10 Best Zero Waste Sunscreens Brands to Buy from

Summer is one season that brings excitement and fun. But you know what it is—it’s a time to patronize sunscreen brands.

Nobody wants to get skin cancer or any other sun-caused skin ailment. But as much as you care about your skin, you should also be conscious of your environment. Sunscreens will protect your skin during the summer from the adverse effects of the hot sun.

Patronizing sustainable or zero-waste sunscreen brands is more like protecting your plentiful eggs with a single crate. Yes, the world is getting tired of plastic waste, which poses a risk to the planet. Everyone concerned in the United States and other countries is talking about climate change. Plastic waste and other non-vegan products contribute largely to it.

Instead of going for your popular brand, which might not be a zero-waste sunscreen brand, why not have a rethink? Protecting your skin is not enough; what about your general health?

Most conventional sunscreens are not reef-safe, and most of the time the waste ends up at the bottom of the water. such a lot of adverse effects on the water bodies, not to mention the human effects it exposes us to.

What is a zero-waste sunscreen?

A zero waste sunscreen is a sunscreen product that poses no risk to the environment, that is, it has zero waste or minimizes waste, including in the packaging, and no harmful ingredients are used for its production. The packaging a sunscreen comes in is one way to know if it’s a zero-waste sunscreen. It should be in recyclable or reusable packaging to reduce waste.

Second are the ingredients that such sunscreen is composed of; mineral-based sunscreen is what you should be after. It shouldn’t contain nano zinc, octinoxate, or oxybenzone. Some of these chemicals are very harmful and expose you to the risk of skin cancer. Mineral-composed sunscreen helps combat UVA and UVB rays on your skin.

 Why Should You Choose a Zero-Waste Sunscreen?

Switching to a zero-waste sunscreen over your traditional sunscreen brands literally means that you care about protecting your skin as well as your environment and the safety of your skin while having fun in the sun without being dependent on toxic chemicals or creating waste.

As a matter of fact, the benefits cannot be overemphasized. Some of the other reasons you should opt for eco-friendly and zero-waste sunscreens are:

• Protecting the environment

Non-zero-waste sunscreens are known contributors to the degradation of the hydrosphere, most often the reefs. 2008 research revealed that oxybenzone can cause coral bleaching, limit coral growth, and sometimes kill reefs. Using reef-safe sunscreens can be a form of your own contribution to preserving the marine habitat and making the ecosystems safe.

• Protection from exposure to harmful chemicals

Most conventional sunscreens are composed of some very toxic chemicals like octinoxate and oxybenzone, which can have some negative effects on hormones. Zero-waste sunscreens, on the other hand, are often made from natural ingredients, reduce the risk of harmful chemical exposure, and help to improve healthy living.

• Reduction of plastic waste

Plastic waste is a serious problem globally. Most conventional sunscreens contribute to this, as many often come in plastic bottles and tubes. Which is why you need to shun them and go for eco-friendly sunscreens, which are often packed in metal tubes and decomposable. This way, you are helping reduce plastic waste in the environment and promoting sustainable development.

• Refillable and reusable

Many zero-waste sunscreen brands often offer this initiative as an additional effort to reduce plastic waste in our society. When you purchase any of their products that come packed in metal, tin, or glass containers, you can reuse the same container by ordering a refill instead of getting a new one. This is what most conventional brands don’t have; the choice is yours.

• Safe ingredients

Zero-waste sunscreens focus on using naturally sourced and risk-free ingredients that are rich in minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. These minerals can help prevent the harmful effects of UV rays on the skin without the use of toxic chemicals contained in some conventional sunscreen brands. The mineral elements prevent skin issues and are very suitable for highly sensitive skin.

8 Zero-Waste Sunscreens: Top Picks

1. AO Organics

AO Organics offers sunscreens available in tins, sticks, and liquids. The tin-packed sunscreen is the eco-friendliest of their products, is nano-zinc-free, and can give your skin all-round protection from the sun. Most of the ingredients it contains are USDA-certified  and are devoid of harmful chemicals that can disrupt hormones.

The brand’s zero-waste sunscreen sticks are also nice. AO Organics is one brand that prioritizes consumers health and well-being as well as safe living in the environment.

2. ByRobinCreations Vegan Sun Lotion

ByRobinsonCreation is a diverse brand that is into both fashion and skin care. They are into toothpastes and sunscreens. Their sunblock is for lips, body, and face and is named spf30. All their packages come in tins, sticks, and aluminum tubes, all to cut down on waste.

