Natural Oil SPF List

Last updated August 7, 2026

The best natural oils for sun protection, ranked by lab-measured SPF from peer-reviewed research. Raspberry seed oil leads at SPF 19.930, with olive (7.549) and coconut (7.119) next — but even the strongest sits well below the SPF 30 recommended for real protection, so no natural oil should be used as a standalone sunscreen.

Lab-measured SPF from the peer-reviewed studies cited on each oil's page, shown against the SPF 30 minimum health organizations recommend. Even raspberry seed oil, the strongest, falls well short — so no natural oil is an adequate standalone sunscreen.

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 Ácsová 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

Recent 2024 research has established raspberry seed oil's SPF at 19.930, positioning it as the highest among natural oils tested. This finding from Ghosh & Dhandha's study in SKIN The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine demonstrates raspberry seed oil's significant photoprotective properties when tested using current standardized methods.

The evolution of raspberry seed oil SPF research provides valuable insights into testing methodologies:

This initial 2000 study using spectrophotometric analysis suggested SPF 28-50, establishing raspberry seed oil as a subject of interest for natural sun protection research. A 2021 study in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences using different methodologies found SPF values of 0.4 in vitro and 2.6 in vivo, illustrating how testing methods can significantly impact results. The most recent 2024 research, using standardized testing protocols, measured SPF 19.930 for raspberry seed oil alone, providing a reliable benchmark for this natural oil's photoprotective capabilities.

Beyond SPF values, raspberry seed oil offers additional 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 Ácsová 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 for effective 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.

Detailed Oil Research Pages

Learn about the progression of research into the highest SPF natural oils.

Learn more about each oil's UV protection properties, origin, and scientific research — including whether coconut oil works as a sunscreen: