15 Best Natural and Organic Sunscreens, Tested by Skin Scientists
Experts stand by these top-tested SPFs for face and body.
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We carefully reviewed this article in March 2023 to ensure all products tested and vetted by the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab were in stock, available and reflected accurate prices.
When it comes to sunscreens, there are two main types: chemical and mineral. "Natural" sunscreen usually refers to mineral SPFs, which use naturally-derived minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV rays, as opposed to chemical formulas that absorb UV light and convert it to heat. "Mineral sunscreens protect the skin by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB radiation, and visible light," says Sara Hogan, M.D., a dermatologist at the Luxe Dermatology and Aesthetic Center in McLean, Virginia. Mineral SPF formulas are gaining popularity because they're free of controversial chemical sunscreen active ingredients like oxybenzone, and because "in general, there's been a movement toward natural and organic skincare," says Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and senior vice president of The Skin Cancer Foundation. The term "organic" on sunscreen product packaging implies that the product contains organically-produced ingredients, though the SPF active ingredients could be mineral or chemical and cannot be organic themselves because they are not derived from living matter.
The Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab regularly tests all types of body and face sunscreens on a range of skin types, tones and ages, from sunscreens for oily skin to sunscreens for sensitive skin, sunscreens for kids and babies, and more. GH Beauty Lab scientists keep current regulations at the forefront when considering sunscreens for testing and in the most recent test, started by surveying 1,139 adults on their sun protection habits. Sunscreens are then thoroughly evaluated on consumer testers for both sun protection efficacy and cosmetic properties (texture, scent, application, look and feel of skin during wear and more) to find the formulas that perform above the rest, including those that are natural and organic.
Our top picks:
Here, delve into the full results behind the best natural and organic sunscreens to protect all skin types, tested by the GH Beauty Lab. Check out our guides to the best "reef-safe" sunscreens and pregnancy-safe sunscreens for more expert picks.
Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.
Sabina (she/her) is the director of the Beauty, Health & Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she has overseen skincare, haircare and makeup testing since 2012. She also reviews applications, substantiates claims and evaluates products for the GH Seal and the Beauty Awards and Sustainability Awards programs. She has a B.S. in chemistry from Ithaca College and more than 16 years of experience working in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries.
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