Concerns related to overexposure to the sun have been tirelessly discussed but there is still so much controversy around this subject that we have decided to sum up the important points. Why is it important to wear a sunscreen? The difference between UVA, UVB and UVC? What is the difference between mineral and physical sunscreens? What is vitamin D deficiency and is it related to wearing a sunscreen? And why is it important to choose an SPF by cruelty free and sustainable brands.
We believe that with so much misinformation about SPF and sunscreens it is critical to receive information from official and trusted sources. Cancer Research UK, The British Association of Dermatologists, Harvard Medical School and The American Academy of Dermatology are the most trustworthy platforms which cover two slightly different views on SPF and sunscreens, a European view and an American view. Please visit their websites should you wish to read further, more in-depth information on this subject.
Historically the ingredients used in SPF products have been tested on animals more than in any other cosmetic category. One of the main reasons is that this category of products in America is considered to be a drug and therefore needs to comply with different rules and regulations compare to other cosmetics.
UVA, UVB, UVC
UV radiation from the sun is transmitted in three wavelengths – UVA, UVB and UVC but UVC does not penetrate the earth’s atmosphere.
UV irradiation in the form of UVA is associated with skin ageing. UVA protection in a sunscreen will help defend the skin against photo ageing and potentially skin cancer.
UVB is the form of UV irradiation most responsible for sunburn and has strong links to malignant melanoma and basal cell carcinoma risk (types of skin cancer). A sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) will help block UVB rays and prevent the skin from burning, and by extension damage that can cause skin cancer.
bad.org.uk
Chemical (mineral) vs Physical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens work like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays. They contain one or more of the following active ingredients: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. These formulations tend to be easier to rub into the skin without leaving a white residue.
Physical sunscreens work like a shield, sitting on the surface of your skin and deflecting the sun’s rays. They contain the active ingredients zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Opt for this sunscreen if you have sensitive skin.
aad.org
How much SPF do you need
The SPF value is calculated based on people applying 2mg of sunscreen for every square centimetre of skin. This means that people need around 35ml (a large shotglass or two tablespoonfuls) to cover their entire body.
cancerresearchuk.org
Vitamin D deficiency & SPF products
Sunscreen prevents sunburn by blocking UVB light. Theoretically, that means sunscreen use lowers vitamin D levels. But as a practical matter, very few people put on enough sunscreen to block all UVB light, or they use sunscreen irregularly, so sunscreen’s effects on vitamin D might not be that important. An Australian study that’s often cited showed no difference in vitamin D between adults randomly assigned to use sunscreen one summer and those assigned a placebo cream.
health.harvard.edu
Important to remember
No sunscreen can provide complete protection from the sun. This means that in strong sunlight, or for long exposures, they need to be used together with other protective measures like clothing or shade.
cancerresearchuk.org
Cruelty Free UK put together a list of cruelty free brands which either exclusively produce cruelty free SPF products and sunscreens or offer SPS products as part of their range alongside other cosmetics. These brands do not test their products on animals, do not commission third parties to test on their behalf, do not work with the non cruelty free suppliers and do not sell their products in mainland China. Should you wish to learn more about the brands, their certifications, origin etc. click on the brand and you will be directed to brand’s page.
