Clean Suncare Reimagined: Protect Your Skin with Award-Winning Sun Products

Sun protection represents one of clean beauty's greatest formulation challenges. Creating effective, elegant sunscreens without controversial chemical filters requires sophisticated research and development – and that's before factoring in the extensive FDA testing required for SPF claims, which can cost brands upwards of $25,000 per formula.

An independent panel of clean beauty experts and advocates conducted an extensive evaluation of clean sun protection products, examining everything from daily mineral sunscreens to post-sun recovery treatments. Each product underwent rigorous testing across different climates, activities, and skin types to assess real-world protection and usability.

Understanding Clean Sun Protection

Today's sun care goes beyond traditional sunscreen, encompassing several crucial categories:

Mineral Sunscreens:

• Rely on zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide

• Provide physical UV protection

• Must overcome challenges of white cast and texture

Hybrid Formulas:

• Combine mineral filters with botanical protection

• Focus on antioxidant support

• Often include blue light protection

Post-Sun Care:

• Repair and recovery formulas
• Cooling and soothing treatments
• Barrier-restoring products

Evaluation Criteria

The expert panel assessed each product on usability - from texture and spreadability, white cast minimization to wear under makeup, and protection efficacy which includes water resistance (if claimed).

The Top 5 Sun Protection Products

#1: Pevonia Natural Skincare - After-Sun Soothing Gel - $44.50

The After-Sun Soothing Gel by Pevonia Natural Skincare is designed to immediately soothe sunburn and repair skin damage. Infused with Water Lily, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, and Green Tea, this gel helps cool, calm, and revitalize the skin, visibly reducing temperature and redness. It can also be used after waxing or whenever skin becomes irritated.

Expert Notes:

"This gel is very soothing and help reduce irritation. It get's absorbed in the skin without being sticky and it has a floral scent. I keep in in the fridge for an extra cooling effect and it's great to be used even after waxing or for razor burns."- Laura Bruj, @laura_bruj
 

#2: W.S. Badger Company, Inc - Badger SPF 30 Face Mineral Sunscreen - $21.99

The Badger SPF 30 Face Mineral Sunscreen by W.S. Badger Company is a lightweight sunscreen and facial moisturizer suitable for daily use on all skin tones. Its non-greasy formula goes on sheer, while golden seaweed extract helps soothe and nourish the skin.

Expert Notes:

"I loved using this product. It is very user friendly, a very subtle smell and I really like that it doesn't leave a white cast! I was able to use it under my makeup with no issues and very easy to use on my kids too! I also love that this is 80% organic and has blue light defense! I have no complaints or extra feedback and I will definitely be using this in the future with my whole family!" - Jalynn Schroeder, @jalynnschroeder
 
"Love that this is reef friendly. Ideal for the body as it can leave a white cast on the face. It's also child-friendly. The tube packaging makes it easy to carry along." - Madie Nguyen, @Madieface

#3: Helena Lane Skincare - Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream - $24

The Lemongrass & Lavender Sun Cream by Helena Lane Skincare is a creamy blend of natural moisturizing ingredients that are easily applied and absorbed. Non-whitening and non-sticky, it nourishes while offering protection, making it a great daily moisturizer for both the face and body on sunny days. The uplifting scent of lemongrass and lavender also helps deter insects, making it a perfect addition to your beach day routine.

Expert Notes:

"This is a whipped shea butter and jojoba oil moisturizer with zinc oxide as SPF. Has Chamomile and Chalendula in it, so it's calming and healing and because it's made with Lemongrass and Lavender Oil, it has a calming yet uplifting scent. It doesn't leave a white trace and it's very rich and hydrating.” - Laura Bruj, @laura_bruj

"If you like a lemon grass scent, then you'll enjoy this sunscreen. It's great for all over the body and the packaging is in a tin container which makes it easy to use." - Madie Nguyen, @Madieface

Looking Forward

The clean sun care category continues to innovate, with formulators finding increasingly sophisticated solutions to previous limitations. This year's top performers demonstrate that it's possible to create safe, effective clean sun protection without compromising on performance or aesthetics.

Note: All products were purchased at retail to ensure evaluation of the same formulations available to consumers.

Finding a clean sunscreen that actually works used to mean compromising on texture, blendability, or wear time. But this year’s top performers show that’s no longer the case. With advanced formulations that minimize white cast, hold up in real-world conditions, and provide reliable protection, clean sun care has reached a new level.

Still, even the best sunscreen can’t prevent dryness and buildup from daily exposure, making exfoliation a key step in any routine. Next, we tested the best clean body scrubs of 2025—here’s what delivered smooth, refreshed skin after 90 days of testing.

Follow us on Instagram (@CertCleanInc) for more clean beauty recommendations from this year’s judging panel. You can also subscribe to our newsletter and grab your free copy of the 2025 Clean Beauty Awards Ultimate Guide, a full rundown of this year’s top-performing products!