Spf30 is a zero-waste sunscreen stick that contains 100% naturally sourced ingredients with candelilla wax and zero nano zinc, which effectively protect the skin from the sun. The interesting thing is that these brand products are all hand-made, with no combustion-powered machine practice involved.

3. Raw Element

Raw Element is a popular naturally sourced ingredient in sunscreen. It is packed with lots of minerals and vitamins that your skin needs. Also, it is composed of effective antioxidants to help protect your skin from not just sunlight but also pollution.

The amazing thing about this product is that it is water-resistant and can last more than 80 minutes after being exposed to water. This sun protection sunscreen is also suitable for your kids, as it is very soft on the skin, and promotions recommend it for kids. Raw elements are packed in a reusable and recyclable tin.

4. Badger

Badger is a zero-waste, eco-friendly brand whose aim and objectives are to provide naturally sourced, quality skin care products. Badger offers different varieties of eco-friendly sunscreens for skin protection and zero-waste mineral sunscreens composed of zinc oxide, which is considered the safest ingredient for sunscreen production.

The zinc moisture contained in badger sunscreen allows for easy absorption and radiant-looking skin. Badger sunscreens are also 100% reef-safe, cruelty-free, non-toxic, bug repellant, sustainable, and also provide your skin with lots of essentials and a positive outlook.

5. Reef Repair

Reef Repair is an all-around zero-waste facial sunscreen product that moisturizes the skin properly and protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It is oxybenzone-free, reef-safe, and contains essential oils that are suitable for almost every skin type and color.

Reef Repair is a sunscreen product that’s very effective, even during the hottest hours of the summer. The product is packed in PET and is recyclable, depending on your recycling partners. You can do research or call to be sure first. Be sure that this product is harmless, cruelty-free, and very effective for good, radiant-looking skin, even in the hottest summer seasons.

6. Solistick

Solistick is a natural, zero-waste sunscreen stick recommended for those who are fond of taking pictures or videos when hiking or surfing while on summer tours. The brand is owned by the popular Sarah McDonalds, a lifeguard and surfer.

Solistick is an eco-friendly sunscreen made from high-quality, natural ingredients for the best possible all-round skin protection. The brand is much more concerned about sustainability, as the product comes in a recyclable tube. It really has nice reviews from customers who have used it, so it’s safe to say it’s one of the best sunscreens out there.

7. Upcycle

Upcycle is a special zero-waste sunscreen packed in compostable packaging, aiding waste and pollution reduction. It is composed of nano zinc-free and titanium dioxide, which provide extensive sunlight and UV protection. It also contains natural ingredients such as green tea and cocoa butter, along with several antioxidants. Upcycle is suitable for all skin types. The product is well packed with quality non-plastic materials. Upcycled sunscreens are a great option for those who are very conscious of their health and the welfare of the ecosystem.

8. Raw Love

Raw Love is an eco-friendly sunscreen product founded by Jenna Davis in Hawaii. She took this step while wanting to protect her very reactive skin and tats and also be able to go diving and become a SNUBA tutor.

Raw love is safe, reef-friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, and moisturizes well, particularly due to the essential oils it contains. The product is not only sustainable and safe but also of high quality and suitable for everyday usage. Raw love is packed in a very special and enticing recyclable tin and is specially styled.

9. Blue Lizard

Blue Lizard sunscreen is a trusted zero-waste sunscreen for optimum skin protection against the hot summer sun. It contains non-nano zinc oxide as its effective ingredient, providing long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays from sunlight.

Other ingredients it contains include organic mineral ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, which help enrich the skin with essentials. Despite all the zero-waste ingredients it contains, it is packaged in plastic, which is reef-safe and 100% recyclable. So, the brand is definitely worth trying if you care about your skin and the ecosystem.

10. Butter me up

Butter Me Up sunscreen is composed of a nano-zinc oxide-free ingredient that protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It also contains vegan ingredients like coconut oil and butter, which help hydrate the skin and keep it shiny and fresh.

It also contains vitamin E, which is very essential for healthy, soft skin and is suitable for all skin types and colors. Its moisture ingredients make it nice and suitable for sensitive and dry skin. The brand only packages it in a glass jar, thus promoting sustainability and cutting down on excessive plastic waste.

Conclusion

Choosing zero-waste sunscreens is a great way to achieve a sustainable planet and healthy living. When you use these products, you are not only saving the environment from pollution and waste but also protecting yourself from harsh and harmful chemicals that can adversely affect your body. The brands listed here are just some of the popular ones, as there are a lot of other sunscreen products and brands out there you can opt for.

Do away with conventional sunscreens, which can impact your health and the ecosystems today. Embrace sustainable sunscreen for optimum sunlight protection today!