our tanned summer skin, the darkening of the skin actually is a sign of damage to the lower level of the skin and is simply a reaction to prevent further damage. UVA damages collagen and elastic tissue and is therefor responsible for skin aging. UVA can also cause lower-level skin cancers. Luckely, many sunscreens nowadays protect against UVB as well UVA, also called Broad Spectrum.
Chemical Sunscreen Versus Mineral Sunscreen
There are 2 types of sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens and mineral ones. They both protect against sun’s rays, but the difference lies in the way they do that.
Simply put, chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin to offer protection by dissipating UV rays. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and deflects UV rays by providing a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays.
The active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are chemicals such as Avobenzone, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone. Mineral (or physical) sunscreens, contain natural active ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.
So which is better? Both type of sunscreens are effective, so it comes down to your preference. Some prefer a mineral sunscreen, as it is natural and more gentle than a chemical sunscreen. Others prefer a chemical sunscreen as it is absorbed into the skin, and generally speaking less likely to leave behind a white cast. An issue with chemical sunscreen is that the active ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are believed to contribute to damaging the coral reefs. The active ingredients of mineral sunscreen (Zinc oxide and Titanium Dioxide) are naturally occurring minerals and are considered safer for you and the environment.
With this knowledge in mind, let’s up our sunscreen game with one of the 9 best cruelty-free body sunscreens below (in no particular order).
Vegan
In the beauty industry, ‘cruelty-free’ refers to animal testing. However, the way that many animal ingredients are obtained is cruel too, which is why it’s best to buy cruelty-free products that are also vegan.
If you are in the market for a cruelty-free and vegan body sunscreen, you have 5 options to choose from this list.
Index
- Supergoop! – Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion (VEGAN)
- Dermalogica – Protection 50 sport SPF50 (VEGAN)
- Kiss My Face – Body & Face Mineral SPF 30 Natural Organic Sunscreen
- Paula’s Choice – Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 (VEGAN)
- Coola – Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 (VEGAN)
- Sun Bum – Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
- Australian Gold – Sunscreen SPF30 Spray Gel With Instant Bronzer
- Moroccanoil – Sun Lotion SPF 50
- Sol de Janeiro – Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30 (VEGAN)
The 9 Best Cruelty-Free Body Sunscreens
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1/9
Supergoop! – Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion (vegan)
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If you don’t like to wear sunscreen because of that typical sunscreen feel, then try this. Supergoop!’s bestselling sunscreen has a very lightweight body lotion texture that spreads with minimal effort and goes on sheer. It sinks right in the skin and doesn’t leave you greasy or white. Blending well with other skincare and make up this sunscreen can also be used on the face. It comes with a light refreshing smell and is water – and sweat resistant.
Protection: broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) and infrared
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (10%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (7.5%)
Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates (SLS and SLES), mineral oil, synthetic fragrance, animal derived ingredients, gluten
2/9
Dermalogica* – Protection 50 sport SPF50 (vegan)
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Water – and sweat resistant sunscreen with high SPF, making this a great choice for outside sports and beach days. It is moisturizing, absorbs fast and offers long-lasting protection. As the formula is not oily it can be used on the face as well. With light sunscreen-ish smell.
Protection: broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3.0%), octinoxate (7.5%)
Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, synthetic fragrance, animal derived ingredients, gluten
*Parent company: Dermalogica is owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free.
3/9
Kiss My Face – Body & Face Mineral SPF 30 Natural Organic Sunscreen
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This mid-priced mineral sunscreen is made of 87% organic ingredients, making this a good option for sensitive skin as well. It isn’t sticky or greasy and smells clean (not a typical sunscreen scent). That said, it can leave a bit of a white sheen.
Protection: broad spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: mineral
Active ingredients: titanium dioxide (6%), zinc oxide (6%)
Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, alcohol, synthetic fragrance, gluten
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreens
4/9
Paula’s Choice – Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 (vegan)
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The lightweight silky texture is not what you would expect from a SPF50. The oil-free lotion absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving any white cast or greasy appearance. Also suitable for your face. It wears well under make up and doesn’t clog your pores. Fragrance-free and 80 minutes water-resistant.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate (10%), oxybenzone (6%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), octocrylene (2%)
Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, alcohol, fragrance, animal derived ingredients, gluten
5/9
Coola – Mineral Body Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF30 (vegan)
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This sheer mineral sunscreen delivers solid broad spectrum protection without any white cast. The thin texture just glides on the skin and isn’t the least bit greasy. It is gentle enough to be used on the face as well. Bonus points for being reef-friendly, meaning you can dive in without killing the environment. It comes in the summery scent Tropical Coconut, which isn’t overpowering, but for those who prefer, there is also a fragrance free version.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: mineral
Active ingredients: zinc oxide (14.2%)
Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, animal derived ingredients, gluten
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Body Washes
6/9
Sun Bum – Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
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This sunscreen has so many good reviews on Amazon, and we understand why. The creamy oil-free lotion is so easy to apply and reapply, it just melts into the skin and never feels greasy. With SPF70 you can be sure your skin is well protected. It smells softly of bananas and coconut in the best way possible. Water-resistant for over an hour.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), octinoxate (5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%), homosalate (10%)
Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS + SLES, alcohol, gluten
7/9
Australian Gold – Sunscreen SPF30 Spray Gel With Instant Bronzer
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For those who prefer to spritz on their SPF, this comes in a convenient spray pump that makes sure your skin is evenly protected. Protection aside, this sunscreen contains bronzer imparts, that gives you an instant tan and glow. Skin feels moisturized and not sticky at all. With its signature scent of coconut, orange and vanilla for immediate vacation vibes.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7.5%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (5%)
Free of: sulfates SLS + SLES, alcohol, gluten
8/9
Moroccanoil – Sun Lotion SPF 50
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If you love the scent of Moroccanoil’s hair products, then get your hands on this one. The famous hair care brand also makes sun care, and yes it smells just as amazing. The lightweight lotion with high SPF is very hydrating. Like all Moroccanoil products this too is infused with skin loving argan oil.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate (12%), oxybenzone (6%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), octocrylene (2.5%)
Free of: paraben, phthalates, mineral oil
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free After Sun Products
9/9
Sol de Janeiro – Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30 (vegan)
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Step up your sunscreen game, with this shimmery oil from the Brazilian brand Sol de Janeiro. With SPF30 it protects your skin from the sun while at the same time it coats your body in a sparkly glow. Made with super fruit Açaí, to revive skin and restore moisture. The vanilla caramel fragrance makes you feel like you’re flaunting the beaches of Rio.
Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB)
Type: chemical
Active ingredients: homosalate (10%), octocrylene (10%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%)
Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, mineral oil, animal derived ingredients, gluten
