With summer coming so soon (and baby boy!) I wanted to update my previous sunscreen post for you all and include the best natural tinted sunscreen as well as safe natural sunscreens for the whole family! There are some more amazing natural mineral sunscreen brands that I wanted to share, and I plan to test more of them out for you more thoroughly over the summer. In the meantime, their ingredients are what I am focusing on for you so you know they are brands you can trust! This post is going to focus on the difference between chemical vs mineral sunscreen, as well as best mineral sunscreens that are family friendly, including the best natural tinted sunscreen. 

You can see my original best non-toxic mineral sunscreen post here. 

[This post contains affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you purchase through these links. I’m only going to recommend products that I have tried and love! Sarah is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.]

Table of Contents

Let’s get straight to the point – what is the best natural tinted sunscreen?

My top picks for best natural tinted sunscreen:

  • My top pick for best natural tinted sunscreen is absolutely Suntegrity Impeccable Skin SPF 30 – this works as a foundation or just everyday face SPF, it layers beautifully over face oils and balms, and is the perfect base for blush and bronzer.
  • My runner up choice would be Tower 28’s SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Mineral Sunscreen – it applies beautifully with a nice dewy finish, and pairs gorgeously with all other Tower 28 cream bronzers and blushes too!
  • For a tinted face sunscreen just enough to not have a white cast, but to give you some added glow and protection without too much tint, Kinfield’s Sunglow is perfect for a no-makeup look without the white cast.

Now back to basics, What is mineral sunscreen? 

Mineral sunscreens physically block the UV rays

What is chemical sunscreen?

Chemical sunscreens convert the UV rays into heat, and release from skin

The following is a list of more common chemicals used in chemical sunscreens:

  • Oxybenzone – rates 8 on EWG – was one of the most widely used in many available sunscreens on the market, and is of particular concern as it is a hormone disruptor and can adversely affect adults AND children. It’s highly absorbed by the skin and there’s concern for systemic, or total body toxicity, allergenicity, and has been detected in many bodily fluids including human breast milk, amniotic fluid, urine and blood. Children are more susceptible due to bioaccumulation and the potential for endocrine disruption isn’t good for development.
  • Avobenzone – rates 1-2 which is very low risk 
  • Homosalate – rates 2-4 – classified as “expected to be harmful” in Canada, absorbs into skin, suspected environmental toxin 
  • Octinoxate – rates 5, hormone disruptor with strong evidence 
  • Octisalate – rates 1-3 – which is also low risk, can stabilize Avobenzone
  • Octocrylene – rates 2-3 – absorbed into body, possible allergen, found in fish

What has the FDA done about this?

In September 2021, the FDA posted its deemed final order and proposed order for over-the-counter sunscreen, which aims to update a few things surrounding over-the-counter (OTC) sunscreens. There is also a great infographic here that summarizes the changes hopefully coming.

Some proposed items I wanted to highlight below: 

  • Updating the maximum SPF to 60+
  • Updating labeling requirements
  • Updating safety status of active ingredients:
    • Only Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide are Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) status
    • Not GRASE status for Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and trolamine salicylate due to safety concerns 
    • Not GRASE status for the rest of the chemical sunscreens due to needing more data to support safety – cinoxate, dioxybenzone, ensulizole, homosalate, meradimate, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, padimate O, sulisobenzone, oxybenzone, and avobenzone.
      • I haven’t even heard of some of these, however, this list includes a bunch of the chemical ones I mentioned above! 
  • All sunscreens with SPF 15 and higher should satisfy broad spectrum requirements (including UVA protection specifically in addition to UVB) 
  • Sunscreen + insect repellent combination products proposed to change to not GRASE status due incompatible labeling between FDA and EPA which could result in improper use and poor sun protection.

Benefits of mineral sunscreen:

  • They work immediately! Since it’s a physical block, they work right away, whereas the chemical sunscreens you typically need to apply 15-20min before sun exposure so that they can absorb into the skin first.
  • Keeps our oceans and reefs safe
  • Safe for the entire family 

How do non-toxic mineral sunscreens apply to the skin?

  • The main con with mineral sunscreens is that they leave a “white cast” on your skin. 
  • Some are definitely better than others, and most rub in better on dry skin instead of wet skin. 
  • For your face, there are incredible tinted mineral SPF products out there now – I haven’t gotten sunburn on my face since I started using my favorite below, and it photographs beautifully as well! 
  • There are also some brands that make mineral powder SPF which applies with a fluffy brush to face or foam applicator. 

What number SPF to buy?

  • I typically don’t go for anything over SPF 30 or 40 
  • Anything with a really high SPF doesn’t make much of a difference I’ve read, and can just give us a false sense of protection! The difference after SPF 30 to 50 is negligible, and anything beyond SPF 50 is a very small difference as well.
  • The difference in blocking UVB rays between the common SPF levels is below:
    • SPF 15 = 93% block
    • SPF 30 = 97% block
    • SPF 50 = 98% block
  • Aiming for SPF 30 and reapplying every couple hours if in prolonged sun is usually a good rule of thumb!

