The weather is getting warmer so it’s a great time to stock up on vegan face sunscreens. I’ve done some research and found some amazing vegan sunscreens for you!
Because I don’t know who still needs to hear this in 2022, but you have to wear sunscreen on your face EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Not just when going to the beach, and not just in summer.
Some skincare specialists even claim you should be wearing sunscreen inside, especially if you sit close to a window most of the day (think of your desk at work that’s on the fifth floor of an office building!)
Seriously, if you don’t use sunscreen, you might be undoing all the good work your nightly retinol or acid peel is doing for your skin. It truly is the most important step in any skincare routine.
Why Is Sunscreen So Important?
It protects you from skin cancer
This is the most important reason. It might quite literally save your life! I’m not going into any more detail, that should already seal the deal if you ask me.
It prevents premature aging
Around 80% of premature aging is due to sun exposure. Yes, you read that correctly. EIGHTY PERCENT.* So in addition to possibly helping you live a longer life, sunscreen could potentially be a true youth potion! (Thinking of Death Becomes Her)
*Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/
It protects your face when it’s sensitized from an active ingredient you used the night before
If you’re currently using Retinol, Vitamin C, or any other acids or actives in your skincare, chances are they are making your skin more prone to sun damage. You absolutely need to protect it by applying sunscreen the next morning. No discussion!
How Much Sunscreen Should You Be Using?
If you’re already shocked that you should be wearing sunscreen every day instead of just at the beach, you have to be really strong now.
You should be wearing about half a teaspoon on your face. And re-applying several times during the day.
But don’t worry, I’ve also included some vegan face sunscreens that are in powder or setting spray form and make it incredibly easy to re-apply during the day without destroying your whole makeup look!
What Types Of Vegan Face Sunscreens Are Out There?
Physical / Mineral Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens act as a form of protective shield against UV rays reflecting them away from your skin like a mirror. Hence the term “physical” sunscreen, because it literally forms a physical protective layer on top of your skin.
Active ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. If you find these on the ingredient list, it’s most likely a mineral sunscreen or a combination.
The Pros:
- Naturally broad-spectrum
- May last longer in direct UV light
The Cons:
- Often leaves a white cast, making it less suitable for darker skin tones
- Heavier formula
- Not as long-lasting when swimming or sweating
- Zinc mining is linked to human trafficking
- Byproducts of titanium dioxide are harmful to the environment.
Chemical Sunscreens
Don’t let the term “chemical” put you off! It just describes the way the sunscreen works. In a chemical reaction, UV light is converted to heat, and the heat dissipates from the skin. That means as opposed to physical sun protection the light enters the skin but is “disarmed” quickly.
Active ingredients are called oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and octinoxate. Look for these in the ingredient list if you want to go with a chemical sunscreen.
The Pros
- Quick and easy to apply
- Sheer
- Statistically perform better in user tests
- Water- and sweat-proof
The Cons
- Could be irritating to those with dry or sensitive skin
- Might sting your eyes (avoid the ones with denatured Alcohol)
What Should You Look For When Choosing a Vegan Face Sunscreen?
Ideally your sunscreen would check off most or all of the boxes listed below:
- Broad-spectrum
protects from both UVA and UVB rays) - Fragrance-free
Unnecessary ingredient in skincare could potentially be irritating - Alcohol-free
Dries out skin and stings your eyes. Not all alcohols are drying though but definitely try and avoid “alcohol denat” or “denatured alcohol”. - SPF of at least 30 or higher
(I’ve listed mostly SPF 50+) - Suitable for your individual skin type
If you have oily skin, you might prefer a lighter texture than if you have dry skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you’ll want a very gentle, soothing sunscreen. - Vegan & Cruelty-Free (obviously!)
I mean, that’s what you’re here for, right?
I’ll try and state which of the listed sunscreens meet the general criteria.
Wear sunscreen on your face every day
–
Apply at least 1/2 teaspoon as your last step in your morning skincare routine
–
Re-apply every 2 hours, or more often when swimming or sweating
–
Wash it off every night before bed
Vegan Face Sunscreens – The Shopping Guide 2021
Quick disclaimer: All of the vegan face sunscreens listed in this post are 100% free of any animal products and cruelty-free. However, I cannot account for formula changes in the future!
Also, this post contains Affiliate Links.
If you choose to buy using one of the above links, I make a small cut and I’m forever grateful!
