Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the waves are calling, and the sun is shining. You paddle out, ready for an epic surf session. But then, a nagging thought creeps in – is your sunscreen actually protecting you? Choosing the right surf sunscreen can feel like a daunting task, right? You want something that stays put through wipeouts and long sets, but you also don’t want to harm the ocean you love.
The truth is, not all sunscreens are created equal, especially when you’re spending hours in salty, choppy water. Many can wash off easily, leaving your skin vulnerable to harsh UV rays. Plus, some ingredients can be harmful to marine life, which is a big problem for surfers who care about the ocean. It’s a balancing act between serious sun protection and being kind to our planet.
That’s exactly why we’re diving deep into the world of surf sunscreen today. In this post, we’ll break down what you really need to look for. We’ll help you understand the labels, find reef-safe options, and discover the best formulas that will keep you protected, wave after wave. Get ready to say goodbye to sunburn and hello to worry-free surfing!
Our Top 5 Surf Sunscreen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Surf Sunscreen Detailed Reviews
1. Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for your next adventure with Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen! This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen offers maximum protection for your skin. It’s made with 98% organic ingredients and is unscented, making it a great choice for sensitive skin. The travel-size tin is perfect for your carry-on bag.
What We Like:
- Maximum Protection: This sunscreen uses safe zinc oxide to block the sun’s harmful rays. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, which is great for sensitive skin.
- Simple, Organic Ingredients: It’s made with just four natural ingredients: zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, and vitamin E. It’s free from chemicals and has no scent.
- Easy to Apply and Water Resistant: The sunscreen goes on smoothly and rubs in clear. It stays on for 80 minutes in water, so it’s perfect for swimming, surfing, and other water sports.
- Reef Safe and Travel Friendly: This sunscreen is safe for coral reefs and approved for travel in places like Mexico and Hawaii. The tin is biodegradable and convenient for travel.
- Sustainable Choice: It’s 98% organic, cruelty-free, and GMO-free. The packaging is made with recycled materials, and the product is made in the USA by a women-owned family business.
What Could Be Improved:
- Can leave a slight white cast on very deep skin tones if not rubbed in thoroughly.
- The tin packaging, while eco-friendly, might require more effort to open for some users, especially with wet hands.
This sunscreen is a fantastic, earth-friendly option for anyone who loves the outdoors. It protects your skin and our oceans.
2. SurfDurt Original Sunblock – Natural Sun Screen – Zinc Sunscreen – Reef Safe Sunscreen – Surf Sunscreen SPF 30 Sunscreen (Zombie White
Rating: 8.8/10
Get ready to hit the waves or just enjoy the sunshine with SurfDurt Original Sunblock! This “Zombie White” SPF 30 sunscreen is made with natural ingredients, so you can protect your skin and the ocean at the same time. It uses zinc oxide, which is good for you and doesn’t harm coral reefs. Plus, it smells great and feels good on your skin.
What We Like:
- It’s reef-safe and cruelty-free, meaning it’s kind to marine life and animals.
- It’s made with natural, food-grade ingredients like coconut, avocado, and jojoba oil, which are good for your skin.
- It offers broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays on while you swim or sweat.
- It’s produced in San Diego, California, using sustainably sourced ingredients.
- The “Zombie White” color is thick and spreadable, so you can easily see where you’ve applied it.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Zombie White” color might leave a noticeable white cast on some skin tones, which some people might not like.
- Being a thick, natural sunscreen, it might feel a bit heavy for those who prefer very light formulas.
SurfDurt Original Sunblock is a fantastic choice for anyone who wants effective sun protection that’s also good for the planet. It’s a sunscreen that truly cares.
3. 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: 8.6/10
Say hello to your new favorite sun shield! The Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick offers serious protection for your face and body. Designed in Australia for tough sun, this SPF 50+ stick is water-resistant and perfect for everyone, from little ones over 6 months to adults.
What We Like:
- It gives you SPF 50+ protection and stays on for over 4 hours even when wet.
- The “Bronze/Tan” shade blends in well with light skin tones for a natural look.
- It uses zinc oxide, which is a powerful mineral that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
- This sunscreen is super safe for kids, being paraben-free and gentle on sensitive skin.
- It’s great for all sorts of outdoor fun like going to the beach, playing sports, or skiing.
- It can even help cover up small skin imperfections.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “Bronze/Tan” shade might not be a perfect match for very fair or very deep skin tones.
- Being a stick, reapplying to large areas might take a little more time than a lotion.
This Sun Zapper stick is a reliable and versatile choice for anyone needing strong sun protection. It’s an excellent option for keeping your skin safe during all your outdoor adventures.
4. Vertra Pearl White Face Stick SPF 50+
Rating: 9.4/10
The Vertra Pearl White Face Stick SPF 50+ offers powerful sun protection in a convenient stick form. It’s designed to be your go-to for shielding your face from the sun’s harmful rays, whether you’re at the beach or running errands.
What We Like:
- It provides excellent UVA/UVB broad-spectrum sun protection with SPF 50+.
- The formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays put even when you sweat or swim.
- It has a semi-matte, non-greasy finish that feels comfortable on the skin and won’t leave you looking shiny.
- The stick is made with cosmetic-grade premium ingredients.
- It’s free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, which are common chemical sunscreen ingredients some people prefer to avoid.