What are some of the best natural sunscreens for face:

Suntegrity impeccable skin SPF 30

Suntegrity-natural-face-sunscreen
Suntegrity Impeccable Skin
  • Price: $55 / 2 oz
  • Suntegrity makes the best natural tinted mineral sunscreen for face! It’s called Suntegrity Impeccable Skin SPF 30, and I have been using this for over 5 years now and will never be without it
  • Light – Medium Coverage
  • I use this over my face balm (I find it applies better directly after your moisturizer), and I find 1 pump is all I need for my entire face. If I am going to work or going out I usually top with some bronzer and eye makeup and voila, perfect flawless face with SPF coverage!
  • I have literally worn this as a base for weddings where I was a bridesmaid and just added some concealer and extra bronzer etc – and find it looks gorgeous. I just got my mom hooked too. 
  • Limited shade range but blends well for a variety of skin tones
  • I use the shade BUFF
  • The tube lasts such a long time even with frequent wear 
  • Super clean ingredients 

Suntegrity 5-in-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturizer – SPF 30

  • Price: $55 / 2 oz
  • This is the more sheer coverage tinted sunscreen from Suntegrity and it’s super light and dewy and lovely on it’s own or as a base for other makeup as well!
  • I prefer the Impeccable skin finish for a bit more coverage and evening of skin tone but if you’re looking for sheer and no white-cast, this is for you!
  • Limited shade range but blends well for a variety of skin tones
  • I use the shade LIGHT

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays SPF 30 tinted sunscreen

Tower 28 Beauty SunnyDays
  • Price: $32 / 1 oz
  • Tower 28 Beauty more recently came out with their tinted face sunscreen and it does not disappoint. 
  • It’s dewier than Suntegrity, has a beautiful finish and I can use this as a foundation under bronzer as well. 
  • Comes in many shades
  • I use the shade 20 Mulholland
  • Suntegrity to me has a slightly better ingredient profile, but Tower 28 follows all of Credo Beauty’s regulations around it’s ingredients like phenoxyethanol (an ingredient I do not avoid entirely but do try to limit, I need more research on this). 

Kinfield Sunglow SPF 35 Luminizing Sunscreen

Kinfield Sunglow Tinted SPF
  • Price: $28 / 2 oz
  • One shade for all skin tones – works well and doesn’t have any white cast and has a slight luminous tone without being shiny!
  • Use code SARAHFAMASTORY15 for 15% off

Other brands with clean ingredients and mineral SPF to try:

  • Ever-eden – Sheer botanical facial sunscreen SPF 30
    • Price: $31 / 1.7 mL
    • This brand has great ingredients and great family friendly products
    • not tinted but sheer coverage – haven’t tried yet but plan to when I just want a sheer sunscreen without the tint!
  • Ilia Beauty – Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40
    • Price: $48 / 1 oz
    • I found this a little more drying than the others, but I have friends who love this!
    • Comes in so many shades
  • Ilia Beauty – C Beyond Triple Serum SPF 40
    • Price: $64 / 1 oz
    • only 3 shades but work for many skin tones
    • newer to their lineup, haven’t had a chance to try yet but has great reviews and doubles as skincare
  • HAN Skincare Cosmetics – HAN Serum CC with SPF 30+
    • Price: $32 / 1 oz
    • I’m newer to this brand but their bronzer is awesome and I am definitely eyeing their skincare and tinted SPF
    • few shades in the range, looks similar to Suntegrity where one shade will cover a few different skin tones

Brands that have a powder SPF option:

  • Suntegrity 
  • Ilia

What are the best natural mineral sunscreens for body for adults and kids?

Suntegrity Mineral Body Sunscreen SPF 30

Non-toxic-mineral-sunscreen
Suntegrity natural mineral body sunscreen
  • Price: $24 / 3 oz or $36 / 5 oz
  • We love this one here at the Fama house! I consider this a super pregnancy safe and kid safe mineral sunscreen – I use it, Mike uses it and Dempsey too! It’s for the whole family in my opinion! 
  • I find it rubs in decently well, and I usually scoop it up when it’s on sale! 
  • I personally love the scented option, scented with citrus essential oils
  • They also make an unscented version if you are avoiding all fragrance or have any allergies or sensitivities. 
  • I find we don’t have to reapply this very often and get great skin protection. 

Badger sunscreens

Badger makes an incredible line of clean ingredient mineral sunscreens with Zinc for the entire family! We have been loving their kids sunscreen for a while now! I would use either of these on myself and we have used the kids version for the entire family as well – even though they make “adult” versions, these are all great for the entire family in my opinion!

