Looking for the best cruelty-free face sunscreens of 2024? We’ve got you! We’ve researched all face SPFs that are not tested on animals and narrowed it down to the 16 best options below.
Why Opt for A Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreen
Using sunscreen that is cruelty-free is important for several reasons:
- Ethical treatment of animals: Many traditional sunscreen brands conduct animal testing. Cruelty-free sunscreen ensures that no animals were harmed or subjected to unnecessary suffering during the product’s development and testing. By choosing cruelty-free options, you support companies that prioritize the well-being and ethical treatment of animals.
- Environmental impact: Cruelty-free sunscreen brands often place an emphasis on environmentally friendly practices too. They may use sustainable and responsibly sourced ingredients, avoid harmful chemicals that can harm marine life and coral reefs, and use eco-friendly packaging. By choosing such sunscreens, you contribute to the protection of our planet’s ecosystems.
- Personal health: Cruelty-free sunscreens often use natural and organic ingredients, which can be beneficial for your skin. They are often free from harsh chemicals, paraben, and artificial fragrances that can potentially irritate or harm the skin.
- Supporting ethical businesses: Opting for cruelty-free sunscreen supports companies that prioritize ethical practices and sustainability. By choosing these products, you help promote a shift in the market towards more humane and environmentally conscious choices. This, in turn, encourages other brands to follow suit and adopt cruelty-free practices.
In summary, using cruelty-free sunscreen aligns with ethical values, supports animal welfare, helps protect the environment, and promotes healthier choices for your skin.
Now, let’s help you find your cruelty-free face sunscreen. Whether you’re looking for a mineral or a chemical sunscreen, a sheer or tinted formula, a low or high SPF, there’s a cruelty-free face sunscreen for everyone.
Vegan
Do you want your skincare to be cruelty-free as well as free of animal (by)products? You’re the best! This list offers you 11 cruelty-free + vegan options.
The 16 Best Face Cruelty-Free Sunscreens
- Best Overall: Biossance – Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen VEGAN
- Best Overall, Runner-Up: Supergoop – Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 VEGAN
- Non-Greasy: Paula’s Choice – Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
- Matte: COOLA – Mineral Face Matte Moisturizer SPF 30 VEGAN
- Drugstore: Sun Bum – Face Lotion SPF 50 VEGAN
- Best for Dry Skin: COSRX – Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ VEGAN
- UV + Blue Light Protection: Dermalogica – Prisma Protect SPF 30 VEGAN
- Sunscreen and Primer in One: Tatcha – Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++
- Light-Weight: Coola – Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops VEGAN
- All-In-One: ILIA – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40 VEGAN
- Best Tinted Sunscreen: Paula’s Choice – Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF30
- Zero White Cast: Glossier – Invisible Shield SPF 35 VEGAN
- Moisturizing: Josie Maran – Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
- Sunscreen + Tinted Moisturizer In One: Juice Beauty – SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer BB VEGAN
- City Life: Murad – City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA +++
- Best for Glowing Skin: Tula – Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 VEGAN
The 16 Best Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreens
All products featured on beauty.beyond.cruelty are independently selected. If you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission (at no additional cost to you). See our affiliate disclosure for more information.
1/16
Best Overall:
Biossance
Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Why We Love It:
- lightweight
- sheer formula
- no white cast
- moisturizing
- made with skin-loving squalane
- non-greasy
- doesn’t clog pores
- mineral-based
- natural scent
- vegan
- reef-friendly
- subtle dewy finish
- recyclable packaging
What We Love Less:
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$
This lotion-like mineral-based SPF30 keeps you shielded from the sun, without any white cast. The sheer formula wears well under makeup as well as on its own. It’s non-comedogenic, meaning it doesn’t clog the pores, making it a great option for acne-prone skin too.
Finish: subtle dewy | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 14% | Cruelty-free: yes, Biossance is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, Biossance is a vegan brand | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, animal (by)products | Packaging: recyclable plastic
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Body Sunscreens
2/16
Best Overall, Runner-Up:
Supergoop
Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Why We Love It:
- high SPF
- 100% clear formula
- no white cast
- controls oil
- feels like nothing on
- doubles as a primer
- fragrance-free
- water-resistant
- leaves a subtle glow
- also protects against blue light
What We Don’t Love:
- nothing
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$
This sunscreen won Allure’s Best of Beauty award and we couldn’t agree more. First, it’s a 100% clear formula, so no white cast here. Second, it also shield skin from the blue light of our screens. Meanwhile, the scentless formula leaves a primer-like finish to keep oil at bay and helps makeup to stay on longer. And the best part, it feels like nothing on.
