Sunscreen is a summer staple, but also a year-round essential. Unfortunately, many mainstream sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters that harm marine life, use excessive plastic packaging, and hide allergens and irritants behind vague ingredient lists. With thousands of products on the market, picking a sunscreen that is safe, sustainable, and effective proves challenging.
The good news? There are brands doing it right. We’ve done the research, and we’ve rounded up our favorites to make your next SPF pick a no-brainer.
The Problem with Sunscreen
Sunscreen should protect you, but what if it’s doing harm instead?
According to a recent Clean Label Project study of 95 top-selling sunscreens, many conventional brands contain hidden contaminants, including endocrine disruptors like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are not only linked to hormone disruption but also banned in Hawaii for their harmful impact on coral reefs.
Additionally, the study found alarming levels of heavy metals like lead in sunscreens, particularly in those that were mineral-based. Some of these sunscreens contained lead levels that, if ingested in small amounts, could exceed California’s Proposition 65 daily limit for lead exposure, raising serious health concerns.
At Hive, we believe sun safety shouldn't come at the expense of your health – or the planet. That’s why we created the Hive Five, a standard that cuts through the greenwashing and highlights the brands that truly do better.
SPF With Standards
At Hive, every product we feature goes through our Hive Five certification process. It’s our stamp of approval for brands that are clean, effective, and doing their part for people and the planet.
When evaluating sunscreen, we look for:
Ingredients With Integrity: Non-toxic, sustainably-sourced ingredients.
Responsible Production: Cruelty-free products that are carefully tested for purity, allergens, and safety.
Clean Packaging: Recyclable materials, plastic-free designs, and/or innovative commitments – like going plastic-negative – that minimize waste.
Leading the Change: Brands that go beyond profits and actively contribute to a better future through climate action, social justice, or community wellbeing.
Raveworthy: Reliable, effective protection that works as intended.
