Summer is coming up, and protecting your skin from the hot, damaging sun is more important than ever! I went ahead and put together this list of some of the best cruelty free and vegan sunscreen products so that you don’t have to do this research yourself – everything is all here for you to pick the best product for you to keep your skin safe and undamaged from the sun!

Cruelty free products are truly amazing because it means that a brand has taken care to not harm any animals just for the sake of testing toxic chemicals and makeup ingredients on them at high concentrations. Animals have very different genetic makeup from humans, so it doesn’t really make sense to test beauty products on them anyway.

 

I could go on and on about all of the reasons why, but the main reason is that animals are kept in cages for literally their entire lives and most never even see sunshine or the outside of a testing lab. It is an extremely harsh and cruel environment (not to mention the fact that they have to endure chemical burns on a regular basis) and it’s not “only” rodents that companies test on, it’s cats, dogs, and rabbits too.

But because you’re here reading this, it’s pretty likely that you’re already aware of all of that, so thank you so much for looking into cruelty free and vegan friendly sunscreen today! If you have a family member or friend who isn’t aware of the realities of animal testing, you could share this post with them to help inform them of why it’s so important to avoid buying products that were tested on animals.

 

How Is The Term Cruelty Free Being Defined?

In this post, the term is defined as a product that has not been manufactured with the use of any animal testing of any kind, by a brand that does not commission or hire any other companies or third parties to test either individual ingredients or finished products on animals on their behalf, and is not available for sale in any country or market where the law requires animal testing of cosmetics.

The vast majority of the brands included in this post have also received the cruelty free certification from an organization such as Leaping Bunny or PETA.

Keep scrolling for the list of the best cruelty free and vegan sunscreen products I’ve found this year!

DISCLOSURE: THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS, WHICH MEANS THAT I GET A COMMISSION IF YOU DECIDE TO MAKE A PURCHASE THROUGH THESE LINKS, AT NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU.

 

Best Cruelty Free and Vegan Sunscreens

 

Glossier Invisible Shield Sunscreen

Glossier’s sunscreen is perfect for your face, because it comes in a cute little compact container that dispenses a gel like serum that is light enough to go on the sensitive skin of your face!

It’s also easily absorbed by the skin, so it works well with a full face of makeup. A really great thing about this product is that it leaves zero residue or white cast on your skin. You pretty much can’t go wrong with anything from Glossier, right?!

 

This product is:

• Noncomedogenic

• Breathable

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (6%), Octisalate (5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dipropylene Glycol,Methyl Trimethicone, Biosaccharide Gum-4, Caprylyl Methicone,Propanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate, Betaine, Acrylates Copolymer, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/​Vp Copolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/​Pvp Crosspolymer, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil,Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Carbomer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Aminomethyl Propanol, Butylene Glycol, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Disodium Edta, Pentylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Silica, Bioflavonoids, Potassium Sorbate, Hydroxyphenyl Propamidobenzoic Acid, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbyl Palmitate

 

Drunk Elephant Umbra Tint Physical Daily Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

This adorable cruelty free sunscreen from Drunk Elephant is cream based and great for dry skin. It has a tint to it so that it looks more natural on your skin and doesn’t leave a white cast like many sunscreens do!

 

This product is:

• Fragrance free

• Silicone free

• Clean at Sephora

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Zinc Oxide (20%), Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Glycerin, Pentylene Glycol, Steareth-2, Propanediol, Steareth-21, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetearyl Alcohol, Silica, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Sprout Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Juice Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil/Tocopheryl Succinate Aminopropanediol Esters, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Sea Water, Acetyl Glucosamine, Cetearyl Glucoside, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glycine, Sucrose, Lecithin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfonate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499).

 

Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick

Sun Bum is an awesome vegan friendly brand that makes some of the best sunscreen and sunblock products out there! They have a wide variety of super high SPF products for the highest level of protection from the sun, and this face stick product is perfect because it makes applying sunscreen to your face so much easier.