Finish: subtle glow | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) and blue light | SPF: 40 | Water-resistant: yes | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 8%, octinoxate 4.5%, octisalate 5% | Cruelty-free: yes, Supergoop is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However Supergoop is not a vegan brand, as they also sell products that do contain animal-derived ingredients | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products
3/16
Best Non-Greasy Cruelty-Free Sunscreen:
Paula’s Choice
Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
Why We Love It:
- non-greasy
- lightweight
- oil-free
- no white cast
- doesn’t clog pores
- water-resistant
- fragrance-free
- high SPF
What We Don’t Love:
- not vegan
VIEW ON AMAZON | $
Can’t stand greasy or sticky sunscreen? This is the sunscreen to add to your regime. The ultra-lightweight non-greasy formula is free of oil, absorbs super quickly and leaves a matte finish. Plus, for the amount you get, it’s pretty affordable.
Finish: matte | Tinted: no | Best for: normal, oily, combination skin, acne-prone skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 50 | Water-resistant: yes | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: homosalate 10%, oxybenzone 6%, octisalate 5%, avobenzone 3%, octocrylene 2% | Cruelty-Free: yes, Paula’s Choice is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, they are owned by Unilever, a company that’s not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, fragrance, animal testing
RELATED: The Bestselling Products of Cruelty-Free Brand Paula’s Choice
4/16
Best Matte Sunscreen:
Coola
Mineral Face Matte Moisturizer SPF 30
Why We Love It:
- mousse-like texture
- matte finish
- tinted
- blurs pores and fine lines
- non-greasy
- made with rosehip seed oil to support skin elasticity
- vegan
- mineral-based
- reef-friendly
- water-resistant
- unscented
What We Don’t Love:
- some may prefer something more moisturizing and less matte
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
This mousse-textured sunscreen applies like a dream. It is best for combination for oily skin, as it has an ultra-matte finish and keeps you oil-free throughout the day. The hint of coverage blurs pores and fine lines and makes a perfect base for makeup.n
Finish: matte | Tinted: yes | Best for: combination and oily skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: yes | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: titanium dioxide 3.2%, zinc oxide 1.8% | Cruelty-Free: yes, Coola is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, they are owned by S.C. Johnson, a company that’s not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this product is vegan, as the majority of the brand’s products. However, Coola is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, fragrance, animal testing, animal (by)products
5/16
Best Drugstore:
Sun Bum
Face Lotion SPF 50
Why We Love It:
- budget-friendly
- oil-free
- no white cast
- water-resistant
- high SPF
- semi-matte finish
- subtle scent
- vegan
What We Don’t Love:
- nothing
VIEW ON AMAZON | $
On a budget? This oil-free lotion offers solid and invisible SPF50 protection and retails for 12$. It is water-resistant, so great for beach days and outdoor sports too. Sun Bum’s sunscreen has a natural sunscreen scent, that isn’t overpowering.
Finish: semi-matte | Tinted: no | Best for: normal to oily skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 50 | Water-resistant: yes | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10% | Cruelty-free: yes, Sun Bum is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand. However, they are owned by S.C. Johnson, which a not a cruelty-free company | Vegan: yes, this product is vegan, as the majority of the brand’s products. However, Sun Bum is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, animal testing, animal (by)products
6/16
Best Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreen For Dry Skin:
COSRX
Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Why We Love It:
- lightweight, creamy formula
- moisturizing
- made with aloe vera to hydrate and sooth skin
- fast-absorbing
- fresh scent
- glowy finish
- no white cast
- plays well with makeup
- high SPF
- vegan
- decent price point
What We Don’t Love:
- contains fragrance
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $
This K-Beauty face sunscreen offers high protection while aloe vera hydrates and soothes the skin. The lightweight, creamy texture is quickly absorbed without leaving your face tacky. It has a fresh fragrance, that doesn’t linger.
Finish: dewy | Tinted: no | Best for: dry to normal skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 50 | Water-resistant: no | Type: chemical + mineral | Active ingredients: ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid, isoamyl p-methoxycinnamate, titanium dioxide | Cruelty-free: yes, Cosrx is cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Cosrx is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal derived ingredients | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products
RELATED: The Bestselling Products of Cruelty-Free K-Beauty Brand Cosrx
7/16
Best UV + Blue Light Protection:
Dermalogica
Prisma Protect SPF 30
Why We Love It:
- protects from UV, blue light, pollution and infrared
- moisturizing
- non-greasy
- zero white cast
- leaves a healthy glow
- natural citrusy scent
- vegan
What We Don’t Love:
- pricey
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$
Not only UV rays can harm and age our skin, but also the blue light from our screens, as well as pollution and infrared. Luckily, this multi-tasking sunscreen shields the skin from all that. The non-greasy lotion is formulated with soothing matcha and sage extracts and leaves a healthy glow.
