We've tested a lot of sunscreens over the years. And er... no, not everything was a roaring success. From a white cast to skin that protested or later discovering you'd slathered on microplastics. But luckily, there are also some long-term favourites. In this article, we share our favourite eco-friendly sunscreen brands – editor’s choice – so you don’t have to search, and can just get on with applying (without the white cast!). These sustainable SPFs are favourites of thegreenlist.nl!
Choosing eco-friendly sunscreen
What actually makes one sunscreen more eco-friendly than another? It's in much more than just trendy packaging. Some sunscreens contain UV filters that are so harmful to coral and marine life that they are now banned in places like Hawaii. Good news about that, though, is that you won't soon come across these sunscreen brands on a Dutch shelf. But on holiday in a faraway country, you do have to be careful what you buy. So a post went viral of a girl who thought she had bought Nivea sunscreen, but in practice it turned out to be a body lotion in a ‘fake‘ sunscreen packaging. The result: she was as red as a lobster. Ouch! And then there are the microplastics. These are unfortunately still surprisingly often hidden in sunscreen. Fortunately, there are good alternatives. And now we're getting a bit technical, but there are different types of UV filters that are better for the environment, there are vegan formulas without animal ingredients, brands that are microplastics-free and whose mission is to avoid as much (unnecessary) junk as possible in their SPF. Want to know exactly what to look out for? We wrote an extensive article about it: Choosing eco-friendly sunscreen: what to look out for?
Good sunburn tips
To guide you through that selection process, we're sharing our favourites below and explaining why these sunscreens have become go-to options. Naturally, all these recommendations offer both UVA and UVB protection, meaning your skin is shielded from sunburn (UVB) and from deeper skin damage and premature ageing caused by UVA rays. This is very important, as not all sunscreens offer both types of protection. You can recognise this by two logos on the packaging: ‘UVA’ and ’UVB' must both be listed separately. Then you're good to go!
Dr Jetske Ultee
Dr Jetske Ultee is a research physician in cosmetic dermatology and is known for her critical view of the skincare industry. She developed her own product line because she lacked what she herself wanted to recommend: mild, effective products without junk, also for sensitive skin. The Suncover line comes in SPF15, 30 and 50 and has scored high with the Consumers‘ Association for years: best tested from 2020 to 2023 and in 2023 the formula was also awarded the ’green choice' designation. The sunscreen is sold on a non-profit basis, which keeps the price lower than you might expect. And extra cool: part of the proceeds go towards educating children about skin protection. You score this sunscreen via their own webshop.
Drs Leenarts
Drs Leenarts is the brand of a Dutch dermatologist known for her skin care products without unnecessary ingredients. The sunscreen comes in SPF30 and 50, with protection against both UVA and UVB rays. All products are vegan, microplastic-free and animal-tested, and are made in the Netherlands. They are also B-corp certified. Fine extras: there is also a lip balm with SPF25 in the range and the SPF products can be found simply at drugstores.
Food for Skin SPF30
A sunscreen we love to use from head to toe: Food for Skin’s SPF30 Sunscreen. This natural sunscreen with UVA and UVB filters is suitable for both your face and body, spreads easily and leaves no white cast. Food for Skin describes itself as a ‘no-nonsense’ beauty brand and eliminates unnecessary and illogical ingredients wherever possible. So this SPF contains no microplastics and no perfume. Instead, it’s packed with nourishing natural (edible) ingredients such as raspberry, grape and kakadu plum. And an added bonus: it’s a Dutch brand, founded by two sisters from North Holland. It’s also B Corp-certified. Almost everything is made right here in the Netherlands. Even the tube comes from a zero-waste factory in Wormerveer that runs on green electricity. Every year, the brand donates 11% of its turnover to the Plastic Soup Foundation and explains exactly what’s in their products on the website. So no complicated labels. We like. You shop this sunscreen in their own webshop.
Chicory
Witlof was founded – just like Food for Skin – by two Dutch beauty experts who wanted to shake up the skincare industry with products that are genuinely good for your skin. The eco-friendly SPF30 sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is suitable for the face and body. The formula is 100% natural, vegan, free from microplastics and partly organic. Witlof lives up to its name: nourishment for your skin, just like the vegetable. And yes, it’s also a nod to with love. Turn in your empty packaging and you get a discount on your next purchase, we like it. You can find it at Holland & Barrett, Etos or via their webshop.
Loveli
Loveli is a Dutch brand from Haarlem, founded by Linda Bot. Her mission: to make 100% natural products without microplastics, synthetic perfumes or other unwanted ingredients. The products are developed in collaboration with a professional lab in Amsterdam and the brand carries Plastic Soup Foundation's ‘Zero Plastic Inside’ certification. Loveli should not be missing from this sunscreen list as far as we are concerned The formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is considered the safest for coral reefs and marine life. Furthermore, it spreads smoothly, leaves hardly any white residue and is suitable for face and body. Prefer fragrance-free? Then there is also a fragrance-free variant that is especially nice for sensitive skin.
Naïf
Naïf originally started as a Dutch skincare brand for toddlers, but the range is now much broader. The philosophy remained the same: transparent, without unnecessary additives and safe for sensitive skin. The sunscreen comes in SPF30 and 50, the formula is microplastic-free and consists of at least 92% of ingredients of natural origin. There is also a fragrance-free variant for those with sensitive skin. Naïf is B Corp-certified.
Mádara Age Protecting Sunscreen SPF30
This MÁDARA sunscreen for your face, neck, and hands is one to make you happy. It applies smoothly, has a subtle scent, and, very importantly, has both a UVA and UVB filter. And also nice: it doesn't leave a white cast. The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and microplastic-free. Furthermore, it's packed with antioxidants that help protect your skin against premature skin ageing. MÁDARA comes from Latvia and once began as a pioneer in natural skincare with ingredients from the rugged Northern European nature. Think birch water, raspberry seed oil, and other botanical powerhouses. The brand has since grown into an established name in (organic) natural cosmetics. Everything is made in their own factory in Riga, which runs on green energy. The sunscreen is available with SPF30 and 50. And for those who like a subtle glow houdt: there is also a variant with a light tint. MÁDARA is B Corp certified.
Earth Line Argan Sun Care SPF15 & SPF20
A fine all-rounder: Earth Line's Argan Sun Care is suitable for both face and body. This SPF offers broad protection against UVA as well as UVB rays.And of course no white haze and ocean-friendly, just like the other favourites in this list. Earth Line's flagship product? Vitamin E! Supplemented by organic argan, macadamia and coconut oil as well as shea butter, which together provide hydration and care. Additional pluses: this sunscreen is vegan, water-repellent and free of synthetic additives. In short: a delicious, caring sunscreen that spreads like a light cream.
Eco-friendly sunscreen: which one suits you?
It is not always easy, but there are indeed a lot of eco-friendly sunscreens to choose from. These favourites are just a taste. Have you made another great discovery? Be sure to let us know! We are always on the lookout for new SPF tips!
More fine lists for summer
- Also see: list of favourite deodorant brands.
- Also see: list of the cutest stainless steel drinking cups.
Photo credits: main image: left: Yulia Kuzenkov (Pexels) & right: Lea Schmer (Pexels). Other: Mádara, thegreenlist.nl & Earth Line.
