Hair & Skin

The Best Natural Sunscreen and Moisturizers of 2025

Featuring top picks like Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream, Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer, and ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40. It highlights eco-friendly, non-toxic options that provide hydration, sun protection, and skin comfort while promoting sustainability and cleaner formulations.

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Medically reviewed by:
Last updated:
December 31, 2024
8 min read

As awareness grows about the potential impact of certain chemicals on our bodies and the environment, many are seeking more natural skincare solutions. Natural sunscreens and moisturizers focus on plant-based oils, mineral filters, and gentle botanical extracts, providing protection and hydration without harsh synthetics. Whether you have sensitive skin, want reef-safe sun protection, or simply prefer cleaner formulations, there’s a natural option for you.

We evaluated the top natural sunscreens and moisturizers based on ingredient quality, safety, efficacy, texture, and user experience. Below, we share our top picks, explain our evaluation criteria, and help you find products that align with your values and skincare needs.

Summary of recommendations

Our Top Pick
Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream
Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream

Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream offers effective, natural protection with non-nano zinc oxide and organic ingredients.

Designed for sensitive skin, it provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, is reef-safe, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, and free of harsh chemicals.

Feel free to jump straight to our picks or read on to learn how we evaluated these products.

How we evaluated the best natural sunscreen and moisturizers

Our criteria for selecting natural sunscreens and moisturizers included:

  • Clean, non-toxic ingredients: We favored mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sunscreens, along with plant-derived oils, butters, and extracts in moisturizers. Avoiding parabens, synthetic fragrances, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other controversial chemicals was a priority.
  • Efficacy and protection: Products had to offer at least SPF 30 for sun protection and demonstrate a good balance of hydration and absorption. We also considered whether they provide broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays.
  • Skin feel and finish: Natural products should still spread easily, absorb well, and leave minimal residue. For moisturizers, a comfortable finish without heavy greasiness mattered. For sunscreens, a low white cast and even application were key.
  • Brand transparency and sustainability: Companies that disclose sourcing, use eco-friendly packaging, and support reef-safe standards and ethical production scored higher.

Our top pick for 2025 natural sunscreen: Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream

Pros

  • ✔ Simple, certified organic ingredients with non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection
  • ✔ Unscented and suitable for sensitive skin
  • ✔ Reef-safe and biodegradable, respecting marine life
  • ✔ Rich texture that moisturizes while protecting

Cons

  • ✖ Thicker formula may require more effort to blend
  • ✖ May leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones

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Why we chose Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream:
Badger’s longstanding commitment to purity and sustainability shines in this sunscreen. Its short, readable ingredient list and gentle formula make it a safe bet for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and eco-conscious shoppers. While the texture is thick, its reliability and ethos earn it top marks.

Pricing: About $15-$20.

Who should use Badger SPF 30 Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream:
Those seeking a trusted, environmentally responsible mineral sunscreen that nourishes while shielding skin from the sun.

Best everyday moisturizer with SPF: Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer

Pros

  • ✔ Oil-free, reef-safe, and packed with antioxidant-rich botanical juices
  • ✔ Lightweight hydration with non-nano zinc oxide protection
  • ✔ Suitable for normal to oily skin, providing a semi-matte finish
  • ✔ Organic certification and vegan-friendly

Cons

  • ✖ Lower moisturizing power for very dry skin types
  • ✖ Faint herbal aroma may not appeal to everyone


Why we chose Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer:
Juice Beauty brings plant-based science to everyday skincare. This daily moisturizer simplifies routines by combining hydration, antioxidants, and mineral sun protection in one product. Ideal for morning use, it layers well under makeup and offers a more breathable feel than heavier sunscreens.

Pricing: Approximately $30-$40.

Who should use Juice Beauty SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer:
Busy individuals who want a multipurpose product—moisturizer, SPF, antioxidant care—in a lightweight, natural formula suitable for daily wear.