Finish: glowy | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types in need of all-round protection | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), pollution, infrared and blue light | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: homosalate, octocrylene | Cruelty-free: yes, Dermalogica is a cruelty-free brand. However, their parent company Unilever is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this product is vegan. However, Dermalogica is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, animal (by)products
8/16
Best Cruelty-Free Sunscreen and Primer in One:
Tatcha
Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++
Why We Love It:
- silky texture
- doubles as a primer
- blurs pores
- moisturizing formula
- lightweight
- non-greasy
- matte finish
- mineral-based
- flowery scented
What We Don’t Love:
- it can leave a hint of an ashy cast on darker skin tones
- pricey
- contains fragrance
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$$
This ultra-silky sunscreen doubles as a primer, as it blurs pores and leaves the perfect base for makeup. It blends easily and dries down to a matte finish and evened out complexion.
Finish: matte | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 35 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 15%, octisalate 5% | Cruelty-free: yes, Tatcha is a cruelty-free brand. However Tatcha is owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing
Tip: Double Cleanse To Remove Sunscreen At Night
Sunscreen can be difficult to remove from your skin, which is why it’s best to double-cleanse before bed.
This means you start with an oil cleanser on dry skin to breakdown sunscreen, makeup and skincare, and follow with your normal face wash.
Double-cleansing ensures that there’s no sunscreen (or other residue) left behind on your skin.
Check Out:
The Best Cruelty-Free Cleansing Oils
The Best Cruelty-Free Face Washes
9/16
Best Lightweight Cruelty-Free Sunscreen:
Coola
Full Spectrum 360 Sun Silk Drops Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Why We LoveIt:
- serum-like formula
- non-greasy
- hydrating
- oil-free
- non-comedogenic
- you can mix it with your moisturizer or foundation
- dewy finish
- also protects against blue light and pollution
- subtle fresh scent
- handy dropper bottle
- glass packaging
- vegan
What We Love Less:
- pricey
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
These innovative silky drops make applying sunscreen every day a joy. The serum-like formula can be used on its own as well as mixed with a moisturizer or foundation. Being oil-free, non-greasy and non-comedogenic, this sunscreen won’t break you out.
Finish: dewy | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), blue light, IR, pollution | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: homosalate 10.0%, octocrylene 6.0%, octisalate 5.0%, avobenzone 2.0% | Cruelty-free: yes, Coola is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However Coola is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, phthalates, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products
10/16
Best Sunscreen + Makeup + Skincare In One:
ILIA
Super Serum Skin Tint SPF40
Why We Love It:
- makeup, skincare and sun protection in one
- dewy finish
- high SPF
- oil-free
- offers light coverage
- dewy finish
- packed with skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide, squalane and hyaluronic acid
- moisturizing
- also protects against blue light and infrared
- wide shade range
- clean brand
- mineral-based
- vegan
- fragrance-free
What We Love Less:
- pricey
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
Why not wrap your makeup, skincare, and sun protection into one product? ILIA’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 protects, hydrates and delivers light dewy coverage.
Finish: dewy | Tinted: yes | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), blue light, infrared | SPF: 40 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 12% | Cruelty-free: yes | Vegan: yes | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, silicones, fragrance, gluten, animal testing, animal (by)products
11/16
Best Tinted Face Sunscreen for Aging Skin:
Paula’s Choice
Resist Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense SPF30
Why we love It:
- sunscreen with light coverage
- evens out skin tone
- blurs fine lines
- fast-absorbing
- silky-matte finish
- fragrance-free
- with anti-aging ingredients
- mineral-based
What We Don’t Love:
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
Looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a tinted moisturizer, and fights wrinkles? Opt for Paula’s Choice Super-Light Daily Wrinkle Defense. The light coverage of this lotion-like formula, blurs fine lines, evens out skin tone and leaves your skin with a silky-matte finish. On top of that, it’s packed with antioxidants for its anti-aging benefits.
Finish: silky-matte | Tinted: yes | Best for: aging skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 13% | Cruelty-free: yes, Paula’s Choice is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand. However, they are owned by Unilever, a company that’s not cruelty-free | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, fragrance, animal testing
RELATED: The Best Cruelty-Free Face Serums for Aging Skin
12/16
Best Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreen: Clear Formula
Glossier
Invisible Shield SPF 35
Why We Love It:
- 100% clear
- zero white cast
- gel-like formula
- non-comedogenic (doesn’t clog pores)
- plays well with makeup
- smells like summer
- it leaves a glass-look glow
What We Don’t Love:
- the tiny bottle
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
No matter how dark your skin tone, this clear gel-like sunscreen is 100% invisible. The gel-like formula glides on and leaves a glass-look sheen. It plays well with makeup, is breathable and, won’t block your pores. With a touch of sweet orange essential oil, this sunscreen subtly smells like summer.
