Best Non Toxic Sunscreen
Discover the benefits of non-toxic sunscreen and why this homeschool mom trusts Primally Pure for safe, effective sun protection. Learn what ingredients to avoid and how to protect your family naturally.
As a homeschool mom striving to create a toxin-aware home, I’ve learned that some of the biggest threats to our wellness don’t come with warning labels. They hide in plain sight—in the laundry detergent we wash our clothes with, in the food storage containers in our pantry, and yes, even in the sunscreen we lovingly apply to protect our children.
Like many moms, I used to grab whatever sunscreen I could find at the store, feeling good about protecting my kids from sunburn. But over the years, as I began peeling back the layers of what it means to live intentionally and tox-free, I realized that not all sunscreens are created equal. Many contain chemicals that can do more harm than good.
That’s when I discovered the world of non-toxic sunscreen, and more specifically, a brand that I now consider a staple in our summer essentials: Primally Pure.
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Why Sunscreen Matters—But So Does What’s In It
Let’s start with the basics. Sunscreen is important. It protects our skin from the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can cause premature aging, painful burns, and even skin cancer. But here’s the paradox: while we use sunscreen to protect ourselves, many conventional sunscreens actually contain chemicals that may negatively affect our bodies in subtle but serious ways. The chemical sunscreen ingredients contain harsh chemicals, and while they may save you from skin damage, the actual damage goes much deeper.
Common Toxic Ingredients in Conventional Sunscreens
Here are just a few of the concerning ingredients often found in mainstream sunscreens and face sunscreens:
- Oxybenzone: This is a chemical filter used to absorb UV light. It has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic skin reactions. Studies show it can be absorbed through the skin and detected in urine, breast milk, and blood.
- Octinoxate: Another chemical filter that may disrupt hormones and harm aquatic life (especially coral reefs).
- Homosalate: This ingredient is often used to stabilize the formula which isn’t a bad thing, but it can accumulate in the body over time and has been associated with hormone disruption and overall human health.
- Fragrance/Parfum: A single word on a label that can hide dozens of chemical compounds, many of which are allergens or endocrine disruptors. If you see the word fragrance, you need to be aware that companies do not have to disclose what they hide under this label. It is sneaky and often in so many types of sunscreen to give us that beach, fresh, summer scent! BEWARE!
- Retinyl Palmitate: A form of vitamin A that, when exposed to sunlight, may actually speed up the development of skin tumors.
As a mom, this information is overwhelming. We’re doing our best to protect our kids, but we’re often left wondering: Is this sunscreen helping or hurting? Well, I am here to help you navigate those thoughts. First and foremost, knowing is half the battle. The good news is that once you have the knowledge that there can be a health risk with constant use of certain sunscreen lotion, you can do something about it. Taking care of your skin, and what you put on your family matters, so being aware is the first step–you reading this post, in fact, is a good sign you want to change something for the better for your family!
A Toxin-Aware Lifestyle Starts With the Small Things
Being a homeschool mom means I’m deeply involved in every part of my children’s development—from what they learn academically to how they grow emotionally and physically. It also means that I take a hands-on approach to our home environment. We eat real, whole foods. We clean with vinegar and baking soda. We filter our water. And just like with food, I want to understand the ingredients in what we put on our bodies.
This mindset of intentionality led me down the rabbit hole of non-toxic living. And sunscreen was one of the first “conventional” products I ditched. Because skin is our largest organ. What goes on, goes in. I wanted to find the safest way to protect my kids from sun exposure. Of course, there are times we don’t wear spf because we need that vitamin d, but for long period of sun exposure, physical sunscreen is a must.
Enter Primally Pure: Non-Toxic, Intentional Sun Care
When I first discovered Primally Pure, it was of course through their cult-favorite natural deodorant. But as I dug deeper into their mission, I realized they were exactly what I was looking for in a skincare company with amazing skincare products: simple, safe, and grounded in nature. I also appreciate and love their awareness of simplicity and being mindful of the planet. Every products is made intentionally with third party testing so you can be assured of quality clean ingredients at every level.
What Makes Primally Pure’s Sunscreen Different?
Just recently Primally Pure has come out with a natural spf line, which I was thrilled about, naturally! Primally Pure’s Natural SPF is a breath of fresh air in a market full of unpronounceable ingredients and misleading labels. Here’s why it stands out to me and why these safe products will be used in our home:
Mineral-Based Protection–Primally Pure uses non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient for UV protection. Zinc oxide acts as a physical barrier, sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays, rather than absorbing into your body. It’s broad-spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
Truly Non-Toxic Ingredients–The rest of the formula includes nourishing, skin-loving ingredients like:
- Organic shea butter
- Coconut oil
- Beeswax
- Vitamin E
- Arrowroot powder
These aren’t just safe—they’re beneficial. This means the sunscreen not only protects but also supports healthy, hydrated skin. Plus, did you see their new sunscreen is made with tallow?! Check out my post HERE if you want to know more about the trending tallow love!
