Best Zero Waste Sunscreens
The Best Zero Waste Sunscreens
Whether you’re hitting the beach, hiking in the mountains, or just enjoying a sunny day in the city, sunscreen is a must-have to protect your skin. But as awareness grows about the impact our products have on the environment, many of us are seeking out more sustainable options.
Enter zero-waste sunscreens! These eco-friendly alternatives not only shield your skin from harmful UV rays but also help reduce your environmental footprint. Below, we’ll dive into the best zero-waste sunscreens available, why zero-waste matters, and what ingredients to look out for in these sun-protecting gems.
The (Wasteful) Beauty Industry
The beauty industry, as glamorous as it may seem, has a significant impact on the environment due to its wasteful practices. With an estimated 120 billion units of packaging produced annually by the global cosmetics industry, the environmental cost is staggering. Most of these products come in single-use plastic containers that are not biodegradable, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution. These plastics often end up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans, where they take hundreds of years to decompose, causing harm to marine life and ecosystems.
Beyond packaging, the production process itself can be wasteful. Many beauty products require large amounts of water and energy to produce, with by-products that can contribute to pollution if not managed properly. The use of synthetic chemicals, often derived from petroleum, also adds to the environmental burden, as their extraction and processing can be resource-intensive and harmful to the environment.
In response to this, there has been a growing movement within the industry towards sustainability, with more brands offering zero-waste or low-waste options. These products are designed to minimize environmental impact through the use of sustainable materials, refillable containers, and biodegradable packaging. This is a great step in the right direction.
What is Zero Waste?
Zero-waste is a lifestyle and philosophy that encourages reducing the amount of waste we produce to as close to zero as possible. It’s all about rethinking our consumption habits, reusing items when we can, and recycling or composting anything left over. When it comes to beauty and personal care products, zero-waste means choosing products that come in minimal, biodegradable, or recyclable packaging and that are made with sustainable, eco-friendly ingredients.
For sunscreens, zero-waste often involves packaging made from materials like aluminum, glass, or cardboard, which can be recycled or reused, rather than single-use plastic. Some brands also offer refillable containers or solid bars of sunscreen that eliminate the need for packaging altogether. By opting for zero-waste sunscreens, you’re not only protecting your skin but also playing a part in protecting our planet.
Why is Zero-Waste Sunscreen Important?
We’ve all seen the alarming images of plastic waste clogging our oceans, harming marine life, and littering our beautiful beaches. Traditional sunscreen packaging is part of this problem, with millions of plastic bottles ending up in landfills and oceans each year. But it’s not just the packaging that’s a concern.
Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which have been shown to cause coral bleaching and disrupt marine ecosystems. In fact, some popular tourist destinations, like Hawaii and Palau, have banned sunscreens containing these harmful chemicals to protect their fragile coral reefs.
By choosing zero-waste sunscreens, you’re taking a stand against plastic pollution and harmful chemicals, ensuring that your sun protection is as kind to the environment as it is to your skin. Zero-waste sunscreens often contain natural, reef-safe ingredients that won’t harm marine life, making them a smart choice for eco-conscious beach lovers.
Common Zero-Waste Sunscreen Ingredients
When it comes to zero-waste sunscreens, the ingredients list is just as important as the packaging. Here are some common ingredients you’ll find in eco-friendly, zero-waste sunscreens, and why they’re beneficial:
Zinc Oxide: A mineral that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. Zinc oxide is reef-safe, non-toxic, and suitable for sensitive skin. It sits on the skin’s surface and physically blocks UV rays, making it a popular choice for natural sunscreens.
Non-Nano Titanium Dioxide: Another mineral sunscreen active ingredient that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. “Non-nano” means the particles are too large to be absorbed into the skin, making it a safer option for both people and the environment.
Coconut Oil: Often used as a base in eco-friendly sunscreen, coconut oil has moisturizing properties and can help protect the skin from damage. However, it’s not a sunscreen on its own, so it’s usually combined with other active ingredients like zinc oxide.
Shea Butter: This rich, creamy butter is not only moisturizing but also helps create a barrier on the skin to protect against the sun’s rays. Shea butter is a common ingredient in solid sunscreen bars.
Beeswax: Often used in solid sunscreens, beeswax helps to create a water-resistant barrier on the skin, which is especially useful for activities like swimming or sweating. While not vegan, it’s a natural, biodegradable ingredient.
Carrot Seed Oil: Known for its natural SPF properties, carrot seed oil is a popular ingredient in natural sunscreens. It’s rich in antioxidants and helps protect the skin from sun damage.
Aloe Vera: Soothing and hydrating, aloe vera is often included in sunscreens for its calming effects on the skin. It’s especially beneficial for after-sun care but also provides a gentle layer of protection when combined with other active ingredients.
Jojoba Oil: A lightweight, non-greasy oil that’s easily absorbed by the skin. Jojoba oil is often used in zero-waste sunscreens for its moisturizing properties and ability to help blend other ingredients together.