Finish: glowy | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 35 | Water-resistant: no | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 6%, octisalate 5% | Cruelty-free: yes, Glossier is a Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan brand. However Glossier is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing, animal (by)products
13/16
Best Moisturizing Sunscreen:
Josie Maran
Argan Daily Moisturizer SPF 47
Why We Love It:
- very moisturizing
- SPF47
- mineral-based
- serum-like texture
- translucent formula
- no white cast
- fast-absorbing
- non-greasy
- leaves a dewy glow
- very subtle fruity scent
- there’s also a tinted version to add a touch of color and coverage
What We Don’t Love:
- may be too moisturizing for some
- not water-resistant
- not vegan
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
Is your skin on the dry side? Opt for this sunscreen and moisturizer in one. With an SPF47, it keeps you protected from the sun’s rays, while argan oil moistures and nourishes your skin. The light serum-like texture glides on and is quickly absorbed.
Finish: dewy | Tinted: no | Best for: dry to normal skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 47 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide | Cruelty-free: yes, Josie Maran is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: no | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oil, gluten, animal testing
14/16
Best BB Cream + SPF30:
Juice Beauty
SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Moisturizer BB
Why we love It:
- sunscreen + BB cream in one
- mineral-based
- made with hyaluronic acid for moisture
- available in 3 shades
- light coverage
- glowy finish
- doesn’t feel heavy
- it has a light citrus scent
- organic ingredients
- reef-friendly
- vegan
- recyclable packaging
What We Love Less:
- no deep shades
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$
Looking for a sunscreen that at the same time gives your face some light coverage? This SPF30 BB Cream will bring you a your-skin-but-better complexion while protecting you from sun’s rays. The mineral sunscreen is made with clean and natural ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about what you’re putting on your face.
Tinted: yes | Best for: dry, normal and sensitive skin | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: zinc oxide 20% | Cruelty-free: yes, Juice Beauty is a PETA and Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Juice Beauty is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, silicones, animal testing, animal (by)products
15/16
Best Sunscreen For In The City:
Murad
City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA ++++
Why We Love It:
- feels like a moisturizer
- lightweight
- slightly tinted
- no white cast
- also protects against pollution, blue light and infrared
- fragrance-free
- goes well with makeup
- leaves skin glowing
- vegan
What We Love Less:
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$
Not only will this mineral sunscreen protect you from sun’s rays, but it also shields from the pollution, blue light and infrared radiation. The scentless formula is ultra-light and feels similar to a moisturizer. Because of the subtle peachy tint, there is zero white cast. It works perfectly under makeup as well as on its own. And the best part, it leaves a luminous glow.
Finish: glowy | Tinted: yes | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), blue light, infrared and pollution | SPF: 50 | Water-resistant: no | Type: mineral | Active ingredients: titanium dioxide 2.7%, zinc oxide 10.0% | Cruelty-free: yes, Murad is a cruelty-free brand. However they are owned by Unilever, a company that is not cruelty-free | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However, Murad is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, animal testing
16/16
Best Cruelty-Free Face Sunscreen for Glowing Skin:
Tula
Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen SPF 30
Why We Love It:
- gel-cream texture
- lightweight
- non-greasy
- no white cast
- non-comedogenic
- with skincare ingredients
- glowy finish
- faint banana scent
- also protects from blue light and pollution
- vegan
What We Don’t Love:
- pricey
- not water-resistant
VIEW ON AMAZON | $$$
Tula’s gel-cream sunscreen comes with a lot of good-for-your-skin ingredients like probiotics and papaya to promote healthy-looking skin. Reviewers rave about its lightweight feeling, glowy finish, and faint banana scent. Plus, being oil-free and non-comedogenic this sunscreen will NOT cause a breakout.
