Not All Sun Care Is Created Equal – How to Choose a Truly Non-Toxic Sunscreen

Summer: a time to embrace the outdoors. 

A slow morning barefoot in the grass.
A golden-hour walk that hits just right.
A midday meet-up at the park with the littles.
A beach day that leaves your heart full.

But in today’s world, sun care can feel overly complicated.

→ How much sun exposure is too much?
→ Do you really need sunscreen every single day – or every time you step outside?
→ And how do you know if your sunscreen is truly a non-toxic sunscreen – or only another product claiming to be?

As ingredient awareness grows, the demand for safe, non-toxic sunscreen has skyrocketed. But here’s the thing: not all natural sunscreens are created equal. Today, even many “natural” options come with lesser-known risks that may surprise you.

As a holistic skincare company rooted in real ingredients and transparency, free and accessible education has always been a priority for us. You deserve to truly understand what’s in your skincare products and how to read ingredient labels effectively.

That’s why we’re breaking it all down and bringing sun care back to its roots. And if you're still searching for a non-toxic sunscreen that lives up to its promise… you'll want to keep reading. ;)

The Problem With Conventional Sunscreen

Choosing a truly non-toxic sunscreen begins with transparency and clarity. You need to understand what’s really inside + how it can impact your skin and overall health.

Today, our culture has become quite obsessed with daily sunscreen use. Thousands of dermatologists, thought leaders, and skin experts claim that daily sunscreen is vital. Not to mention their obsession with high SPF usage. 

But there’s something that’s often overlooked in these conversations. Multiple studies have shown skin cancer rates continue to rise despite the growing use of sunscreen.^1,2 This concept, known by many as the “sunscreen paradox,” poses an important question: 

Are traditional sunscreens really helping us avoid sunburns, skin cancer, or skin damage? 

→ SkinCancer.Org even states this about the expected rise of skin cancers:³

“It’s estimated that the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed in 2025 will increase by 5.9 percent.”

It just doesn’t add up. 

Touted as our first line of defense against sun damage and skin cancer, many sunscreen formulas come with hidden trade-offs. Many of the most common chemical sunscreens have raised red flags for their potential impact on human health (and the environment). Let’s dive a little deeper to see why they’re worth avoiding. 

Chemical-Based Sun-Blockers

Many sunscreen chemicals contain known endocrine-disruptors. And ironically, some sunscreens even have potential carcinogenic properties.⁴  

→ Studies show these chemicals can stay in your bloodstream at unsafe levels for a few weeks. These levels are well beyond the FDA’s limits, which should require extra testing to assess toxicity risks.⁵ (Yikes…) Here are a few of the most common chemicals:

• Oxybenzone
• Homosalate
• Nanoparticles
• Octinoxate
• Avobenzone
• Octocrylene
• Octisalate

Additionally, studies have uncovered the stark reality that the SPF claims aren’t always accurate.⁶ One study showed that, on average, the tested sunscreens blocked only about 1/4 of UVA rays, compared to what their SPF labels claimed.⁷

It’s also important to note that chemical sunscreens don’t always contain true full-spectrum coverage from the most damaging rays. Here’s what our formulator, Tommi, had to say about this: 

“The FDA-required SPF testing is for UVA rays only (the main contributor to sunburn). If a company wants to claim "Broad Spectrum," they have to show certain coverage for both UVA and UVB rays. So, if you get a sunscreen that doesn't say Broad Spectrum, it may not be protecting you from UVB rays effectively. This is a concern because UVB rays are the ones that penetrate more deeply into your skin and cause deeper damage.”

To us, the risks of these chemical ingredients alone are not worth it. But this is only the beginning.

Fragrance Blends 

Another area of concern with ingredient safety is the use of “fragrance” or “parfum.” Sure, we all love a nostalgic scent, but there’s a fundamental issue here. Regardless of it being a “natural” fragrance or not, it's proprietary information that brands aren’t legally required to reveal. 

