The 8 Best Vegan Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin

It’s not a secret that we are all spending a lot of time indoors at the moment, but that doesn’t mean we can forget about protecting our skin from the Sun’s powerful rays.

Even on a dark, grey morning or on a ten-minute coffee break on your balcony, (or actually even via a nearby window), the ultraviolet effects can still cause skin damage. This means SPF should still be an important part of your everyday skincare routine, no matter how much outdoor time you’re actually getting.

UVA damage is a key factor in skin ageing and causes unwanted effects such as dehydration, wrinkles or even worst-case scenario; skin cancer. For ideal protection the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend that you use SPF daily.

They note that applying SPF15 every day can reduce the chance of developing Squamous Cell Carcinoma by up to 40% as well as lowering you Melanoma risk by 50%, so it’s really worth that extra product in your morning routine.

Even if you’re not sitting by a window, there is a possibility that blue light can actually cause hyperpigmentation, reduce collagen and even inflame skin, so you could be damaging delicate facial tissue when you’re simply leaning over your laptop or scrolling Instagram on your phone.

Now you know SPF is an essential in your everyday routine, it’s all about finding the right product for your skin.

It used to be the case that a lot of vegan sun care was synonymous with sticky, heavy and unappealing creams that you had to practically shovel on with a trowel and still be left with an unsightly white cast after what felt like hours of blending. But no more!

We have compiled our favourite easy-to-wear, flattering and effective SPF products that will not only protect you, but give your skin a beautifying boost.

1. Saltee Daily Protection Formula

Formulated in the UK, Saltee products are designed to provide sun care for global adventures, (even if that means a BBQ in the back garden right now) with SPF50 face formulas and SPF30 body products that give you effortless, effective cover. The formula of all products sinks into skin with little to no effort, meaning you can basically grab them and go.

Saltee products are vegan, cruelty-free and their packaging is created using recycled materials. They are also Oxybenzone-free, which makes them safer for swimming in the sea. Pick up the Daily Protection Formula here for £29.

2. Tropic Sun Day UV Defence

Tropic’s new reef-safe sun protection products arms you against UVA and UVB rays, whilst protecting against pollution and blue light damage. The range all consists of hydrating and super silky formulas that leave your skin looking healthy and refreshed; designed to be worn all year round.

Not only are the products themselves incredible, but they are making amazing eco steps as the only brand in Europe to wear the Protect Land & Sea label and funding education via their partner charity United world Schools. Grab the Sun Day Facial UV Defence here starting from £10.

3. Glossier Invisible Shield

This highly popular millennial beauty brand exudes cool with every product, and their invisible shield SPF 30 is no different. With an incredibly light formula, the transparent sun protectant sinks effortlessly into skin and provides the perfect base for makeup, or a non-sticky fresh-faced look. It looks as great on your bathroom ‘shelfie’ as it does on your skin. Pick one up for £20 from here.

4. Green People Sun Lotion SPF 15

Whilst not all of Green People’s sun protection is vegan friendly, they make it very clear on their website which ones are, so it’s easy to pick the right SPF for you. Their Edelweiss Sun Lotion has an SPF of 15 and is perfect for daily application, working well under makeup and suitable for skin types prone to eczema and psoriasis.

The formula is both moisturising and water repellent, so pores aren’t clogged but skin stays hydrated after application. This particular product is also reef safe, vegan society approved and contains 87% certified organic agricultural ingredients, so you know your skin is in safe hands. Grab one here from £15.

5. Evolve Climate Veil SPF 20

This handcrafted, natural SPF comes with a subtle tint that is designed to blend into most skin tones without leaving any ashy cast. It is great for a ‘no makeup’ makeup look and gives the skin a soft glow as well as ever-needed protection.

Evolve really know how to showcase the power of plants, and Climate Veil is no exception. It is also packed with hyaluronic acid for hydration, lingonberry stem cells that help protect against damaging effects of sun radiation and also contains reef safe zinc oxide, limiting damage to the oceans. Grab one here from £15.

6. Oskia Vitamin Face Cream SPF30

This Oskia offering is a marine-friendly, daily defense cream SPF30 that boasts ‘hydra-protect’ technology as well as antioxidants and calming properties. It’s like a cocktail of goodness that not only protects and calms but quenches thirsty skin too, keeping it looking and feeling fresh.

The game-changer in this product is the Pro-Vitamin D3, which helps your body to produce vitamin D naturally, whilst moisturising and protecting you from sun damage and other pollutants. This super SPF is out on May 22^nd and will be available on the Oskia website and Cult Beauty.

7. Solait SPF 15 Moisturising Lotion

Superdrug is a haven for vegan beauty at great prices. A vast majority of their own products are vegan and cruelty-free, and it is clearly labelled on the back of the product and this sun lotion by their sun care range, Solait is a great choice for lightweight protection.

Costing just £7.99 a bottle, it is great for topping up your SPF every day and you can still shop Superdrug online at the moment, which is great. You can pick up a bottle of the SPF 15 Moisturising Lotion here.

8. Soleil Toujours

When it comes to luxury sun protection, Soleil Toujours is up there with the greats. From the stylish packaging, to the high-quality ingredients, this brand has left no stone unturned when it comes to eco-conscious, effective SPF with an opulent edge.

Containing no added Oxybenzone or Octinoxate like some sheer formulas, Soleil Toujours products are not only safe for our bodies, but help protect coral reefs from bleaching damage. The mineral formulas are perfect for all skin types and leave you with an iridescent yet natural glow, whilst giving you the best possible protection. Try the SPF45 yourself here for £45.