The best eco-friendly sun creams

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Sunscreen may protect our skin from harmful UV rays, but it can also contain micropollutants and toxic chemicals that are washed into seas and oceans and destroy coral reefs and marine life. It can be complicated to distinguish the safe from the harmful so look for brands that use certified, organic ingredients. Go for products that are labelled reef safe and choose mineral-based sunblocks that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide ‘non nano’ sized particles as these can’t be ingested by corals. If you’re unsure, look at the packaging. In my experience, brands that are sustainable are very proud of the fact, and display the information prominently.

  • The best eco-friendly sun creams

    Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Face Suncare

    Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemical filters that are used in more than 3,500 sun creams. They contaminate sea algae, which corals are dependent on for nourishment and to breathe. French brand Caudalie has banned these chemicals from their entire suncare range and supports Coral Guardian, a programme that restores and protects coral reefs. I love this moisturising but light face cream with maximum protection.

    Caudalie Anti-Wrinkle Face Suncare SPF50, £19, caudalie.com

  • The best eco-friendly sun creams

    Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist

    Clarins has been one of the first big brands to go eco and I couldn’t be happier because this is a personal favourite. Each bottle is made from recycled plastic, and the outer cartons and inserts are printed on paper sourced from sustainably managed forests.

    Clarins Sun Care Oil Mist SPF30, £22, clarins.co.uk, selfridges.com

  • Coola Mineral Face Matte Tint

    Californian sun-care brand Coola sells products with eco-conscious formulas – its farm-to-face philosophy means it sources the freshest, most potent natural and organic ingredients. For some, the bonus of a tinted SPF is the glow it gives the skin without the need to reach for the foundation, so this one is for you if you like a little coverage with your cocktail.

    Coola Mineral Face Matte Tint SPF30, £36, cultbeauty.co.uk

  • The best eco-friendly sun creams

    Sol de Janeiro My Sol Stick

    Sol de Janeiro’s reef-safe products incorporate ingredients sustainably sourced from the Amazon rainforest. It’s so easy to forget to protect the small parts on our bodies such as lips, eyes and ears, but this handy stick makes for easy, mess-free application.

    Sol de Janeiro My Sol Stick SPF50, £24, cultbeauty.co.uk

  • The best eco-friendly sun creams

    Pai Hello Sunshine: Sensitive Sunscreen

    Pai is an all-natural, organic British brand. The word means goodness, reflecting the fact that its founder, Sarah Brown, believes what is put into our products is just as important as what is left out. This protection for the face is perfect for those with sensitive, eczema-prone skin. Fans say it is the only sunscreen that doesn’t make them break out.

    Pai Hello Sunshine: Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30, £32, cultbeauty.co.uk

  • The best eco-friendly sun creams

    Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen

    Created by mother-of-three Valerie McMurray, after she became aware of the harmful ingredients in some sunscreens, this lightweight, non-greasy and fast-drying spray is safe for our bodies and the environment. It’s great for quick, all-over application when that wriggling little body is trying to escape your ministering touch.

    Soleil Toujours Organic Sheer Sunscreen Mist SPF 50, £32, selfridges.com

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