Vegan Sunscreen {2016 Edition}

This post contains affiliate links


Vegan Sunscreen {2016 Edition}

 

I’ve acquired a bunch of vegan sunscreens this year. As a person with pale skin, sunscreen is non-negotiable for me. Even if you’re not as light as a ghost and have a scary higher risk of skin cancers, regular sunscreen is recommended for everyone. Here’s more info on sunscreen and SPF in general.

You can find lots of vegan options at local co-ops (like my neighborhood New Pioneer), large health store chains like Lucky’s Market and Whole Foods, and discount stores like T.J.Maxx or Marshall’s. I have found so many great vegan sunscreens at my local T.J.Maxx store.

All of the sunscreen products listed below are cruelty-free and vegan. Most of the products retail individually from $10-$15 USD.

All Over Sunscreen

The following sunscreen products are suitable for the body.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Active Kids Spray 50 SPF

Rating: 4/5 stars ★★★★☆

I prefer the spray sunscreens because I do not the way things like creams feel on my hands. Just spray and go. The downside to sprays is that the mist tends to go everywhere and it’s not fun to inhale. Also, there doesn’t seem to be much product in the canister.

This spray by Alba Botanica works very well, though it feels really cold just after application. I don’t notice much of scent after the aerosol scent goes away.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Sport 45 SPF

Rating: 4/5 stars ★★★★☆

I broke down and purchased the Very Emollient Sunscreen Sport when I couldn’t find my Holy Grail Nature’s Gate Sport Vegan Sunscreen in any local stores. Besides being water and sweat resistant, it dries to a lovely satin finish, instead of the typical greasy finish of most sunscreens.

I was disappointed to discover that the Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen does not have a satin finish and is noticeably more greasy than the Nature’s Gate version. It’s greasy after application and partially dries down within half an hour, but you can still clearly feel it on the skin.

There’s not much of a fragrance, just the normal sunscreen scent.

Goddess Garden Sport Natural Sunscreen 30 SPF

Rating: 4/5 stars ★★★★☆

Unlike the others in this category, Goddess Garden uses only mineral protection in the form of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to obtain sun protection. Just as a note, applying too much will result in the stereotypical white patches.

Of the sport sunscreens I currently possess, the Goddess Garden Sport Natural Sunscreen has the driest finish. Though it is rather patchy during application, it was the least greasy of the bunch.

Since the sunscreen uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, there isn’t much of a scent, but rather a slight earthy smell.

Goddess Garden sunscreens seem to have a grainy texture and greyish cast—or at least the two I own do.

Jason Sun Sport Sunscreen 45 SPF

Rating: 2/5 stars ★★☆☆☆

I usually love Jason products, but the Sun Sport Sunscreen was kind of disappointing. First off, it smells like bananas and I hate bananas. I’m guessing it’s trying to emulate Banana Boat sun products. Second, I was surprised that it didn’t seem to do a good job protecting from the skin. The first time I used it, I was only out for about an hour and I still had noticeable sun damage.

It has a similar greasy feel to the Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Sport and also took about half an hour to partially dry down.

Face Sunscreen

The following products are suitable for the face. You can also mix any non-spray sunscreen 50/50 with a facial moisturizer.

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sunscreen Facial Sunscreen 20 SPF

Rating: 4/5 stars ★★★★☆

[Not pictured] My go-to face sunscreen product. While my dry skin has no problems with it, those with oily skin may find it too greasy. I do wish it had a slightly higher sun protection rating.

It has a obvious sunscreen scent that’s not exactly appealing, but the project works.

Devita Solar Protective Moisturizer Mineral Sunscreen 30 SPF

Rating: 3.5/5 stars ★★★☆☆

[Not pictured] A recent inclusion in a Vegan Cuts Beauty Box. From the name, I expected the Solar Protective Moisturizer to work as a stand alone moisturizer. Unfortunately I find it is far too drying form me to wear alone, though I can wear it over moisturizer without issue.

Goddess Garden Facial Natural Sunscreen 30 SPF

Rating: 2/5 stars ★★☆☆☆

Another sunscreen included in the Vegan Cuts Beauty Box. As much as I was excited for the Goddess Garden Facial Natural Sunscreen, I am not a fan. It doesn’t work at all under makeup—something face sunscreens should be able to do—making makeup appear cakey.

As I mentioned above, the Goddess Garden sunscreens are grainy with a greyish color. Unlike the sport version, the face version has a more pronounced perfume scent.

You can read my earlier review here.

 

Do you have a favorite cruelty-free and vegan sunscreen? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to like {makeupfu} on Facebook!

This post contains affiliate links