Finish: glowy | Tinted: no | Best for: all skin types | Protection: broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB), blue light, pollution | SPF: 30 | Water-resistant: no | Type: chemical | Active ingredients: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5% | Cruelty-free: yes, Tula is a PETA-certified cruelty-free brand | Vegan: yes, this is a vegan product. However Tula is not a vegan brand, since they also sell products that do contain animal (by)products | Free of: paraben, sulfates SLS and SLES, phthalates, mineral oil, silicones, synthetic fragrance, animal testing, animal (by)products
RELATED: The Best Vegan + Cruelty-Free Acne Products
Sunscreen Brands That Are NOT Cruelty-Free
- Aveeno
- Avène
- Banana Boat
- Blue Lizard
- CeraVe
- Cetaphil
- Clinique
- Coppertone
- Dr. Jart+
- Elizabeth Arden
- Elta MD
- Estée Lauder
- Hawaiian Tropic
- Innisfree
- Isdin
- Lancome
- La Roche-Posay
- Neutrogena
- Olay
- Peter Thomas Roth
- Shiseido
- Sisley Paris
- SkinCeuticals
- Vichy
*Note this is not an exhaustive list.
The Basics of Sunscreen
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 will 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 very important to reapply every two hours.
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% of UVB rays.
UVA / UVB
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. Though we love our tanned faces in the summer, the darkening of the skin is a sign of damage to the lower level of the skin and is simply a reaction of our body to prevent further damage. UVA can cause lower-level skin cancers. It also damages collagen and elastic tissue and is therefore responsible for skin aging.
For these reasons, we need sunscreen that protects us from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning), also known as ‘broad-spectrum’.
Mineral Vs. Chemical Sunscreen
There are mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, but what exactly is the difference?
Simply put, the active ingredients in chemical sunscreen are chemicals, such as avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Mineral (or physical) sunscreens, use natural active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical sunscreen goes into the skin to offer protection by dissipating UV rays. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays by providing a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays.
So Which Is Better?
Both chemical and mineral sunscreens protect us from UV rays that damage our skin. Some prefer a mineral sunscreen, as it is natural and more skin-friendly than a chemical sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are generally better absorbed into the skin, and therefore are less likely to leave behind a white cast.
When you plan on swimming in the ocean, you want to opt for a mineral sunscreen, as the active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate, are harming the coral reefs.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Just like the term cruelty-free, the terms reef-safe and reef-friendly aren’t regulated. This means that a brand can put the label on their packaging, but this doesn’t necessarily mean the sunscreen is in fact reef-safe.
Therefore, it’s always best to look at the ingredients yourself. Though there’s still a lot research to be done around what exactly is affecting the coral reefs, you may to avoid the most linked ingredients, being oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as octocrylene. The safer way is to opt for a mineral sunscreen, as long as they don’t use nano-particles.
When To Wear Sunscreen
You may not want to hear this, but sunscreen is needed every 365 days of the year, whether it is cloudy or sunny.
Blue Light
Unfortunately, UV light isn’t the only light that can cause damage to our skin. Also the blue light from our phones and laptops can potentially contribute to skin aging. Thankfully, there are now sunscreens that also offer protection from blue light, so you are protected outdoors and indoors.
How Do We Know If A Brand Is Cruelty-Free?
We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty always do our research to ensure the brands on this site don’t test on animals or allow others to do so on their behalf.
We check the brand’s cruelty-free status on their website, we reach out to brands, we verify if the brand is certified cruelty-free by PETA or Leaping Bunny, and we check its status with cruelty-free database Cruelty-Free Kitty.
Sometimes, the cruelty-free status of a brand remains unclear. If there is any doubt about a brand being committed to be 100% cruelty-free, the brand will not make it in here.
Parent Company Note
A cruelty-free brand can be owned by a parent company that does test on animals.
Since the products and ingredients of the brand itself are never tested on animals, we at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty consider these brands to be cruelty-free.
However, we do always mention it below each product when a brand has a parent company that tests on animals.
What Is The Difference Between Cruelty-Free and Vegan?
The term cruelty-free means a product and its ingredients haven’t been tested on animals. Whereas, vegan means a product does not contain any animal ingredients or (by)products.
A product can be cruelty-free and not vegan. In the same way, a product can be vegan and not cruelty-free.
The products in this article are all vegan and cruelty-free.
Why Trust Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty
We at Beauty.Beyond.Cruelty are beauty enthusiasts + devoted animal lovers that pour through the internet to select the best cruelty-free skincare, hair, and makeup products that are here to find.
Our findings are based on reading (lots of) reviews, doing ingredient research as well as testing the products ourselves.
Questions or Remarks?
Do you have any questions or remarks about the best cruelty-free face sunscreens in this article, or do you know a cruelty-free sunscreen that needs to be on this list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments down below.
This post is updated in June 2023, since it was originally published in April 2021.
Up Next: The Best Cruelty-Free + Vegan Mineral Sunscreens for Face and Body
All of this sunscreens or most of them on this list don’t even last the YUKA rating scale. This means that they use chemicals that are detrimental and hazardous.