Who doesn’t love the beach? Everyone is always looking forward to spending their weekends or vacation here. A good sunbathing or surfing would take the stress away from a nerve-wracking week. However, the only dilemma that most people have is when the sun is too hot.
These days, the sun‘s rays are not as pleasing as before, and global warming has something to do with it. Nonetheless, it doesn’t prevent people from spending long hours when it comes to beaches. Most wear their protection, which is sunscreen lotions.
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Top 10 Best Sunscreen for Surfing in Review
Sure, you can wear long sleeves or a hat to avoid sunburns, but spending time on the beach with excessive wear doesn’t ensure your whole body will get covered. You need to get rid of those covers and get the best sunscreen for surfing. Here are some of the top brands you should consider.
- Mineral Surf Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by TropicSport
- Signature Surf Sunscreen Lotion by Sun Bum
- Ultra Sports Surf Sunscreen Lotion by Banana Boat
- Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport
- Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 by MyChelle Dermaceuticals
- SPF 45 Water-Resistant Zinc Sunscreen by Zealios
- Super Shield Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals
- Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen by Blue Lizard
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport
- SPF 50+ Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen by Ethical Zinc
1. Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by TropicSport – Best Overall Sunscreen
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
- SPF: 30
- Water-Resistance: 240 minutes
- Available Sizes: 1.5 ounces, 3 ounces, 6.5 ounces, and 32 ounces
- Best for Adults and Kids
The Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by TropicSport is the sunscreen you should buy for your family since it’s good for both adults and kids. You can assure its safety because it doesn’t contain harmful content, such as Avobenzone and Octinoxate. It contains titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which are skin-friendly.
This sunscreen keeps the skin from dangerous UVB and UVA rays, letting you enjoy every surf. Furthermore, your skin is not the only thing that this sunscreen protects. Thanks to its safe ingredients, it also protects the reef in the ocean, which is its best feature.
The Mineral Sunscreen Lotion can last three times more than typical sunscreens in the market. It even passed the 240-minute and 80-minute resistance tests in Australia and the United States.
There’s no discomfort as you apply it on your sensitive skin because it doesn’t have a thick texture. It doesn’t also have a goopy white look, which most sunscreens have. Plus, you love it more because it dries quickly, leaving no white marks on your skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The bottle has a hole – easy to attach on beach bags | Challenging to squeeze the bottle |
| Reef-friendly | Needs to reapply every 2 hours |
2. Signature Sunscreen Lotion by Sun Bum – Best in Skin Protection
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Premium Zinc
- SPF: 30 and 50
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 1 ounce and 3 ounces
- Best for: Young Adults and Adults
If you’re looking for long-lasting Sunscreen, the Signature Sunscreen Lotion by Sun Bum is what you should consider buying. You may need to reapply after 2 hours. On the bright side, you can expect the protection to last for 80 minutes, making it ideal for surfing.
What makes this sunscreen exceptional is that it comes in an elegant bottle. It doesn’t even look like it’s sunscreen at first look. It’s also handy to bring.
This sunscreen is desirable for vegans because it uses vegan-free ingredients. It guarantees safety as you apply it to your skin. Another good thing about it is that it’s enhanced with Vitamin E. It doesn’t only protect the surface but also moisturizes it.
You’ll feel comfortable as you surf for long hours because it doesn’t give you a sticky feeling, even when you sweat. All you need is to apply it 15 minutes before sun exposure.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses Vegan-free ingredients | The container can be sticky |
| Uses an elegant bottle | Not ideal for kids |
3. Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion by Banana Boat – Best Skin-Friendly Sunscreen
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene
- SPF: 50
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 8 ounces
- Best for Adults, Young Adults, and Kids
The Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion by Banana Boat is a famous sunscreen brand because it features a lightweight formula. Customers admire how its fast-drying, which is perfect for any water sport. You’ll find it very comforting to apply on the skin because it doesn’t give a greasy or muggy feeling.
This sunscreen is versatile as anyone uses it. It’s a suggested brand for families because it’s guaranteed safe for kids. All you need to use is a golf-ball-sized lotion and put it on body parts under the sun. Also, you can count on its UVB and UVA ray protection, which is very handy.
Another exceptional feature of the Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion is that it can last for 80 minutes while you’re in the water. If you want optimum protection, reapply after 2 hours. Nonetheless, you can enjoy your surfing time without worrying about sunburns.