Badger Kids Mineral Sunscreen Cream
  • Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream – SPF 40
    • Price: $17.99 / 2.9 oz
    • super limited ingredient list for baby, only 7 simple ingredients – definitely purchasing for baby 2 this summer!
  • Kids Mineral Sunscreen Cream – SPF 40
    • Price: $17.99 / 2.9 oz
    • Also super limited ingredient list for kids, only 9 simple ingredients and natural scent from tangerine oil and vanilla extract. It smells SO GOOD
    • Applies super sheer and rubs in really easily! Kids don’t look like ghosts!
    • I rotate between this one and the Suntegrity body sunscreen for Dempsey and myself in the summer.

Tubby Todd SPF 50

  • Price: $24 / 4 oz
  • This is what we have been using for Dempsey at daycare in the summer
  • My only gripe is that there are only 4 items in the entire lineup that have Phenoxyethanol in them, their sunscreen is one of them. I have reached out to them and they have assured they use <1% which meets the criteria of the European Union as well as Credo Beauty, so it’s considered super safe, however I do try to limit this ingredient in my kids items. I will probably not repurchase this one, even though I am obsessed with all Tubby Todd Bath time essentials!

Pipette SPF 50

  • Price: $13.50 / 4 oz
  • Has good reviews and price point and clean ingredients
  • I have not tried yet!

Think Baby and Think Sport safe sunscreens SPF 30 to 50

  • Price: $22.99 / 6 oz or $15.49 / 3 oz
  • Great ingredient profile and price point
  • Adding to my list to try this summer!
  • Have baby, kids and adult lines, but honestly they all look great to me for the entire family
  • I may try the baby one for the family and see if I like it, the main difference I can tell is the scent

Babo botanicals Sunscreens

  • Sensitive Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 or spray SPF 30
    • Price: $17.50 / 3 oz lotion or $19.50 / 6 oz spray
      • Fragrance free
      • good ingredient list, although much lengthier than Badger
      • plan to give it a try!
  • Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 or spray
    • Price: $17.50 / 3 oz lotion or $19.50 / 6 oz spray
  • They also make a sport version and SPF 50 version

Ever-Eden sunscreen

  • Premium mineral sunscreen SPF 30
    • Price: $25 / 2 oz
  • SPF 50 Premium mineral sunscreen
    • Price: $29 / 2 oz
  • Ever-eden makes absolutely amazing safe products with clean ingredients, they share their EWG rating on each one as well. These along with their face sunscreen I mentioned above I really want to try next!

Erbaviva SPF 30 sunscreen

  • Price: $23 / 2.5 oz
  • Fabulous ingredients, organic, safe for the entire family.
  • Erbaviva is a must try in general they make the best baby mama and baby products

Blue Lizard

  • Would stick to the BABY line or the SENSITIVE line as the rest seem to also contain a chemical sunscreen component
  • They all seem to include phenoxyethanol – so again if you are avoiding this ingredient this brand isn’t for you.
  • I would much rather use Badger than this brand!

Alba botanicals 

  • Careful when choosing options from Alba! 
  • Half of their sunscreens are still chemical sunscreens, although they don’t contain oxybenzone, they are not all mineral sunscreens! 
  • Most contain phenoxyethanol and ethylhexylglycerin – if you typically avoid these ingredients then Alba probably isn’t right for you. 
  • The best one ingredient wise seems to be their Sheer mineral sunscreen spray SPF 30 which is also phenoxyethanol free and only zinc based.

Mineral sunscreens that I have also tried and some that I would not repurchase

For us adults, I’m pretty hooked on Suntegrity, but have tried a few others, some okay and some that I did not love. 

  • Bare Republic – Actually enjoyed this one, the spray and the face sunscreen worked well and rubbed in well, it’s mineral sunscreen based not sure if it’s the cleanest option out there regarding the rest of the ingredients but it’s available on Amazon and Target in a pinch! 
  • All Good sunscreen was SUPER thick and so hard to apply, I wouldn’t recommend it. 
  • Garden Goddess makes a spray that barely rubbed in as a spray it was not good at all. 
  • W3ll people bio-tint SPF 30 tinted moisturizer – this is super thick and cakey on me despite applying on top of moisturizer, this would flake off on me. It’s heavy and thick – not what you want in a sheer tinted moisturizer.

Final thoughts on sunscreen

  • I hope you enjoyed this review of the best natural tinted
  • Mineral sunscreen to me is much safer than any of the chemical sunscreens regardless of EWG rating. You won’t find me applying chemical sunscreen to anyone in my family! 
  • Some brands apply better than others, which I think comes down to their inactive ingredients which are important too! Look for ones that include oils and butters versus silicones, although there are great brands above with a good mix of synthetic ingredients as well. 
  • If you are at risk of sunburn being out in the sun for an extended period of time and only have limited sunscreen options, I usually prefer to avoid a bad sunburn and use what’s on hand. Grab your mineral sunscreen next time if needed! 

What mineral sunscreens have you tried and loved or hated? Share below or message me on insta! @sarahfamastory

Xo – Sarah