Oxybenzone is an organic compound used in sunscreens to absorb UV-A ultraviolet rays. We know that sunscreen is non-negotiable for healthy skin. It reduces the risk of being exposed to harsh UV rays, which can cause irritation, redness, and sunburn. Prolonged exposure to harmful sun rays can even lead to skin cancer. In fact, it is now recommended to use sunscreen even when you are indoors. It is advisable to reapply sunscreen at constant intervals to minimize sun damage. Since sunscreen is an integral part of skincare, you need to look for sunscreens that suit your skin and cater to your specific needs. We bring you a list of the best oxybenzone-free sunscreens. Go ahead, enjoy your favorite outdoors without getting any skin rashes or sunburns.

Top 13 Sunscreens Without Oxybenzone To Keep Your Skin Protected

1. Best Oil-Free: Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen

It can be extremely challenging to find a sunscreen without oxybenzone that doesn’t feel sticky or greasy for your acne-prone skin, especially at a drugstore price. But fret not. We have found you the right product. Tested by dermatologists, this facial lotion is made oil-free and non-comedogenic to ensure it does not clog your pores or lead to breakouts. Hence, it is perfect for your acne-prone skin. Formulated with Helioplex technology, it provides protection from harmful UVA/UVB rays with broad spectrum SPF 30 and helps prevent sunburn. The lightweight product from this dermatologist-recommended sun care brand allows your skin to breathe. It offers a matte-finish, making it a comfortable wear under the makeup. Pros

Oil-free Suitable for acne-prone skin Fragrance-free Non-comedogenic Dermatologist-recommended Water-resistant Water-light texture

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

2.  Best Cruelty-Free:Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen SPF 50 Coconut Clear Spray

You need not compromise on your ethics for your skincare. This cruelty-free and 100% vegetarian oxybenzone-free sunscreen absorbs quickly into your skin to provide protection from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, the gluten-free lotion offers water-resistance for up to 80 minutes. This SPF 50 sunscreen has a lightweight formula made with botanical emollients like coconut extract, shea butter, and avocado oil that hydrate and rejuvenate your skin. The skin-friendly ingredients will make sure you fall head over heels with this product. Pros

Gluten-free Octinoxate-free Water-resistant Lightweight Paraben and cruelty-free 100% vegetarian Recommended by Skin Cancer Foundation

Cons

Contains added fragrance

3. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen

Before you pack for your trip this summer, pack this drugstore sunscreen without oxybenzone along, especially if you are looking for a reef-friendly one. Also free of octinoxate, this dermatologist-tested lotion offers broad spectrum protection from the harmful UVA/UVB rays. Rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, it also includes skin nourishing ingredients like shea butter, mango seed butter, papaya fruit extract, and aloe leaf juice. Its oil-free and non-greasy recipe softens your skin and makes it radiant. It has water-resistant properties that can hold up for up to 80 minutes. Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation, it can help reduce early signs of aging due to sun damage. Pros

Dermatologist-tested Oil-free and non-greasy Nourishes your skin Prevents sunburn Prevents early skin aging Leaves skin radiant

Cons

Contains fragrance and xanthan Contains parabens

4. Best For All Skin Types:La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk

Pamper your skin with this extraordinary sunscreen with deep moisturization and antioxidants-rich formula that this melt-in sunscreen milk offers. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, this dermatologist-recommended and award-winning sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate offers broad spectrum SPF 60 UVA/UVB protection. The non-comedogenic and paraben-free formula, designed with Cell-Ox shield technology and antioxidant protection leaves your skin moisturized with smooth and velvety texture. It helps minimize the early signs of aging too! Pros

Dermatologist-recommended Tested on sensitive skin Fragrance and parabens-free Non-greasy and fast-absorbing Moisturizing Suitable for all skin types

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

5. Best Lightweight Antioxidant:Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

If it takes a cute packaging to get you to try some sunscreen, check this oxybenzone-free sunscreen out. Well, of course, it is not just about packaging and design. Infused with some really good stuff, it defends your face against blue light, UVA, UVB, and IRA rays with SPF 40. Its lightweight antioxidant-rich recipe is made with red algae, frankincense, and complex derived from meadowfoam seed. The oil-free formula glides onto skin to soothe, hydrate, and provide even skin texture— all without compromising on superlative sun protection. Pros

Prevents photoaging Lightweight and non-sticky Nourishes your skin Prevents dryness Soothes your skin Improves skin texture Fragrance-free Rich in antioxidants

