Beautycounter Sunscreen Review

Updated May 2026

Beautycounter closed in 2024. If you missed it, the short version: the brand shut down and relaunched under a new name, Counter. I wrote a full breakdown of what changed about the Counter relaunch.

The part that genuinely bummed me out: they didn’t bring back the Countersun sunscreen line. The mist and lotion were all discontinued in the relaunch. That’s a real loss. Countersun was one of the best clean sunscreens in the beauty space. Mineral, reef-friendly, no annoying white cast, and it actually worked.

The Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer is still around and has a cult following, so I have a full Dew Skin review here that explains why. I always found it a little drying on me personally. If you want something similar but more hydrating, I’d point you toward the Crunchi tinted moisturizer reviewed here instead.

The one sunscreen that survived: the Daily Sheer Defense SPF 25. Same formula, now under Counter. Everything else was discontinued, so I’ve noted swaps below.

My Current SPF Swaps

• Face SPF (still sold): Daily Sheer Defense SPF 25 – same formula, now under Counter
• Body SPF (Countersun is gone): I’ve switched to Badger Sport Mineral SPF 40
• Spray (Countersun spray is gone): Florida Squeezed SPF 50 Non-Aerosol Spray

For my full clean sunscreen lineup, see my best non-toxic sunscreens guide. And if you want a great face SPF, I really love Crunchi’s Sunlight Facial SPF 30 since it’s more hydrating and has no white cast. More in my Crunchi review.

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I am passionate about sunscreen. I have three friends who were diagnosed with melanoma in their late 30s, so this is not something I take lightly. For a broader list of non-toxic options, check out this post with the 20 non-toxic sunscreens I’ve tested.

Beautycounter Countersun Sunscreen Review

At a quick glance, here’s what made the Beautycounter Countersun line stand out:

• Water resistant AND sweat resistant. Great for running, hiking, and hot summer days.
• All SPF 30 (except the Daily Sheer Defense at SPF 25, and the Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer at SPF 20)
• Reef-friendly
• No annoying white cast
• Mineral-based, not chemical

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

The sunscreens you grew up using were likely chemical sunscreens created with synthetic ingredients that absorb into your skin, including things like:

• oxybenzone
• octocrylene
• ecamsule
• avobenzone

All of those have potentially risky side effects when absorbed into your bloodstream, such as hormone disruption. (Source)

Mineral sunscreen uses zinc and protects your skin by sitting on top of it and reflecting the sun’s rays, so it doesn’t absorb into the skin. That’s a key difference.

A note on SPF numbers: If you’re inside most of the day with just short stints in the sun, SPF 30 is fine. But if you’re outside for extended time, go for SPF 50. (Source: SkinCancer.org)

Ingredients in Beautycounter Countersun Sunscreen

Non-Nano Zinc

Non-nano means the particles are not small enough to penetrate your skin, so the sunscreen stays on the surface and reflects the sun versus absorbing into your body.

California Poppy

California poppy is antioxidant-rich and helps reinforce the skin’s defense against oxidation, which breaks down the skin and accelerates aging.

Types of Beautycounter Countersun Sunscreens

Daily Sheer Defense — Still Available Under Counter

This Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sheer Defense is Beautycounter’s daily face sunscreen. I love this because it does NOT leave a greasy feeling or feel like it clogs my pores like so many sunscreens. Most mineral sunscreens leave a thick white cast, but this one does not. It blends in perfectly sheer.

This sunscreen uses zinc oxide as its active ingredient, which works by reflecting the sun’s rays off of your skin as a physical barrier. Because Daily Sheer is Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free, it’s also a great option if you’re pregnant, too. All Beautycounter Countersun products (that are left) provide protection from UVA and UVB, and all of them are oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free and reef-friendly. But this one also provides protection from HEV blue light rays. These rays come from the sun and from electronics. Considering I spend a good chunk of my life in front of my computer and/or phone (hey, it’s part of my job!), that’s important to me.

Sunscreen Mist Discontinued — Swap: Florida Squeezed SPF 50

The Countersun mist was probably my favorite form of the Beautycounter sunscreen because it was so easy to apply. It rubbed in more easily than the lotion and was great for squirmy toddlers. Unfortunately not brought back in the Counter relaunch. My husband and I both keep the lotion in our golf bags since we don’t like the mist drifting onto our clubs (or my cute golf clothes ? ). I also put this inside a little sunscreen applicator tool so my son will apply it himself, which makes applying sunscreen to a toddler much easier when he thinks it’s cool! 

My swap: Florida Squeezed SPF 50 Non-Aerosol Spray.

Sunscreen Lotion Discontinued — Swap: Badger Sport Mineral SPF 40

The Countersun Lotion was my second favorite. My husband and I both kept the lotion in our golf bags since we don’t like the mist drifting onto our clubs (or my cute golf clothes ? ). I also put this inside a little sunscreen applicator tool so my son will apply it himself, which makes applying sunscreen to a toddler much easier when he thinks it’s cool! 

Which one I reached for (lotion vs. mist) depended on my situation. If I remembered to apply before I got into my bathing suit or before hiking, I used the lotion. If I was already out the door, the spray was easier.

My swap for body SPF: Badger Sport Mineral SPF 40.

Sunscreen Stick Discontinued

The sunscreen stick was SO easy to use and I weirdly enjoyed applying it. I liked it for my face before outdoor activities and for the kids in our walking stroller or running stroller. Unfortunately discontinued with the Counter relaunch.

Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer — Still Available

The Dew Skin Tinted Moisturizer was my gateway product to Beautycounter. Easy to apply, evens out skin, and never looks heavy. It has SPF 20 built in, which isn’t enough for extended time outdoors, but nice for everyday coverage. It has a real cult following and is one of the few products that made it through the Counter relaunch. I personally always found it a little drying, which is why I don’t reach for it anymore, but if it works for your skin type, it’s a solid all-in-one.

How to Use Beautycounter Sunscreen

Shake Before Using

This is especially important with the mist! Shaking it ensures none of the ingredients have separated and will protect adequately. It also helps the spray comes out more evenly.

Apply Liberally

To get the full protection out of your sunscreen, apply one ounce (about a shot glass full) to your entire body. Most people apply less than half of that amount!

Apply 15 Minutes Before Going Outside

This is a best practice for all types of sunscreen. That allows enough time for the sunscreen to bind to your skin for full protection.

Reapply

It’s best to reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.

For more options, check out my full non-toxic sunscreen guide. And if you’re looking for a great clean face SPF, Crunchi Sunlight SPF 30 is worth a look.

Shop Beautycounter Countersun Daily Sunscreen here.