Cruelty-free sunscreen to keep you safe in the sun
I remember when finding cruelty-free beauty products was tough. Not anymore! Now the challenge is choosing. So you’re looking for the best vegan sunscreens, I’ve put together my guide to the best cruelty-free and vegan products I’ve used and recommend. Because sun protection is an essential item for every trip. Take it from a Goth Girl who always packs a high SPF sunscreen, and not just when travelling to sunny places.
Preventing harmful UVA and UVB rays is more than just anti-ageing or aesthetic preference. It will keep you safe and healthy on your trip and well into the long term.
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Skin Cancer is preventable
The Canadian Cancer Society recommends broad spectrum sunscreen (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) with a SPF of 30 or higher, applied generously at least every two hours. If you’ll be swimming or sweating, make sure your sunscreen is also water-resistant.
I would add it’s important to do this every time you go outside in daylight. Not just at the beach. Not just when it’s sunny. Damage can happen in the winter or on cloudy days.
It’s not always possible to stay out of the sun while travelling. I like to get up and go early in the day then get into the shade in afternoon, but when there’s a lot to see and do, sometimes you can’t. But you can wear protection.
Best Vegan Sunscreen for travelling
What do I look for in a sunscreen when I’m travelling? Minimum 30 SPF. Non greasy. Doesn’t sting my eyes when I sweat. Not tested on animals. Preferably in a spray. Also not too large or heavy so it’s easy to always carry it with me. After years of trial and error these are the best vegan sunscreen products which I use and can personally recommend.
My fave overall: KINeSYS Clear Spray SPF 50
Everything you want, nothing you don’t. This is my first choice because I barely feel like I’m wearing sunscreen.
This has a high Sun Protection Factor of 50 and is easy to apply with a pump spray. It dries fast to a matte finish with no white residue and is water and sweat resistant.
Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, oil-free, Paraben-free. Made in Canada, Vegan, Cruelty-Free.
Best for all Skin Tones: Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen
Popular with BIPOC and men with facial hair and anyone who likes a very lightweight product, this SPF 40 sunscreen is invisible: no white or goopy residue.
Easy to wear everyday, and affordable for a non-drugstore brand, so there’s no excuse to go without sunscreen.
Fragrance-free, oil-free, Paraben-free, cruelty-free. Vegan.
Best two-in-one: COOLA Matte Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30
In the summer months, or when travelling to hot climates where I don’t want to wear foundation, this is my one must-pack product.
A mineral sunscreen that is silky smooth yet very matte, with a sheer tint. (Admittedly, this won’t match everyone’s skin tone.) A handy carry-on size that fits a surprising amount. Tip: Shake well before squeezing.
Vegan, Organic, Cruelty-Free.
Best Smelling: Sun Bum Original Spray SPF 70
When it comes to sun protection, I trust surfers. This American independent company of sun worshippers produces several wonderful products including this sheer spray with a high SPF, moisturizing Vitamin E and pleasant coconut smell. If you can travel with aerosol, this is top choice for face and body.
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Reef-friendly.
Best for Lips: Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm
Don’t forget your lips! Sun Bum also makes a high-quality moisturizing balm with protection to ensure you can keep kissing for years to come.
Grab several so you can toss one into every bag.
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Reef-friendly.
Best Serum: Mad Hippie Daily Protective Serum 30 SPF
Not just for hippies. This zinc oxide sunscreen comes in a clear serum that makes make-up glide on smoothly while keeping you proteced.
Vegan, Cruelty-free, Reef-friendly.
I hope these product recommends have been useful and help you bring better sun protection on your travels. Thanks for reading and please enjoy this video from a Toronto Goth Picnic were I poll the sun-averse for more tips on surviving hot weather!
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