Cons

Contains octinoxate

6. Best Water-Resistant:Hint SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

Being one of the best sunscreens without oxybenzone, you need not even have a hint of doubt about this product. With its broad spectrum SPF 30 formula, it shields your skin from the harmful rays of the sun and helps you enjoy your day out even more. The compressed-air spray does not leave any greasy residue behind on your skin and gets absorbed quickly, covering your skin evenly. Made with kiwi fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice, glycerin, and raspberry fruit extract, its water-resistant formula is easy to apply and is very soothing. Pros

Non-greasy and non-sticky Easy to apply Water-resistant No propellant chemicals Prevents sunburn

Cons

Contains octinoxate Contains added fragrance

7. Best For Sensitive Skin:Badger Broad Spectrum SPF 40 Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream

Try this best sunscreen without oxybenzone for your child which is not just affordable but also fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and uses pure zinc oxide as its active ingredient. Formulated with just 9 ingredients that include organic beeswax, organic plant oils, sunflower, and vitamin E, it is perfect for sensitive skin. The water and sweat-resistant formula helps you enjoy all summer activities including swimming and sports without fearing any sun damage. An all-natural kids sunscreen, it scatters and absorbs UVA & UVB rays but does not let it enter into the bloodstream. It’s also known to be a kids-friendly sunscreen as it has a tangerine and vanilla scent. Pros

Non-GMO Reef-friendly Water-resistant 98% organic ingredients Sweat-resistant Hypoallergenic Ultra-moisturizing Rich in antioxidants

Cons

Some may find the consistency thick.

8. Best Skin-Friendly:Seven Minerals Skin Friendly Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Do not forget to add this in your handbag for a better beach experience or for your me-time on a sunny afternoon. One of the best among the non-mineral SPF 50 sunscreens, it not only protects your skin from the UVA & UVB rays but also nourishes your skin. Made in the USA, it has bottled reef-safe and skin-friendly ingredients like aloe leaf juice, green tea extract, watermelon extract, coconut oil, sunflower oil, mango butter, natural vitamin E, in a 100% recycled plastic container. Dermatologist-tested, this drugstore sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate is suitable for sensitive skin and is safe for use even for children. It is non-comedogenic and offers water resistance for up to 80 minutes. Pros

Cruelty-free Scent- free Paraben and octinoxate-free Kid-friendly Safe for sensitive skin Reef-friendly Packaged in 100% recycled plastic

Cons

Contains avobenzone

9. Best Non-Comedogenic:MDSolarSciences 30 Mineral Tinted Crème

This amazing broad-spectrum, smooth formula is perfect for your everyday skin protection. Boosted with skin loving ingredients like vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extracts, this sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate offers maximum protection from harmful sun rays. Its gentle formula adds silky smooth texture to your skin. It is non-comedogenic and hence does not clog your pores, making it a great sunscreen for your sensitive skin. The sunscreen also doubles as a makeup primer and provides water resistance for up to 80 minutes. Pros

Developed by dermatologists Moisturizes your skin Fragrance and oil-free Offers matte finish Non-comedogenic and non-irritating Lightweight formula Suitable for sensitive skin

Cons

Some may find the scent unpleasant.

10. Best Vegan:All Good Sport Sunscreen SPF 30

If you are an adventure sports freak, this is among the best sunscreens without oxybenzone for you. While you ski, bike or surf, you can completely focus on the respective activity without worrying about sun damage. This product will help protect your skin, with its SPF broad spectrum formula, against UVA/UVB rays. It offers mineral-based protection and hence the harmful rays do not get absorbed into your bloodstream. The key ingredients include farm-grown calendula, organic green tea, rose hips, and olive oil that help repair and rejuvenate your skin. The vegan and coral reef-friendly product is also water-resistant. Pros

Water and sweat-resistant Non-greasy Coral reef-friendly Non-GMO Gluten-free Vegan and cruelty-free Biodegradable

Cons

Contains xanthan

11. Best Mineral-Based Formula:Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Let your child play safe in the sun as a team of physicians and scientists have developed this sunscreen without avobenzone and oxybenzone specifically for babies. The non-nano zinc oxide and non-aerosol formulation is certified cruelty-free, gluten-free, and vegan. The award-winning product gives broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB with SPF 50 formula. Made in the USA, it does not leave an oily feeling behind on your baby’s skin. Ensure you apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least once in every 2 hours. Pros

Cruelty-free and vegan Gluten-free Paraben and phthalate-free Fast absorption Mineral-based formula Non-oily