Reef-Safe–As someone who wants my family to be good stewards of the earth, I love that Primally Pure’s sunscreen is reef-safe. That means it contains no ingredients that harm marine ecosystems. This matters whether you’re swimming in the ocean or just mindful of the planet as a whole.
Light, Non-Greasy Formula–Unlike many mineral sunscreens that leave a white cast or feel like thick paste, I have found that Primally Pure’s SPF rubs in smoothly and blends beautifully. This makes it kid-friendly and mom-approved. I don’t know about you, but I have tried many mineral-based sunscreens that will not rub in! Trying to rub in sunscreen on little boys is quite tricky to begin with, let alone when it is difficult to rub in all the way! Also, the stick sunscreen is quickly becoming my favorite because it goes on quickly and easily, and is so handy!
Our Summer Routine With Primally Pure
In our home, summer days are filled with backyard picnics, baseball, garden projects, nature walks, and impromptu water balloon fights. I keep our Primally Pure SPF stick in a basket by the door so it’s easy to swipe on before we head outside–again that stick sunscreen is such a good idea! I even carry one in car and in my bag at all times–such a help especially when we are at the ball field!
My kids actually like putting it on—which, let’s be honest, is half the battle. It smells gently of natural oils and doesn’t sting sensitive skin or eyes. Plus, I know I’m not layering them in harmful chemicals, and that peace of mind is priceless. Can you tell that I am just loving this new sunscreen line from Primally Pure?!
Teaching Our Kids About Toxin Awareness
One of the hidden blessings of homeschooling is the ability to teach my young children life lessons beyond the curriculum. As I talk to them about why we use a certain sunscreen or why we swapped plastic containers for glass, I see their eyes light up with understanding. They’re learning that health isn’t just about what you eat or how often you move. It’s about what you allow into your life—on your skin, in your air, in your home.
Using non-toxic sunscreen is part of a broader philosophy we embrace as a family: Live simply, live intentionally, and protect what matters. Check out my Intentional Home Guide for ways to swap, and suggestions of budget friendly non toxic items to purchase!
What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Sunscreen (Even Beyond Primally Pure)
If you’re just starting out on your non-toxic journey, here are a few tips for choosing safe sunscreen products.
LOOK FOR:
- Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide (non-nano) as active ingredients.
- Organic or plant-based oils and butters.
- Simple ingredient lists you can actually read.
AVOID:
- Oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, avobenzone.
- Synthetic fragrances or dyes.
- Parabens and phthalates.
A helpful resource is the EWG (Environmental Working Group) Skin Deep Database, which rates products for toxicity and safety. Primally Pure consistently scores well for their transparency and formulation.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
Yes, non-toxic products can sometimes cost more. But I like to think of it this way: every dollar we spend is a vote for the kind of world we want to live in. When we support companies like Primally Pure, we’re voting for clean ingredients, ethical sourcing, and long-term health—not just quick convenience.
As a mom, I invest in quality because I believe prevention is more affordable than treatment. I’d rather spend $24 on a clean sunscreen now than pay for health issues later.
I have also found some other cleaner natural sunscreens over on Amazon. The mineral-based sunscreen I have chosen to share with you is the next best natural sunscreen–my quick best option for you! You can find my Amazon approved sunscreens HERE.
Non-Toxic Living Is a Journey
Remember, I didn’t switch everything overnight. It started with reading labels. Then replacing one product at a time. Now, years later, I look around and see a home that breathes intention—from the way we eat to the way we spend our time outside. It’s so rewarding to know that we have worked hard as a family to be so intentional with what we use, grow, and consume.
Primally Pure has been a trustworthy companion on this journey, and their new sunscreen has become a staple in our summer rhythm. It’s a small swap with a big impact.
So if you’re a mom like me—doing your best, learning as you go, and trying to raise healthy kids in a toxic world—take heart. Every choice matters. And this summer, choosing a non-toxic sunscreen like Primally Pure’s might just be one of the best choices you make. Here’s to sunshine, safe skin, and slow, meaningful living!
Resources + Links
- Primally Pure Natural SPF – My go-to sunscreen for the whole family. Be sure to use code THEHENSRUDEHOME10 for a discount!
- EWG Sunscreen Guide – Check the safety of your current sunscreen.
- Think Dirty App – Scan product barcodes to learn about ingredients.
More Posts on Intentional Healthy Living
As always, thank you for following along! If you want more recipes or healthy living ideas brought to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter! I would love for you to tag me @thehensrudehome over on instagram if you decide to try these sunscreens! Cheers to healthy living!