Aside from that, this sunscreen is also excellent during sweats. Using it in outdoor activities, such as hiking, playing volleyball, or competing during marathons, is workable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Best sunscreen for sweating | Pricey for the size |
| Has a moisturizing effect | Not reef-friendly |
4. Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport – Best Sunscreen for Kids
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C
- SPF: 50+
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 3 ounces
- Best for Kids
The Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport is the most suggested brand to buy if you can’t get your kid off the water. The main active ingredient is 20% Zinc Oxide. The inactive ingredients contain purified water, pinewood resin, vegetable glycerin, and Aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
Customers admire how long-lasting it is on the skin. You need to apply it for 15 minutes before letting them play under the sun. Its water resistance is exceptional because it can last for 80 minutes, unlike other brands. Plus, all you need is to reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection.
Since the Kids Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ doesn’t use harmful chemicals, it makes it ocean and reef-friendly. Despite not having chemicals as ingredients, it doesn’t compromise the protection it can provide to children’s skin. That’s why you can also assure that it will keep your skin safe from UVB and UVA rays.
What makes this sunscreen recommendable for kids is that it also contains Vitamins C and E, which is favorable to children over six months. Also, it provides exceptional comfort to kids because it doesn’t give an oily feeling to the skin.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses mineral-based formula | Can cause rashes to susceptible skins |
| Non-oil feeling | No other sizes available |
5. Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 by MyChelle Dermaceuticals – Handiest Sunscreen for Surfing
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Beeswax, and Shea Butter
- SPF: 50
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 0.50 ounces
- Best for Adults and Young Adults
You’ll love the Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 by MyChelle Dermaceuticals if you’re not a fan of bringing stuff with you on the beach. It comes in a portable container that measures 3.8 inches by 1.4 inches. That’s why it’s for individual use only, making it handier.
This sunscreen comes with harmless ingredients, and the main active content is 17% Zinc Oxide. Aside from it, some of the inactive ingredients include Shea Butter, Beeswax, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Tocopherol, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
Nothing will interrupt you as your practice your surfing skills for hours because the water-resistant feature can last for 80 minutes. Fifteen minutes before you expose your skin to the sun, apply it on your face, neck, hands, arms, and legs. Plus, for full protection, make sure to reapply every 2 hours.
The Sun Shield Stick SPF 50 is effective in protecting the skin from unwanted UVB and UVA rays. The skin immediately absorbs the sunscreen without giving you an icky feeling. Furthermore, it has moisturizing ingredients that will soothe your skin despite soaking in seawater for several hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has moisturizing contents | Only available in one size |
| Gluten-free | One to two uses only |
6. SPF 45 Water-Resistant Zinc Sunscreen by Zealios – Most Recommended for Outdoor Activities
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Micronized Zinc Oxide
- SPF: 45
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 3 ounces
- Best for Adults and Young Adults
Do you need gluten-free and vegan-free sunscreen for surfing? You should check out the SPF 45 Water-Resistant Zinc Sunscreen by Zealios because it’s the suggested sunscreen for content-conscious surfers.
You can guarantee your skin’s protection as you apply this sunscreen because of its SPF protection. The UVB and UVA rays will not leave extreme sunburns, even if you surf for 80 minutes. Aside from dipping in water, you can rely on this sunscreen even during excessive sweating. That’s why it’s not only for surfing but also for outdoor activities, like biking or playing volleyball.
Surfers admire the SPF 45 Water-Resistant Zinc Sunscreen because of its oil-free and paraben-free ingredients. If your worry is about your sensitive skin, it doesn’t clog the pores. It’s easy to apply as if you’re using a lotion. Also, the 8% Zinc Oxide is not damaging to the eyes.
What people like about sunscreens is the non-sticky feeling provide. With this sunscreen, you get to enjoy your time without any greasy feelings. Plus, it dries quickly for further comfort.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Formulated for athletes | Can only buy in a 3-ounce bottle |
| Uses Oil-free contents | Unsafe for pregnant women |
7. Super Shield Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals – Best Sunscreen for Family-Use
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Shea Butter, Beeswax, Avocado, Jojoba Seed Oil, and Tocopherol
- SPF: 50
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 0.60 ounces
- Best for: Kids, Young Adults, and Adults
Are you looking for a great sunscreen deal before heading out to the beach? You should buy the Super Shield Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen by Babo Botanicals. This brand offers a set of two 0.60-ounce bottles, which is ideal for family trips. On the other hand, if you’re going solo, you can buy a pack of one.
This sunscreen contains a mineral-based formula, where the main active ingredient is Zinc Oxide. You don’t have to worry about your sensitive skin because it doesn’t use Oxybenzone and Octinoxate as ingredients.
The Super Shield Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen doesn’t only protect the skin from undesirable UVB and UVA rays. It also protects the coral reefs because it uses safe ingredients, providing it a win-win situation.
Customers enjoy surfing despite staying under the sun for long hours since the effect can last for 80 minutes. You can expect lower instances of allergic reactions because of its skin-friendly content, which makes it suitable for kids or babies.
