Sunscreen: Is there a natural, eco-friendly alternative?

According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 1 in 3 adults globally experience sunburn, and as we approach summertime, the risk reaches boiling point.

Sun exposure can lead to skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer but according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher can reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer by 40%, and reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.

However, many chemical filters used in traditional sunscreens, namely avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone are known to cause irritation and dryness to the skin as well as hormonal changes in some people.

And worryingly, there is strong evidence that these substances are having a negative effect on the environment, particularly on marine ecosystems. Popular holiday destinations like Hawaii and Tulum have banned the sale of sunscreens with these chemicals and the issue is high on the agenda in America, Mexico and Australia.

Is it time to make the switch to natural alternatives to preserve our health and the planet? At O&3, not only do we strive to protect the environment, but we also offer a range of natural oils that can be customised to meet specific skincare needs. So, let’s explore the natural alternatives to chemical sunscreens.

Why do we need a natural alternative to traditional sunscreen?

The chemicals in sunscreen have been found to be harmful to coral reefs and marine life. When we swim or shower, these chemicals can wash off our bodies and end up in oceans, lakes, and other bodies of water, where they accumulate and have detrimental effects on coral with bleaching, coral growth, and marine ecosystems as a whole. Some studies have also suggested that these chemicals can disrupt the endocrine systems of fish and other aquatic organisms.

Is there a natural sunscreen alternative?

In theory – Yes! While there are many types of sunscreen available, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that using natural oils like coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil can help protect the skin from UV damage. While natural oils have some potential for providing sun protection, it’s important to note that they are not a substitute for sunscreen with proven UV filters just yet.

What are the natural alternatives to chemicals in sunscreen formulations?

Although as of 2025, the FDA (US) and European Commission require that only sunscreens with proven, broad-spectrum UV filters (mineral or chemical) can be marketed with SPF claims; here’s our favourite natural ingredients to add into sun protection formulations:

• Red Raspberry Seed Oil ⁽¹⁾

Red Raspberry Seed Oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can be utilised to help soothe irritated skin. It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamin E, which can help shield the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals.

• Carrot Seed Oil ⁽²⁾

O&3’s Carrot Seed Oil helps promote healthy skin cell growth and repair as it is rich in vitamins A and E. The carotenoids within the oil are powerful antioxidants that can help protect the skin from UV damage.

• Coconut Oil ⁽³⁾

O&3’s Coconut Oil is primarily known for its moisturising and nourishing properties. Commonly used in preparation for the prevention of stretch marks, coconut oil can help the skin to grow and expand without tearing. With a natural SPF of around 4-5, coconut oil provides some shielding from the sun but not enough protection to be used on its own.

• Olive Oil ⁽⁴⁾

Commonly associated with cooking, olive oil contains multiple beneficial properties including skin care and sun protection. Olive Oil has moisturising, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is rich in vitamin E and can protect the skin from oxidative damage caused by environmental factors. It also contains polyphenols witch help reduce redness, irritation and inflammation associated with skin conditions, such as acne, eczema and psoriasis. While it provides protection from the sun, the SPF of olive oil is around 2-8 so cannot be used on its own as a sunscreen.

• Jojoba Oil ⁽⁵⁾

Jojoba Oil can help to regulate the skin’s natural production of oil. It can also help to protect and nourish the skin as it is rich in vitamins A, D and E. This ultimately helps to enhance the effectiveness of other natural sunscreen ingredients but does not actually have a natural SPF itself.

• Shea Butter ⁽⁶⁾

Sheanut Butter is rich and creamy and therefore moisturising and nourishing for the skin. It can also help to protect the skin from environmental stressors as it is rich in vitamins, specifically A and E. While it has a natural SPF of around 6-10, it does not provide enough protection to be used on its own as sun defence.

O&3 thoughts…

So, yes, natural oils can protect skin, but we must consider wider factors as our skin is a complex system and it’s not a given than applying oils with proven SPF will fully protect the skin against the full spectrum of UV rays. There are also considerations such as how our skin absorbs oil, the length of time skin is protected, and the effects of water submission.

That said, as we strive to protect people and the environment, it is time to do more research into formulating sunscreen with natural oil ingredients. It is absolutely clear that how we’re currently protecting people from the Sun’s UV rays is having a catastrophic effect on the environment with coral bleaching being one of the many issues we’re facing.

At O&3, we support the world’s leading cosmetic brands, established indie brands and the best new indie brands by sustainably sourcing and producing over 950 natural ingredients. We pride ourselves on our fast global delivery with lead times of only 3-5 days with varying pack sizes available.

References

• International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreen Cream Containing Red Raspberry Seed Oil” (Volume 5, Issue 1, 2013) – This study provides information about the estimated SPF of red raspberry seed oil.
• International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences – “Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Sunscreen Cream Containing Carrot Seed Oil” (Volume 5, Issue 1, 2013) – This study discusses the natural SPF of carrot seed oil.
• Journal of Cosmetic Science – “Characterization of Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Argan Oil” (Volume 59, Issue 6, 2008) – This article mentions the natural SPF of coconut oil.
• Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology – “Evaluation of sun protection factor by in vitro spectrophotometry” (Volume 48, Issue 6, Supplement 1, 2003) – This study discusses the evaluation of various oils, including olive oil, for their sun protection factor (SPF) using in vitro spectrophotometry.
• Journal of Cosmetic Science – “Efficacy of natural oils as photoprotectants for sunscreens” (Volume 68, Issue 1, 2017) – This study discusses the properties of jojoba oil as an enhancer of natural sunscreen ingredients.
• Pharmacognosy Review – “Shea Butter: A Cosmetic Miracle?” (Volume 4, Issue 8, 2010) – This review article discusses the natural SPF of shea butter.