Last updated on September 12th, 2025 at 03:46 pm
Sun Protection Without Chemicals - Is It Possible?
Many people wish to avoid chemicals and live a more natural lifestyle while still being protected from the sun’s UV rays.
Several vegetable oils have a natural SPF and partially protect against UV rays.
The question that remains is if these vegetable oils are a safe alternative to regular sunscreens.
Let’s find out.
What are natural sunscreen alternatives?
Natural sunscreens are naturally derived substances that provide sun protection.
According to scientific studies they are mostly vegetable oils and butters.
How do natural sunscreen alternatives work?
Natural sunscreen alternatives work the same way as chemical sunscreens.
They absorb a percentage of the sun’s UV radiation to prevent skin damage.
These oils are different from SPF oils because they are natural oils pressed directly from plants without any inorganic filters that are present in physical sunscreen.
Some of the higher SPF values of oils belong to olive oil and coconut oil, with an SPF of 8, while castor oil and almond oil were around 6 and 5, respectively.
Tamanu oil had an SPF of 11.2.
Shea butter has an SPF of 4.
Are natural sunscreens as effective as regular SPF?
No.
The SPF levels of these and most oils are not high enough to effectively protect the skin against UV radiation.
The available studies on oil’s SPF values aren’t many, and don’t prove that these oils protect against the UVA rays that enter the skin and cause damage and premature aging.
Regular sunscreen is put through rigorous tests to determine the SPF levels.
However, natural oils aren’t considered sunscreen, so they don’t go through these tests.
Plus, the FDA and most worldwide health organizations recommend using sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15.
None of these vegetable oils meets the criteria.
For real protection, your sunscreen needs to have broad-spectrum coverage that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Are these natural sunscreen alternatives useless?
No.
Some selected vegetable oils are being used in the formulas of sunscreens to reduce the amount of inorganic and organic chemicals.
This allows for a more natural option while still maintaining a high SPF.
By themselves, natural vegetable oils are not a substitute for regular sunscreen, but when used in formulation, they reduce the safety concerns many have against sunscreen ingredients.
Plus, vegetable oils have ingredients that are antioxidant and nourishing to the skin, so they provide added value.
What can you do if you want fewer chemicals?
Opt for physical sunscreens and also wear UPF clothing and hats (Ultraviolet Protection Factor).
Physical sunscreens have fewer ingredients than chemical sunscreens and create a film on the skin’s surface instead of being absorbed into the skin’s layers.
Together with sunscreen, stay away from windows and use other forms of sun protection below in your daily life.
Other forms of sun protection:
-
- Sunscreen should be broad-spectrum, water-resistant, with an SPF of at least 30.
-
- Wear a lip balm with at least SPF 15. I burned my lips last summer and it was not fun.
-
- Seek the shade when the sun’s rays are strongest. Usually between 11h and 15h
-
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that covers your face. It protects and it’s stylish.
-
- Choose sunglasses that provide UV protection. Check the labels to make sure.
- Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, and pants. During the summer I cover my arms or legs with a light scarf.
- Use one of these natural sunscreen alternatives to moisturize the skin before applying sunscreen.
Disclaimer: This article is informational only. This article does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. If you have questions or concerns about caring for your skin, you should make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.
You Might Be Interested In
How To Avoid Sun Damage – Article Series
You will learn what is a sunscreen, why you should be using them – even if you have dark skin – and how to use them to keep your skin healthy.
This post is a complete guide to sunscreens.
Choose the best sunscreen application for your skin from all the different forms of sunscreen that exist in the market.
Learn the benefits from gels, creams, powders, oils and many more sunscreens.
This article will answer the most common questions about SPF levels and disperse a few myths.
Let’s get started.