- The “Pearl White” shade (formerly “Ghost Translucent”) blends well, making it easy to apply without a chalky look.
What Could Be Improved:
- The instructions mention careful handling to prevent the stick from falling out or getting stuck in the cap, which could be a bit tricky for some users.
- It’s important to reapply frequently, especially after swimming or sweating, which requires consistent attention.
This face stick is a fantastic option for anyone seeking reliable, easy-to-use sun protection. Its blend of effectiveness and a pleasant finish makes it a strong contender for your daily sun care routine.
5. 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: 9.2/10
Looking for a sunscreen that’s good for your skin and the planet? The Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick is a game-changer! This travel-friendly stick uses zinc to create a barrier that blocks the sun’s rays. It’s designed to sit on top of your skin, leaving a nice matte finish. Plus, it’s water-resistant and packed with Vitamin E for extra skin protection. It’s also made without Octinoxate and Oxybenzone, so it’s compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Act, meaning it’s safer for coral reefs.
What We Like:
- Mineral-based with SPF 50 for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
- Leaves a clean, natural, and matte finish on the skin.
- Chemical-free formula, made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone, making it reef-friendly.
- Enriched with Zinc Oxide for effective sun protection.
- Gluten-free and cruelty-free.
- Easy to use, roll-on stick format is perfect for travel and on-the-go application.
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
What Could Be Improved:
- A white tint is normal, but some users might prefer a completely invisible application.
- The 0.45 oz size might need frequent reapplication for extended outdoor activities.
This Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Face Stick is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking effective, mineral-based sun protection that’s gentle on your skin and the environment. Trust the Bum for a fun, clean day in the sun!
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your Perfect Surf Sunscreen
Hitting the waves is awesome! But the sun can be tough on your skin. That’s why you need good surf sunscreen. This guide helps you pick the best one to protect you while you catch waves.
1. Key Features to Look For
Broad Spectrum Protection
This is super important. It means the sunscreen protects you from two types of sun rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays age your skin, and UVB rays cause sunburn. You want both covered!
High SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF tells you how much protection you get from UVB rays. For surfing, aim for SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50 is even better for extra protection when you’re out for a long time.
Water Resistance
You’ll be in the water a lot! Look for “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant.” This means the sunscreen stays on your skin for a certain amount of time (usually 40 or 80 minutes) even when wet.
Reef-Safe Ingredients
Many sunscreens have chemicals that can hurt coral reefs. If you care about the ocean, choose a “reef-safe” sunscreen. These usually use mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
2. Important Materials
Mineral Sunscreens
These use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They sit on top of your skin and block the sun’s rays. Many people like them because they are often considered safer for the environment.
Chemical Sunscreens
These absorb the sun’s rays and change them into heat. Common ingredients include oxybenzone and octinoxate. Some of these chemicals can be bad for coral reefs, so check the labels.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Good for Quality
- Stays on: A sunscreen that doesn’t wash off easily in the water is high quality.
- Doesn’t sting eyes: Surf sunscreen can get in your eyes. Good ones don’t sting.
- Easy to apply: A smooth lotion or stick makes putting it on quick and easy.
- Moisturizing: Some sunscreens can also help keep your skin from drying out.
Bad for Quality
- Washes off easily: If it comes off in the first few minutes of being in the water, it’s not good.
- Greasy feeling: Some sunscreens feel too heavy or greasy on your skin.
- White cast: Mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white look on your skin, but newer formulas are better.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How it Feels
Most surfers want a sunscreen that feels light and not sticky. It should spread easily and not feel like a thick layer on your face or body. Some people prefer a matte finish, while others don’t mind a little shine.
When to Use It
- Before surfing: Always put sunscreen on at least 15-20 minutes before you go out.
- During surfing: Reapply every two hours, or more often if you sweat a lot or towel off.
- After surfing: Even after surfing, your skin might still be exposed to the sun. Keep using it if you’re still outside.
- For other water sports: This sunscreen is also great for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and any other activity where you’re in the sun and water.
Choosing the right surf sunscreen means you can enjoy the waves without worrying about sunburn or harming the ocean. Happy surfing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in surf sunscreen?
A: The most important thing is broad-spectrum protection and a high SPF (30 or more) that is also water-resistant.
Q: Are mineral sunscreens better for surfing?
A: Mineral sunscreens are often better for the environment because they are reef-safe. They also work well for protection.
Q: How often should I reapply surf sunscreen?
A: You should reapply it every two hours, and also after swimming or sweating a lot.
Q: Can I use regular sunscreen for surfing?
A: Regular sunscreen might wash off easily in the water. Surf sunscreen is made to stay on longer.
Q: What does “reef-safe” mean?
A: “Reef-safe” means the sunscreen does not have chemicals that can harm coral reefs.
Q: Does surf sunscreen sting my eyes?
A: Some sunscreens can sting. Look for ones that are specifically made not to irritate your eyes.
Q: What SPF should I use for surfing?
A: SPF 30 or higher is recommended for surfing. SPF 50 offers even more protection.
Q: How do I apply surf sunscreen effectively?
A: Apply it evenly to all exposed skin about 15-20 minutes before going into the water.
Q: Can I use sunscreen on my face and body?
A: Yes, you can use surf sunscreen on both your face and body for complete protection.
Q: What if I have sensitive skin?
A: If you have sensitive skin, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are often a good 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.