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In our quest to protect ourselves from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, we often overlook the impact our sunscreen choices can have on the environment.
Enter zero-waste sunscreen – a revolutionary solution that allows us to stay sun-safe while minimizing harm to our planet.
What is Zero-Waste Sunscreen?
Zero-waste sunscreen is a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional sunscreens.
It is designed to minimize waste throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal. Unlike conventional sunscreens that come in plastic containers, zero-waste sunscreens often come in recyclable or compostable packaging.
They are also made from natural and organic ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, and are safe for both our skin and the environment.
Zero-waste sunscreen aims to provide effective sun protection while leaving behind zero or minimal impact on the planet.
Zero-Waste Sunscreen Products
In this post, I share 14 great options for sunscreens that come in plastic-free packaging and are cruelty-free and 100% vegan!
Meaning all of these brands have confirmed they don’t test on animals. And all the sunscreen products are classified as vegan and don’t contain any animal-derived ingredients (including beeswax that’s commonly found in other sustainable sunscreens).
Whether you prefer sunscreen in a cream or stick formula or want tinted sunscreen, here are our top finds!
Zero-Waste Sunscreen in a Tube (Vegan)
Seed Phytonutrients Daily Protective Moisturizer SPF 30
Seed Phytonutrients’ mineral-only sunscreen is formulated with coconut alkanes, green tea, plus actives zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum UV protection while thoroughly moisturizing skin.
Price: $29 for 50mL
Packaging: Recyclable Aluminum Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, *Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
*Note: Seed Phytonutrients is cruelty-free, but Seed Phytonutrients is owned by L’Oreal, a parent company that is NOT cruelty-free.
Found My Skin Tinted SPF 50+ Face/Body cream
Formulated and created in Australia, Found My Skin offers a zero-waste tinted sunscreen for the face and body. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen and contains Sodium Benzoate and Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) oil infused, the world’s richest source of vitamin C.
Price: AUD$47 for 100g
Packaging: Recyclable Aluminum Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Sunslayer SPF 50+ Natural Physical Sunscreen
Made entirely in Australia, Sunslayer’s zinc-only mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and is fragrance-free and alcohol-free. It’s water-resistant for 4 hours and is a gentle formula for your face and body.
Price: AUD$37 for 100mL
Packaging: Recyclable Aluminum Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Odyskin Natural Sunscreen SPF50
Made in France, Odyskin’s zero-waste natural sunscreen for the face and body contains mineral filters and is formulated with 99.1% natural ingredients while also being Cosmo organic and vegan-certified.
Price: €22,90 for 75mL
Packaging: Recyclable Aluminum Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Zero-Waste Sunscreen in a Tin (Vegan)
SunButter SPF50 Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Made in Australia in a solar-powered factory, SunButter’s zero-waste sunscreens are made with certified sustainable ingredients and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB mineral blocker zinc oxide. They also have a Tinted SPF 50 Sunscreen, a great option to offset the white cast often found in mineral sunscreens.
Price: AUD$30 for 100g
Packaging: Recyclable Tin
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Sol de Ibiza Face & Body Sunscreen SPF30
Sol de Ibiza offers a waterless solid sunscreen with mineral filters, non-nano zinc oxide. This zero-waste sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA & UVB rays. Perfect for the entire family: adults & kids
Price: $39 for 100g
Packaging: Recyclable Tin
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Birch Babe 100% Mineral Sunscreen
A 100% mineral sunscreen, broad spectrum SPF 30+ offering UVA/UVB protection. Fragrance-free formula, perfect for those with sensitive skin or for children.
Price: $35 for 100g
Packaging: Recyclable Tin
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Zero-Waste Sunscreen Sticks in Compostable Tubes (Vegan)
Attitude Plastic-Free Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 30
Attitude offers zero-waste sunscreen sticks for the face as well as for the body. Choose from their original mineral sunscreen stick formula, tinted, or for sensitive skin, or baby & kids formula. Each sunscreen provides SPF 30 and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Price: $15 for 1oz, $21 for 3oz
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Scence Natural Zinc Sunscreen SPF30
Handmade in the UK, Scence’s SPF30 formula includes a natural zinc suspension to ensure even coverage and broad spectrum protection to keep you and all the family safe from harmful UVA and UVB exposure.
Price: £21 for 80g
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Sol de Ibiza Face & Body – Plastic-Free Stick SPF50
Sol de Ibiza offers their waterless solid sunscreen in 100% biodegradable cardboard packaging, allowing you to take it everywhere and for easy application.
Price: $30 for 45g
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
We Love Sunscreen Natural Sunscreen Stick – SPF 30
We Love Sunscreen contains 100% natural and organically grown ingredients and provides sun protection for your skin. The hypoallergenic and water-resistant formula contains the best care, even for the most sensitive skin.
Price: €18,50 for 50g
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Love of Earth Co. Sun Base SPF 30+
Sun Base is made from non-toxic, natural ingredients that improve your skin health & hydration while providing a base layer of protection from the sun!
Price: $16 for 1.75oz
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Aloha Care Sun Stick SPF 50+
Aloha Sun Stick is a water-resistant SPF50+ sunscreen ideal to use for surfing, kitesurfing, SUP and other water sports. It creates a mineral shield on your face, so the UV rays do not penetrate your skin. It has a smooth texture and is easy to apply. Designed for surfers by surfers. Available in 5 beautiful colours.
Price: €15,90 for 20g
Packaging: Compostable Paper Tube
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
Upcircle Mineral Sunscreen SPF 25
This mineral and vegan sunscreen provides an essential physical defense against premature aging caused by the sun. Naturally derived non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin whilst powerful antioxidant raspberry seed oil defends against free radical damage.
Price: £27.49 for 60mL
Packaging: Glass Jar
Reef-Safe, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan Formula
These sunscreen brands prioritize sustainability and offer zero-waste packaging options, making them great choices for those looking to reduce their environmental footprint while staying sun-safe.
Benefits of using zero-waste sunscreen
Using zero-waste sunscreen offers a multitude of benefits.
Firstly, it helps protect our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays, reducing the risk of sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Secondly, zero-waste sunscreens are typically made from natural and organic ingredients, which are gentler on the skin and less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
Lastly, by choosing zero-waste sunscreen, we can actively contribute to reducing plastic waste and minimizing the chemical pollution that harms our oceans and marine life.
Conclusion
Sun safety is crucial for our overall health and well-being, but it’s equally important to protect the environment while doing so.
By choosing zero-waste sunscreen, we can make a positive impact on the planet and contribute to the preservation of our precious ecosystems.
Every small change we make in our daily lives can add up to make a big difference in the long run.
So, let’s embrace a more eco-friendly approach to sun protection and inspire others to do the same.