Chemical Vegan Face Sunscreens
Mimitika CRÈME VISAGE SPF 50
Chemical Sunscreen
(Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Made in France
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Niche Beauty
d’Alba Waterful Essence
Chemical sunscreen
(Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone)
+ Contains Niacinamide
– Contains Alcohol
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Flaconi
Soleil Toujours ORGANIC
EXTRÈME FACE + SCALP
SUNSCREEN MIST SPF 50 SPORT
Chemical Sunscreen
(Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%)
+ broad sprectrum
– Contains Fragrance
– Contains Alcohol
Available at Niche Beauty
Sun Ozon Sensitiv 50
Chemical Sunscreen
(Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid)
+ Fragrance-Free
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Microplastic-Free
+ Super affordable (€7,98/100ml)
+ My personal go-to!
– Only available in Germany
Available at Rossmann
Sundance Ultra Sensitive 50+
Chemical Sunscreen
(Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid)
+ Fragrance-Free
+ Contains Panthenol
+ Super affordable (€8,90/100ml)
Available at DM
Mineral Vegan Face Sunscreens
Aromatica Aloe Mineral
Sunscreen SPF 50
Mineral Sunscreen
(24% Zinc Oxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Mineral Sun Protection
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Little Wonderland
Dr. Dennis Gross Dark Spot
Sun Defense SPF50
Mineral Sunscreen
(Titanium Dioxide 4.9%, Zinc Oxide 4.42%)
+ Broad Spectrum
+ Alcohol-Free
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Sephora
Whamisa Sun Cream SPF50
Mineral Sunscreen
(Zinc Oxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Contains soothing, brightening, and antioxidant ingredients
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Douglas
Chemical and Mineral Vegan Face Sunscreens
V.Sun Catch The Sun Cream Face
SPF 50 Perfume Free
Chemical and mineral sunscreen
(Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide)
+ Fragrance-Free
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Broad Sprectrum
– I personally ound it too greasy
Darling GLOWY FACE CREAM SPF 50+
Chemical and mineral sunscreen
(Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Benzophenone-4,
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate,
Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone,
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine)
+ Made in Italy
+ Water-proof
– Contains Fragrance
– Contains Alcohol
Available at Niche Beauty
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50
Chemical and mineral sunscreen
(Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide)
+ Broad spectrum
+ Contains Aloe Vera
– Contains Alcohol
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Little Wonderland
SEPAI City Shield SPF 50
Chemical and mineral sunscreen
(Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate),
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone),
Octocrylene, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Broad spectrum
+ Contains Bakuchiol
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Flaconi
Vegan Face Sunscreens for Easy Re-Application
Update June 7th: I have decided to remove all powder sunscreens from this section, as they all miserably failed a test I made with UV-stickers.
It’s basically impossible to apply the right amount of product needed to achieve the SPF number written on the package.
The same goes for face spays, please make sure to spray liberally on your face to achieve the correct protection!
Coola Make Up Setting Spray SPF 30
Chemical sunscreen
(Avobenzone 2.8%, Homosalate 3.5%, Octisalate 3.9%)
+ Easy on-the-go re-application
– Contains Alcohol
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Niche Beauty
SoleilToujours Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30
Chemical sunscreen
(Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7.5%, Octisalate 5%)
+Contains Vitamin C and Antioxidants
– Highly Fragranced
– Contains Alcohol
Available at Niche Beauty
Whamisa Organic Flowers
Sun Pact Natural Tone Up SPF50+
Mineral sunscreen
(Zinc Oxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Easy on-the-go re-application
– Contains Fragrance
Available at Flaconi
Madara SPF50 Proactive Sunstick
Mineral Sunscreen
(Zinc Oxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Tinted against white cast
– Only available in one tint shade
– Contains Fragrance
Available via Flaconi
Holika Holika Less On Skin
Redness Calming CICA Sun Stick SPF50
Mineral Sunscreen
(Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide)
+ Alcohol-Free
+ Contains calming and
antioxidant ingredients
+ My favorite for on-the-go application!
– Bit of white cast
– Contains fragrance
– a little drying
Available at Lookfantastic
If you liked this informational post and shopping guide, also see my
Cruelty-Free Alternatives to Popular The Ordinary Products
and
A Guide to Vegan Perfumes
Pins for Pinterest
Judith
Since I have a super sensitive skin, I prefer these kind of sunscreen which is made form natural ingredients. That’s true, too much exposure to the sun may trigger freckles making your skin to look old specially your face. Thanks for the article, its very informative. I like it. Thanks. By the way, check also my blog about vegan belts https://www.crueltyfreebelts.com/
Yuri
Servus!
Darf ich fragen woher du die Info hast, dass Holika Holika cruelty free ist? Ich hab gegooglet, aber leider absolut nichts eindeutiges gefunden.