This means they aren’t required to disclose the ingredients in their fragrance blend. So it could contain over 3,500 potentially toxic and/or carcinogenic ingredients.⁸ And the truth is, most fragrance blends are made with harmful toxins that enhance the fragrance’s strength or prolong its duration. 

*Tip: It’s always best to avoid undisclosed fragrance information. Unfortunately, the fragrance loophole is present across all personal care products.

Aerosol Formulas

An aerosol can may seem harmless enough (and is definitely convenient).

But aerosol-based formulas often use chemical propellants to activate the spray mechanism. This leads to VOC concerns, among other chemical inhalation risks. Studies have shown that inhaling these chemicals poses concerns for your circulatory and respiratory systems.⁹  

Beyond ingredient risks, there’s also the risk of poor application. With outdoor wind and other factors at play, it can be tricky to cover your body well with this type of sunscreen. 

Other Health Risks

It’s essential to fully understand the risks associated with unsafe sunscreen ingredients. Especially since we know they’re absorbed into your bloodstream. These conventional sunscreen ingredients can pose larger risks to your health, like:

• Carcinogenic risks
• Damaged skin barrier  
• Inflammation in the body and skin
• Hormone disruption 
• Premature aging 
• Deeper skin damage from imbalanced protection

With all this in mind, it would seem the clear, logical choice is to choose a natural sunscreen, right? Unfortunately, there’s more to the story when it comes to natural sunscreen.

What Most People Don’t Know About Natural Sunscreens

"Natural" doesn’t always mean what you think. In a world full of clever marketing and greenwashed labels, it’s more important than ever to know what you’re putting on your skin. 

Here’s the thing: with personal care products, just because a label says “clean” or “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it’s safe. Just because a sunscreen says “natural” doesn’t mean it’s a non-toxic sunscreen. 

→ Greenwashing is a tricky marketing tactic that makes a product appear safer or more “eco-friendly” than it is. It has become rampant as consumers have become increasingly aware. So when shopping, it’s vital to know how to read labels effectively.

*Tip: Check out this episode of Grounded Wellness to hear our formulator Tommi expose extra-sneaky greenwashing tactics. 

What’s Often Inside Greenwashed “Natural” Sunscreens

Greenwashed formulas and “natural” sunscreens often tout reef-safe, non-toxic, mineral-based SPFs. But when you flip the bottle over, you’ll often find a list of other harmful ingredients like:

Fragrance/Parfum

A new federal law requires brands to disclose some fragrance allergens. But while there have been minor improvements, fragrance blends can still contain thousands of undisclosed chemicals. Many of which are endocrine disruptors and/or carcinogenic in nature.¹⁰  

Industrialized Seed Oils

While some brands include industrial seed oils in their sunscreens, we believe sun protection products are a place to be especially cautious. 

→ Here’s why: Industrial seed oils are highly unstable, especially when exposed to heat and light. Research has also shown that consuming industrialized seed oils can increase your sensitivity to the sun.¹¹  

Interestingly, another study found individuals with melanoma had higher levels of linoleic acid in their cell membranes. And while this isn't a direct correlation, it suggests a possible link worth exploring.¹²

The main point: When used in SPF formulas, industrial seed oils can potentially oxidize on your skin. Oxidation can lead to irritation, inflammation, and increased vulnerability to sun damage. And overall, this breakdown process can compromise your skin barrier + your sun protection.

But rest assured, we’re not here to demonize all seed oils. (Especially cold-pressed oils paired with a nutrient-dense fat profile that nourishes the skin.) But when it comes to direct, prolonged sun exposure, like what your SPF is designed for?

We believe avoiding seed oils in your sunscreen is the best choice.

