Best Beach & Sport Sunscreens: Non-Mineral Options

The best sunscreen is a hat and a shirt. No chemicals for the skin to absorb, no questions about whether the product works, no bogus claims like “sunblock.” (No conventional product blocks out all rays. That’s why the FDA is trying to ban the term. )

But when you can’t avoid exposing your skin to the sun, use EWG’s Sunscreen Guide to find top-rated sunscreens with broad spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection but fewer hazardous chemicals that penetrate the skin. U.S. sunscreen makers are seeking FDA approval for UVA-screening chemicals approved for use in the European market. In the meantime, all of EWG’s top-rated products contain either zinc or titanium minerals to filter UVA rays.

Choose from among our top-rated sunscreens for broad spectrum protection with fewer hazardous ingredients. And follow our sun safety tips to protect your skin for a lifetime.

Non-Mineral Options

None of these non-mineral sunscreens earn our top rating. But here are some choices for people who prefer to avoid nano-scale minerals (zinc and titanium) or who object to the feel or smell of mineral sunscreens. The trade-off? All non-mineral products contain at least one sunscreen chemical considered to be a potential hormone disruptor.

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The 24 best non-mineral options (brands sorted A-Z reverse)

See all non-mineral options »

	Product and Score
	Australian Gold Sheer Coverage Lotion with InvisiDry, SPF 15
	Beyond Coastal Active Face Stick Sunscreen, SPF 30 Daily Active Sunscreen, SPF 30 Active Sunscreen, SPF 15
	Bull Frog Water Armor Sport Face Lotion Sunblock, SPF 30 Ultimate Sheer Protection, Body, SPF 30 Ultimate Sheer Protection, Face, SPF 30
	COOLA Suncare Sport Classic Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 45 Suncare Body Classic Sunscreen, Unscented, SPF 30 Show 4 more
	Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Sport High Performance Ultra Sweatproof Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 Show 2 more
	NIA24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen, SPF 30
	Ocean Potion Suncare Sunblock Lotion, Anti-Aging Quick Dry, SPF 50+ Suncare Anti Skin Aging Quick Dry Lotion, SPF 15 Suncare Anti Skin Aging Face Potion Daily Lotion, SPF 45
	Sunbow Sunscreen Stick, SpongeBob Square Pants, SPF 45 Dora the Explorer Pink Sunscreen Stick, SPF 45
	Vichy Laboratoires LiftActiv Retinol HA Day Sunscreen, SPF 18