Cruelty Free SPF Brands & Top SPF Products
| Brand | Best for | Top Rated Product |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Pure | face, body | 100% Pure Yerba Mate Mist SPF 30 |
| 3Lab | face, body | 3Lab Perfect Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 |
| Able Skincare | face | Able Skincare Pro Defence+ Anti-Pollution Avocado Day Moisturiser SPF 15 |
| Académie Scientifique de Beauté | face, body | Académie Scientifique de Beauté Spray For Sun Intolerant Skin SPF 50+ |
| Acorelle | face, body, baby | Sun Spray SPF 30 |
| Acure | face, body | Acure Radically Rejuvenating Day Cream SPF 30 |
| Aesop | face, body | Aesop Protective Facial Lotion SPF 25 |
| Alba Botanica | face, body | Fragrance Free Clear Spray SPF 50 |
| Alchimie Forever | face, body | Alchimie Forever Protective day cream SPF 23 |
| Alkemilla | face, body | Alkemilla Protective Solar Oil SPF 15 |
| Alteya Organics | face, body, baby | Alteya Organics Organic Rose Face Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Alumier Md | face | Alumier Md Sheer Hydration SPF 40 Untinted |
| Amie | face | Amie Skin Shield Daily Moisturiser SPF 15 |
| Anne Semonin | face | Anne Semonin Oligo Protect Cream SPF 30 |
| Annemarie Börlind | face, body | Annemarie Börlind Anti-Aging Sun Cream SPF 50 |
| Antipodes | face, body | Antipodes Immortal Skin-Brightening Face & Body Moisturiser SPF 15 |
| Arbonne | face | ABC Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| ARK Skincare | face | ARK Skincare Skin Protector Primer SPF 30 |
| Aromatica | face | Aromatica Aloe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 |
| Asap Skin Products | face, body | asap skin products moisturising daily defence SPF 50 |
| Attitude | face, body, baby | ATTITUDE Kids Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30 |
| Aveda | face, body | Aveda Daily Light Guard™ Defense Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Avril | face | Avril Face Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Babo Botanicals | face, body, baby | Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Badger | face, body, baby | Badger Clear Zinc Unscented Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 |
| Balance Me | face | Balance Me Natural Protection Moisturiser SPF 25 |
| Bare Republic | suncare | Bare Republic Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 |
| bareMinerals | face | bareMinerals Prime Time™ Bb Primer-cream Daily Defense SPF 30 |
| Beauty Kitchen | face | Beauty Kitchen Raw Inventions Mineral Shield SPF 30 |
| Beauty Pie | face | Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin™ Ultralight Uva/uvb SPF 25 |
| Benton | face | Benton Papaya-S Sun Cream SPF 50 |
| Biossance | face | Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Blue Lizard Sunscreen | face, baby | Blue Lizard Sunscreen Regular Mineral-based Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Bondi Sands | body | Bondi Sands Protect & Tan Tanning Oil SPF 15 |
| Botanics | face | Botanics Dehydrated & Sensitive Skin Hydration Burst Day Lotion SPF 15 |
| Bulldog | face (skincare for men) | Bulldog Protective Moisturiser SPF 15 |
| Carmex | lips | Carmex Daily Care® Variety Pack SPF 15 |
| Chantecaille | face | Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 |
| Childs Farm | body, baby | Childs Farm Sun Lotion Cream SPF 50+ |
| Circcell | face | Circcell Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 43 |
| Colorescience | face | Colorescience Sunforgettable® Total Protection™ Brush-on Shield SPF 50 |
| Control Corrective | face, body | Control Corrective Oil Free Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Coola | face, body | Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 |
| CōTZ | face, body, baby | CōTZ Face Prime & Protect SPF 40 |
| Cover FX | face | Cover FX Booster Drops SPF 30 |
| de Mamiel | face | de Mamiel Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar SPF 30 |
| Decree | face | Decree Day Shield SPF 30 |
| Derma E | face, body | Derma E Sun Defense Mineral Oil-Free Sunscreen Face SPF 30 |
| Dermalogica | face | Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50 |
