Protecting our skin from the harmful UV radiation of the sun is important. And given how climate change is influencing our weather, it will become even more important in future.
But conventional sunscreens have a negative impact on our environment, exacerbating the issue. Stopping to use sun protection isn’t an option, as it’s vital for our skin health.
Instead, we have to look for sun creams that protect us and the environment.
That’s why I have done a lot of research to put together a list of the best eco-friendly sunscreens in the UK, so that you can make the switch without the hassle of doing the legwork yourself.
Best Truly Eco-Friendly Protection In The UK
| Products | SPF Available | Sun Protection | Value For Money | My Rating | Full Review | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 50 and 30 | Outstanding | Excellent | 4.85 | Read Review | Visit Website |
 | 30 | Excellent | Outstanding | 4.8 | Read Review | Visit Website |
 | 25 | Excellent | Great | 4.77 | Read Review | Visit Website |
 | 25 | Excellent | OK | 4.7 | Read Review | Visit Website |
Truly Eco-Friendly Sun Protection Is Difficult To Find
Before we get to our list, it’s important to talk about what a truly eco-friendly sunscreen is. Because there are many sun creams out there that claim to be environmentally friendly. Most of them will have labels such as “coral reef safe”, “reef safe”, or “ocean friendly”.
What they mean is that they don’t contain certain chemical UV filters, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. These have been shown to negatively affect coral reefs and shouldn’t be used.
However, most of these sunscreens still use other chemical filters, which have been shown to be harmful to aquatic life. And they also contain other synthetic ingredients that are harmful.
Find out more in our article about which sunscreen ingredients to avoid.
Only Pure Mineral Filters Are Truly Eco-Friendly
According to research, mineral or inorganic UV filters are the best option for our environment. (Caloni et al., 2021) But, to have the least possible impact on our planet, the sunscreen has to use only mineral filters and in non-nano form.
Many sunscreens contain both chemical and mineral filters, so it’s worth checking the ingredient list closely. Any of the sunscreens on my list will only contain inorganic UV filters in non-nano form.
The next criterion to be classed as a truly eco-friendly sunscreen in our book is that the company you buy your eco-friendly sun cream from only makes sustainable products. So if they also sell sunscreens with chemical filters, you won’t find them on our list.
And the same is true for synthetic ingredients, many of which are made from petrochemicals and are harmful to aquatic life. So will only feature sunscreens that use natural or plant-based ingredients that have a smaller impact on our environment.
The Local The Better
Finally, we only consider companies that are UK-based or in Europe, no further. They also have to produce their products and source their ingredients here in the UK or Europe as much as possible.
Packaging needs to be sustainable too, ideally zero-waste and if not plastic-free at least only recyclable plastic.
So without further ado, here we go…
The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens In The UK
Apart from the criteria I have outlined above, which are vital for the sunscreen to make it onto the list in the first place, I have looked at the following factors to determine the ranking:
- What SPF do they offer
- Texture, ease of application, and white marks
- Performance
- Value for money
For now, the list is fairly short, but I will continue my research for truly eco-friendly sunscreens and add more as I find them.
Find Your Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Quiz
Answer 5 multiple-choice questions and get a personal recommendation.
#1: Odyskin Mineral Sunscreen (Our Rating: 4.85/5)
This Belgium-based company was founded to make a difference, however small. They make their products in France, where they also source their ingredients, which are all natural.
Their zero-waste packaging is made in France and Belgium. So their products have quite a low carbon footprint. They keep plastic in their packaging to a minimum, and if it’s used, it’s recyclable. Their sunscreen comes in an aluminium tube. I really like their ethos.
SPF 50 And SPF 30
Their mineral sunscreen contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in non-nano form, providing optimal protection for your skin. And you can get the mineral sunscreen in SPF 50 or 30, whichever is best for you.
So far, it’s the only brand that I’ve found that offers a sun protection factor as high as 50. With my very fair skin, I need the highest factor I can get. Because it’s a mineral sunscreen, it offers broad-spectrum protection, so works against UVA and UVB radiation.
I’m really pleased with the performance of the Odyskin mineral sunscreen. It kept me safe, even after hours of full sun exposure, while I was digging a path in our garden.
No White Marks But Soft Skin
Despite it being a mineral sun cream, it doesn’t leave white marks, as long as you rub it in well. This isn’t difficult, because the texture, while thicker than chemical sunscreens, is very easy to apply.
The base ingredient is shea butter, which is why the texture is thicker. But in combination with other natural ingredients, it nourishes your skin, leaving it soft and hydrated, even a day or two after using it.
What I love is that it doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin, thanks to the natural ingredients used. In terms of value for money, it’s priced similarly to other true mineral sunscreens.
