The Best Vegan and Cruelty-Free Sunscreens (That Actually Work)
- Our Editors – Zenda Guide
- May 5
- 4 min read
Updated: 6 minutes ago
Sun protection shouldn’t come at the cost of your ethics.
At Zenda Guide, we believe in skincare that respects your body, values, and the planet. That means no animal testing, no shady ingredients, and no compromises.
This guide breaks down the best vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens available today, how to spot greenwashing, and what matters most when choosing your SPF.
What Makes a Sunscreen Vegan and Cruelty-Free?
Vegan: Contains no animal-derived ingredients like beeswax, lanolin, or collagen.
Cruelty-Free: Not tested on animals at any stage, and made by brands that don’t test on animals (even through third parties).
Look for logos from Leaping Bunny, PETA, or Cruelty Free International for absolute transparency.
Watch out: Some brands market themselves as cruelty-free but sell in regions where animal testing is required by law (like mainland China). Always double-check.
Best Vegan Sunscreens for Face (Non-Greasy + Everyday Use)
1. Sun Bum Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Texture: Lightweight cream with a matte finish
Why we love it: Fragrance-free, reef-safe, and ideal for everyday wear without feeling greasy
2. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery SPF 50
Texture: Silky, medium-weight moisturizer with anti-aging benefits
Why we love it: Combines broad-spectrum SPF with peptides and antioxidants — a great 2-in-1 daily product
3. Thrive Natural Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Texture: Smooth mineral cream with no white cast
Why we love it: Vegan, reef-safe, and packed with Costa Rican plant extracts for an antioxidant boost
Best Vegan Mineral Sunscreens for Body
1. Thinksport SPF 50+
Texture: Slightly thick, rubs in easily
Why we love it: Water-resistant, perfect for active days
2. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc SPF 30
Texture: Light cream, gentle on skin
Why we love it: Great for kids and sensitive skin, budget-friendly
3. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Lotion
Texture: Smooth and non-sticky
Why we love it: Reef-safe, tropical scent, widely available
Best Tinted + Specialty Vegan SPFs
1. bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30
Texture: Hydrating gel-cream that applies sheer and dewy (also available in a matte version)
Why we love it: A clean, vegan, 3-in-1 formula combining moisturizer, skin tint, and mineral SPF with hyaluronic acid and squalane—clinically shown to hydrate skin by 215% in one week, with excellent buildable coverage and broad shade range
How to Spot Greenwashing in SPF Products
Many brands throw around terms like "natural," "clean," or "eco", — but here’s what matters:
Transparency around testing policies
Full ingredient lists with no vague language
Clear certifications (Leaping Bunny, PETA, Vegan Society)
Don’t be afraid to email brands or dig into their FAQS. Ethical brands will be proud to share the truth.
What to Consider When Choosing Vegan Sunscreen
SPF Level: For face, SPF 30–50 is ideal. Higher doesn’t always mean better — reapplication matters more.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Reef-Safe Ingredients: Avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate if you're swimming outdoors.
Your Skin Type: Look for oil-free or hydrating formulas depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vegan & Cruelty-Free Sunscreen
Is vegan the same as cruelty-free?
Not always. Vegan means a product contains no animal-derived ingredients. Cruelty-free means it was not tested on animals. A sunscreen can be one without being the other — for ethical skincare, it’s best to choose brands that are both.
What sunscreens are not tested on animals?
Cruelty-free sunscreens are made by brands that don’t test ingredients or final products on animals. Look for third-party certifications like Leaping Bunny or Cruelty-Free International. We’ve included several verified options in our product roundup.
Is Neutrogena cruelty-free or vegan?
No. Neutrogena is not a cruelty-free brand — they allow animal testing when required by law, especially in markets like China. Most of their sunscreens are also not vegan, as they may contain ingredients like beeswax or lanolin.
Is vegan sunscreen reef-safe?
Not always — but many are. Reef-safe means the product avoids marine-harming chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check for “reef-safe” labels or scan ingredients. Many of our vegan sunscreen picks are also ocean-friendly.
What skin care brands are both vegan and cruelty-free?
Brands like Coola, Pacifica, Suntegrity, and Ethical Zinc offer vegan and cruelty-free sunscreens. These companies avoid animal testing and exclude animal-derived ingredients, making them ideal for conscious consumers.
What is the best vegan sunscreen?
It depends on your needs — for daily wear, we love tinted sunscreens with iron oxides. For beach days, mineral-based sticks with zinc oxide work well. See our curated list of the best vegan sunscreens for 2025
Final Thoughts: Protect Your Skin and Your Values
Choosing a vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen is about more than sun safety. It’s about living in alignment with your ethics, every time you step outside.
At Zenda, we only recommend what we’d use ourselves — no greenwashing, no guilt, just honest guidance.
This is your skin. Your sunlight. Your choice.
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