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It’s time to invest in a natural sunscreen. Apart from saving the coral reefs, you could also be saving your skin. Dr. Melanie Palm, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon from Art of Skin, explained that with chemical sunscreens, the product is essentially changing light into heat energy which can have negative effects on the skin. “Heat causes inflammation on the skin, which can cause deleterious effects on the skin and premature aging changes,” explains Palm.
Needless to say, choosing the right sunscreen matters. There are so many options these days, from powder SPFs, to tinted sunscreens, to SPFs that you can buy at the drugstore. Natural sunscreens, also called “physical sunscreens” by the FDA, consist of two types of mineral-based formulas: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens work by reflecting the sun rather than using energy conversion like other chemical-based sunscreens.
Some of the best sunscreens out there now combine the best of natural sunscreen elements with the power of anti-inflammatory agents and/or anti-oxidants. Palm advises looking for active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide on the labels to check. We’ve also taken the guesswork out of finding the perfect natural sunscreens for you, with these 14 dermatologist-approved picks.
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Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Oil Free Matte Broad Spectrum SPF 30
For acne-prone skin, Dr. Ellen Marmur recommends an oil-free, matte formula. “This broad spectrum sunscreen helps to prevent shine and aging on oily, breakout-prone skin,” she says. “The lightweight, ultra-sheer formula is vegan, gluten-free, and paraben-free. Oil absorbers help to keep the skin matte all day and free from excess oil.”
Best for the Environment
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
SuperGoop’s cult favorite formula is certified green at Sephora. “This oil-free, weightless formula leaves a velvet finish and shine control,” explains Marmur. “It’s octinoxate-free and reef safe which makes it one of the best for the environment.”
Best Splurge
Eryfotona Actinica
If you’re willing to spend more, look no further than ISDIN’s superior formula for “daily protection and addressing previous sun damage.” “It’s 100% mineral-based sunscreen and has a lightweight consistency that won’t leave you feeling greasy,” adds Marmur.
Best for Sunburns
100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Already burnt? Marmur recommends CeraVe’s nourishing sunscreen with “a trio of natural ceramides which help to restore your skin and keep moisture locked in.” “Keeping the skin moisturized and hydrated is key with burns,” she explains.
The Dermatologist Favorite
UV Elements Tinted Moisturizer SPF 44
“This line is an absolute favorite amongst dermatologists, approaching almost cult-favorite status,” Palm says. Along with being a tinted sunscreen, “the formulation features not only moisturizers (hyaluronic acid) to increase skin hydration but antioxidant protection (vitamin C) to protect from visible/infrared light exposure and free radical protection.” Perfect for those with sensitive skin, “it is fragrance-free, paraben-free, noncomedogenic and gluten-free.”
Best for No White Cast
Chem-Free Active Defense SPF30
Colbert, whose clients include Emma Stone, Michelle Williams, and a bevy of Victoria’s Secret models, is the founder and head dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group. With his practice, they launched their own line of skincare products, including their chemical-free SPF. It’s “enriched with argan oil plus antioxidants and zinc oxide,” he says. “It goes on smoothly with no white residue and mixes well with makeup, making it great for everyday use.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 50
Colbert recommends the Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen because the sun-repelling zinc oxide is micronized and goes on smoothly without making you look pasty. The product is also free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, and harsh chemicals so it’s gentle on the most sensitive skins.
Best for Swimming
Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
When it comes to department store picks, Shiseido is Palm’s favorite. Beyond sun protection, this formula also hydrates and brightens the skin too.
Best for Blue Light Protection
Mineral Silk Crème SPF30 Oil-Free Unscented
A sunscreen that goes above and beyond. Not only does it prevent damage from UV rays, it also has the added benefit of protecting your precious skin from blue light aka the rays from your computer or phone.
Best for Oily Skin
Clean Screen Mineral
Tired of sunscreen leaving a shiny residue? The mattifying properties eliminate that white mess and leave your skin feeling like skin.
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