Chemical-Free, Nano-Free Sunscreen Recommendations

If you prefer to use a natural sunscreen this summer, but hate the chalky white coating many of the mineral-based ones leave on your skin, you'll be relieved to know that Natural Solutions did the research and came up with a list of safe, effective, non-Casperish (as in Casper the ghost) sunscreens.

Additionally, the seven chemical-free sunscreens that made the list do not contain questionable nanoparticles, according to their manufacturers. Currently, there are no regulations concerning nanoparticles, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in sunscreens and other skincare products. At the same time, there is growing concern about whether nanoized ingredients can penetrate the skin and cause damage.

So if you are heading to the beach, below are your best options for healthy sunscreen. They are listed from most absorbable to least.

UV Natural Sunscreen (5.29 oz, $33.50; uvnaturalusa.com). It has a 30+ SPF and it's active ingredient is zinc oxide. It was found to be highly absorbable, but a bit oily.

Lavera Family Sun Spray (6.6 oz., $26.50; lavera.com). This one was the editor's pick. It has an SPF of 15 and it also received the highest absorbability rating. It's active ingredient is titanium dioxide.

Lotus Moon Sage Sun Protective Creme (2 oz, $32; lotusmoon.biz). Made with both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It has an SPF of 25 and is easy to apply. It is pretty absorbable, but not as much as the two listed above.

Erbaviva Sunscreen (4 oz., $28; erbaviva.com). Has an SPF of 15 and is made with titanium dioxide. It is noted to have a fresh herbal scent. Ranked in the middle for absorbability.

Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen(4 oz., $9.95; albabotanica.com). This one has an 18 SPF and is made with titanium dioxide. It's also middle of the road for absorbability.

Nature's Gate Mineral Sunblock (4 oz, $9.49; natures-gate.com). With an SPF of 20 this titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sunscreen is one of the least absorbable on the least.

Jason SunBrellas Mineral Based Physical Sunblock (4 oz, $14; jason-natural.com). It has a higher SPF of 30 and contains both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Like Nature's Gate Mineral Sunblock, this one also has a poorer absorbability rating.