I tested 23 Plastic-Free, Mineral Sunscreens. These are the best (and worst)
I’ve personally tested more than 20 mineral sunscreens from 13 sustainable brands over more than a year, and I’m here to tell you, it’s not all sunshine and butterflies out there. Some of these products I love, and some I don’t.
So if you’re already considering buying a specific product, be sure to check out my notes on it first! (I also have exclusive discount codes for most of these brands, so you can save 10 or even 20% on your order.)
Who’s writing this review?
Writer, Sunscreen tester, Real human
Note: While brands gifted me a few of these products, I purchased most of them with my own money. As with most of my reviews, I’ve invested hundreds of dollars to test products without any pressure from the brands. And I earn a commission if you buy any of these products through my links, even the ones I don’t love…
…But I can’t let you buy bad sunscreen, so I’m being brutally honest, even when it’s not good news.
How I tested 20+ plastic-free sunscreens (and why I’m telling you which ones to skip)
I don’t mean I “tested” these products by researching them online. I’ve actually used each and every sunscreen in this review dozens of times, and have tested them on multiple (willing) family members, too.
Many of these sunscreens are organic, and made by innovative small businesses that are making better, safer, more sustainable options a reality.
Most are also 100% plastic-free (if they have any plastic in the packaging, it’s refillable packaging, like a glass jar with a plastic pump that you can reuse).
Because there’s a LOT of information online about “chemical-free” sunscreens, but 99% of those reviews are talking about products in plastic packaging. To me, that’s not good enough.
So if you’re looking for the best sustainable sunscreen for your face or body – and especially if you’re suspicious that you might end up buying products you’ll hate – you’re in the right place.
Compromises: Plastic-free is great, but do mineral sunscreens actually work?
If you’ve been on this journey with me for long (the journey of switching your everyday products to plastic-free brands) then you know I’ve tested sustainable products in a lot of categories.
And I’m not going to lie: Finding plastic-free and chemical-free sunscreen has been a real challenge.
For pretty much everything else I’ve reviewed, I’ve found excellent alternatives to the everyday waste of plastic packaging fairly easily (and I’ve won over thousands of readers who agree).
For sunscreen, almost every product I’ve tested has involved some amount of compromise. That’s just the truth.
The main issues:
- Spreadability / ease of use. Mineral formulas are often thicker and less pleasant than chemical options. But some brands are changing that.
- White cast. It’s impossible for a mineral sunscreen to have no white cast; the minerals are, in fact, white. But my two favorite facial mineral facial options (from Rebrand and Earth Harbor) have nearly solved this.
- Inclusive tint options. Please, “universal” is not an acceptable shade for a product that’s supposed to match human skin. Most of the one-color-fits-all options work pretty well on me, but for anyone with a skin tone darker than “fair,” I haven’t heard good feedback.
And that’s from a dedicated sustainability nut, who’s willing to accept some compromise to stop buying plastic packaging made out of petroleum. But most people don’t accept compromise, and those are the people I think of when I’m reviewing products.
And when you read about what’s wrong with chemical sunscreens, below, I think you’ll agree that a tiny bit of compromise is worth it. These reviews should help you find the right balance for you.
Here are my favorites:
TOP PICKS: The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
Here’s my TL;DR list of recommendations, after testing more than 20 sunscreens from 13 brands. Discount codes for most brands are below in the reviews!
Best for Face:
Best for Lips:
For the best organic SPF lip balm in a tube, Sol de Ibiza is my favorite by far.
Best for Face – Untinted:
Longtime favorite Earth Harbor is tied with Rebrand’s new sunscreen, while Circular Bodies has more moisture.
Best for Face – Tinted:
The Avasol stick is like a light foundation (in 4 shades) with mineral SPF.
Best Barely Tinted Face Sunscreen:
4 shades and a very moisturizing formula make Raw Elements worth a look.
Best High-SPF Facial Sunscreen:
Sol de Ibiza’s SPF 50 BB cream has the most mineral protection for your face, and lots of organic moisturizers.
Least Expensive for Face:
Earth Harbor’s 1-ounce size is the smallest commitment to start with, but Rebrand’s refills cost least per ounce.
Best for Body:
Best Sunscreen for Body:
Tough category, but our favorites are all from Sol De Ibiza (especially easy-to-apply SPF 15 liquid).
Best Tinted Sunscreen for Body:
Avasol’s SPF cream (in 4 shades) is very easy to apply and great for the beach!
Best Travel-Size Sunscreen:
Even the smallest pocket has room for All Good‘s tiny tin of SPF 50 (with a medium tan tint, or un-tinted.)
