Imagine this: You’re catching the perfect wave, the sun is shining, and you’re feeling amazing. But then, a few hours later, your skin starts to feel tight, red, and ouchy. That’s the sun’s powerful rays at work! For surfers, protecting our skin from the sun isn’t just about looking good; it’s about staying healthy and enjoying every moment in the ocean.
Choosing the right sunscreen for surfing can be a real challenge. There are so many brands and types out there, and it’s tough to know which ones will actually stay on your face while you’re paddling and wiping out. You want something that blocks the sun effectively, doesn’t sting your eyes, and feels comfortable on your skin, even when it’s hot and sweaty. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and frustrated when you can’t find a sunscreen that truly works for your surf sessions.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down exactly what you need to look for in a sunscreen for surfing. You’ll learn about the best ingredients, what makes a sunscreen “reef-safe,” and tips for applying it so it actually stays put. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident picking out a sunscreen that keeps your skin protected and lets you focus on catching more waves.
Our Top 5 Sunscreen For Surfing Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Sunscreen For Surfing Detailed Reviews
1. Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick – SPF 50+ Water Resistant – Light Skin Tone (Bronze/Tan) – 12g (0.42 Oz) – For Face & Body – Adults & Kids – Made in Australia
Rating: 8.8/10
Meet the Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick, your new go-to for serious sun protection! This Australian-made stick offers SPF 50+ and is water-resistant, meaning it stays put during all your adventures. It’s designed to shield you from the sun’s harsh rays, making it ideal for everyone from beach lovers to athletes.
What We Like:
- Superior Protection: SPF 50+ gives you strong defense against UV rays and is water-resistant for over 4 hours.
- Natural Look: The light skin tone (Bronze/Tan) blends in smoothly, leaving no white cast, perfect for a natural appearance.
- Gentle Formula: It’s mineral-based with zinc oxide, which is great for sensitive skin, including kids over 6 months.
- Built for Adventure: This stick is perfect for swimming, sports, skiing, and any outdoor fun.
- Kid-Approved: It’s paraben-free and safe for delicate skin, giving parents peace of mind.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited Shade Options: Currently, it’s designed for light skin tones, so those with deeper skin might not find a perfect match.
- Stick Format: While convenient, reapplying to larger body areas can take a little longer than with lotions.
This Sun Zapper stick offers fantastic protection and a natural finish for active lifestyles. It’s a reliable shield against the sun for the whole family.
2. Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick Sunscreen – Water-Resistant Broad Spectrum Sunscreen with Vitamin E – Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) – Travel Friendly 0.45 oz
Rating: 8.7/10
The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick Sunscreen is a game-changer for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. It’s a natural, zinc-based sunscreen that sits on top of your skin to block harmful UVA/UVB rays. This means you get broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection without any harsh chemicals. It’s also water-resistant and made with Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. Plus, it’s Hawaii 104 Act compliant, meaning it’s made without octinoxate and oxybenzone, so it’s better for the environment. The travel-friendly size makes it easy to toss in your bag or pocket for protection on the go.
What We Like:
- It’s a mineral sunscreen that uses zinc to protect your skin.
- It provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection against UVA/UVB rays.
- The formula is lightweight, silky, and leaves a matte finish.
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, perfect for swimming or sweating.
- The stick format makes it super easy to apply, especially on your face.
- It’s made without octinoxate and oxybenzone, making it reef-friendly and better for the planet.
- The sunscreen is enriched with Vitamin E and is gluten and cruelty-free.
- It’s travel-friendly and easy to carry around.
- A white tint is normal and shows it’s working to protect your skin.
What Could Be Improved:
- The white tint, while normal, might be noticeable on some skin tones.
- Reapplication is necessary every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.
This Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick is a fantastic choice for effective and eco-friendly sun protection. It’s easy to use, feels great on your skin, and keeps you protected wherever your adventures take you.
3. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide
Rating: 9.3/10
Sun protection is super important, and the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick is a great option, especially if you have sensitive skin. This stick uses only zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s designed to be gentle, so it won’t cause irritation. Plus, it offers strong SPF 50 protection and is water-resistant, making it ideal for all your adventures.
What We Like:
- It uses only zinc oxide, which is great for sensitive skin.
- It provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection, blocking 98% of UVB rays.
- The formula is free of parabens and fragrances, making it extra gentle.
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays on when you sweat or swim.
- It’s reef-friendly, meaning it doesn’t contain ingredients that can harm coral reefs.
- The stick makes it really easy to apply, even on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 0.5 oz size might run out quickly if you use it frequently or share it.
- As a mineral sunscreen, it might leave a slight white cast on some skin tones, though this is common with zinc oxide-based products.
Overall, this sunscreen stick is a fantastic choice for anyone needing reliable, gentle sun protection. It’s a smart buy for keeping your skin safe and healthy.
4. Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen
Rating: 9.1/10
Protect your skin and the planet with Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen. This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen offers maximum sun protection while using 98% organic ingredients. It’s unscented and water-resistant, making it ideal for all your adventures, especially water sports. The convenient travel-size tin is perfect for your carry-on bag.
What We Like:
- Maximum Protection: Safe zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection against sunburn and skin damage.
- Pure & Simple Ingredients: Made with just four organic ingredients: zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E.
- Gentle Formula: Unscented and hypoallergenic, it’s great for sensitive skin.
- Easy to Apply & Water-Resistant: The light, sunflower-based formula rubs in clear and stays put for 80 minutes in water.