| Dr. Dennis Gross | face | Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot Sun Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 |
| Dr Jackson’s | face | Dr Jackson’s 01 Day Cream SPF 30 |
| Dr. Sam’s | face | Dr. Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen SPF 50 |
| Drunk Elephant | face | Drunk Elephant Umbra Tinte™ Physical Daily Defense SPF 30 |
| Elemis | face | Elemis Daily Defence Shield SPF 30 |
| Eminence | face, body | Eminence Lilikoi Mineral Defense Moisturizer SPF 33 |
| Emma Hardie | face | Emma Hardie Protect And Prime SPF 30 |
| ESPA | face | ESPA Optimal Skin Pro-Defence SPF 15 |
| Environ | face | RAD Sunscreen SPF 15 |
| Erbaviva | face | Erbaviva Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Every Man Jack | face (skincare for men) | Every Man Jack Face Lotion SPF 20 |
| Facetheory | face | Facetheory Sunfragma Melting Balm SPF 25 |
| Formula by Marks & Spencer | face | Formula Absolute Day Cream SPF 30 |
| Glossier | face | Glossier Invisible Shield Daily sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Glowbiotics | face | Glowbiotics Tinted Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Green People | face, body, baby | Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF 30 |
| Hampton Sun | face, body, baby | Hampton Sun Age-Defying Mineral Crème SPF 50 |
| HEMA | face, body | HEMA The sun milk SPF 50 |
| Hempz | face, body | Hempz Daily SPF Yuzu & Starfruit Herbal Body Moisturizer with SPF 30 |
| Hurraw! Balm | face | Hurraw! Balm Sun Lip Balm SPF 15 |
| Inglot | face | Inglot Under Makeup Base with SPF 20 |
| ISDIN | face, body | ISDIN Fotoprotector ISDIN Fusion Water SPF 50 |
| IT Cosmetics | face | Your Skin But Better CC+ Illumination SPF 50 |
| Jack N’ Jill | face, body, baby | Jack N' Jill Kids Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| JĀSÖN | face, body | JĀSÖN Family Natural Sunscreen SPF 45 |
| Josh Rosebrook | face | Josh Rosebrook Nutrient Day Cream SPF 30 |
| Josie Maran | face, body | Josie Maran Argan Daily Moisturizer Mineral SPF 47 |
| Juice Beauty | face, body | Juice Beauty Oil-free Moisturizer SPF 30 |
| Kabana | face, body, baby | Kabana Green Screen® D Organic Sunscreen SPF 35 |
| Kate Somerville | face | KATE SOMERVILLE UncompliKated SPF 50 |
| Kimberly Sayer | face | Kimberly Sayer Ultra Light Facial Moisturizer SPF-30 |
| Kiss My Face | face, body | Kiss My Face Face Factor Sunscreen 50 SPF |
| Korres | face, body | Korres Natural Yoghurt Face And Body Sunscreen SPF 20 |
| KraveBeauty | face | KraveBeauty Beet The Sun SPF 50 |
| Kypris | face | Kypris Pot of Shade: Heliotropic SPF 30 |
| La Bruket | body | La Bruket 169 Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Lacura by Aldi | face, body | Aldi Extra Sensitive Sun Lotion SPF 50+ |
| Lancer Skincare | face | Lancer Skincare Sheer Fluid Sun Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Lanolips | face | Lanolips Tinted Lanolin Lip Balm SPF 30 |
| Lavera | face, body | Lavera Anti-ageing Sensitive Sun Cream SPF 30 |
| Love Sun Body | body | Love Sun Body Fragrance Free SPF 50 |
| Lumene | face | Lumene Oxygenating Day Fluid SPF 30 |
| Lush | body | Lush Solid Sunscreen Wash SPF 30 |
| Mad Hippie | face | Mad Hippie Natural Facial Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Mádara | face | MÁDARA Plant Stem Cell Age-defying Face Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Margaret Dabbs | body | Margaret Dabbs Sun Defence for Hands SPF 30 |
| Mario Badescu | face | Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30 |
| Medik8 | face | Medik8 Physical Sunscree Anti-pollution Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Merumaya | face | Merumaya Youth Preservation Moisturiser SPF 20 |
| Milk Makeup | face | Milk Makeup Sunshine Skin Tint SPF 30 |
| Mineral Fusion | face | Mineral Fusion Mineral Brush-on Sun Defense SPF 30 |
| Murad | face | Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Neal's Yard Remedies | face | Neal's Yard Remedies Wild Rose Moisturising SPF 30 |
| NEOM | face | NEOM Ultimate Calm Moisturiser SPF 30 |
| Niod | face | Niod Survival 30 SPF 30 |
| NIP + FAB | face | NIP+FAB Post Glycolic Fix Moisturiser SPF 30 |
