Best PABA-Free Body Sunscreens of 2025
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PABA-free body sunscreens are a popular choice for many individuals who want to protect their skin from the harmful effects of the sun's UV rays. These sunscreens are formulated without para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), a common ingredient in many sunscreens that can cause allergic reactions and skin irritation. Instead, they contain other active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. PABA-free body sunscreens come in different forms such as sprays, lotions, and creams, making it easy to find the perfect product for every skin type and activity level.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
#TOP 1
9.8
#TOP 2
9.7
#TOP 3
9.5
Top 10 PABA-Free Body Sunscreens
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick with SPF 50+
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Stick is a lightweight, hands-free, and no-mess application sunscreen that provides superior skin protection from harsh summer elements. Its Helioplex technology offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection to prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer. It is oxybenzone-free and PABA-free, clinically proven to defend against sun and water damage. This SPF 50+ stick sunscreen is water-resistant for 80 minutes and suitable for active families.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 is a fast-absorbing and water-resistant body sunscreen spray that provides superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. It is designed for your active family, and the beach-strength formula with SPF 30 can stand up to any outdoor activity for up to 80 minutes. This lightweight sunscreen spray is oxybenzone-free and PABA-free, making it easy to apply and perfect for any outdoor activity.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50, 6.7 fl. oz
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion offers superior sun protection with SPF 50, Helioplex sunscreen technology, and broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The fast-absorbing, oil-free, PABA-free, and oxybenzone-free formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities. It comes in a 6.7-fluid ounce bottle and is recommended by dermatologists.
Neutrogena Beach Defense SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
The Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen Lotion is a fast-absorbing, oil-free, and PABA-free lotion that provides superior broad-spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. It contains Helioplex sunscreen technology, making it perfect for outdoor activities as it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand also ensures that this sunscreen formula is oxybenzone-free, providing the best sun protection while decreasing the risk of skin cancer caused by the sun.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is an excellent choice to protect your baby's delicate skin from the sun. The sunscreen stick is formulated with zinc oxide, a 100% naturally sourced active ingredient that creates a protective screen between your baby's skin and the sun, providing instant SPF 50 Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The sunscreen stick comes in an easy-to-use stick and rubs into skin for a weightless, non-greasy feel. It is hypoallergenic, free from Paba, parabens, dyes, fragrances, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Besides, it has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for persons with eczema or sensitive skin conditions.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 is a fast-absorbing and water-resistant body sunscreen that provides superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. It is formulated with Helioplex sunscreen technology and features a lightweight, oxybenzone-free and PABA-free formula. This beach-strength sunscreen spray with SPF 50 can stand up to any outdoor activity and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for an active family.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 provides water-resistant, non-greasy, and lightweight protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its fast-absorbing Dry-Touch technology ensures a matte finish, making it suitable for all skin types. Its formula contains Avobenzone and Helioplex for superior sun protection of both face and body. Available in both spray and stick forms, it is recommended by dermatologists and lasts up to 80 minutes in water.
Florida Glow SPF 15 Sunscreen Spray
Florida Glow Sunscreen Spray offers reliable protection for your skin while enjoying outdoor activities. This eco-friendly spray is compliant with Hawaii 104 Reef Act regulations, ensuring that you're using a product that’s safe for the environment. Its lightweight, water-resistant formula provides long-lasting coverage, allowing you to have fun in the sun for up to 80 minutes without worrying about reapplication. Plus, it’s free from harsh chemicals like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, making it suitable for both children and adults. The convenient spray design allows for easy application over makeup, ensuring you stay protected without any hassle.
Coppertone Pure and Simple Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Protect even the most delicate skin with Coppertone Pure and Simple Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. This body sunscreen is made with 100% naturally sourced Zinc Oxide plus nourishing extracts, such as tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus, and delivers gentle Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB protection. The water-resistant sunscreen (80 minutes) is perfect for family fun in the sun. It is free of fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, octinoxate, and oxybenzone, making it delicate skin-friendly.
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen offers a convenient spray that makes application effortless, allowing you to cover your skin quickly and evenly at any angle. Its broad spectrum protection shields you from up to 98% of harmful UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sun damage. Designed for active individuals, this sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, ensuring it stays effective even when sweating. Plus, it is free from harsh chemicals like dyes and Oxybenzone, making it a safer choice for your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why was PABA removed from sunscreen?
PABA was removed from sunscreen due to various reasons. It can cause allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity, and can stain clothing. There are also concerns about its potential link to thyroid-disrupting activity and long-term health effects.
2. Why is PABA banned?
PABA is no longer used in sunscreen due to its potential to cause allergic dermatitis, photosensitivity, and its carcinogenic potential.
3. What are the side effects of PABA sunscreen?
Some people may experience allergic reactions and skin rashes from PABA sunscreen. It can cause contact dermatitis, resulting in itchy and red rashes where applied. Additionally, allergic reactions like hives, swelling, and breathing difficulties may occur.
4. How do I know if my sunscreen is paraben free?
To determine if a sunscreen is paraben-free, check the product packaging. It will typically state 'free from parabens' or '0% parabens' to indicate that it does not contain parabens.
5. Do they still put PABA in sunscreen?
PABA is no longer recommended in sunscreens, especially if you have sensitive skin. Instead, specialists advise using alternative ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
6. Why is PABA toxic?
PABA and its derivatives have several health concerns. Et-PABA, a derivative, can disrupt estrogenic and androgenic activity. PABA can also increase the likelihood of DNA damage in the presence of UV radiation, which increases the risk of skin cancer.
During our paba-free body sunscreen research, we found 48 paba-free body sunscreen products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 617,323 customer reviews through our big data system to write the paba-free body sunscreens list. We found that most customers choose paba-free body sunscreens with an average price of $12.53.
The paba-free body sunscreens are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of paba-free body sunscreens, including Neutrogena, Florida Salt Scrubs, Coppertone. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Lisa Bechard is a skin therapist with 12 years of working experience in the beauty industry and also an experienced beauty writer who has expertise in skincare, medical aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, and wellness. Her writing skills are excellent and all her content is very persuasive and insightful.