I even use this over my makeup, so you can do that if you need to, and it smells amazing as well. It’s super convenient to just throw in your beach bag and head out the door!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Vitamin E infused

• Portable and convenient

• Easy to apply

 

Ingredient List:

Active: Avobenzone 2.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octinoxate 7.50%, Octisalate 5.00%

 

Coola Fragrance Free Mineral Body Sunscreen Lotion

Coola is a premium brand that makes skin and sun care products using lots of certified organic ingredients. This product is SPF 30 and goes on completely sheer, with no weird white cast on your face!

Coola manufactures their products in the US and they just embody that laidback Southern California lifestyle! Their products are highly rated and loved by tons of people. Definitely check this brand out if you’re looking for higher end luxury products to protect you from the sun.

 

This sunscreen is:

• Reef friendly

• Water resistant for 80 minutes

• Non-greasy

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (14%)

Inactive Ingredients: Acacia Senegal Gum, Algae Extract, Arachidyl Alcohol, Arachidyl Glucoside, Behenyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Oleosomes, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Citric Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Water, Coco-Glucoside, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Glycerin, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Water

 

Sun Bum Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

This sunscreen from Sun Bum comes in a very convenient spray bottle that makes it easy to reapply throughout the day. It’s SPF 50 and long lasting, so you can be sure you’re getting maximum protection from the sun with this one!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Easy to apply

• High SPF

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (15%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (7%)

Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol Denat., C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Acrylates/Octylacrylamide Copolymer, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, PPG-5-Ceteth-20, Fragrance, Tocopherol

 

Supergoop! Glow Stick SPF 50

This cruelty free sunscreen from Supergoop! comes in a roll on stick package (similar to a deodorant) that makes it really convenient to carry around and easy to apply to hard to get places. It’s SPF 50, so it offers extreme sun protection for those who have more fair complexions or who might burn easily.

 

This sunscreen is:

• Compact and portable

• Moisturizing

• High SPF

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Octocrylene (10%), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (5%), Avobenzone (3%)

Inactive Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Isododecane,Isohexadecane,Dicaprylyl Carbonate,C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate,Polyester-8,Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Calophyllum Tacamahaca Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa Fruit Oil, Pentaclethra Macroloba Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Extract

 

Pacifica Sun + Skincare Mineral Bronzing Sunscreen

This vegan and cruelty free sunscreen from Pacifica comes in a super convenient non aerosol spray bottle for easy application! It has a slight bronzing effect, so it does give you a little bit of color at the same time as it protects you from the sun if that’s something that you’re looking for.

 

This sunscreen is:

• Water resistant for 80 minutes

• Easy to apply

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (14.5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Bentonite, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caffeine, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Glucoside, Ethyl Macadamiate, Glycerin, Iron Oxides, Jojoba Esters, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Octyldodecyl Oleate, Parfum (natural), Propanediol, Shea Butter Ethyl Esters, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Water

 

Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen Gel Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This amazing vegan product is the best because it gives you a little bit of a glow under your makeup, so it’s almost like a highlighter and sunscreen all in one! This doesn’t clog pores and it’s non-greasy – it’s truly a must for your summer skincare routine because it nourishes your skin and protects it from the sun all at the same time!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Non-comedogenic

• Hydrating

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Pentylene Glycol, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Ectoin, Glycerin, Arginine, Hydroxyectoin, Ananas Sativus (Pineapple) Fruit Extract, Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract, Lactic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Hedychium Coronarium Root Extract, Triethyl Citrate, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Extract, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Extract, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract), Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Vanilla Planifolia Fruit Extract, Pimpinella Anisum Fruit Extract, Mica, Tocopherol, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein/PVP Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Propanediol, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Benzoate, Ehtylhexylglycerin, Tin Oxide, Phenoxyethanol

 

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Gel Lotion

This is an SPF 30 sunscreen with a lightweight gel formula that applies easily and is reef safe! It feels really nice and hydrating on the skin – it’s almost like a moisturizer and sunscreen all in one.