Raw Elements, SPF 30, Bio-Resin Packaging
Top-Rated EWG • Cruelty-Free
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe • 80min Water Resistant
Zero-Waste Aspects: As part of their commitment to sustainability, Raw Elements uses plastic-free, recyclable bio resin to package our tubes. Bio resin is from sustainable sugar cane crops capturing CO2 from the atmosphere vs. traditional petroleum which releases CO2. The green polyethylene helps reduce greenhouse gases and reduces our carbon footprint significantly.
About Raw Elements: Raw Elements was born out of an effort to create the safest, most effective sunscreen on the planet. We are lifeguards, swimmers, surfers, moms, dads, animal lovers, philanthropists, yogis, conscious consumers, skiers and friends. We are not just a brand, but a mindful, global movement to protect our health and our environment. Our team continues to develop the most trustworthy sun care and is focused on responsibility, sustainability and education.
Price: $17.49
Badger Coral Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 40
Top-Rated EWG • Women-Owned • Cruelty-Free • B-Corp
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe • 80min Water Resistant
Zero-Waste Aspects: Comes in a metal tin and has no synthetic ingredients & is cruelty-free. Made with 100% solar power in the USA by a women-owned family business
About Badger Sunscreen: “Nourish and protect your skin with this mineral sunscreen cream, ideal for long days in the surf and sun. Made with just 4 simple ingredients and packaged in an infinitely recyclable tin, it’s the first formula ever to achieve the rigorous reef-friendly Protect Land + Sea Certification.”
Price: $13.59
Thrive Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF-50
Top-Rated EWG • Regenerative Farming • Socially-Conscious
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe • 80min Water Resistant
Zero-Waste Aspects: Certified plastic negative. Every Thrive bottle you buy now pulls the equivalent of two plastic bottles from ocean or land-bound waste.
About Thrive Sunscreen: “With our powerful skin-restoring plants & the help of local farmers, we bring degraded Costa Rican farmland back to life, build resilient farm communities, and grow uniquely supercharged plant-powered products for better-performing skincare.”
Price: $26.95
ZERO Waste 100% Plastic Free Natural Sunscreen Stick, SPF-20
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe • 80min Water Resistant
Zero-Waste Aspects: The ZERO Waste Sunscreen Stick is zero-waste, reef-safe, and fully plastic-free.
About ZERO Sunscreen: “Kid-friendly solar protection nourishes the skin with simple ingredients you can pronounce: Shea Butter, Coconut Oil, Beeswax and non-nano reef friendly zinc oxide for solar protection. You control how much solar protection you need by how much you apply.”
Price: $16.97
ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF-30
Top-Rated EWG • Cruelty-Free
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe
Zero-Waste Aspects: This sun protection stick comes in a biodegradable cardboard tube.
About Thrive Sunscreen: “ATTITUDE SPF 30 sunscreen stick is formulated with nonnano zinc oxide to limit our impact on the oceans. This mineral filter provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its EWG VERIFIED, vegan and dermatologically tested formula.”
Price: $22.04
STREAM2SEA Sunscreen Balm, SPF-40
Top-Rated EWG • Cruelty-Free • Woman-Owned • Protect Land + Sea Certified
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe
Zero-Waste Aspects: Plastic-free sunscreen — in an infinitely recyclable tin. The all-new SPF 40 Sport Sunscreen Zinc Balm has been Environmental Working Group verified and certified 100% U.S. Department of Agriculture Biobased.
About Stream2Sea Sunscreen: “Stream2Sea is proud that our SPF40 Sunscreen has been certified with the prestigious Protect Land + Sea Certification with 0% of the chemicals on the HEL List. Stream2Sea is safe for freshwater and saltwater plants and animals, and coral larva.”
Price: $24.95
Kinfield Daily Dew, SPF-35
EWG-Verified • Cruelty-Free • Woman-Owned • Reef-Safe • Plastic-Neutral • 1% For the Planet
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe
Zero-Waste Aspects: Kinfield used a PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) Plastic Tube that can be recycled and a paper box made from SFI-certified cardstock. They also offest any plastic use as a certified Plastic-Neutral company.
About Kinfield Sunscreen: “Everything at Kinfield is designed to be Made Safe for People + Planet, and that goes way beyond our products. We proudly prioritize people- and planet-safe ingredients, and minimal-waste packaging.”
Price: $28.00
Avasol Surfer's Barrier Stick, 30-SPF
EWG-Verified
UVA/UVB • Reef-Safe
Zero-Waste Aspects: Avasol’s sunscreen stick is packaged in a biodegradable push-up tube and made with non-nano zinc oxide and organic oils. It’s water-resistant, reef-safe, and perfect for those who want a convenient, zero-waste option for outdoor activities.
