The Best Nontoxic Sunscreen, According to Dermatologists

By 2026, sunscreen formulas labeled as “clean” or “non-toxic” will be hugely popular, and according to dermatologists, such brands are doing more than just greenwashing. “While the term ‘non-toxic’ is not strictly regulated, it is often used to describe sunscreens that avoid certain chemical filters such as oxybenzone, homosalate, and octinoxate,” says Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Manhattan and New Jersey. “Some consumers prefer this because of concerns about irritation, allergies or environmental impacts.”

FashionFavorite non-toxic sunscreen:

Best Vegan

Grown Alchemist Natural Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

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Best for sensitive skin

Vanicream Broad Spectrum Facial Moisturizer SPF 50

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best glow

Kosas DreamBeam Comfortable Smooth Sunscreen SPF 40

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Best for irritated skin

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen

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best coloring

EltaMD UV AOX Elements Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Tinted Facial Sunscreen

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Best organic certification

Forah Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

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Non-toxic sunscreens are taking on an increasingly classy feel as top brands respond to demand with clean formulas powered by modern technology. “Many modern mineral sunscreens are designed to blend into the skin more easily and avoid the white tint that older versions were known for,” says Dr. Garchik. “Additionally, the sunscreen market has become more competitive as consumers become more ingredient-conscious, with brands focusing on formulas that combine effective UV protection with skincare benefits.” She notes that antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin are becoming standard ingredients in non-toxic sunscreens.

Which formulas work as sunscreen—and which ones? Next, find the nontoxic sunscreens dermatologists recommend the most.

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Best overall performance: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen

• Why we love it: Of all the professionals we spoke to, and there were many, almost everyone recommended Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen. There must be something in this dermatologist and biochemist’s formula, and Facial Plastic Surgeon Approved Choice. Let’s break it down. Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, lists its properties: “It’s soothing because it contains aloe vera, and it’s nontoxic to the skin and the environment,” she says. “This is a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen without harsh chemicals.” Aparowicz also praised the ingredients. “It has a safe mineral filter – zinc oxide – that protects the skin, providing reliable broad-spectrum protection while rubbing smoothly into your skin,” she says. “It’s a great choice for dry, normal, sensitive and dehydrated skin, and is enriched with botanical oils like shea butter and sunflower seed oil to nourish the skin and prevent moisture loss.” She adds that it also contains aloe vera leaf extract to hydrate and soothe skin, and caprylic/capric triglycerides and squalane to moisturize the skin and strengthen its barrier. Another recommendation comes from plastic surgeon Arnold Breitbart, MD, of Long Island Plastic Surgery Center. “I’ve been using Blue Lizard for years—long before the nontoxic sunscreen craze,” he says. “It has always been one of my top picks. It provides great sun protection, contains no harsh chemicals, and is suitable for sensitive skin.”
• Chemistry or Physics: Physics (titanium dioxide 8%, zinc oxide 10%)
• Main ingredients: Organic Aloe Vera, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Squalane
• SPF: 50
• texture: lotion
• size: 5th floor. ounce.