Q: What are some of the best vegan/eco-friendly sunscreens for summer?

Summer is here, and we are here for it! 👏 Days in the sun are so much fun, but can easily be ruined by a scorching sunburn. Protecting your skin from getting burned and damaged is *so* important. We want to equip you with the best sunscreens out there right now (all vegan and/or eco-friendly, of course). Protect your skin, girly! ✨

Dear Ellie,

I want to enjoy these lovely summer days, but I don’t want to be putting toxic sunscreens on my skin that are bad for me and bad for the environment.

What are some of the best vegan/eco-friendly sunscreens for summer?

~Sunburnt Sophie in Scottsdale

Lauren, today’s Dear Ellie columnist, has done the research and compiled a list for you:

Dear Sun-Loving Sister,

Summer. I’m here for it! Clean skincare is here to stay, and it’s the perfect time to talk about vegan and eco-friendly sunscreens. Not only are they better for the environment, but they also can be better for you! There are a variety of products and price points. Trial and error always work, but I hope these suggestions can help steer you in the right direction. If you try one of the products from the direct website, don’t forget to sign up for their mailing list for a discount on your first purchase. If you prefer to shop in person, try Ulta, Sephora, Target, and other retailers. If they offer a sample, you can see how well they blend and get a feel for the texture.

I have included a few brands that I have personally tried, along with articles to additional resources. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is an incredible resource for research. In my opinion, the EWG’s Skin Deep database is your best bet to find vegan, eco-friendly products and get to know exactly what you are putting on your face and body.

All Good – Reef safe, cruelty-free, and vegan. The price point of this brand is lower than the first two options. Most of the products use Zinc, so make sure to spend a little extra time rubbing them in.

Beautycounter – Think of this brand as a ‘clean Mary Kay.’ Female founder Gregg Renfrew set out to clean up the beauty industry and created this incredible line. Although you can shop through a consultant, you can also shop on your own. I love their products, and their sunscreen has been a staple for me.

Badger Balm – Top rated by the EWG. Vegan, cruelty-free, reef safe, and 98% organic.

Hello Bella – Reef safe, cruelty-free, vegan, and no parabens. Mineral sunscreen, so it will go on pretty heavy.

Supergoop – Female founder Holly Thaggard set out to transform the SPF industry 15 years ago and has created both a vegan and eco-friendly product. She’s committed to changing the sunscreen industry, donating SPF pumps to schools across America to protect children from the sun, and battle cancer. Take her fun quiz to see which product might work best for you.

Coola – I fell in love with their original cucumber scent way back when and have been pleased to see the company move toward more organic and eco-friendly options. Their products are all vegan, cruelty-free, Hawaii Reef compliant, and 70% organic. Make sure you check the labels because they have both more organic and non-organic options.

Additional resources/articles:

8 Vegan Sunscreens: The Best Sustainable Brands Saving Your Skin and The Planet

Peta – Cruelty-Free, Vegan Reef-Safe Sunscreen Options

One Green Planet 15 Coral-Reef, Cruelty-Free List

Enjoy your sunshine (safely!)