Best reef-safe sunscreen lotion: Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30

Pros

  • ✔ Non-nano zinc oxide formula designed for outdoor performance
  • ✔ Broad-spectrum coverage that’s water-resistant and reef-safe
  • ✔ Packed with nourishing organic ingredients like sunflower oil and green tea
  • ✔ Leaves skin feeling conditioned, not dried out

Cons

  • ✖ Thicker consistency requires patient blending
  • ✖ Subtle herbal/earthy scent may not appeal to all

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Why we chose Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30:
Raw Elements focuses on marine safety and long-lasting performance under the sun. This sunscreen excels for beach days, swimming, and snorkeling, protecting both skin and coral reefs. If ocean-friendliness and durability matter to you, this lotion delivers without relying on harsh chemicals.

Pricing: About $20-$25.

Who should use Raw Elements Face + Body SPF 30:
Outdoor adventurers, surfers, and water enthusiasts who need strong, eco-friendly sun protection that stands up to waves and sweat.

Best ultra-hydrating natural moisturizer: Weleda Skin Food

Pros

  • ✔ Iconic plant-rich formula beloved for decades
  • ✔ Provides intense hydration and nourishes dry, rough skin
  • ✔ Free from synthetic preservatives, fragrances, and colorants
  • ✔ Multipurpose—can be used on face, hands, elbows, and feet

Cons

  • ✖ Rich texture may feel heavy on oily skin
  • ✖ Not an SPF product, so pair with a separate sunscreen

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Why we chose Weleda Skin Food:
While not an SPF product, Skin Food’s reputation as a deeply moisturizing natural cream earns it a place on this list. For those seeking all-natural, ultra-nourishing hydration, Weleda’s botanical blend softens and soothes even the driest skin. Layer it under a separate sunscreen for a complete, protective routine.

Pricing: Approximately $15-$20.

Who should use Weleda Skin Food:
Anyone needing rich, intensive moisture from a classic, nature-inspired formula—perfect for dry or rough patches, and as a night-time treat.

Best natural tinted moisturizer with SPF: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

Pros

  • ✔ Lightweight, serum-like texture combining zinc oxide with squalane and hyaluronic acid
  • ✔ Evens out skin tone with a natural, radiant finish
  • ✔ Free from silicones, synthetic fragrances, and gluten
  • ✔ Broad shade range and SPF 40 coverage

Cons

  • ✖ Dewy finish may need setting powder for oily skin
  • ✖ Premium price tag

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Why we chose ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40:
ILIA merges makeup and skincare seamlessly. This tinted moisturizer offers sun protection, hydration, and a natural-looking tint from a clean formula. For those who want SPF and healthy-looking coverage in one step, ILIA’s stylish, ethically sourced formula stands out.

Pricing: About $45-$50.

Who should use ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40:
Individuals seeking a natural, multitasking product that unites SPF, moisture, and a hint of coverage in a sleek, modern formulation.

Is natural sunscreen and moisturizer right for you?

Natural sunscreens and moisturizers cater to people who value eco-friendliness, gentle ingredients, and transparency in their skincare. If you have sensitive skin, prefer to avoid controversial filters, or want to minimize your environmental impact, these products are worth considering. Just remember that “natural” doesn’t guarantee zero irritation—always patch test first.

For sun protection, opt for broad-spectrum coverage and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. For moisturizers, choose textures and ingredients that suit your skin type and climate.

Frequently asked questions about natural sunscreens and moisturizers

Do natural sunscreens work as well as conventional ones?
Yes, if properly formulated. Mineral filters like zinc oxide are FDA-approved and effective at blocking UV rays. Ensure adequate application and reapplication for best results.

Will natural moisturizers provide enough hydration for very dry skin?
Many do, especially those with rich plant oils and butters. If you need more moisture, consider layering products or adding a facial oil.

Can I use tinted moisturizers instead of foundation?
Tinted moisturizers, especially those with SPF, can offer light coverage and skincare benefits. They’re great for casual days or if you prefer a more natural, dewy look.

The bottom line

Natural sunscreens and moisturizers invite you to care for your skin with cleaner, more sustainable ingredients. Badger and Raw Elements lead in eco-friendly sun defense, while Juice Beauty and ILIA combine skincare and sun protection in one. Weleda provides deep hydration from a storied botanical formula.

By choosing products aligned with your values and skin needs, you can cultivate a skincare routine that’s both protective and nourishing, all while treading lightly on the planet.

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