The beauty industry generates more than 120 billion units of packaging globally, and a massive 95% is thrown away after just one use. As part of the wider plastic problem now facing the world, this is a significant contributor to the 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic that has been manufactured over the past 70 years—with only 9% recycled in that time.
However, certain “beauty” products are more than simple vanities, and when it comes to sunscreen, there is a real necessity to protect our skin from sun damage. Protecting our skin during the hottest parts of the day is a vital skincare step, especially during outdoor activities such as skiing, gardening, or swimming. Sunscreen protects us from the sun’s harmful rays, but sunscreen packaging contributes to plastic waste unless you opt for more environmentally responsible products.
Sunscreen packaging isn’t the only thing we should watch out for. Sunscreen often contains many chemicals, some of which are toxic to the ocean. When we swim, 25% of sunscreen ingredients are washed off our bodies and left in the water. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate are the two main toxic chemicals found in sunscreen that contribute to the damage of coral reefs and ocean wildlife.
What is a Zero-Waste Sunscreen?
A zero-waste sunscreen aims to eliminate or minimize waste, both from packaging and any harmful chemicals it may contain. To begin with, recyclable or reusable packaging is a core component of a high-quality zero-waste sunscreen, and looking for products that promote transparency in the way they are packaged and processed is a good first step.
In addition to the packaging, a good zero-waste sunscreen should be both oxybenzone and octinoxate free. Ideally, you want to also look for a mineral-based sunscreen containing non-nano zinc. A mineral sunscreen uses minerals rather than harsh toxic chemicals to reflect UVA/UVB rays away from your skin.
To get you started, here is a top ten list of some of the best zero-waste sunscreens on the market.
Source: instagram.com
Waiwai’s PH Organics
Waiwai’s organics is an ocean-friendly, all-natural eco-friendly sunscreen. This brand uses refillable canisters to support the zero-waste campaign. Waiwai’s sunscreen is also reef-friendly and locally made in the Philippines. To find out more and to make a purchase you can follow them on Instagram or you can check out their Facebook page.
Source: rawelementsusa.com
Raw Elements
Raw Elements certified natural sunscreen is one of the best zero-waste sunscreens on the market. Packaged in a recyclable/reusable tin, this sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Raw Elements products are not only pro-zero-waste but also contain vitamins and minerals along with active antioxidants to help protect your skin from pollution and the sun. This sunscreen is also perfect for kids as it’s promoted as gentle on the skin.
Source: reefrepair.com
Reef repair
Reef repair sunscreen is a wonderful zero-waste face sunscreen option as it moisturizes the skin and protects you from UVA/UVB rays. This sunscreen is all-natural, reef safe, and oxybenzone-free. The packaging is made with #1 Plastic PET and may be recyclable in your recycling program (we recommend checking with your recycling partner to be sure). Reef repair sunscreen is a zero-waste sunscreen spf50 for the ultimate protection during the hottest hours of the day.
Source: badgerbalm.com
Badger
Badger is an eco-friendly family-run company, and its mission is to provide pure and natural products of the highest quality. Badger offers a wide variety of zero-waste sunscreen products for protecting your skin, ranging from zero-waste mineral sunscreens (which means they use zinc oxide – the safest ingredient to use in sunscreen) to bug repellent.
The clear zinc formula means the lotion will absorb easily and not leave you looking pale or chalky. Badger sunscreen is also great because it is 100% coral reef safe, clean, waterless, sustainable, and cruelty-free, while also having nourishing benefits for the skin.
Source: byrobincreations.com
ByRobinCreations Vegan Sun lotion
BRC is a vegan skincare brand that sells clothing as well as sunscreens and toothpastes. They sell sunblock for the lips, face, and body at spf30. What’s great about their sunblock is that it is available in a tin, aluminum pouch, or a stick which helps cut down on packaging and reduces waste.
The SPF30 vegan zero-waste sunscreen stick is made with 100% natural ingredients and uses Candelilla wax and non-nano zinc which enables your protection to be waterproof. Their products are all handmade in Santa Fe.
Source: instagram.com
Solistick
Solistick is an all-natural zero-waste mineral sunscreen stick for those who want coverage when surfing or hiking. Founded by the beach lifeguard and competitive surfer, Sarah McDonald, the Solistick is a zero-waste tinted sunscreen and is made from the highest quality, vegan, and natural products for the best skin protection.
Solistick comes packaged in a recyclable tube and it’s had great reviews from previous users. You can purchase your first Solistick on etsy.
Source: aoorganicshawaii.com
AO Organics – Hawaii
AO organics sunscreen is available in liquid, stick, or tin form. The tin packaging is the most zero-waste friendly of their products and contains non-nano zinc to ensure that your skin is protected from the sun in the best way possible.
All ingredients are USDA certified and are chemical-free with no hormone disruptors. The AO Organics zero-waste sunscreen sticks are also eco-friendly. This is a great all-natural sunscreen brand that has the well-being of your skin and the environment at heart.
Source: rawlovesunscreen.com
Raw Love
Raw Love was founded by Jenna Davis in Maui, Hawaii. Jenna wanted to protect her sensitive skin and tattoos while also being able to dive and teach as a SNUBA instructor. This is a non-toxic zero-waste sunscreen that is safe for everyday use.
Raw Love is reef-friendly, biodegradable, and moisturizes due to its mineral base. Not only is Raw Love a great zero-waste sunscreen but the packing is stylish: A recyclable tin with a mermaid on the front! Jenna also advises that a little goes a long way as Raw Love products do not contain any filler.
Source: surfdurt.com
Surfdurt
Founded by two Californian kids, Surfdurt is the ultimate surfer’s sunscreen. The founders of Surfdurt quickly discovered that 90% of sunscreens used are extremely toxic to the environment and coral reefs. One drop of toxic sunscreen can damage up to 6 Olympic-sized swimming pools worth of coral reef.
Surfdurt’s sunscreen is a non-nano zinc formula mixed with high-quality all-natural ingredients to make sure your skin and the reefs are safe. Their containers come in a range of cool colors which each promote a different cause. For example, if you purchase a green top sunscreen from Surfdurt that money will contribute to the planting of trees. Their containers are also reusable and made from bamboo and lined with aluminum which makes them a great plastic-free sunscreen.
Source: mandanaturals.com
MANDA
Manda is an organic low-waste sunscreen. Manda is one of the few skincare brands investing in plant-based packaging to reduce plastic waste, with a sun cream and organic paw-paw salve available in unique bio-plastic tube bottles made from sugar cane.
Thanaka is the most powerful ingredient in Manda products, and it requires less zinc which means less harm to the environment and a low carbon footprint. Additionally, papaya is deemed a superfood and antioxidant for the skin. Overall, Manda is one of the best zero-waste sunscreens on the market and is available in three different shades.
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