Found: The 19 Best Natural Sunscreens Of 2023 — All Tried & Tested By Beauty Pros

This four-in-one formula moisturizes skin using a blend of squalane, hyaluronic acid, green tea, oat extract, plum oil, niacinamide, and a host of antioxidants. Thanks to its nutrient dense profile, it checks all the boxes for a facial product: It provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, antioxidant support, lipids and emollients to support the barrier, and humectants to hold water. 

What our reviewer says:

This is a stacked formula—so many skin-supporting ingredients I look for in a product. I love that it’s loaded with antioxidants so it can fight environmental stressors, alongside providing UV protection. I tested out a sample size (pictured) but will be getting the full sized immediately.

This luminous formula instantly brightens skin with “banana powder inspired pigments,” which basically just means that it provides a soft-focus glow that’s universally flattering. But it’s not just a superficial boost, it uses the power of niacinamide and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) to brighten tone, help fade dark spots, and protect the skin from further damage by neutralizing free radicals. All that, plus broad-spectrum UV protection. 

What our reviewer says:

I fell for this sunscreen hard—it instantly smoothes out my complexion and provides the perfect glow for a fresh face. I also wear it under makeup, and it plays well with several of my foundation formulas. I love the finish so much, I’d be tempted to wear it daily even if it didn’t give me sun protection!

Formulated by all-star cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson (a favorite source among beauty editors and insiders), this mineral sunscreen is a powerhouse of antioxidant protection. Made with a whopping 20% vitamin C, this is for those who are serious about sun spots, fine lines, and other signs of premature aging. Not only does vitamin C have an accountability to help brighten tone, but it also protects and supports collagen production. 

What our reviewer says:

“I’ve been experimenting with other antioxidant serums in my routine, but I do miss a trusty vitamin C. Good news! BeautyStat makes it easy to infuse the classic skin brightener into my regimen with this two-in-one formula. Sunscreen and vitamin C go together like peanut butter and jelly; and this one features 20% ascorbic acid along with zinc oxide to protect against photoaging and fade dark spots. Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of the brand, recommends mixing it with his Pro Moisture Boost Cream for a super-hydrating base. Try the trick and thank me later.” — mbg beauty editor Jamie Schneider

This uses 12 antioxidants (twelve!) that target a wide spectrum of mature skin concerns. Vitamin C can help improve skin elasticity and firmness through collagen support. Niacinamide helps soothe sensitivity and bolsters the barrier. Licorice root targets dark spots. Resveratrol enhances skin cell rejuvenation. I could go on, but you get the picture. This is all infused with broad-spectrum SPF 30. 

What our reviewer says:

“I have high standards for a glow-inducing sunscreen, and I'm happy to report that this formula ticks all the boxes. When you squeeze out the product, you can literally see the illuminating tints swirling in the creamy base—that's a marker of a good, radiant sunscreen. It has become my go-to for no-makeup days when I want just a teeny bit of glow without appearing oily.” — Schneider

Lots of folks with oil- or acne-prone skin complain about sunscreen—it makes them break out, clogs pores, and makes the complexion even more shiny. The hard truth is that those with acne and clogged pores need SPF even moreso: Sun damage can worsen acne scars and make pores even bigger (UV radiation breaks down collagen, which collapses pore walls). This option was formulated specifically with breakout prone skin in mind. It’s made with all non-comedogenic ingredients (including nixing pore-clogging waxes), plus soothing chebula and astaxanthin.

Blending together a unique blend of potent botanicals, this helps restore the skin barrier while protecting it from further damage from UV radiation. Pentavitin, wakame kelp, and tazman pepper can help hydrate and strengthen the skin—while fierrilo and coralillo provide antioxidant support. 

What our reviewer says:

I have a deep love for Thrive Natural Care—not just because they make fantastic sunscreen, but because their mission of regenerative farming practices is such a worthwhile endeavor. I have sensitive skin, so I opt for this option, but all of their sunscreens are great formulas.

This uses face quality skin care ingredients for the neck down (well, you could use it on your face, too, but it’s better suited for the body). Squalane, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, and algae extract strengthen barrier function, plump the skin, and smooth out fine lines. A tip for applying a formula with this much zinc oxide: Skip the body lotions, and use this as your moisturizer. Apply it all over, and let it sit on the skin while it dries down. Then press and gently rub it into the skin to finish. 

What our reviewer says:

“I have both the travel and full-sized version of this sunscreen—personally, I like to use the full-sized formula on my body, as the whipped, airy texture requires a bit more spreading. I will admit that it does leave a slight white cast on me, and I’m pretty fair. But it’s a small price to pay for a sunscreen formula this good: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, algae, and panthenol plump fine lines, even tone, and protect against premature aging.” — Schneider

This classic sun care brand is beloved for a reason—the budget-friendly formulas deliver quality ingredients and a consistent experience. Their mineral offerings use a blend of both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as a cocktail of Australian botanicals for skin support. For example kakadu plum is high in vitamin C and eucalyptus lends the formula a refreshing scent. It’s further buffered with shea butter, glycerin, and squalane. Plus, it has a slight tint to it that helps alleviate chalky cast.

This derm-favorite brand makes an excellent assortment of sunscreens (both mineral and chemical, face and body, tinted and not). This option is perhaps one of their most popular, which is 100% mineral and works for the face and body. Grab this when you’re headed out for a day in the sunshine, and you know you’ll want to be re-applying all over. 

What our reviewer says:

I have used many sunscreens from La Roche-Posay—I especially love taking them on vacations—and this one's a classic. The mineral formula is thick however, so be prepared to work it in.