Best High-SPF Sunscreen:
Badger’s water-resistant Sport Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 40 or 50) is easy to spread, and has the least white cast.
Best Long-lasting Sunscreen:
Babo’s Mineral Sunscreen Balm could win the high-SPF category, too, but where it really shines is how it doesn’t budge in waves.
Least Expensive for Body:
Badger is the best deal per ounce. All Good’s 1-ounce tin is close and costs less because it’s smaller.
Why mineral sunscreen is safer than chemical: the short version
Nearly all the mineral sunscreens in this review use zinc oxide, which is a mineral that physically blocks UV rays. It’s gentle on skin, even has anti-inflammatory benefits, and is immediately effective (no more 20-minute wait before going in the sun). Titanium dioxide is also a very similar option, just less common.
In fact, out of 16 sunscreen ingredients the FDA reviewed, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are the only two considered ‘generally recognized as safe and effective.’
Chemical sunscreens, meanwhile, have been linked to hormone disruption in people, and coral bleaching and other damage to marine life. The evidence is so strong that chemical sunscreens (like oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene) have been banned in Hawaii, Aruba, Palau and other places for more than five years.
If you want details on all of this, my complete guide is coming soon. (Sign up here to keep in touch and I’ll send it to you!)
For now, a couple more important notes: First, “reef safe” is not a regulated term, so don’t rely on it. You have to check any sunscreen’s ingredients when you’re shopping to know whether it’s 100% mineral.
And choosing non-nano minerals is much less important than avoiding the chemical sunscreens. (And “non-nano” is another unregulated term, although I do note which brands use that description in my reviews below.)
Finally, when I say “chemical-free sunscreen” I mean the same thing as “mineral sunscreen,” which is the formulas without the synthetic, toxic, petroleum-derived UV filters.
With all that in mind, here are the best and worst products I’ve found by testing 20+ chemical-free sunscreens in plastic-free packaging.
Sunscreen COMPARISON CHART:
More of a visual person? I made a super short, useful chart of how all 13 brands compare at a glance, and honestly, two years ago I would have just made it part of this blog post.
But since AI now steals anything I publish, I decided to make it exclusively for my email subscribers. Get on my list below and I’ll send it to you!
Sunscreen Brand Reviews: 100% plastic-free or refillable brands
The eight brands below are the best in terms of overall sustainability at the company level. They make products with organic ingredients in refillable and/or plastic-free packaging (with a couple of minor exceptions noted).
Discount codes are included for most of these, and links to several full reviews!
Sol de Ibiza – best European sunscreens
This Spanish sunscreen company was going to be a bonus for my European readers, until I learned they ship globally. If you only try one brand from this guide, I’d recommend Sol De Ibiza.
Their formulas are smooth, easy to apply, 100% plastic-free, organic, and great for sensitive skin with subtle, natural scents.
Best Sol de Ibiza products for body:
- Face & Body Cream, with SPF 30, was my first favorite from Sol de Ibiza. I love it for bodies more than faces, because it’s fairly thick, although still more spreadable than any other option I’ve tested in a tin. It has the slightest white tint, but better than most non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens. It’s also very water resistant (even in salty waves) but still washes off easily with soap!
- And they have a version for kids and babies.
- Magic Oil easily became my new favorite when they launched it. This creamy liquid SPF 15 comes in a glass jar and is by far the easiest chemical-free sunscreen to apply. My husband is… I’ll just say not very patient when applying sunscreen, and this is the one he reaches for first out of everything we’ve tried.
- Their Super Zinc Stick is my go-to for a quick bit of protection on small areas like scars and backs of hands. It’s also my top choice for covering tattoos!
Best Sol de Ibiza products for face:
- Their organic SPF lip balm is my favorite mineral option for lips. It’s smooth and feels moisturizing, and while it can leave a little bit of whiteness if you apply too much, it’s better than every other chemical-free sunscreen lip balm I’ve tried.
- They just launched a new tinted BB Cream for a daily, chemical-free face sunscreen in a bio-plastic jar. For my combination skin, it’s just a little too oily. But my mom, who’s in her 70s, loves it for her dry skin.
Does Sol de Ibiza ship to the US… and should it?
As of May 2026, yes they do!
But for most products, I’d say no, we probably don’t need to ship skincare around the world. But Sol de Ibiza is one of the most sustainable brands I’ve tested and they make some of the best performing products.
So yes, sometimes voting with your wallet means ordering from Spain, both to support a small company doing great work, and to get plastic-free products you’ll actually use.
