Sunscreen Alternatives

Sunscreen alternatives aren’t about skipping protection, they’re about rethinking what protection means. At Kushi, we’ve seen that true skincare goes beyond shielding. It’s about nourishment, intention, and staying connected to what your skin is actually asking for.

Conventional sunscreens often do one thing: block UV rays. But what if your sun care could do more, like soothe, hydrate, restore, and support your skin’s natural defenses while still giving you peace of mind under the sun? That’s where alternatives come in.

We're talking about plant-powered butters, mineral-rich clays, botanical oils, and natural antioxidants, each one selected not just for how it protects, but how it interacts with your skin barrier. Many of these ingredients have been used across cultures for generations, long before SPF became a label.

These options don’t rely on synthetic filters or heavy formulations. Instead, they create a physical barrier on the skin or deliver UV-resilient compounds in ways your body can actually recognize. And unlike many traditional sunscreens, they tend to be reef-safe, biodegradable, and kinder to sensitive skin.

This philosophy is what led us to create Sun Butter, our signature blend of nourishing, mineral-based ingredients that support your skin through every sun-soaked moment. It's sun care that doesn't compromise: not on texture, not on ethics, not on results.

You don't have to choose between being sun-safe and ingredient-conscious. Alternatives exist, and they’re worth exploring.

Why Look For Sunscreen Alternatives?

For many, the journey toward sunscreen alternatives starts with a simple question: What’s actually in this stuff I’m putting on my skin every day?

There’s growing awareness around the chemicals commonly found in traditional sunscreens, like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. These compounds may absorb UV rays effectively, but they can also absorb into the bloodstream, disrupt hormones, and trigger skin irritation for sensitive users. Some have even been banned in regions like Hawaii due to their impact on coral reefs.

Beyond the ingredient list, there’s the texture, the feel, and the residue that some chemical sunscreens leave behind. Chalky finishes, clogged pores, and that unmistakable “sunscreen smell” can turn what should be a daily ritual into something you dread.

At Kushi, we’ve always believed that sun care shouldn’t come at the expense of your skin’s comfort, or the planet’s health. We wanted something different. Something made with fewer ingredients, all chosen with care. Something that feels like skincare, not just sun protection.

That’s why exploring alternatives matters. Because the more we understand what we’re putting on our skin, the more empowered we are to choose better, for our health, our ecosystems, and our everyday experience in the sun.

The Problem With Conventional Sunscreens

Most people reach for sunscreen thinking they’re doing the right thing, and on the surface, they are. But underneath that promise of protection lies a cocktail of ingredients that deserve a closer look.

Many mainstream sunscreens rely on chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, homosalate, or octinoxate. These ingredients are designed to absorb UV rays before they penetrate the skin. But several of them have raised red flags in recent studies, both for human health and environmental safety. Some have been linked to hormonal disruption, while others are known to linger in the body long after application.

Then there’s the issue of coral reefs and marine life. When these chemical filters wash off in the ocean, they don’t just disappear. They can damage delicate ecosystems, interfere with marine reproduction, and even contribute to coral bleaching. That’s why certain destinations have banned these ingredients entirely.

For those with sensitive skin, the problems can feel even more immediate, breakouts, burning, and inflammation are common complaints. And ironically, some sunscreens meant to protect can actually degrade in the sun, forming free radicals that contribute to aging and oxidative stress.

We’ve seen enough to know this isn’t the kind of “protection” we want to offer.

At Kushi, our view is simple: the fewer questionable ingredients between you and the sun, the better. That's why we formulated Sun Butter using a base of mineral protection, plant-based oils, and nourishing butters, no synthetics, no harsh chemicals, and no compromise on what your skin actually needs.

Let’s Talk About Sun Butter

We didn’t want to make just another sunscreen. We wanted something that felt like a daily ritual, something your skin would actually crave. That’s how Sun Butter was born: our plant-based, mineral-powered balm designed to nourish and protect in one effortless sweep.

At the core is non-nano zinc oxide, chosen for its broad-spectrum physical protection that reflects UV rays without ever sinking into your bloodstream. But that’s just the beginning. We surrounded it with a cushion of rich shea butter, sun-resilient red raspberry seed oil, creamy coconut oil, and silky candelilla wax. Together, they form a buttery-soft blend that glides on smoothly, melts into your skin, and leaves a natural finish, no white cast, no sticky residue, no harsh smells.

This isn’t your average chalky SPF. It’s protection that feels like skincare. Every ingredient was chosen not just for what it blocks, but for what it brings, calming inflammation, restoring moisture, and supporting your skin’s natural resilience in the face of sun, wind, and salt.

Sun Butter is packaged in a sleek, travel-ready tin that fits into your bag, your beach tote, or even your back pocket. Whether you're hiking, surfing, gardening, or just walking the dog, it’s designed to be there with you, always ready, always gentle.

Skin care and sun care shouldn’t be two separate steps. With Sun Butter, they’re one and the same.