You can find this brand nationwide at stores like Target and Kohl’s. In my opinion they make some of the best cruelty free and vegan sunscreens because they use amazing high quality ingredients and they also make their products with the environment in mind!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Unscented

• Sheer and lightweight

• Water resistant

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide – 18.2 % (Sunscreen)

 

Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 30

This is another great reef friendly and cruelty free sunscreen option from Alba Botanica that is also biodegradable! It contains Aloe Vera to soothe your skin, and it’s also paraben free and water resistant.

This product is super affordable and can be found at your local organic grocer or specialty market!

 

This sunscreen is:

• SPF 30

• Soothing on the skin

• Water resistant

• Made from 100% vegetarian ingredients

 

Ingredient List

 

Pacifica Sea + C Sheer SPF 30 Sunscreen

This is another spray sunscreen from Pacifica in an earth friendly non-aerosol bottle! It’s made from Vitamin C and marine extracts, and it applies sheer, so you don’t have to worry about a white cast.

It’s also water resistant as well as paraben and phthalate free! And, the best thing about Pacifica is that it’s a 100% vegan and cruelty free brand, so you never have to read through their product ingredient lists!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Vitamin C infused

• Water resistant

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Octisalate (4.9%) Octocrylene (7.6%) Zinc Oxide (7.0%)

Inactive Ingredients: Aqua, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Acrylates Copolymer, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Propanediol, Parfum (Natural), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Algae) Extract, Jojoba Esters, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Citric Acid, Coco-Glucoside, Ethyl Ferulate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Sodium Gluconate, Xanthan Gum

 

Coola Peach Blossom Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 70

Another product from Coola – this is also one of the best cruelty free and vegan sunscreens since it is the highest SPF product on the list, so pick this up if you need maximum sun protection in a convenient and portable non aerosol spray bottle!

It has a delicious peach blossom scent as the name implies, and nourishes skin with plant ingredients.

 

This sunscreen is:

• Water resistant for 80 minutes

• 70%+ organic

• Reef friendly

• Vegan

 

Ingredient List:

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone (2.9%), Octisalate (4.9%), Octocrylene (9.5%)

Inactive Ingredients: Alcohol (Organic), Bisabolol (Organic), Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Seed Oil, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Camelina Sativa Seed Oil, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (Organic), Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Decanal, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethyl Hexanoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Gamma-Nonalactone, Gamma-Undecalactone, Glycerin, Heliotropine, Hexyl Acetate, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mauritia Flexuosa (Buriti) Fruit Oil (Organic), Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract, Polyester-8, Prunus Persica (Peach) Flower Extract, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil (Organic), Triethyl Citrate, Va/Butyl Maleate/Isobornyl Acrylate Copolymer, Water

 

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40

This cruelty free and vegan sunscreen from Supergoop! is the best because it is reef friendly, hydrating and silky on your skin, and gives you just a very slight shimmer that looks gorgeous and makes you glow!

 

This sunscreen is:

• Reef safe

• Hydrating

• Vegan

• Has a slight shimmer finish

 

Ingredient List:

Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Aletris Farinosa Root Extract, Bisabolol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Coco-Glucoside, Coconut Alkanes, Erythritol, Ethyl Ferulate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Hydrogenated Polycyclopentadiene, Methyl Dihydroabietate, Mica, Polyester-8, Propanediol, Sodium Gluconate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Titanium Dioxide, Tocopherol, Water, Xanthan Gum

 

How Often Should You Apply Sunscreen?

You should definitely always follow the instructions on the bottle of the specific sunscreen that you have, but a good general rule of thumb is to reapply at least once every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming in any type of body of water or sweating a lot.

Doing so will ensure that the sunscreen’s effectiveness is maximized and will give you sufficient sun protection throughout the day.

 

Related Posts:

• Best Cruelty Free Deodorants of 2020

• Best Cruelty Free Tinted Moisturizers To Try

• Best Cruelty Free and Vegan Teeth Whitening Products

 

Thank you so much for checking out my choices for the best cruelty free and vegan sunscreens! Have you tried any of these products yet? Let me know in the comment section below, or if you have a favorite product that I didn’t include on this list definitely tell me about it so I can check it out too!

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