There’s free US and UK shipping on orders over €80 (around $95 USD), and to most of Europe on orders over €50. Here are shipping rates for other countries.
Ready to try Sol de Ibiza?
Details: My full review of Sol de Ibiza sunscreen is coming soon with more details. 👉 Join my email list to know when it comes out. (You’ll also get my one-page sunscreen cheat sheet with details on all these brands, and my guide to the top plastic-free toiletries I recommend for travel!)
Shop: Order directly from Sol de Ibiza, and save with my discount code:
Sol de Ibiza
Overall, this organic brand from Spain is my favorite plastic-free sunscreen brand that I've tested so far!
I love the Magic Sun Oil for an easy to apply option for all over. For the face, their tinted BB Cream is very moisturizing (great for dry skin).
Sol de Ibiza is also available on Amazon in some countries (the UK and EU, but not in the US). However, I always recommend ordering directly from small businesses when possible, so they don’t have to give a big cut to Amazon. This is a brand I wish more companies were like, so I want the money I’m spending to go straight to them.
ETEE – the most unique skincare refill system (compostable!)
This new Canadian company is trying to take over your entire home with plastic-free swaps.
And they do something I’ve never seen before: Their skincare and other liquid refills come in tubes made of hemp and beeswax, so they’re fully compostable! (Including in your backyard compost pile, or a Lomi compost machine, which I’ve used for years.)
How’s their mineral sunscreen?
Before you read further: This sunscreen is currently not available in the US, but other ETEE products are.
I wanted to love ETEE’s sunscreen. The formula is an easy-to-apply cream with SPF 30, the scent is very light, and overall it’s pleasant to use.
But I find it leaves more of a white cast than other untinted options for the face. (I mean Rebrand and Earth Harbor, above, which start out looking white, but easily rub in. With this one, the whiteness sticks around.)
If white cast isn’t a concern for you, or you want something easy to rub in for other areas of the body, I’d highly recommend it.
ETEE products worth trying
Even though their sunscreen didn’t win me over, ETEE is one of my favorites. I love their facial moisturizer and cleanser. I used an entire refill tube of both products, and found them very similar in texture and performance to Rebrand’s moisturizer and gentle face wash.
One main difference is that ETEE’s face wash comes in a concentrate, which you mix with water at home. Very efficient and easy to do!
Ready to try ETEE?
Details: Since there’s so much to love about ETEE, my full review is coming soon! Join my email list to hear when it comes out. (I’ll also send you my one-page sunscreen cheat sheet with details on all these brands, and my guide to the top plastic-free toiletries I recommend for travel!)
Shop: Order directly from ETEE (they ship globally) and save with my discount code:
Avasol – best tinted mineral sunscreens
Avasol was founded by surfers who care about protecting the oceans, and it shows: Their two sunscreen formulas use organic, 100% bio-based ingredients that have been clinically and allergy tested. Their ingredients are reef-safe, non-nano and non-toxic.
Best Avasol sunscreen for face:
Avasol’s sunscreen stick is my surprise-favorite tinted mineral sunscreen. It’s in a completely plastic-free cardboard tube that’s very travel-friendly. It’s designed for surfing but, with a little blending, it works like a light foundation, which means I can skip concealer and still have a “make-up look.”
And the best part is that it comes in four shades! (Most brands just claim one tint is “universal” and stop there.)
Blending light and medium tints… My face with the medium Avasol stick
Best Avasol sunscreen for body:
Note: Avasol’s sunscreen stick is 100% plastic-free, but this unique sunscreen cream comes in a packet made of a mix of plastic and aluminum packaging. As I explain in the “sustainable packaging” section of my full review, aluminum wouldn’t be suitable for the formula, and this choice uses less plastic than typical plastic sunscreen packages.
The cream formula is easy to apply, very moisturizing, and also comes in four tinted shades, which is genuinely rare for a body sunscreen. It’s one of my favorites for the beach.
The tints mean this non-nano zinc oxide sunscreen doesn’t leave any white cast.
They also make untinted versions of both products, which are new in 2026, but the tinted sunscreens are where Avasol stands out!
Interested in Avasol sunscreen?
Bonus: Avasol sells sample sizes of all their products, which is a great way to test the shades and avoid waste before buying full-size products!
Details: See my full review of Avasol sunscreens for details on scents, shade testing, and other important notes.
Shop: Order directly from Avasol and save with my discount code:
Avasol
My favorite plastic-free tinted facial sunscreen! It comes in 4 shades and has an almost foundation-like coverage. Organic, 100% bio-based, non-nano and gluten-free.
