Body sunscreen used to be synonymous with sunscreen. But in 2024, we see less of large containers of sunblock and more tinier-fancier sunscreens designed to protect the face. You can of course use face sunscreens all over your body but it won’t be cheap.
As we’ve already written about vegan sunscreens, we decided to do a separate list of the best vegan body sunscreens. These cruelty-free vegan sunblocks protect your whole body from harmful UV rays. They come in larger tubes and are much more affordable.
Best Vegan Body Sunscreens
These body sunscreens are all vegan and cruelty-free:
- Coola Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
- Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Alba Botanica Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 50
- Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
- Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30
1. Coola Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray is the best vegan body sunscreen. It has all the makings of a great sunblock: it’s organic, reef-safe, water-resistant, and easy to apply. The leak-proof packaging is safe to take with you to the beach. Also, it absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast.
The fragrance-free version of this sunscreen is the best. I currently have the Guava Mango one. It smells great but it’s a bit overpowering. The fragrance-free option is also safer for sensitive skin. But if you like scented products, you have 4 amazing scents to choose from.
- What we like: organic, fragrance-free, comfortable to apply
- What we don’t like: chemical sunscreens are not for everyone
Type: chemical sunscreen | Key ingredients: rapeseed, safflower seed, raspberry seed oils| Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, fragrance-free, water-resistant, organic, hypoallergenic, octinoxate-free, oxybenzone-free | Average rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $28 (6 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Sephora, Ulta
2. Thrive Bodyshield Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Thrive Bodyshield is the best mineral vegan body sunscreen. It’s natural, skin-friendly, eco-friendly, and reef-friendly. It absorbs fast and the white cast is almost non-existent. We love that the natural sunscreen is enriched with sustainably sourced Costa Rican plant extracts.
- What we like: mineral, safe, eco-friendly, minimal white residue
- What we don’t like: some white residue still (not the best for dark skin)
Type: mineral sunscreen | Key ingredients: Juanilama, Fierrillo, Coralillo (native Costa Rican plants) | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, water-resistant, PABA-free, paraben-free, non-GMO, free of synthetic colors and fragrances, sustainable ingredients, recycled plastic packaging | Average rating: 4.5/5 | Price: $29.95 (5.8 oz)
Shop on: Amazon, Official site
3. Alba Botanica Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Alba Botanica’s Sensitive SPF 50 is the best affordable vegan body sunscreen. While cheap, it’s fragrance-free, paraben-free, and perfect for sensitive skin. The sunscreen has a convenient spray-on formula. It’s completely clear and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- What we like: fragrance-free, affordable, clear formula
- What we don’t like: chemical sunscreens are not for everyone
Type: chemical sunscreen | Key ingredients: aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and avocado oil | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, paraben-free, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, biodegradable, water-resistant, Skin Cancer Foundation-recommended | Average rating: 4.3/5 | Price: $13.99 (5 oz)
4. Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Sum Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion is another vegan body sunscreen we love. It’s a chemical vegan body sunscreen that keeps your skin safe even in the blazing sun. It’s great for all types. It’s oil-free so oily skin will like it yet it’s moisturizing enough for dry skin.
- What we like: effective sunscreen, no white cast, affordable
- What we don’t like: chemical sunscreens are not for everyone
Type: chemical sunscreen | Key ingredients: vitamin E | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-safe, water-resistant, paraben-free, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, gluten-free | Average rating: 4.8/5 | Price: $18.49 (8 oz)
5. Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
ThinkSport Mineral Sunscreen is the best vegan body sunscreen for runners. It’s mineral-based and chemical-free, so you can use it all over your body and face – it doesn’t sting when it drips to your eyes. It has a high content of zinc oxide to keep your skin protected during exercise.
- What we like: best mineral formula for exercising
- What we don’t like: leaves some white cast
Type: mineral sunscreen | Key ingredients: vegan glycerin, sunflower, jojoba, olive, raspberry seed oils | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, water-resistant, PABA-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, BPA-free, oxybenzone-free, avobenzone-free, petroleum-free, gluten-free | Average rating: 4.4/5 | Price: $16.79 (6 oz)
6. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30
Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 is the best vegan body sunscreen for kids and adults alike. It has a gentle mineral-based formula that is rich in nourishing shea butter. It’s fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, non-oily, and easy to apply. It’s also water-resistant.
- What we like: hypoallergenic, moisturizing, safe for kids
- What we don’t like: not as sheer formula as advertised
Type: mineral sunscreen | Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, coconut oil, organic herbs | Features: vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, water-resistant, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, EWG-verified, natural, organic, dermatologist-tested | Average rating: 4.6/5 | Price: $15.99 (3 oz)
Main image: courtesy of Coola
