Making the Switch to Clean Sunscreen? A Dermatologist Shares Her Favorite Summer Picks

First, a confession: for too long, I didn’t wear sunscreen. For a skincare devotee, this is near-sacrilege, I know. Turns out, not wearing sunscreen was rendering the rest of my routine ineffective — especially since I was struggling with hyperpigmentation. Now, I can’t start my day without it. And you shouldn’t either.

Luckily, sunscreen just got a major rebrand. Clean sunscreen — which used to be synonymous with streaky white casts — is finally something you can be excited about adding to your summer skincare routine. Whether you’re switching to clean sunscreens or looking for a new favorite, this roundup of all the best clean sunscreens will point you in the right direction.

Featured image by Michelle Nash.

Why choose clean sunscreen?

Did you know that any kind of tanning is a sign of skin damage? Luckily, self-tanner has also gotten a chic makeover. But what about the skin beneath the tan?

Wearing sunscreen is your best defense against skin cancer and other types of skin damage. It also helps keep away fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sun damage by shielding you from UV rays and carcinogens, either physically or chemically.

So how do you find a good one? With more “clean” sunscreen options on the shelves, I spoke to Dr. Michelle Henry, a dermatologist in New York City, to get clarity on what to look for in your sunscreens. These are the best clean sunscreens according to a dermatologist.

Michelle Henry, MD

Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Harvard-trained Mohs surgeon at Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan .

What is clean sunscreen?

The main concern with non-clean sunscreens is that we’re still not sure exactly what some of the ingredients do, or if they have harmful long-term side effects.

“Clean is not a term that is regulated by the FDA,” Dr. Henry told me. “Typically, if a company calls itself a clean sunscreen, it is a sunscreen that does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.”

According to recent studies, some ingredients often found in chemical sunscreens can be hormonal disruptors or cause skin allergies. Many are also toxic to coral reefs and marine life.

Avoid ingredients such as:

• Oxybenzone
• Enzacamene
• Padimate O
• Octinoxate
• Homosalate

Instead, clean sunscreens use zinc oxide, a broad-spectrum filter that shields the skin from UVA rays, creating a physical blocker that literally provides a barrier between your skin and the sun without any nanoparticles or toxins.

What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

According to Dr. Henry, “Chemical sunscreens are made of synthetic ingredients, whereas mineral sunscreens are made of natural ingredients such as zinc and titanium dioxide.”

Here’s the breakdown:

• Mineral sunscreens (sometimes called physical sunscreens) sit on the surface of your skin to reflect sun and UV rays.
• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV and sun rays.

How to choose between chemical and mineral sunscreens?

Both physical and chemical sunscreens can be effective and clean. But some might react differently to your skin. “Ask your dermatologist,” Dr. Henry says. “However, physical sunscreens tend to be somewhat better for those with sensitive skin.”

Benefits of chemical sunscreens

• Less risk of a white cast
• Less likely to sweat or rub off
• Takes 20 minutes or so to start working

Benefits of mineral sunscreen

• Starts working immediately
• Better for sensitive skin
• Fewer sensitive ingredients

How to choose the best clean sunscreen

When shopping for sunscreens, consider where sunscreen fits in your daily routine. Do you wear makeup over it? Is it the last step in your morning lineup?

Look for ingredients like:

• Moisturizing ingredients: Ceramides, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Antioxidant-rich oils: Squalane, jojoba oil, shea butter, Vitamin E
• Soothing ingredients: Niacinamide, aloe vera

And opt for at least SPF 30, says Dr. Henry.

“I, along with the American Academy of Dermatology, recommend SPF 30 for daily use and SPF 50 If you’re outside for more than an hour,” says Dr. Henry. “Don’t forget to reapply every two hours.”

The Best Clean Mineral Sunscreens

When shopping for mineral sunscreens, opt for light, natural ingredients that will carry the zinc oxide without being too heavy or leaving a film over your skin.

Products with moisturizing factors like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or other moisturizers also help minimize the chance of a white cast.

The Best Clean Chemical Sunscreens

When shopping for chemical sunscreens, it’s important to make sure the only chemicals in them are the ones blocking the UV rays. Also look for soothing ingredients to prevent irritation.

Best Clean Sunscreens for Body

For your body, it’s important to choose a clean sunscreen that can withstand the elements as well as water and sweat. Bonus points if it gives you an all-over glow.

Best Clean Tinted Sunscreens

Tinted sunscreens can be just as effective as their counterparts, says Dr. Henry. “You can trust the SPF rating on tinted sunscreen. Tinted sunscreens often have iron oxide and that may also help protect against blue light.”

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