Also available from Activist Skincare, another excellent sustainable brand, and you can save a bit more by ordering there. (All products will ship in one package – I checked.)
Activist Skincare
Excellent skincare in refillable glass bottles – reducing CO2 emissions by 99% and plastic waste by 75%. Activist makes several formulas of each product for different skin types, so check out my review for details!
You can test the entire line with their trial kit, then use the refillable minis for travel, as I do.
More Details: See my full review of Activist Skincare, including their oil-based cleansers, which are ideal for removing any mineral sunscreen.
Rebrand Skincare sunscreen – simplest & possibly the best mineral sunscreen for the face
If you’ve been reading Tilted Map for long, you know that Rebrand Skincare is one of my favorites. Woman-owned, and ENTIRELY plastic-free, their formulas are outstanding and every product has aluminum refills.
And I love that their product range is small and intentional, unlike many skincare brands. The founder’s philosophy is to create a few products that each do a lot of work, not to overwhelm you with dozens of options so you buy more.
So when Rebrand launched a mineral facial sunscreen, in April 2026, I was excited to try it, and even more excited when it didn’t disappoint!
What makes “Foresight” different from other mineral sunscreens?
Like all Rebrand products, the mineral sunscreen plays multiple roles, with moisturizers and unique ingredients like knotgrass extract, to increase firmness and reduce fine lines.
Plus, with 100% recyclable aluminum packaging, Rebrand has the most sustainable refills of any skincare brand I’ve found.
Foresight vs. Eclipse sunscreen
Of all the mineral facial sunscreens I’ve tried, Foresight is one of the easiest to love. It’s tied with Earth Harbor’s Eclipse SPF, reviewed below.
Both formulas are nearly invisible. Both blend easily, yet don’t feel greasy at all. Both smell like nothing.
As I write this, I’ve got Rebrand sunscreen on the right side of my face, and Eclipse on the left. No one can tell the difference, including me.
Foresight also comes in a 4-ounce, double refill for $52, which is the most affordable refill option I’ve tested.
Ready to try Rebrand Skincare?
Details: See my full Rebrand Skincare review for details on their other products. And I’ll add more details about Foresight Sunscreen there after I’ve tested it for longer!
Other favorite products: Their refillable vitamin C serum is another favorite I recommend checking out. My esthetician could even tell the difference when I started using it.
Shop: Order directly from Rebrand and save with my discount code:
Rebrand Skincare
The simplest skincare routine I've found: 5 products total (including a lip balm and a face oil), with double-sized refills in aluminum packaging at a significant discount.
If you're looking for a simple, refillable cleanser–serum–moisturizer routine, Rebrand is where I'd start. I've asked several friends to try these products – everyone likes them!
Their products are also in some independent local shops.
Earth Harbor – longtime favorite mineral face sunscreen with extra skincare benefits
Earth Harbor only makes one sunscreen (called “Eclipse”), and it was the first product that opened my eyes to the idea that skincare products don’t have to be packaged in plastic. (And that some companies actually make it possible to reuse the plastic they can’t avoid.)
This small brand was founded by a woman who’s a toxicologist and herbalist (both rare in the beauty industry). She hand-picks ingredients, and most are either organic or harvested in the wild, not farmed. The company is a member of 1% For The Planet and has many other sustainability certifications.
What makes “Eclipse” different from other mineral sunscreens?
Eclipse remained the closest to a “normal” facial sunscreen of any of the brands I’ve tried over the years, until Rebrand. (Which is very similar, as I explained above.)
It has no white cast or scent. It’s very moisturizing (but not greasy or heavy).
Where Earth Harbor stands out from Rebrand is that they go hard on botanical extracts. (Foresight just uses one, while Eclipse has aloe vera juice, green tea leaf extract, algae extract, shea butter, hydrolyzed jojoba esters, and licorice root extract.)
Also, if you want to avoid commitment and try a mineral sunscreen for your face in the smallest amount, Eclipse comes in a 1-ounce version for $20.
How do Earth Harbor refills work?
Like most Earth Harbor products, the sunscreen comes in a glass bottle with a plastic pump. But you can keep your first pump and order your next glass bottle without the pump. I’ve been reusing mine for years.
It’s definitely better than most brands that don’t bother with any form of refill… but it’s not as sustainable as Rebrand’s aluminum refills. (Glass weighs more than aluminum, which means more shipping emissions. And glass takes more energy to recycle.)
Want to try Earth Harbor?