| No7 | face | No7 Protect & Perfect Intense ADVANCED BB Facial Sun Protection SPF 50 |
| Nuori | face | Nuori Mineral Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Odylique | face | Odylique Natural Sun Screen SPF 30 |
| Omorovicza | face | Omorovicza Mineral Uv Shield SPF 30 |
| OSKIA | face, body | OSKIA Invisible Broad Spectrum Mineral Milk For Body SPF 30 |
| Pai | face | Pai British Summer Time: Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Paula's Choice | face | Paula's Choice Resist Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 50 |
| Perricone MD | face | Perricone MD Photo-Brightening Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| PHB Ethical Beauty | face | PHB Ethical Beauty Tinted Moisturiser SPF 25 |
| Pixi | face | Pixi Sun Serum SPF 30 |
| Ren | face | Ren Clean Screen Mineral SPF 30 |
| Renée Rouleau | face | Renée Rouleau Weightless Protection SPF 30 |
| RéVive | face | RéVive Soleil Superiéur / Broad Spectrum SPF 50 |
| Rituals | face, body, baby | Rituals Sun Protection Face Cream SPF 50 |
| Rodial | face | Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Moisturiser SPF 15 |
| Salt & Stone | face, body | Salt & Stone Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 |
| Sanctuary Spa | face, body | Sanctuary Spa Protect & Illuminate Moisture Lotion SPF 15 |
| Skingredients | face | Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 |
| Skinny Tan | body | Skinny Tan Protect and Glow SPF 50 |
| Sol de Janeiro | body | Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Oil SPF 30 |
| Solara Suncare | face, body, baby | Solara Suncare Clean Freak Nutrient Boosted Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Soleil Toujours | face, body | Soleil Toujours 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Soltan | face, body, baby | Soltan Kids Suncare Stick SPF 50 |
| Sonrei | face body | Sonrei Sea Clearly® Gel Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Sonya Dakar | face | Sonya Dakar Daily Shield SPF 30 |
| StriVectin | face, body | StriVectin Full Screen™ Broad Spectrum SPF 30 |
| Suntegrity | face, body | Suntegrity UNSCENTED Natural Mineral Sunscreen for Body SPF 30 |
| Supergoop | face, body, baby | Supergoop PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50 |
| Susanne Kaufmann | face | Susanne Kaufmann Face Broad Spectrum Protection Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Tatcha | face | Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen SPF 35 |
| The Body Shop | face | The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Lotion SPF 50 |
| The Inkey List | face | The Inkey List Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| The Ordinary | face | The Ordinary Mineral UV Filters with Antioxidants SPF 30 |
| The Organic Pharmacy | face | The Organic Pharmacy Cellular Protection SunCream SPF 50 |
| This Works | face, body | This Works In Transit Skin Defence SPF 30 |
| Trish McEvoy | face | Trish Mcevoy Beauty Booster Cream SPF 30 |
| Tropic | face | Tropic Sun Day Facial Uv Defence SPF 50 |
| Trufora | face | Trufora Titanium Day Cream SPF 30 |
| Unsun Cosmetics | face, body | Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| Versed | face | Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 |
| Volition | face | Volition Prismatic Luminizing Shield SPF 50 |
| Weleda | face, body | Weleda Edelweiss Sun Facial Lotion SPF 30 |
| Yon-Ka | face | Yon-Ka Crème SPF 50 |
| Zelens | face | Zelens Daily Defence Sunscreen SPF 30 |
| ZENii | face | ZENii Antioxidant SPF 50 |
We selected the Top 10 sustainable brands that offer cruelty free SPF products:
Top 10 Cruelty Free Skin Care SPF Brands
- Dr Dennis Gross
- Elemis
- Glossier
- MÁDARA
- Murad
- Paula’s Choice
- The Body Shop
- The Ordinary
- The Organic Pharmacy
- Zelens
Top 10 Cruelty Free Body Care SPF Brands
Top 10 Cruelty Free Baby Care SPF Brands
- ATTITUDE
- Babo Botanicals
- Badger
- Blue Lizard Sunscreen
- Childs Farm
- CōTZ
- Jack N’ Jill
- Soltan
- Solara Suncare
- Supergoop
Now like never before it is important to choose cosmetic products by sustainable brands that are genuinely cruelty free, who not only care about animal welfare but also the oceans and offer reef safe SPF and sunscreens.