Comfort is another edge of this sunscreen because it features a lightweight texture. It doesn’t give a greasy or tacky feeling to the skin despite staying under the sun for long hours. Nothing will disturb you in the middle for an excellent performance.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comes with Nutri-Soothe Complex | The substance is not clear |
| Ideal for babies | Has an unpleasant odor |
8. Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen by Blue Lizard – Best in Packaging
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, and Titanium Dioxide
- SPF: 30+
- Water-Resistance: 40 minutes
- Available Sizes: 3 ounces, 5 ounces, 8.75 ounces, and 128 ounces
- Best for Adults, Young Adults, and Kids
The Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen by Blue Lizard uses the most advanced technology for its packaging. It features the Smart Bottle Technology, which changes the color to blue if the UV light is harmful. It’s an exceptional reminder to reapply when necessary.
You can expect full skin protection because it comes with mineral-based ingredients, including Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Aside from these, other contents include Vitamin E, beeswax, purified water, and stearic acid. You’ll love it even more because it’s dermatologist-tested.
When it comes to longevity, the Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen by Blue Lizard can last for 40 minutes. It will let you enjoy your time in the water without interruptions. Also, if your kid has sensitive skin, you can count on this sunscreen because it’s paraben-free.
Another exceptional advantage of this sunscreen is that it’s free from undesirable odors. You’ll find relief in applying it on your skin because it’s like a lotion. Moreover, it doesn’t only protect your skin, but also the marine ecosystem.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Color-changing bottle as UV light meter | Only lasts for 40 minutes |
| Odor-less | Can cause acne |
9. Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport – Best Entry-Level Sunscreen for Surfers
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide and Purified Water
- SPF: 50+
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 6 ounces
- Best for Adults and Young Adults
The Sunscreen SPF 50+ by Thinksport is one of the reliable sunscreen brands because of its broad spectrum. It can protect your skin from unsafe UVB and UVA rays without causing any allergic reactions.
It doesn’t disappoint when it comes to comfort because of is oil-free and sticky-free. All you need is to apply it on your skin 15 minutes before surfing, and you can expect this sunscreen to last for 80 minutes. It also has an exceptional water-resistant advantage, which is also ideal for sweating.
You can assure that the Sunscreen SPF 50+ uses mineral-based contents, wherein Non-Nano Zinc Oxide is an active ingredient. It’s ideal for surfers with sensitive skin because it’s free from Paraben, Avobenzone, and Oxybenzone.
Aside from safe ingredients, it’s a quality sunscreen with a reasonable price in the market. The 6-ounce size is enough to protect you for the day, even if you reapply every 2 hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Absorbs quickly for immediate sun exposure | Causes skin to dry |
| Oxybenzone-free | Not vegan-free |
10. SPF 50+ Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen by Ethical Zinc – Best Sunscreen for the Ocean
Specifications
- Main Ingredients: Natural Zinc Oxide, White Beeswax, and Coconut Oil
- SPF: 50+
- Water-Resistance: 80 minutes
- Available Sizes: 3.4 ounces
- Best for: Kids, Young Adults, and Adults
If you’re concerned about marine wildlife, you should consider The SPF 50+ Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen by Ethical Zinc because it’s free from harmful ingredients that are undesirable for coral reefs.
This sunscreen uses natural zinc oxide, which makes it safer for children’s sensitive skin. Aside from it, some of its ingredients include coconut oil, white beeswax, medium-chain triglycerides, and castor oil. Despite the unavailability of damaging content, this sunscreen doesn’t fail to provide exceptional protection.
The SPF 50+ Natural Clear Zinc Sunscreen keeps the skin from UVB and UVA rays. All you need is to apply it 15 minutes before you go out from the shade and reapply it every 2 hours. You’ll love how the effect can last for 80 minutes.
This sunscreen uses convenient packaging for easy squeezing. It’s not a hassle to apply it on the skin because it dries quickly. Also, the substance doesn’t look like typical sunscreen lotions because it’s clear.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses ocean-friendly ingredients | Can provide a sticky sometimes |
| Clear substance | Difficult to remove |
Top Pick – Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by TropicSport
The Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 by TropicSport is the top pick for finding the best sunscreen for surfing.
The packaging leaves an exceptional impression on surfers. The design is appealing, and the structure is handy. It’s also versatile as it’s best for any member of the family, especially kids. It’s also the best family set because you can choose from the different sizes available.
One of the best advantages of this sunscreen is the eco-friendly ingredients that are both safe on human skin and coral reefs. It’s free from Octinoxate and Oxybenzone, wherein these chemicals are a threat to marine wildlife.