With a wide range of refillable products beyond sunscreen, Earth Harbor is worth a look if you’d like more skincare options!
Details: My full review of Earth Harbor (including sunscreen, serums, and moisturizers) is coming soon! 👉Join my email list to find out when it’s ready. (You’ll also get my plastic-free sunscreen cheat sheet, and my guide to the best plastic-free toiletries I recommend for travel. I update the guide regularly, but Eclipse sunscreen has been on it for years!)
Other favorite Earth Harbor products: I’ve also reviewed Earth Harbor’s face wash bars in my plastic-free face wash review. (This coconut charcoal bar is my favorite.)
Shop: Order directly from Earth Harbor (they ship globally), and save with my discount code:
This Utah-based, woman-owned brand seems a bit fluffy at first (lots of mermaid puns), but they're the real deal. You can order any liquid formula WITHOUT a pump top, and reuse the one you have!
I love their ECLIPSE Sunscreen and Coconut Charcoal Face Wash Bar.
You can also buy many Earth Harbor products from Earth Hero, with a different discount:
Earth Hero
For any kind of sustainable products – toiletries, yoga pants, tech, you name it – this Colorado-based start-up is my favorite shop. They have the best selection, and the best sustainability credentials compared with other online stores for sustainable products.
Circular Bodies sunscreen – moisturizing facial SPF with an artisan vibe
Circular Bodies is a one-woman company making lots of organic personal care and cleaning products, including just one kind of “suncream” in a glass jar. The brand’s slightly homemade, hippie-ish vibe made me skeptical, but it shocked me by being one of my favorite facial sunscreens for dry skin.
The formula is intensely moisturizing and gentle on skin, with organic shea butter and olive oil, which also make it very easy to spread. The white cast is as minimal as any of my favorite mineral facial sunscreens I’ve tested. But I wouldn’t recommend this one for oily skin.
It comes in unscented, which I tried (it still has a natural but noticeable herbal smell), or a scented version, with geranium, lavender and sweet orange essential oils.
Products are shipped without any plastic.
in the jar… … on my face!
Does Circular Bodies sunscreen have an actual SPF rating?
The formula uses 10% non-nano zinc oxide, which puts it at around SPF 15, but the founder has so far skipped the expensive certification process required to label it as such. For a small business sourcing natural ingredients from regenerative farms, that choice makes a lot of sense to me.
Is Circular Bodies right for you?
If the lower SPF works for your lifestyle, and your face needs extra moisture, this is one of the most pleasant mineral sunscreens I’ve tested.
Details: See my full review of Circular Bodies sunscreen for more on the product’s texture and the brand’s philosophy.
Shop: Order directly from Circular Bodies (US shipping only) and save with my discount code:
Circular Bodies
One of my favorite sustainable sunscreen options – smooth, spreadable and moisturizing (but not greasy).
Also available in a few local shops, or from Earth Hero, where I have a different coupon code for you:
Earth Hero
For any kind of sustainable products – toiletries, yoga pants, tech, you name it – this Colorado-based start-up is my favorite shop. They have the best selection, and the best sustainability credentials compared with other online stores for sustainable products.
Note: Earth Hero is my favorite online shop for a curated selection of actually sustainable brands. Many sunscreens and other products I’ve tested are available there, so I’ll note when it’s an option.
Utu Sunscreen – interesting metal packaging, but not quite perfect
Utu is a California sunscreen brand that makes mineral sunscreens in creative, refillable aluminum packaging.
I tried two of their products, both of which have very light scents, and use many organic ingredients. And I almost loved both.
Face or body SPF cream?
Their mineral sunscreen cream is labeled for face, but I think it’s better as a “city sunscreen” for the body, because it’s not greasy or white, and doesn’t have a tint that could rub off on clothes.
On my face, though, the formula feels a bit chalky. (Despite lots of moisturizing ingredients, like hyaluronic acid.) But if you have trouble finding a sunscreen that’s not too oily, this could be a good choice.
While it’s easier to apply than many mineral sunscreens for the body, because it’s a cream instead of a balm, you need to be careful not to rub it in too much or else it will pill.
Solid sunscreen stick
Utu’s SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick is good for small areas. It comes in one subtle tint, which offsets the whiteness a bit. (But again, if any brand is listening, I’d love to see MORE shade options to make tinted mineral sunscreens useful to more people!)
Areas for improvement
My biggest issue with both is the packaging glitches. For the stick, the lid comes off too easily. For the cream, the screw top on the aluminum tube often gets stuck.