Cons

May not be water-resistant

12. Best Quick-Absorption:Banana Boat Kids Mineral Enriched Sunscreen Lotion Spray

This tear-free sunscreen lotion can score full marks for providing the best suncare for your children. With SPF 50, it protects your child from the harmful sun rays so that they can enjoy their playdate outdoors. This sunscreen without oxybenzone and octinoxate comes in the form of a mist spray that gets absorbed quickly into the skin so that your child need not get restless while you apply the sunscreen on their skin. The shield stays on in 7 conditions like sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand, and even 100-degree heat, which is all you need when you’re looking for an effective sunscreen for your little one. Pros

Mild and tear-free formula Reef-friendly Paraben and oil-free Scent-free Stays on in 7 conditions Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation Water-resistant

Cons

Contains phenoxyethanol

13. Best For Childrens:Reef Repair Suncream SPF 50+

This sunscreen without oxybenzone is strong enough to protect your skin from sun damage and yet gentle and soothing enough for your delicate and sensitive skin. This reef-safe sunscreen is completely chemical free and is safe for even kids to use. Its all natural formula contains red raspberry seed and coconut oil to provide better protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Shea butter, avocado oil, and beeswax, on the other hand, provide intense hydration to your skin. This (non-nano) zinc oxide based sunscreen with SPF 50 is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. With almost no rubbing, it spreads evenly on skin and does not leave any sticky white cast or residue. It does not cause excessive sweating too and hence, is a perfect companion on a hot sunny day at the beach. Pros

Moisturizing formula Cruelty-free and reef-safe Recyclable and biodegradable Easy application Safe for children Repairs damaged skin

Cons

Some may find the consistency too thick.

While it is important to learn about various sunscreens available in the market, you should also know how to pick the best for your skin. Let us help you with that.

How To Choose The Best Oxybenzone-Free Sunscreen

Skin type

If you have sensitive skin, it is better to look for a hypoallergenic sunscreen with mineral-based formula. It contains active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are less likely to cause any skin irritation. You can opt for non-comedogenic formulas or specific sunscreens designed for acne-prone skin if you have oily skin so that it does not clog your pores. For dry skin, you can look for a combination of sunscreen and moisturizer.

Broad spectrum protection

Read the label of the sunscreen carefully before you pick one. Ensure that it offers broad-spectrum protection which means it would protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays. These rays cause sunburn and lead to early signs of aging.

SPF factor

Dermatologists recommend sunscreen which offers at least SPF 30 protection. SPF 15 blocks only 93% of the UVB rays while the SPF 30 blocks 97% of it. So, it is advised you choose SPF 30 or higher.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Kirtana Divakar, the author, is a skin care and beauty enthusiast and loves writing detailed and well-researched articles on the same. She has spent hours going through several health and beauty forums and reviewing all valued customer feedback before curating this list of the best sunscreens without oxybenzone for you. You can include any of these oxybenzone-free sunscreens without worrying about any rashes or irritation. Check out the following infographic to get a deep understanding of sunscreen’s basic facts and benefits. Also, learn why oxybenzone, which is so common in sunscreens, is harmful to the skin. Keep scrolling! Why is oxybenzone so bad in sunscreens? Oxybenzone is known as a potential hormone disruptor, and hence it can affect your endocrine system, which regulates your thyroid, metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, and other biological processes. Does oxybenzone darken skin? Yes, since oxybenzone is a hormone disruptor, it may cause hormonal skin darkening over a period of time. What are the side effects of oxybenzone? Use of oxybenzone in sunscreens has been banned in various places for good reasons. Some of the common side effects of oxybenzone include contact dermatitis, acne, skin rash, and irritation. Is an oxybenzone-free sunscreen safe? Yes, oxybenzone-free sunscreens are safe to use. The formulations do not disrupt your hormones and keep your skin free of allergies and rashes. Is oxybenzone safe for sensitive skin? No, oxybenzone irritates the skin and increases acne. It also causes skin allergies and triggers sensitive skin issues like eczema or psoriasis. How long does oxybenzone stay in your body? Oxybenzone can stay in your body for up to seven days. Is oxybenzone the same thing as benzene? No, benzene and oxybenzone are completely different ingredients. Oxybenzone is an active ingredient found in chemical-based sunscreens. Benzene, on the other hand, is used to make plastics and is found in cigarette smoke.

Best PABA-Free Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin Best Smelling Sunscreens For Women Best Matte Sunscreens To Keep Tanning At Bay Best Waterproof Sunscreens