10 Sunscreens Without Oxybenzone (Safe Options That Work)

Oxybenzone is a chemical UV filter used in some sunscreens. It helps protect your skin from UV rays, but some people choose to avoid it due to health and environmental concerns.

In this guide, you’ll learn what oxybenzone is, why some people avoid it, how much is typically used in sunscreen, and how to choose a safer option. You’ll also see 10 oxybenzone-free sunscreens made with non-nano zinc oxide which is a mineral UV filter.

What Is Oxybenzone In Sunscreen?

To begin with, oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) is a chemical UV filter first used in the 1960s. It works by absorbing UVA and UVB rays and turning them into heat. This helps prevent sunburn and skin damage (source).

Oftentimes, oxybenzone is used in combination with octinoxate, linked to environmental and health concerns, too.

In addition to sunscreens, oxybenzone is common in products like lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, and even coatings or packaging because it helps block UV light and stabilize formulas.

Because it shows up in many everyday items, exposure can happen in more than one way:

• through skin when you apply sunscreen or personal care products
• through water when products wash off into oceans or pools
• through air or dust in small amounts from treated materials

How much oxybenzone is used in sunscreen?

The numbers vary from country to country:

• US FDA allows 6% (source)
• Europe allows 6% in face, hand, and lip products and 2.2% – in body products, including sprays (source)
• Australia permits up to 10% in sunscreens (source)
• Japan restricts oxybenzone in cosmetics to up to 5% (source)

These differences show that global safety limits are not the same everywhere. It’s probably best to avoid oxybenzone altogether.

Why Some People Avoid Oxybenzone

The concern about oxybenzone is how it may affect the body or environment over time.

Skin Reactions

First, some people can get irritation or rashes after using products with oxybenzone, especially if they have sensitive skin (source and source).

Hormone Concerns

Second, there is research suggesting that oxybenzone may interact with hormone systems in the body (source and source).

The European Chemicals Agency assessed oxybenzone and put it on the “endocrine disruptors” list (source).

Carcinogenic Effects

Next, some studies in animals suggest oxybenzone may affect how hormones behave in the body, which could influence how certain cancers grow or develop (source).

Environmental Concerns

Lastly, oxybenzone can wash into water systems and may harm coral reefs and marine life (source and source). This is why some coastal areas – like Hawaii and Key West – have banned it.

10 Sunscreens Without Oxybenzone

All of the sunscreen options below are reef safe. They use a mineral UV filter – non-nano zinc oxide – and avoid oxybenzone. Additionally, they are fragrance-free and do not contain any ingredients with potential health risks.

Crunchi Sunlight Tinted SPF 30

Best for: Everyday face use with light coverage.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, plant-based oils.

What I like: It’s perfect for minimalists who want to combine moisturizer, sunscreen, and light coverage foundation into one step – my absolute favorite. Unlike most of the other brands on the list, the bottle is made of glass. Crunchi is plastic neutral, which means it doesn’t add to the plastic pollution.

Where to buy: Crunchi Sunlight Tinted SPF 30 

Crunchi Sunlight Facial SPF 30

Best for: Daily face SPF under makeup.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, moisturizing oils.

What I like: Works like a light moisturizer without leaving a white cast and layers well with skincare and makeup. The bottle is made of glass, which is a nice bonus.

Where to buy: Crunchi Sunlight Facial SPF 30

Crunchi Sunlight Body SPF

Best for: Daily full-body protection – both kids and grownups.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, nourishing oils.

What I like: Easier to spread and feels lighter than many mineral body sunscreens. The bottle is plastic-free, and the pump is so convenient that I keep choosing this sunscreen.

Where to buy: Crunchi Sunlight Body SPF

Pure Haven Mineral Face Moisturizer

Best for: Daily face SPF, including under makeup.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, gentle oils.

What I like: Soft formula that works well even for sensitive skin type.

Where to buy: Pure Haven Mineral Face Moisturizer

Pure Haven Mineral Body Lotion

Best for: Family body sunscreen.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, nourishing oils.

What I like: Simple formula that works for both adults and kids.

Where to buy: Pure Haven Mineral Body Lotion

Pure Haven Mineral Sunstick

Best for: Travel and quick touch-ups.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, plant oils.

What I like: Easy, mess-free application for face and small areas.

Where to buy: Pure Haven Mineral Sunstick

Attitude Unscented Sunscreen

Best for: Face and full-body protection.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide

What I like: Convenient for travel and beach.

Where to buy: Attitude Unscented Sunscreen

Blissoma Photonic Light Shifting Solution

Best for: Lightweight facial sunscreen, good for sensitive skin and rosacea.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, antioxidants including astaxanthin, 3% niacinamide

What I like: Feels like a serum and layers well under makeup.

Where to buy: Blissoma Photonic Light Shifting Solution SPF 30

Earth Mama Organics Sunscreen

Best for: Babies and grownups with sensitive skin.

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide

What I like: Gentle formula designed for sensitive skin.

Where to buy: Earth Mama Organics Sunscreen

Primally Pure Sun Cream

Best for: Dry or normal skin

Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, grass-fed tallow, mango butter

What I like: Very moisturizing and rich, almost like a skincare cream.

Where to buy: Primally Pure Sun Cream 

Final Thoughts: Are Sunscreens Without Oxybenzone Safer?

Yes, sunscreens formulated with a mineral UV filter such as non-nano zinc oxide instead of oxybenzone are safer.

Mineral sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide offer a simple way to avoid oxybenzone without sacrificing UV protection. The options I provided for you above are reef safe and family friendly as well.

If you are unsure where to start, choose one face sunscreen and one body sunscreen. That is enough to build a solid, low-stress routine.

Personally, my husband, son and I enjoy the following products:

• Crunchi Sunlight Tinted SPF 30
• Crunchi Sunlight Facial SPF 30
• Crunchi Sunlight Body SPF
• Pure Haven Mineral Face Moisturizer
• Pure Haven Mineral Body Lotion

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