I think there’s a lot of potential with this brand, and I’m hoping to see a few improvements!
Does Utu sunscreen sound right for you?
If you want a non-greasy body sunscreen with minimal white cast, in sustainable aluminum packaging (and you have a little patience with the lid), Utu is worth trying.
Details: My full review of Utu sunscreens is coming soon. 👉Join my newsletter list to hear when it comes out. (You’ll also get my one-page plastic-free sunscreen guide, and my list of the top plastic-free travel toiletries I recommend!)
Shop: You can order directly from Utu or from their Amazon storefront.
Palm & Pine – European Sunscreen for Surfers (but currently on pause)
NOTE: Sadly, as of May 2026, Palm & Pine is not currently shipping. I’ve reached out to the founder and will update this when I know more. But their products are worth knowing about for when they return, so I’m leaving the review here. Be sure to get on my email list for updates!
Palm & Pine mostly caters to outdoor athletes and anyone spending serious time in the sun. They currently make just two products, both in recycled and recyclable aluminum packaging:
- SPF 50 lip balm – a 10/10 replacement for whatever you use now in a plastic tube! It’s invisible on lips, unscented, and perfect for daily use and has become my go-to, whether I’m at the beach all day or just going for a walk. I’ve tried lots of other plastic-free SPF lip balms, and this one is the best.
- Slightly tinted SPF 50 mineral face sunscreen – this stuff stays on my skin through anything. (Including showering, which means you’ll need a good oil-based cleanser to remove it.) Since it takes work to remove, it’s not for everyday use… unless your everyday involves a surf board. While it only comes in one tint, at least it’s not white.
They were also planning to launch an SPF 30 before going on pause. Stay tuned for updates; I was looking forward to that one!
How to get updates on Palm & Pine
I’m really hoping this brand comes back, so I’ll be sure to let readers know when that happens. Get on my newsletter for updates! (You’ll also get my free plastic-free travel toiletries guide and sunscreen cheat sheet!)
Details: See my full review of Palm & Pine sunscreen for details
Shop: Order directly from Palm & Pine (they ship around the globe), and save with my discount code:
Palm & Pine Sunscreen
My favorite sunscreen lip balm, by far!! Comes in a little metal pot.
Also, if you need heavy-duty surfer sunscreen, this is the best. SPF 50, tinted, organic and sweat/ wave/ mask proof.
Sunscreen Brand Reviews: Sustainable brands with some plastic-free options
The five brands below have strong sustainability credentials (such as organic ingredients, and active SPF ingredients that don’t harm marine life). But their products use a mix of plastic and plastic-free packaging.
Of course, I only tested the plastic-free sunscreens for this review, and a few of them are excellent.
Raw Elements Sunscreen – tinted mineral sunscreen for dry skin
Raw Elements has only a few plastic-free sunscreens, including four shades of SPF 30 tinted face sunscreen. It’s an oily formula that’s best for dry skin, but personally my favorite use is as a body sunscreen when I want to add a bit of a tan look.
Their products contain mostly organic ingredients. They also make plastic-free sunscreens for kids and babies. (Hypoallergenic formulas in a tin and compostable cardboard stick.)
Bummer: Their more inclusive range of tints (5 shades) was my favorite thing about Raw Elements in 2025, and it’s the thing I’m most annoyed by in 2026. They got rid of the darkest shade! It’s so hard to find mineral sunscreens for darker skin tones, so this was really frustrating to see.
Here’s the darkest tint they currently offer. Here’s the lightest, and here’s the shade I ordered – which looked lighter on my skin than it did in the tin, so be warned! But any tint means no white cast, which is the best thing about Raw Elements.
Lighter than it looks Babo Botanicals untinted SPF 50 (left) vs Raw Elements tinted SPF 30 (right). Not just for faces!
Want to try Raw Elements?
Details: My full review of Raw Elements’ sunscreens is coming soon. 👉 Join my newsletter list to hear when it comes out. (You’ll also get my one-page plastic-free sunscreen guide, and my favorite plastic-free toiletries for travel!)
Shop: Order directly from Raw Elements, and save with my discount code:
There’s free US shipping on orders over $50. They do ship abroad, too, but the international shipping rates seem pricey.
Raw Elements products are also available from lots of local surf shops, or on their Amazon storefront.
Babo Botanicals – lots of Hawaii-approved sunscreens + one SPF 50 that won’t budge
Babo Botanicals is a large, woman-owned skincare brand that focuses on sustainability and plant-based ingredients. And they make dozens of products (not just sunscreen) that are great for people with sensitivities: Gluten-free, silicone-free, and many fragrance-free options.