About Avasol Sunscreen: “Sun protection that won’t budge when you’re in the ocean or adventuring in the sun. Our formula has earned the love and trust of surfers, lifeguards and adventurers across the globe because it was designed for surfing and to keep our oceans cleaner and safer.“
Price: $19.95
Earth Harbor ECLIPSE Sheer Mineral Sunscreen, SPF-35
EWG-Verified • Woman-Owned • Reef-Safe • Plastic-Neutral • 1% For the Planet
UVA/UVB Protective
Zero-Waste Aspects: Glass bottle with plastic spray top inside of an FSC Certified paper box. Crafted in Utah in a solar powered facility. They also offer plastic free refills.
About Eclipse Sunscreen: “Reef-safe, non-nano, and 100% mineral-based with Zinc Oxide, Macroalgae, and Green Tea Extract to protect skin against UVA and UVB rays, blue light, and pollution damage. She blends in for all skin tones quickly without leaving a trace through her innovative Sheer Mineral Matrix, and is friendly to all skin types through her unique utilization of non-comedogenic plant-based ingredients.”
Price: $25.00
All Good Zinc Butter Sunscreen - SPF-50
EWG-Verified • Woman-Owned • Reef-Safe • Plastic-Neutral • Certified B-Corp
UVA/UVB Protective • 80min Water Resistant
Zero-Waste Aspects: Recyclable tin and biodegradable formula
About Eclipse Sunscreen: “Smooth, creamy, organic. No, we’re not talking about guacamole – we’re referencing All Good SPF50 Mineral Sunscreen Butter. Made from organic ingredients and zinc-oxide, this reef friendly butter physically blocks UVA/UVB rays and goes on thick to protect your skin in the most extreme environments.”
Price: $6.99
Sustainable Hot Tip: UPF Clothing
When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen isn’t the only tool in your arsenal. UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing is an excellent way to reduce your overall need for sunscreen, offering reliable protection without the need for constant reapplication. This is my opinion is the absolute best option for harmful sun exposure and scary outcomes from too much sun like skin cancer. UPF clothing is specifically designed to block out harmful UV rays, providing a physical barrier between your skin and the sun. This type of clothing is especially beneficial for those long beach days, snorkeling adventures, or hiking trips when staying covered up isn’t just practical but essential.
UPF clothing works by integrating UV-blocking elements into the fabric, which can shield your skin from up to 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. Unlike regular clothing, which may still allow some UV rays to penetrate, UPF-rated garments are tested and proven to offer superior protection. For example, a UPF rating of 50+ means that only 1/50th of the sun’s UV radiation can reach your skin. This level of protection is crucial in reducing the risk of sunburn and long-term sun damage.
By wearing UPF clothing, you can minimize your reliance on sunscreen, particularly in areas that are more challenging to apply or where sunscreen tends to wear off quickly, like your back or shoulders. This not only reduces the amount of sunscreen you need to use but also cuts down on reapplication time, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor activities with fewer interruptions.
Moreover, UPF clothing is a fantastic option for those with sensitive skin or allergies to certain sunscreen ingredients. With UPF clothing, you get broad-spectrum protection that stays effective no matter how much you sweat or swim, making it a convenient and reliable choice for sun safety.
The Bigger Picture: Brands Committed to Social and Environmental Impact
When you choose zero-waste products, you’re often supporting brands that go beyond just reducing waste. These companies typically have a broader commitment to social and environmental responsibility, ensuring that every aspect of their business aligns with their ethical values. Many zero-waste brands prioritize being cruelty-free, meaning their products are not tested on animals at any stage of production. This commitment to humane practices is increasingly important to consumers who care about animal welfare and want to avoid supporting harmful testing methods.
Additionally, many of these brands are certified B Corporations, a designation that recognizes businesses meeting the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability. Certified B Corps means the company actively works to balance profit and purpose, considering the impact of their decisions on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment.
Another noteworthy aspect is that several of these companies are women-owned, contributing to gender equity in the business world. Supporting women-owned businesses not only helps to uplift female entrepreneurs but also encourages diversity and inclusivity in the marketplace. These businesses often bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the industry, driving positive change.
By purchasing zero-waste products from these socially and environmentally conscious brands, you’re not just reducing your environmental footprint; you’re also supporting a larger movement towards ethical, sustainable, and inclusive business practices. It’s about making choices that align with your values and contributing to a better world in every purchase you make.
Why Choose Zero-Waste Sunscreens?
Switching to zero-waste sunscreens is a small but impactful way to reduce your environmental footprint. By opting for sunscreens with eco-friendly packaging and natural, reef-safe ingredients, you’re helping to protect the planet while keeping your skin safe from the sun’s harmful rays. These sunscreens are just as effective as their conventional counterparts but come without the environmental guilt. Plus, many zero-waste sunscreens are made with nourishing, skin-loving ingredients that are better for your skin’s health overall.
So next time you’re stocking up on sunscreen, consider choosing one of these zero-waste options available on Amazon. Your skin—and the planet—will thank you!
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