As ozone layer depletion intensifies and concerns grow over the safety of chemical sunscreens, research and development of natural sun protection agents have gained increasing attention. This review provides a comprehensive review of the sources, classifications, components, and mechanisms of natural sunscreens, summarizes the challenges encountered in current research, and offers insights into future development directions. Owing to their multi-target effects, high safety profile, and environmental compatibility, natural sun protection agents have emerged as a key trend in sunscreen innovation, holding significant promise for future applications.