Plus, they’re a certified B Corp focused on sustainable sourcing. Many (but not all) of their ingredients are Fair Trade Certified, organic, or upcycled, such as the passionfruit seed oil in their plastic-free SPF “balm,” which I tested.
Is Babo Botanicals plastic-free?
This is the only thing I wish Babo would do better. Only one of their sunscreens is plastic-free: the Swim & Sport Mineral Sunscreen Balm, so it’s the only one I’ve tested.
It’s an SPF 50 formula in an aluminum tin. The texture is quite thick and putty-like. It’s harder to spread than most, but easier than some SPF 50 balms, like the intense one from Palm & Pine. And it does leave a white cast, although it gets less obvious when you rub it in a bit.
If you need something that will really stick to your skin through intense waves, for example, this is a great option.
Is Babo Botanicals reef-safe?
All Babo Botanicals sunscreens (currently 22 options) meet the requirements of Hawaii’s law banning sunscreen ingredients that are toxic to marine life.
And I respect their reasons for skipping labeling their sunscreens as “reef safe,” and their choice of mono-material plastic tubes that are actually recyclable (most tubes are not).
Want to see everything Babo Botanicals makes?
Despite the mostly plastic packaging, this is one of the best sunscreen backup brands to know, in case you can’t find a plastic-free option that you love.
Details: Interested in a full Babo Botanicals review? Join my email list and let me know, and get two useful cheat sheets plastic-free for plastic-free products.
Shop: Order directly from Babo Botanicals (they ship to the US only), and save with my discount code:
Babo Botanicals
If you’re not based in the US, Babo products are also available on their Amazon storefront.
All Good sunscreen – travel-friendly, tinted SPF 50
Like a few others on this list, All Good is a well known, woman-owned brand that makes more than a dozen sunscreens and other “body care” products… but mostly in plastic packaging.
But they do make one tinted SPF 50 sunscreen in a recyclable aluminum tin. And it’s one of my favorites!
It’s more spreadable than most of the formulas in metal tins. And it feels light on the skin, not heavy or greasy. (It doesn’t look greasy either, but it is more oily and moisturizing than most others.)
It’s unscented and smells like pretty much nothing. (One of the most subtle smelling sunscreens I’ve tried.)
Sadly though, it only comes in one shade (besides untinted). But at least the color is different from all the other one-tint-wonders. Most brands are very light; this one is a warm medium shade.
On my fair skin, the tinted formula looks pretty good… at least on my body. But on my face, it makes me look a bit more orange than I’m happy with. (But hey, if I’ve got a choice between mineral sunscreen that makes me look like a ghost, and one that makes me look a little more tan, I’ll go with this.)
For my Argentinian sister-in-law, who has medium olive-toned skin, it was the perfect shade!
A little too much for fair skin, but we’ve got other options
Note: This sunscreen tin is tiny, at just one ounce, but in terms of price, it’s among the least expensive. ($11 an ounce.) Most of the other sunscreens in metal tins come in 2- or 3-ounce sizes. That makes it great to have in your pocket. (I like to keep it in my favorite tiny travel purse, so I always have a backup.)
All Good has more Sustainability Certifications than most
All of All Good’s sunscreens, not just the one I tested, are reef-safe and mineral (chemical-free). The company is a certified B Corp, uses organic ingredients (including some grown on their own organic farm in California), is a member of 1% For The Planet, certified Climate Neutral, and Leaping Bunny Certified (they don’t test on animals).
Most products are vegan, except those with beeswax, like the Sunscreen Butter. (And their beeswax is sourced from another Certified B Corp.)
Want to see what else All Good makes?
Shop: Order directly from All Good if you’re in the US. They have free shipping for orders over $39, and you can save with my discount code:
Lots of All Good products are also available from Earth Hero, where you can save with my other discount code:
Earth Hero
For any kind of sustainable products – toiletries, yoga pants, tech, you name it – this Colorado-based start-up is my favorite shop. They have the best selection, and the best sustainability credentials compared with other online stores for sustainable products.
If you’re not in the US, you’ll have to order from the All Good Amazon storefront or find it at one of their local retailers.
Badger Balm Sunscreen – best water-resistant SPF 50 sunscreen
This New Hampshire B Corp is a family business and has been one of the pioneers of organic skincare since the 90s. They make lots of products in metal tins, and a few in plastic. (Not just sunscreen.)
Their Adventure Sport Sunscreen with Clear Zinc was the first tub of sunscreen we’ve actually emptied out, which tells you everything.