- Reef-Friendly Travel Size: Free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, it’s approved for travel in places like Mexico and Hawaii.
- Sustainable Choice: Plastic-free packaging (50% PCR tube), cruelty-free, GMO-free, gluten-free, and made in the USA by a women-owned family business.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it rubs in clear, some users might find mineral sunscreens require a bit more effort to blend completely compared to chemical sunscreens.
This sunscreen is a fantastic option for anyone seeking effective, natural, and eco-conscious sun protection. It’s a product you can feel good about using.
5. Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen
Rating: 8.7/10
We tried the Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen, Unscented SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen, and it’s a game-changer for sun protection! This sunscreen is designed to keep you safe from the sun’s rays while being kind to the environment. It’s perfect for a day at the beach, hitting the surf, or just enjoying the outdoors.
What We Like:
- It offers effective mineral sun protection with zinc oxide, shielding your skin from sunburn and damage.
- The broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection is great for sensitive skin.
- It’s made with 98% organic ingredients, including sunflower oil and beeswax, making it nourishing.
- The formula is unscented and hypoallergenic, which is fantastic for sensitive noses and skin.
- It’s easy to apply and rubs in clear, so no chalky white residue.
- The sunscreen is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, ideal for active days.
- It’s reef-friendly and approved for use in Hawaii and Mexico, meaning it won’t harm coral reefs.
- The product is sustainable, being cruelty-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free.
- It comes in a tube made from recycled plastic, and the company uses solar power for production in the USA.
- It’s from a women-owned family business, which is always a plus!
What Could Be Improved:
- While it rubs in clear, like many mineral sunscreens, a very small amount of rubbing might be needed to ensure no white cast on darker skin tones.
- The 2.9 fl oz size, while good for travel, might run out quickly for families or those who use a lot of sunscreen.
Overall, Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen is a top-notch choice for anyone seeking effective, natural, and environmentally conscious sun protection.
The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen for Surfing
Surfing is awesome. You get to ride waves and be in the ocean. But the sun is strong out there. You need good sunscreen to protect your skin. This guide will help you pick the best sunscreen for your surf sessions.
Why Surfing Needs Special Sunscreen
Sunscreen for surfing needs to be tough. It stays on your skin when you’re in the water. It also protects you from the sun’s rays for a long time. Regular sunscreen might wash off easily.
Key Features to Look For
Water Resistance
This is the most important thing. Look for sunscreen that says “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant.” This means it will stay on your skin even when you’re swimming and sweating.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
Your sunscreen should protect you from two types of sun rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays cause aging. UVB rays cause sunburn. Broad-spectrum means it blocks both.
High SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF tells you how well sunscreen protects you from UVB rays. For surfing, aim for SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50 is even better for extra protection.
Reef-Safe Ingredients
Many sunscreens have chemicals that can hurt coral reefs. If you care about the ocean, choose “reef-safe” or “reef-friendly” sunscreen. These use mineral ingredients instead.
Important Materials (Ingredients)
Mineral Sunscreens
These sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on top of your skin and block the sun’s rays. They are often better for sensitive skin and are reef-safe.
Chemical Sunscreens
These sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays. Ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate are common. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to marine life.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good Quality
- Non-Greasy Formula: A sunscreen that doesn’t feel too oily makes you more comfortable.
- Easy to Apply: Sunscreen should spread smoothly. Sticks and creams are usually easy to put on.
- Long-Lasting: Good sunscreen stays on for a few hours before you need to reapply.
Poor Quality
- Washes Off Easily: If it comes off with just a little water, it’s not good for surfing.
- Leaves a White Cast: Some mineral sunscreens can leave a white or ashy look on your skin.
- Irritates Skin: If sunscreen stings your eyes or makes your skin red, it’s not the right one for you.
User Experience and Use Cases
Applying Sunscreen
Put sunscreen on 15-20 minutes before you go outside. Cover all exposed skin. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet. For extra protection, use a sunscreen stick for your face. It’s easier to apply and stays put.
During Your Surf Session
Even with water-resistant sunscreen, you should reapply it every two hours. You also need to reapply after swimming for a long time or if you towel off.
Who Should Use It?
Anyone who surfs or spends time in the sun needs sunscreen. Surfers are in the sun for hours, often with water splashing them. This means they need strong protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What SPF should I use for surfing?
A: For surfing, you should use SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50 offers even better protection.
Q: Is mineral sunscreen better for surfing?
A: Mineral sunscreens are often a good choice for surfing because they are generally reef-safe and less likely to irritate sensitive skin.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen when surfing?
A: You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you swim for a long time or towel off.
Q: What does “water-resistant” mean for sunscreen?
A: Water-resistant sunscreen means it stays on your skin for a certain amount of time when you are in water, usually 40 or 80 minutes.
Q: Can I use regular sunscreen for surfing?
A: While you can, regular sunscreen might not be as effective because it can wash off more easily in the water.
Q: Are there any sunscreens that are bad for the ocean?
A: Yes, some chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate can harm coral reefs.
Q: Should I put sunscreen on my face or body?
A: You should put sunscreen on all exposed skin, including your face, neck, arms, and legs.
Q: What is broad-spectrum protection?
A: Broad-spectrum protection means the sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays.
Q: How do I choose a sunscreen stick for my face?
A: Look for a stick that is easy to apply, water-resistant, and contains broad-spectrum protection, preferably with mineral ingredients.
Q: What if I have sensitive skin?
A: If you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are usually the best choice.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.