11 Best Zero Waste Sunscreens To Support Plastic-Free Living

By now, most of us are aware of how important sunscreen is not just during scorching days but also in general. And while the local store is often filled with all kinds of brands promising adequate protection against the harmful sun rays, how beneficial are they for our skin or environment? 

Here at Trash Backwards, we are huge advocates for sustainable, cruelty-free, and zero-waste products. And we went on a mission to gather the top zero-waste sunscreens that are actually good for your skin and support plastic-free living at the same time.

So let’s get to it!

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Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen

Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen

Starting off our list, we have the Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen. Raw Elements has a ton of different sunscreen options on their site, all of which are all-natural, cruelty-free, and zero-waste!

I especially like this tinted version since some sunscreens tend to make me look washed out. Plus, the tin the sunblock comes in is totally reusable, which is great! You can use it for a homemade body scrub, toothpaste, or anything else you can think of.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Lasts up to 80 minutes
  • Suitable for all ages
  • SPF 30, broad-spectrum protection
  • Cruelty-free, non-GMO, and completely biodegradable
  • Certified B Corp
  • Contains beeswax
  • Coral reef safe

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Eir NYC Surf Mud

Eir NYC Surf Mud

If you like surfing, then you’ll be a fan of SPF 30 Eir NYC’s Surf Mud!

This sunblock is water-resistant and reef-friendly, so you won’t have to worry about spending a lot of time in the water. Additionally, Surf Mud is suitable for all skin types, and it comes with many nourishing ingredients such as cocoa butter and Vitamin E oil – all of which your skin will thank you for!

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Contains beeswax
  • Comes with Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
  • Stored in a reusable plastic-free tin
  • Very hydrating
  • Coral reef friendly

Apothecary Muse

Apothecary Muse

For those of you prone to insect bites, you might like the Apothecary Muse Sun Stick which also doubles as an insect repellent.

The sunscreen is packaged in a recyclable push-up cardboard stick that’s convenient to store in your backpack or pocket while on the go. The sunblock itself is created using a natural formula and is entirely vegan. Plus, Apothecary Muse promises up to 2 hours of SPF protection!

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Natural insect repeller
  • Contains shea butter. Neem oil and Carrot seed oil
  • Reef-safe and cruelty-free
  • Includes Non-nano zinc

Herbal Chest

Herbal Chest

The Herbal Chest sunscreen is designed for people with sensitive skin, and it’s created using only the gentlest vegan ingredients.

If you’re not a fan of coconut oil, you’ll be glad to know that Herbal Chest sunblock is free from it! Including unnecessary chemicals such as synthetic dyes, parabens, animal byproducts, and fragrances.

Even though it’s coconut oil-free, it still offers plenty of moisturizing ingredients such as green tea-infused olive oil, shea butter, and red raspberry oil – for extra restorative powers!

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Unscented
  • Contains Non-Nano Zinc
  • Reef-safe and cruelty-free
  • Natural SPF 25-50
  • Packed in eco-friendly reusable pocket

Butter Me Up Organics

Butter Me Up Organics

Butter Me Up Organics sunscreen comes in handy, environmentally-friendly glass jars. These glass jars are so aesthetic, you could reuse them for DIY candles – check out the best soy candle-making kits!

This 6oz jar should last you a good while, and its ingredients are so gentle and moisturizing, you won’t feel the damaging effects that come with spending too much time in the sun. Some of the key ingredients are shea butter, coconut oil, and mango butter.

On top of that, the sunblock uses nano-zinc oxide, which is much more beneficial for your skin. The maker of this product claims that this SPF lasts up to 3 hours once applied, which is longer than most! 

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • No nasty chemicals
  • Ref-safe and plastic-free
  • Suitable for kids and adults
  • Contains grapeseed oil and beeswax
  • Thick formula

Empiresquid Organics

Eir-NYC-Surf-Mud

The Empiresquid Organics sunblock quickly absorbs into your skin without leaving any white marks or greasy residue.

I like that you can choose from 2 different sunscreen options upon purchasing “ original” and “extra protection, “ which includes a higher non-nano zinc oxide content for those who tend to burn more in the sun. 

Additionally, the sunblock is nourishing on your skin since it contains shea butter and various essential oils. Plus, to keep the no-plastic promise, the Empiresquid Organics sunblock comes in either a 2oz, 4oz, or 8oz glass jar.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Contains non-nano zinc oxide
  • Includes beeswax
  • Zero-waste
  • Broad-spectrum protection

Surfdurt

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics

An “extreme adventure sunscreen” Surfdurt sunblock is designed for those of you who spend a lot of time in the ocean or having outdoor adventures.

The 30 SPF, broad-spectrum sunscreen is effective for up to 80 minutes in water, and it’s created using 11 food-grade friendly materials, including non-nano zinc oxide. Many of those ingredients are very nourishing for your skin, such as coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Contains beeswax
  • Nourishing ingredients
  • No fragrance oils
  • Comes in an aluminum-lined reusable bamboo pot
  • Coral reef-friendly

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bee You Organics

Bee You Organics

The Bee You Organics sunscreen is made out of USDA-certified organic ingredients, both zero-waste, and vegan. While some of their sunblocks do contain beeswax which isn’t vegan, you can request Carnauba wax instead.

Additionally, the same company also produces Organic BB facial cream, which is a little more lightweight for the face. 

Lastly, you can choose between lavender and tea tree oil-scented sunscreen or go fragrance-free!

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Gluten-free
  • Contains non-nano zinc oxide
  • Zero-waste
  • Broad-spectrum sun protection
  • Ocean & Coral Reef Safe
  • Organic and nourishing ingredients
  • Bug repellent formula

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics

Dirty Hippie Cosmetics

The handmade sunblock by Dirty Hippie Cosmetics is another sustainable, eco-friendly sunscreen that I love.

The sunscreen offers broad-spectrum 30 SPF protection and comes in a sustainable and compostable cardboard tube that you can easily slip into your pocket. You can also buy the sunblock in a compostable pot or a reusable tin container – the choice is yours!

The ingredients are gentle enough for daily use, and it comes with a very low concentration of essential oils if your skin is very sensitive. However, you can also request 0% concentration if you aren’t a fan.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Contains non-micronized zinc oxide
  • Included raspberry seed oil
  • Broad-spectrum protection
  • Non-greasy formula
  • Bug Repellent blend
  • Free from all toxins and reef-safe

All Good

All Good

If you’re looking for something stronger, then All Good 50 SPF sunscreen might be the one for you.

The All Good sunblock offers broad-spectrum sun protection using only natural ingredients such as coconut oil, organic calendula, jojoba oil, Vitamin E, and non-nano zinc oxide. While it does include beeswax, it’s ethically sourced from local bee farms.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • SPF 50 and water-resistant
  • Gluten-free
  • B-Corp certified
  • Zero-waste
  • Coral reef friendly

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Byrobincreations

Byrobincreations

Last but not least, we have this vegan, plastic-free sunscreen by Byrobincreations.

The sunblock lotion comes in a handy bar form that’s both durable and long-lasting. All of the ingredients are all-natural, including organic shea, carrot seed oil, and cocoa butter. Plus, the sunscreen itself is waterproof and comes with broad-spectrum protection.

Some handy facts about this brand:

  • Vegan and plastic-free
  • Waterproof
  • SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection
  • Compact

What did you think of the top plastic-free sunscreens? Do you have a favorite brand? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and thanks for reading!

For more eco-friendly summer alternatives, be sure to check out the best eco-friendly flip flops and our take on the top zero-waste lip balms to get you summer-ready.


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