I’ve been traveling to tropical places like Thailand, Bali, and Sri Lanka for years—and of course, I’ve always had sunscreen in my backpack. But I didn’t really pay attention to what was inside… until I started digging deeper. Today I know: Many conventional sunscreens contain harmful ingredients—for your body and the environment.
So let’s talk about the good stuff: natural sunscreen options that protect you from the sun without nasty chemicals. What works? What doesn’t? Which products are truly natural, and what should you avoid? Here’s the full lowdown—tested, researched, and travel-approved.
What’s Wrong with Conventional Sunscreens?
Let’s be real: Many mainstream sunscreens are full of questionable ingredients.
Problem 1: Hormone-disrupting UV filters
Certain chemical UV filters—like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone—are suspected to:
- Disrupt hormones
- Accumulate in your body
- Be absorbed through your skin
- Trigger allergic reactions and skin irritation
Some of them are even banned in Hawaii due to their impact on coral reefs. The European Union classifies some of these ingredients as endocrine disruptors. In the US, some are still permitted—but awareness is growing.
Problem 2: Environmental impact
These same filters are toxic to marine ecosystems, especially coral reefs. Just a tiny amount can bleach or kill coral larvae.
Problem 3: Nanoparticles
Even some so-called “natural” sunscreens contain nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These particles are so small that they can:
- Penetrate your skin
- Enter your bloodstream
- Pollute oceans and harm marine life
That’s why non-nano is the magic word.
The Better Choice: Mineral Sunscreens with Non-Nano Filters
True natural sunscreens use physical UV filters:
- Non-nano zinc oxide
- (Sometimes) non-nano titanium dioxide
These ingredients:
- Sit on your skin like a shield and reflect UV rays
- Offer immediate broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)
- Are safe for reefs, your body, and your kids
They’re a bit more visible on the skin (the famous “white cast”), but much better than invisible toxins.
What “Natural” Really Means (and What to Watch Out For)
Don’t be fooled by marketing. A label that says “natural” or “reef safe” doesn’t mean much unless you read the INCI list (ingredient list). Here’s what you want—and what to avoid:
✅ Yes, please:
- Non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Organic plant oils and waxes (e.g. coconut, shea, jojoba)
- No synthetic fragrance or preservatives
- Reef-safe & biodegradable
❌ Avoid:
| Ingredient | Why to Avoid It |
|---|---|
| Oxybenzone | Hormone-disruptor, coral bleaching |
| Octinoxate | Toxic to coral reefs |
| Octocrylene | May convert into benzophenone |
| Homosalate | Accumulates in the body |
| Avobenzone | Not photostable without stabilizers |
| Nano zinc/titanium | Penetrate skin & damage marine life |
| PEGs, Silicones | Synthetic, not eco-friendly |
Natural Sunscreen Brands I’ve Tested and Loved
Here are some natural sunscreen products I’ve personally tried or researched thoroughly, along with how they perform in real life.
🇩🇪 Germany & EU
- Speick SUN – Very affordable, pleasant texture, no white cast. From a trusted natural cosmetics brand.
- i+m SUN Protect – Berlin-based brand. Uses non-nano zinc oxide and fair-trade ingredients.
- Laboratoires de Biarritz – French, elegant texture, organic-certified, great for face.
- Biosolis – Belgian brand, good reviews, no nanoparticles.
- Alga Maris – Also from France. Offers tinted sunscreen and face sticks too.
🇺🇸 USA / Global
- Badger Balm – Super clean ingredients. Thick and visible, but safe and great for sensitive skin.
- Raw Elements – Popular among surfers, water-resistant, reef-safe.
- ThinkSport – Easy to find, good balance between protection and application.
💡 Tip: Always check for “non-nano” and avoid hidden synthetic ingredients—even in brands that look green.
Natural Oils With SPF? Careful.
You may have heard that red raspberry seed oil, carrot seed oil, or coconut oil offer natural SPF. While they do provide some UV protection, there’s no reliable testing or regulation—and the SPF levels vary wildly.
Use them only for:
- Short exposure (e.g. early morning walks)
- Low UV intensity
- Under a hat or long sleeves
But never rely on them at the beach.
DIY Natural After-Sun Lotion
If you’ve been in the sun and want something soothing and clean afterward, try this simple homemade lotion:
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp pure aloe vera gel
- 1 tbsp jojoba oil (or coconut/almond)
- A few drops lavender essential oil
Mix and store in a small bottle. Great for sun-kissed skin!
More Natural Sun Protection Tips
- Cover up with UV-protective clothing, a wide hat, and sunglasses
- Stay in the shade, especially between 11am and 3pm
- Reapply natural sunscreen every 2 hours
- Don’t forget lips, ears, scalp, and hands!
- Watch out for labels like “reef safe” that are not regulated
What About Öko-Test and Consumer Reports?
In Germany, Öko-Test regularly tests sunscreens—including natural ones. Good results go to products that:
- Use non-nano zinc oxide
- Avoid PEGs, perfumes, and synthetic UV filters
- Are fully disclosed in their ingredients
Some natural sunscreens fail these tests too—so always double-check. For English-speaking countries, look at EWG (Environmental Working Group) sunscreen ratings.
Conclusion: Natural, Healthy, and Travel-Approved
Using natural sunscreen is a conscious choice: for your health, for the planet, and for the reefs you snorkel above on your travels.
Sure, some products take more effort to rub in. Some leave a little white tint. But it’s so worth it.
💬 I always travel with:
- Laboratoires de Biarritz SPF 30 for the face
- Speick SUN for body and everyday use
- Badger Balm stick for hikes and sports
Try a few and find your favorites. Your skin (and the ocean) will thank you 🌊