When you’re looking for a suitable option for the whole family, kids included, opt for formulas that are gentle and safe for sensitive skin. This blend has a base of hydrating shea butter and sunflower seed oil, so it goes on soft and easy.

An award-winning sunscreen with a dedicated following, this face cream comes in two tints: fair to medium and medium to dark. The formulas blend in effortlessly (for proof, peek at the brand's photo evidence). It can act as a primer under makeup or wear it all on its own for a more natural look—it will help smooth texture and minimize discoloration.

This silky fluid slips onto the skin, coating it in a light wash of moisture. The formula’s infused with botanicals like green tea, aloe, pomegranate, and cucumber–making the texture extremely lightweight. 

What our reviewer says:

I love using this for bare-faced days—it gives me my sun protection, and a subtle tint to even out my skin tone. It’s light and dewy, so it really looks like you’re wearing nothing. Your skin, just smoother and protected.

This tinted number is the epitome of skin care-make up hybrid. The texture feels like you’re applying serum—and with the ingredient profile, you may as well be: The green tea, niacinamide, squalane, chamomile, and calendula can all support the skin in various ways, from strengthening the barrier to fighting free radicals. The coverage is light to medium, but it can build to something with more coverage if you’re using it as more of a foundation product. 

What our reviewer says:

This has the consistency of a light oil or serum, but then dries down to a satin finish (read: not too shiny, but not flat). I used the palest shade—which looked too light upon first application—but then blended in seamlessly. I get redness on my cheeks and nose, and felt this helped calm those areas so my complexion looked more consistent throughout the day. It’s fine on its own, but on days when I wanted full coverage I used it as a primer for a liquid foundation and it didn’t pill.

The star of the show in this formula is the photolyase, an enzyme that helps repair damage from UV exposure. The enzyme comes from plankton, and essentially cleans up damage done in the cells. This helps protect the skin two-fold! It’s beloved by derms, estheticians, and beauty pros alike. Recently, board-certified dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. told me it was one of her favorite SPFs.

Packed with natural and organic ingredients, this lotion feeds the skin humectants, emollients, antioxidants, fatty acids, and amino acids for a full hydration experience. We’re particularly impressed by the plant stem cells (which help support skin rejuvenation) and the ectoin (for epidermal barrier function). 

What our reviewer says:

“Deep Hydration is right—this sunscreen is brimming with skin-plumping humectants. I notice my face looking more supple within minutes. It’s also a pretty generous size (2.7 ounces), yet you can still pop it in your carry-on when traveling. Suffice it to say, this will be my summer go-to.” — Schneider

This little tube of sunscreen has amassed a cult following: The texture is that good. It’s made with the brand’s signature plum oil and Plum Superfruit Complex, which help protect against DNA damage. It’s topped with Zonaria tournefortii extract, which is a seaweed extract that helps smooth wrinkles and fade dark spots

What our reviewer says:

A cushiony delight! This plush sunscreen has the softest texture that melts into skin, and feels amazing all day. I have sensitive skin, and found this to be very soothing—but if you have oil-prone skin, it’s non comedogenic. Not for nothing, but I know that it’s the go-to sunscreen for several beauty insiders.

As easy as sprayable sunscreen makes application, it’s come under scrutiny lately as many of the popular options on the market have been exposed as contaminated with the carcinogen benzene. Well, you don’t have to swear them off entirely—just make sure you find one that’s tested. Coola notes that they use a third-party tester to make sure theirs is benzene free. Not only that, but the formula uses 70% organic ingredients (like algae extract, aloe, and coconut oil) and mineral blockers. This is the highest quality spray sunscreen on the market—from the makers of some of the best SPFs out there. 

Brush on options are fantastic for mid-day reapplication, as it can almost act like a setting powder. This one is nothing but the good stuff (although it comes with a price tag to prove it.) “It's all-mineral, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, and the bristles of the brush are antimicrobial. Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, oil and fragrance. Protects from UVA, UVB, infrared, blue light and pollution with non-nano zinc oxide, iron oxides and antioxidants,” board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., once told us. 

What our reviewers say:

But Schneider and I have tested this formula, and we love that it can double as a scalp sunscreen. She notes the “lightweight, airy consistency,” and I love that it’s an effective multitasker: It’s a setting powder, a midday shine mattifier, dry shampoo, scalp sunscreen—you can basically tap this all over.

One of the most common frustrations with sunscreen is that it pills under makeup. But this option acts almost like a primer: prepping the skin for foundation with a peachy hue that creates a luminescent base. It’s infused with several plumping ingredients too, so it helps create a smooth, soft canvas all day long. 

What our reviewers say:

“This SPF goes on like a super hydrating skin tint, with no greasy residue or white cast left behind. The slight tint adds a glow while decreasing the ghosty complex that often comes with mineral formulas. Not to mention, it's packed with ceramides, peptides, and hyaluronic acid, providing more benefit than just sun protection.” — mbg assistant beauty editor Hannah Frye

“While zinc oxide is notoriously difficult to blend, this formula comes with a peachy-pink hue to help neutralize the cast. And thanks to ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, it doesn’t just sit well under makeup—it actually enhances it by leaving behind a dewy, plump film over your pores. From a skin care-first makeup brand like Kosas, I would expect nothing less.Is $40 a bit pricey for a sunscreen? Perhaps, but if you’ve yet to find a formula you’ll actually commit to, I’d wager this one will make you genuinely excited to slather on.” — Schneider