Surfers can guarantee protection from dangerous UVB or UVA rays, and it’s long-lasting as they can protect the skin for 80 minutes to 240 minutes. As you reapply every after 2 hours, you can assure the best protection under the sun.
Skin Protection is not the only thing it can provide. The content also includes moisturizing agents to prevent your skin from drying, especially during long exposure.
If you need reliable sunscreen for your surfing times, you should consider this brand. You can assure optimal protection under the sun for over 2 hours. Also, reef-friendly ingredients are the added factor in why it’s one of the famous brands for surfers.
Getting the Best Sunscreen for Surfing – Buyers Guide
There are numerous options available on the internet, which can leave you undecided when it comes to sunscreens. You can even find reliable brands in malls. On the other hand, before you buy any brand, here’s a buying guide to consider.
Broad Spectrum Protection
You need to look for brands that provide exceptional protection against UVB and UVA rays because you’re under the scorching sun most of the time. As you browse for items, each brand states the Sun Protection Factor or SPF level.
Each level has an equivalent percentage of how much protection it can provide to you. If you’re going out to surf, make sure your sunscreen lotions have at least an SPF 30 or more than SPF 50. Higher-level means better protection, but you can stick to this recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Water-Resistance
A sunscreen with a lower water-resistance level is useless. You need to look for a brand that stays on the skin for long hours as you surf. If you are to choose between a higher SPF with lower water resistance over a lower SPF with higher water resistance, always pick the one with higher resistance.
Some sunscreen brands offer a 40-minute water resistance, which is workable if you’re not staying too long under the sun. However, if you’re enhancing your surfing skills, you’ll need something that will last for 80 minutes or more.
Lotions Over Sprays
Spray formulas are available these days, but these are not advisable for surfing. It’s better to stick with sunscreen lotions because these are more effective and safer. Spray types are risky, especially when you inhale them.
As you look for reliable sunscreen, the three factors are essential. Your sunscreen lotion should have SPF 50 level and 80-minute water resistance. It’s what you need to store all the time if you’re a casual surfer.
Reef-Friendly Lotions
Aside from organic ingredients, people are starting to appreciate sunscreen lotions with reef-friendly content. It’s not only safer for human skin, but it’s also safe for marine wildlife. In determining whether the item is reef-friendly or not, here are things to consider:
- There shouldn’t be any chemicals, like Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Homosalate. Once you see these ingredients in your sunscreen, even the smallest percentage, better stay away from areas with coral reefs.
- Titanium Dioxide comes with Zinc Oxide, yet it can’t stand alone as an active ingredient in sunscreen lotions. These should only be the main active ingredients in sunscreen lotion.
- It shouldn’t use Non-Nano particles because tiny particles can clog the pores of the coral reefs. Once these block the coral pores, it can lead to coral bleaching.
Some Benefits of Wearing Sunscreen
Everyone knows that we wear sunscreen to protect our skin from damaging UV rays. It blocks these rays from penetrating, which keeps us safe from sunburns. On the other hand, there are other reasons to keep in mind, such as the following benefits:
- Wearing sunscreen can reduce the risk of getting skin cancer. One of the frequent illnesses that you need to be aware of is Melanoma. It’s one of the worst types, and it’s common among women in their 20s.
- Sunscreens can prevent premature aging. Most people are conscious of aging. If you want to prevent fine lines or wrinkles, make it a habit to apply it whenever you expose your body to the sun.
- If you’re not a fan of tanning, sunscreens can save your day. Tan is not always healthy, because you’re exposing your skin to too many UV rays.
Conclusion
Not everyone appreciates sunscreen lotions because of the icky feeling they can sometimes give on our skin. However, it can provide us with a lot of advantages, wherein the main benefit is protection.
It’s not new for surfers to stay longer hours under the sun because it’s the only way they can practice and develop their surfing skills. If you’re an aspiring surfer, you should look for an exceptional sunscreen lotion that’ll protect you from UV rays.
You can consider these top brands if you can’t decide what to choose from numerous brands in the market. Some are ideal for water resistance. You can also find sunscreen lotions that are reef-friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Should I only wear sunscreen when I’m on the beach?
Q: What’s the best type of sunscreen I need to use for each body part?
Q; Can I still use the sunscreen I purchased last year?
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G’day, my name is Rach Taylor and I’m the proud Founder of Surf Hungry. I am a former Australian Olympic athlete and Australian representative surf sports athlete. I’ve worked in the surf industry and lived at many of Australia’s best surf spots, sparking a life-long love of the ocean and a passion for surf sports which also rubbed off on my two young sons! I am also lucky to spend a lot of ocean-time in my favorite second home, Indonesia. In addition to SurfHungry I have founded several other websites in my areas of passion, namely coffee and rock climbing, and am also a regular rowing content contributor.
