This post covers the best cruelty free sunscreen from the drugstore and Sephora for your face and body.
This post contains affiliate links.
It goes without saying, SPF is really important.
It’s important to wear it all year, not just in the summer.
But it’s even more crucial to protect your skin in the summer months as the sun is stronger, and make sure to take extra notice during peak times each day, 10-4 according to cancer.org.
Not just the skin on your face, but the skin on your entire body. Even your hands.
Note: Sun protection is different than sun care.
Sun Care is for after sun exposure.
Sun Protection is during, and don’t forget to re-apply!
Best Cruelty Free Sunscreen
With all of the important notes out of the way lets get into the nitty gritty.
How do you choose a sunscreen with the sheer volume of options available? How do you know what to buy?
RELATED: Bath Products for Dry Skin
You very well can’t buy and test every single one.
So, I’ve done the research for you, and have broken down the best products available at the drugstore and Sephora (at least for us Canadians).
Things to Consider When Choosing a Sunscreen
- Ingredient list
While I’m not a scientist there are harmful ingredients to look out for. Mainly for chemical sunscreens and I’ve named them below.
- Ethics
Since this list is cruelty free we’ve gotten that covered, but what about other ethics? Do they give back? Do they believe in a healthy work culture?
- Accessibility
This one is SO important to me, I can’t stand wanting to try something only to find out it’s not available for Canadians (this happens a lot) So this list is made for Canadians. If you are American, or live elsewhere in the world the list of products available at Sephora isn’t geared towards one country. You can get the Internationally.
For drugstore options, you’ll have to do research depending on the drugstores available in your location.
- Price point
I don’t believe cheaper is always better, especially for something as important as this. So I’ve added a range of price points.
- Consumer ratings
I find theses are quite telling. All products will have a bad rating because you can’t please everyone but look at the quality of the good ratings. That will show you the truth.
Why Wear Sunscreen?
I can tell you right now that melanoma is no joke.
I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it thrive and I’ve seen it in battle.
It doesn’t go down without a fight.
So be proactive.
Sunscreen not only protects your sun from harmful byproducts of the sun, but it also helps fight the signs of premature aging.
RELATED: 5 Cruelty Free Products for Sensitive Skin
Adding sunscreen into your skincare/makeup routine in the morning is the easiest thing you can do.
It’s fool proof really. It’s one step.
Mineral Sunscreen VS Chemical Sunscreen
Q: I asked you guys on my Instagram if you had any questions for this post and the most common question was the difference between mineral vs chemical.
So i’m breaking it down for you.
A: Sunscreen has to be active. This is how it scientifically works for your skin. As a result, there needs to be ingredients in it that probe activation.
The difference is mineral based sunscreens use two natural minerals—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—as active ingredients. These minerals simply sit on top of your skin and protect it by reflecting away UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens use active ingredients that are not-natural. Essentially they are mixtures made up of chemical ingredients such as:
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
How Do Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens Work
Chemical sunscreens sink into your skin and offer protection by dissipating UV rays.
Whereas mineral sunscreens simply sit on top of your skin and reflect UV rays away from your body.
RELATED: Clean Spring Skincare for Sensitive Skin
The summer is also a good time to start using a Gua Sha for inflammation from the heat. I’ve linked a free list of the 6 Best Beauty Tools from Sephora you can start using today.
The Best Sunscreen Recommended by Dermatologists
Click on any image or link below to shop.
- Elta MD UV Replenish Broad Spectrum 44
- Aveeno Sunscreen Lotion Protect and Hydrate
- SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen (my personal favourite)
- MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
- First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream SPF 30
- Murad Essential Day Cream Broad Spectrum 30
SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen is my personal favourite because it’s clear and weightless. To see a video of the product being applied to the skin and why it’s a cult favourite check out “A clear sunscreen that is shockingly good” for all the deets.
RELATED: A Clear Sunscreen That is Shockingly Good
Best Cruelty Free Drugstore Sunscreen
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- Juice Beauty
- Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
- Derma E Sunscreen Defence Oil Free SPF
- Coola Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18
- Burts Bees BB Cream with SPF 15
- Aveeno Clear Complexion Moisturizer SPF 30
Best Cruelty Free Sephora Sunscreen
Click on any image or link below to shop.
- SuperGoop Unseen Sunscreen
- IT Cosmetics CC Cream
- Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defence Sunscreen
- Juice Beauty SPF 30 Sport Sunscreen
- Jack Black Oil Free Sun Guard
- Coola SPF 30 Spray Tropical Coconut
- Consonant the Perfect Sunscreen
- Farmacy Green Defence Daily Mineral Sunscreen
- Drunk Elephant Physical Daily Sunscreen
And there you have it! I hope you found this helpful, and are inspired to try some new SPF products this year. It’s so important to look after your skin and it starts with sun protection. Don’t forget to PIN this post to refer back to it.
I’d love to know, what sunscreens are you using that you love? And if possible, always try and choose cruelty free products!