Questionable Emulsifiers or Synthetic Preservatives

Many sunscreens rely on synthetic emulsifiers and preservatives. They’re used to improve texture, extend shelf life, or stabilize formulations. But these ingredients often come at a cost. Some of the most common culprits include:

• PEG compounds – petroleum-derived and are often contaminated with harmful byproducts
  

• Mineral oils – also petroleum-based + highly refined, can be suffocating for the skin, and offer no true nourishment
  

• Synthetic preservatives – often used to preserve or support texture, but are not biocompatible with your skin’s natural structure
  
  

Logically, these ingredients may serve a functional purpose in a formula. But they can also disrupt the skin barrier, introduce toxins, or cause irritation, especially during sun exposure. We believe there’s a better way. It all comes down to clean, purposeful formulations made with ingredients your skin can recognize and use.

Choosing the Safest Sunscreen Ingredients: What to Avoid

With all the noise out there, it can feel overwhelming to shop for a natural, non-toxic sunscreen. Here’s your go-to list for finding a safe and effective sunscreen:

• No chemical UV filters – physical/mineral barrier only (non-nano zinc oxide is best) 
• No synthetic or “natural” fragrance blends – you’re better off with essential oils or unscented
• Avoid industrialized seed oils or inflammatory carriers – choose products with healthy, stable fats
• No synthetic emulsifiers or preservatives
• Make sure it’s safe for the planet (reef-safe) AND safe for your body 

The bottom line: we need non-toxic sunscreen formulas that go beyond buzzwords or green imagery. A non-toxic sunscreen should support skin health and protect from sun damage.

… Which leads us to the moment we’ve all been waiting for! ;)

Meet Sun Cream: The Non-Toxic Sunscreen You’ve Been Waiting For

Years in the making, this non-toxic sunscreen is everything your sun care routine has been missing. It’s a deeply nourishing and protective formula that’s thoughtfully crafted with only the purest ingredients. In other words, it’s designed to support skin health without compromise. 

Our community has been asking for a non-toxic sunscreen for years – rest assured, we’ve heard you! But rather than rushing a product to market, we focused on getting every detail right – without shortcuts. And after more than three years of developing, testing, and refining, the formula is finally here. We wanted to ensure it met the highest standards of safety, simplicity, and skin support.

Our tallow sunscreen was inspired by our Founder Bethany’s beloved “Outdoor Lotion.” The Sun Cream line checks alllll the boxes for a safe + non-toxic sunscreen:

• Water-resistant 80 minutes, reef-safe performance
• Mineral-based SPF with non-nano zinc oxide + biocompatible ingredients
• Lightweight, sheer finish, fast-absorbing texture
• No questionable industrialized seed oils, synthetic fragrances, or unnecessary additives

Every ingredient in our tallow sunscreen was carefully selected to provide effective and natural sun protection, while also nourishing the skin and supporting a strong, resilient barrier.

Powered by Nature: Our Tallow Sunscreen Ingredients

Our non-toxic sunscreen is a skincare-forward approach to sun protection – because protecting your skin should also mean nurturing it. Made with just nine simple ingredients and no compromises on purity. Inside you'll find:

• Tallow – Ethically sourced from grass-fed + finished cows, tallow is rich in skin-supportive fatty acids. It moisturizes and strengthens the skin barrier against sun damage and environmental stressors.
  

• Advanced Non-Nano Zinc Oxide – Offering safe, broad-spectrum protection without the health risks of other sunscreen actives. Our formulator calls it “magic zinc” for its super sheer coverage. (We choose to avoid titanium dioxide to minimize concerns around purity and sourcing – learn more in our Sun Directory.)
  

• Beeswax – A nutrient-dense, animal-based ingredient that soothes, seals in moisture, and protects against irritation. Rich in vitamin A, it also supports skin repair and lasting hydration.
  
  

Three Skin-Loving Options

When you're looking for protection from the most intense rays, we’ve made it easy to keep non-toxic sunscreen on hand. Our tallow sunscreen comes in multiple options for on-the-go:

• Sun Cream – Lightweight, non-toxic sunscreen for face + body
  

• Sun Stick – Easy-application mineral sunscreen stick – perfect for littles, quick touch-ups, and travel
  

• Sun Lip Balm – a natural sunscreen lip balm for non-toxic coverage – because lips can burn too
  

All of our non-toxic sunscreens are more than just sun protection. They’re a nourishing, skin-supportive ritual you’ll actually enjoy using. 