We used it up because it’s definitely easier to spread than most. (But like all sunscreens that come in this kind of thick formula in a tin, be careful to apply enough! It always takes some patience.)
It comes in SPF 40 or 50. We tested the SPF 50, and the formula has significantly less white cast than either Raw Elements’ un-tinted SPF 30, or Babo’s SPF 50, which are the most similar in terms of packaging, texture, and how I’d use them. (All over the body and for outdoor sports.)
It also stays on well in the water, but washes off more easily than the thick SPF 50 balms from either Babo Botanicals or Palm & Pine.
Is Badger what you’re looking for?
This brand is a sustainable sunscreen classic for a reason.
Details: I wasn’t planning a full Badger review, but let me know if you’re interested in seeing me test more than just Badger’s sunscreen! Joining my newsletter is the best way to keep in touch and send personal requests. (You’ll also get my free plastic-free travel toiletries guide & sunscreen list!)
Shop: Of all the sunscreen brands I’ve tested, Badger is the one you’re most likely to be able to find in local stores, like the grocery co-op where I bought mine.
You can also shop Badger directly from their online shop. And lots of Badger products are available from Earth Hero, where you can save with my discount code:
Earth Hero
For any kind of sustainable products – toiletries, yoga pants, tech, you name it – this Colorado-based start-up is my favorite shop. They have the best selection, and the best sustainability credentials compared with other online stores for sustainable products.
ATTITUDE – some plastic-free mineral sunscreens (if you can find them)
ATTITUDE is a Canadian brand that makes lots of personal care and home products, including some that are plastic-free, but even more that aren’t, unfortunately.
I’ve tried most of their plastic-free skincare serums, makeup and sunscreens they make, and I have a lot of opinions, but I’ll keep it brief here.
Mineral SPF stick for body
ATTITUDE’s plastic-free mineral sunscreen sticks (SPF 30) are a decent option if you have patience to spread them on, but they’re not my favorites. If you’re expecting hands-free application, forget about it. They definitely require some rubbing in to distribute, as my not-very-patient husband learned on the beach in Mexico:
Be careful to choose the plastic-free versions of ATTITUDE’s products
The sunscreen stick that I tested comes in a cardboard tube, like a push-up pop. But they also sell nearly identical sunscreen sticks made of plastic.
I would be much more impressed with ATTITUDE if they focused on plastic-free products, instead of making them a side show, while offering nearly identical products in plastic.
Or they could at least add a category on their website for people to easily find plastic-free items. Instead, you have to sort through lots of options that are not clearly labeled to find the ones with more sustainable packaging.
ATTITUDE tinted face sunscreens: what happened to them?
Their tinted mineral sunscreens for the face impressed me a bit more, but they seem to be on the way out. (As of May 2026, they’re all discounted, because they’re being discontinued. I’ve asked the brand for details and will update this if they plan to bring them back.)
They have the same push-up packaging, but they’re lightly tinted, and have skincare ingredients like vegan collagen for hydration.
Unfortunately though, these only ever came in one “universal” shade.
Other ATTITUDE products worth trying
I’ve tested about a dozen of ATTITUDE’s plastic-free products, and I think the category where they do the best job is makeup, with multiple shades for every item and excellent formulas.
For example, their highlighter sticks are an item I haven’t found without plastic from other brands, and I use mine regularly. It’s great for cheekbones and eyelids, and a perfect complement to my plastic-free makeup from Axiology.
Thinking about trying ATTITUDE?
Details: My full review of ATTITUDE is coming soon. Let me know in the comments if there are certain products you’re curious about! In the meantime, 👉 join my email list to be notified when my ATTITUDE review comes out. (You’ll also get my short, savable guide to plastic-free sunscreens, and my list of favorite plastic-free toiletries for travel!)
Shop: You can shop ATTITUDE directly from their online shop, if you’re in most parts of the US or Canada (they do NOT ship to Canada’s northern territories, Hawaii, Alaska or Puerto Rico).
They also have a store in Montreal, and retailers around the world. Attitude is also available on Amazon.
Before you go…
You made it to the end, congratulations! Do you have any sunscreen questions for me? Leave them in the comments below or, even better, sign up for my newsletter so we can keep in touch, and reply to any of my emails with your question.
Want to read more plastic-free product reviews?
Here area few of my favorites:
- Viori shampoo bar review, and how they support an indigenous tribe we visited in China
- Unbound Merino review – my favorite travel clothes, with less plastic
- Leaf razor review – smooth skin, without the plastic razor cartridges!
