Natural Oil SPF List
Scientific data on UV absorbance of natural & essential oils, compiled from peer-reviewed research
| SPF | Oil | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 28.000 | Raspberry seed oil | Refined Organic Cold Pressed Raspberry seed Oil |
| 7.549 | Olive oil | Pompeian Organic Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed Olive Oil |
| 7.119 | Coconut oil | Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil |
| 6.668 | Peppermint oil | Majestic Pure Essential Peppermint Oil |
| 6.571 | Tulsi oil | Miracle Botanicals Holy Basil Tulsi Oil |
| 6.282 | Lemongrass oil | Majestic Pure Lemongrass Oil |
| 5.687 | Castor oil | Sky Organics Cold Pressed Organic Castor Oil |
| 5.624 | Lavender oil | Handcraft Therapeutic Grade Lavender Oil |
| 4.659 | Almond oil | Pura d'Or Organic Almond Oil |
| 3.975 | Orange oil | Mary Tylor Organic Orange Oil |
| 2.810 | Lemon oil | Mary Tylor Organic Lemon Oil |
| 2.625 | Eucalyptus oil | NOW Organic Eucalyptus Oil |
| 2.105 | Mustard seed oil | Daana Organic Cold Pressed Mustard seed Oil |
| 2.019 | Chaulmoogra oil | Therapeutic Cold Pressed Chaulmoogra Oil |
| 1.771 | Sesame oil | Banyan Botanicals Organic Unrefined Sesame Oil |
| 1.702 | Tea tree oil | Being Naturals Essential Tea tree Oil |
This SPF chart is compiled from research published in publicly-available scientific journals. Recent 2021-2024 studies have confirmed these values using rigorous in vitro and in vivo methodologies. Read below for more information on raspberry seed oil, other herbal oils, and the positive effects of other herbal compounds. Carrot seed oil is often incorrectly called a UV protectant.
Natural & Essential Oil SPF
Raspberry seed oil, olive oil & coconut oil have been shown to have the highest SPF values. These are calculated using in vitro (lab) absorbance data. FDA-evaluated sunscreen values are measured in vivo (on human volunteers), but results from two methods are usually equivalent.
Protection will vary by brand & harvest. Consider the values provided here and in supporting literature to be approximate. A 2019 study in Cosmetics demonstrated that fixed oils' SPF values typically range between 2-8, while volatile oils range between 1-7.
Essential oils are not recommended for use as sunscreen. Fixed (pressed) oils are more stable than volatile (essential) oils. According to 2021 research by Martiniaková et al. in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences, vegetable oils provide inadequate standalone protection, with most offering SPF values between 2.5-4.5 in vivo.
Raspberry Seed Oil SPF Is Highest
According to a group of researchers in Canada, France & China, raspberry seed oil has a SPF between 28-50 and may act as a broad spectrum UV protectant. However, recent 2021-2024 studies have disputed these values:
The optical transmission of raspberry seed oil, especially in the UV range (290-400nm) was comparable to that of titanium dioxide preparations with [SPF] ... values between 28-50
More recent rigorous studies have yielded conflicting results. A 2021 study published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences found raspberry seed oil SPF values of only 0.4 in vitro and 2.6 in vivo, significantly lower than earlier reports. A 2024 study in SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine confirmed formulations containing raspberry seed oil provided SPF below 30, offering only average photoprotective activity.
Despite lower SPF values, raspberry seed oil retains beneficial properties. A 2021 review in Plants journal noted it contains high levels of vitamin E (tocopherols), providing antioxidant protection against oxidative stress. The oil remains valuable as a moisturizer and emollient in cosmetic formulations.
We recommend Refined Organic Cold Pressed Raspberry Seed Oil.
Olive Oil & Coconut Oil SPF
Olive oil SPF is 7.549 and coconut oil SPF is 7.119, according to Kaur & Saraf in In vitro sun protection factor determination of herbal oils used in cosmetics (2010). They did not test UVA radiation, which does not cause sunburn but increases risk of melanoma & photodermatitis.
These values have been validated by subsequent research. A 2019 study in Cosmetics confirmed olive oil consistently shows the highest SPF among fixed oils. Both oils contain vitamin E and phenolic compounds that provide antioxidant benefits, though their SPF values remain insufficient for standalone sun protection.
We recommend Pompeian Organic Extra Virgin First Cold Pressed Olive Oil and Viva Naturals Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil.
Carrot Seed Oil Is Not Sunscreen
Results are misinterpreted from Kapoor & Saraf's Efficacy Study of Sunscreens Containing Various Herbs for Protecting Skin from UVA and UVB Sunrays (2009). The title is clear: sunscreens containing, not comprised exclusively of, herbs are tested. Sample HS3 is a commercial sunscreen containing carrot seed oil, identified as Biotique Carrot, which contains zinc.
A 2021 study by Martiniaková et al. confirmed carrot seed oil SPF is only 2.5 in vivo, far below protective levels. The misconception persists despite scientific evidence showing carrot seed oil alone provides negligible UV protection.
Other Natural Sunscreen
Kumar & Viswanathan found chicken oil absorbed nearly 75% of UV radiation and concluded unsaturated fatty acids make the best sunscreen in Study of UV Transmission through a Few Edible Oils & Chicken Oil. We find this interesting but do not recommend chicken oil as a sunscreen.
Synergistic Effects & Natural Compounds
Combining natural oils with other ingredients shows promise. A 2019 study in Cosmetics found adding pomegranate oil (1% w/w) and shea oil (1% w/w) to organic UV-filters increased SPF compared to formulations containing only synthetic filters.
Vitamin E (tocopherols) enhances photoprotection. According to 2022 research, vitamin E provides antioxidant benefits and limited photoprotection, primarily against UVB rays. Products containing both vitamins C and E show greater efficacy than either antioxidant alone.
Recent formulation analysis reveals promise. A 2022 study analyzing 444 commercial sunscreens found natural ingredients from terrestrial organisms represent 48% of formulations, with vitamin E derivatives being the most frequent antioxidant additives.
Recommendation based on scientific data
We recommend organic, renewable, animal-friendly Refined Organic Cold Pressed Raspberry Seed Oil.