Our Sun Philosophy + How Non-Toxic Sunscreen Fits Into It

These non-toxic sunscreens align with everything we believe about sunlight. With the right support, the sun can be a powerful ally. Responsible sun exposure isn’t about blocking the sun entirely, but protecting your skin when exposure is prolonged or intense. 

At Primally Pure, we don’t believe sunlight is something to fear – it’s something to honor. With the right balance and intention, natural sun exposure is one of the most powerful (and free!) wellness tools we have. 

We believe the sun is medicine. Regular sun exposure supports essential functions like:

• Vitamin D synthesis
• Hormone regulation + circadian rhythm
• Sleep quality
• Immune health
• Mood 

We’re here to set the record straight: the sun isn’t the problem – it's nature's medicine. But like any good + powerful thing in life, balance is key. That’s where having a truly non-toxic sunscreen fits in.

In everyday life, we support mindful sun exposure through activities like short walks, mid-morning gardening, early mornings relaxing in your backyard, or golden hour sun. But for prolonged time outdoors, turn to a non-toxic sunscreen that aligns with your values.

Sun protection is about adapting with the rhythms of the sun as nature intended, rooted in ancestral wisdom. This might look like: 

• Seeking shade when the sun is highest + the rays are strongest
• Wearing light, breathable layers to protect your skin
• Using food-based antioxidants like astaxanthin for internal support

With education, intention, and non-toxic sunscreen on the ready, you too can heal your relationship with the sun.

*Tip: Explore our Sun Directory for in-depth guides on exposure, skin support, and more.

Redefining Non-Toxic Sunscreen + Healthy Sun Habits

We believe the best protection starts with education, balanced habits, and the power of a truly non-toxic sunscreen made with real, nourishing ingredients. 

Whether you're chasing the sun on a family vacation, tending your backyard garden, or soaking in golden hour with your little ones, you deserve a non-toxic sunscreen that protects + nourishes.

When rooted in nature, ancestral wisdom, and common sense, sun care shouldn’t hinder your relationship with the sun. Instead, it reconnects you to what your body has always known – that the sun was never the enemy. Sunlight isn’t the problem – the ingredients in your conventional sunscreen are.

It’s time to get back to sun care the way it was meant to be.

XO

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Sources: 

1. MDPI | Understanding the Perceived Relationship Between Sun Exposure and Melanoma in Atlantic Canada: A Consensual Qualitative Study Highlighting a “Sunscreen Paradox”
2. American Association for Cancer Research Journals | Gene–Environment Analyses in a UK Biobank Skin Cancer Cohort Identifies Important SNPs in DNA Repair Genes That May Help Prognosticate Disease Risk 
3. Skin Cancer Foundation | Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics 
4. EWG | The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens 
5. JAMA Network | Effect of Sunscreen Application on Plasma Concentration of Sunscreen Active Ingredients
6. Wiley Online Library | Laboratory Testing of Sunscreens on the US Market Finds Lower in Vitro SPF Values Than on Labels and Even Less UVA Protection
7. National Library of Medicine | Suboptimal UVA Attenuation by Broad Spectrum Sunscreens Under Outdoor Solar Conditions Contributes to Lifetime UVA Burden
8. The International Fragrance Association | The IFRA Transparency List
9. National Library of Medicine | Toxicity of Aerosol Propellants in the Respiratory and Circulatory Systems. VII. Influence of Pulmonary Emphysema and Anesthesia in the Rat
10. EWG | What is Fragrance?
11. National Library of Medicine | Dependence of Photocarcinogenesis and Photoimmunosuppression in the Hairless Mouse on Dietary Polyunsaturated Fat
12. National Library of Medicine | Melanoma and Dietary Lipids 

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