You can read more about my experience with it in my full Odyskin sunscreen review.
#2: Sintra Naturals Mineral Sunscreen (Our Rating: 4.8/5)
This UK-based company was founded from a wish to use products that don’t contain harsh synthetic chemicals. Sintra Naturals therefore only uses natural ingredients in all their products, which are handmade in the UK.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
The Sintra Naturals mineral sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide, providing broad spectrum protection. I tried it in several scenarios and I’m happy with it’s performance. Even when spending over two hours in full sunlight, I didn’t get sunburnt, or even a bit red.
My only complaint is that they only offer SPF 30, as I normally use SPF 50, as I have very fair skin that burns easily.
However, what I did love was how soft my skin felt, even after I showered and washed it off. The base ingredient is shea butter, which is known for it’s nourishing properties. And my sensitive skin was also happy, thanks to the natural ingredients.
Thicker Texture
Because of the shea butter, the consistency is thicker than a conventional chemical sunscreen. This makes it a bit more difficult to apply, but not too much. It’s worth taking an extra few minutes to put it on, though.
That’s because if you don’t rub in the sun cream properly, you get a white cast on your skin. Only if you work it in well does it disappear. For me, this is only a small thing, though, as I get a truly eco-friendly sunscreen that works great.
It’s also great value for money compared to other mineral sunscreens. It’s one of the cheapest ones I could find.
Read my full Sintra Naturals sunscreen review to learn more about my experience with it.
#3: UpCircle Mineral Sunscreen (Our Rating: 4.77/5)
One thing I absoutely love about this UK-based skincare company is that they upcycle waste products, such as coffee grounds, to make their ingredients.
By doing so they reduce waste, the need for resources, and minimise the environmental impact of their products. Sustainability is at the heart of what they do, with plastic-free packaging, and a closed loop return refill system.
Their mineral sunscreen has a light consistency and is easy to rub into the skin. White marks aren’t an issue either. The upcycled ingredient is rasperry seed oil from the drinks industry.
Effective Broad Spectrum Protection
The mineral UV filter used is zinc oxide, which provides effective broad spectrum protection. I have used it in several different circumstances and my skin didn’t get even a hint of redness. Given that I very light skin that burns easily, that’s very reassuring.
One drawback is that UpCircle only offer their mineral sunscreen as SPF 25, which is a shame. I would love to see SPF 50 or 30.
Compared to other mineral sunscreens, this is also on the pricier site, but you do get a lot for your money.
Read our full UpCircle sunscreen review for more information.
#4: Awake Organics Mineral Sunscreen (Our Rating: 4.7/5)
Another UK-based company, Awake Organics only use natural ingredients in their products, which they make on-site by hand in small batches. The company came about because the founder couldn’t find personal care products without harmful chemicals.
So she decided to make her own. I love this. They use plastic-free packaging and only work with ethical suppliers for their products.
They use zinc oxide in non-nano form as the mineral UV filter, giving you broad-spectrum protection. Unfortunately, they only offer SPF 25, which I find a bit disappointing and is why it’s so low on my list of the best eco-friendly sunscreens in the UK.
Light Texture And No White Marks
What makes the Awake Organics mineral sunscreen different from others I have tried is that it has a much lighter consistency. Rather than shea butter, it’s oil based, which gives it the lighter texture.
As a result, it’s much more like a chemical sunscreen. And it’s really easy to apply and get’s absorbed quickly. Because it’s so easy to rub in, there aren’t any white marks. But you still have to work it in properly, it’s just easier than with other mineral sunscreens.
I also love the fresh lavender scent, which makes it really nice to wear. It’s not too strong though, so don’t worry. The scent comes from essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, which is important.
Moisturised And Well Protected Skin
When it comes to performance, this mineral sunscreen did a great job at protecting my skin from the sun’s radiation. There was no sign of redness after sun exposure. It’s just a shame they don’t do an SPF 50 version.
My sensitive skin also loved the way the sunscreen moisturised it. It felt nice once I put it on, and even after having a shower, my skin still felt soft.
It is rather pricey, though, compared to other mineral sunscreens. I was also surprised to find that they only seem to sell it in spring.
Find out more in my full Awake Organics sunscreen review.
Our Top 3 Eco-Friendly Sunscreen Picks
| Products | SPF Available | Sun Protection | Value For Money | My Rating | Full Review | Official Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 and 30 | Outstanding | Excellent | 4.85 | Read Review | Visit Website |
| 30 | Excellent | Outstanding | 4.8 | Read Review | Visit Website |
| 25 | Excellent | Great | 4.77 | Read Review | Visit Website |
