Ever felt the sting of sunburn after a long day catching waves? It’s a common surfer’s tale, and one we’re here to help you avoid. The sun is your constant companion in the ocean, and while it fuels your passion for surfing, it also poses a real threat to your skin.
But choosing the right sunscreen for surfing isn’t as easy as it sounds. You need something that stays on in the water, protects you from harsh UV rays, and doesn’t feel greasy or clog your pores. It’s a balancing act, and finding that perfect formula can feel like searching for the ultimate wave – sometimes frustratingly difficult.
This blog post is your secret weapon. We’ll break down exactly what makes a sunscreen “surf-ready” and guide you through the confusing world of ingredients and labels. By the time you finish reading, you’ll know how to pick a sunscreen that keeps you protected, comfortable, and ready to paddle out, wave after wave. Let’s dive in and find the best protection for your skin!
Our Top 5 Surfing Sunscreen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Surfing Sunscreen 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: 9.4/10
The Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick in Bronze/Tan is a game-changer for sun protection, especially for those with lighter skin tones. Designed in Australia, this SPF 50+ stick offers serious defense against the sun’s harsh rays, making it ideal for all your outdoor adventures.
What We Like:
- It provides excellent SPF 50+ protection and is water-resistant for over 4 hours, perfect for beach days or sports.
- The light skin tone formula blends in without leaving a white cast, giving you a natural look.
- This mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide to block both UVA and UVB rays, offering powerful and gentle protection.
- It’s safe and kid-friendly for children over 6 months, being paraben-free and suitable for sensitive skin.
- The stick format makes it super easy to apply to your face and body, and it’s great for athletes and outdoor lovers.
- It can even help cover minor skin imperfections, adding a little extra benefit to your routine.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it blends well for light skin tones, individuals with very deep skin tones might find it leaves a slight residue.
- The 12g size is convenient for portability, but might run out quickly for frequent or heavy users.
This Sun Zapper sunscreen stick is a reliable and effective way to protect your skin. It’s a fantastic option for anyone who spends time outdoors and needs strong, gentle sun defense.
2. Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for your next adventure with Badger Biodegradable Reef Safe Sunscreen! This SPF 50 mineral sunscreen offers maximum protection with 98% organic ingredients. It’s unscented and water-resistant, making it perfect for sports and travel. Plus, it comes in a convenient travel-size tin.
What We Like:
- It provides strong sun protection with safe zinc oxide.
- The formula uses only 4 simple, organic ingredients.
- It’s great for sensitive skin and is hypoallergenic.
- The sunscreen rubs in clear and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
- It’s reef-safe, meaning it won’t harm coral reefs.
- The travel-size tin is perfect for your carry-on bag.
- It’s made with sustainable, plastic-free packaging.
- The product is cruelty-free, GMO-free, and gluten-free.
- It’s made in the USA by a women-owned family business.
What Could Be Improved:
- The tin packaging might be a bit small for extended trips.
This sunscreen is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the outdoors and cares about the environment. You can feel good about protecting your skin and the planet.
3. Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+
Rating: 8.6/10
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+ is your new go-to for sunny days. This sunscreen is made for active people. It protects your face from the sun, even when you’re sweating or swimming. It’s also good for your skin and won’t clog your pores.
What We Like:
- Super high SPF 70+ protection guards against sunburn and aging rays.
- It stays on your skin for 80 minutes, even with sweat and water.
- This sunscreen is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, making it eco-friendly.
- It’s oil-free, so it won’t cause breakouts or feel greasy.
- The small bottle is perfect for travel and fits easily in your bag.
- It helps keep your skin balanced and feeling fresh.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find it a little thick to spread.
- The scent, while mild, might not be for everyone.
This Neutrogena sunscreen offers top-notch protection for your face during any activity. It’s a smart choice for keeping your skin safe and healthy under the sun.
4. Sun Bum SPF 50 Face Cream Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide – Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Facial Sunscreen with Vitamin E – Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) – Travel Friendly – 1 oz
Rating: 8.9/10
Get ready for sunny days with Sun Bum’s SPF 50 Face Cream. This sunscreen is designed to protect your face from the sun’s rays. It’s made with zinc oxide, which is a mineral that forms a barrier on your skin. Plus, it smells like summer, making sun protection a little more enjoyable.
What We Like:
- It offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, keeping your skin safe.
- The formula is moisturizing and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores.
- It’s Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant, meaning it’s better for the ocean.
- This sunscreen is free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, which are chemicals that can harm coral reefs.
- It’s also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and paraben-free.
- The travel-friendly size makes it easy to take with you anywhere.
- It’s water-resistant, so it stays on even when you sweat or swim.
What Could Be Improved:
- It needs to be reapplied every 2 hours for the best protection.
- You should avoid getting it in your eyes.
This Sun Bum sunscreen is a reliable choice for protecting your face. It’s a great way to stay safe while enjoying the outdoors.
5. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick with Zinc Oxide
Rating: 9.2/10
Battling the sun’s rays without irritating your skin is now easier with the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick. This handy stick offers powerful SPF 50 protection, perfect for those with delicate skin.
What We Like:
- It uses only Zinc Oxide, making it gentle for sensitive skin.
- It provides broad-spectrum protection, blocking 98% of UVB rays.
- The formula is free of parabens and fragrances, which is great for sensitive skin.
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it stays put while you swim or sweat.
- The reef-friendly formula avoids ingredients harmful to coral reefs.
- It’s easy to apply, making sunscreen a breeze, even on the go.
What Could Be Improved:
- The stick format can sometimes leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
- The small size means you might need to reapply more frequently during long outdoor sessions.
This Blue Lizard sunscreen stick is a solid choice for anyone seeking gentle, effective sun protection. It offers peace of mind for sensitive skin and is kind to our oceans.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Sunscreen for Surfers
Surfing is an amazing sport, but the sun can be tough on your skin. You need sunscreen that stays on when you’re in the water and protects you from the sun’s strong rays. This guide helps you pick the best surfing sunscreen.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re choosing sunscreen for surfing, keep these important features in mind:
Water Resistance
This is super important. Surfing means you’ll be in and out of the water a lot. Look for sunscreens that say “water-resistant” or “very water-resistant.” This means they stay on your skin for a certain amount of time even when wet. Usually, they last for 40 or 80 minutes.
Broad Spectrum Protection
The sun sends out different types of rays. You need sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays age your skin, and UVB rays cause sunburn. “Broad spectrum” on the label means it protects against both.
High SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
SPF tells you how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays. For surfing, a higher SPF is better. Aim for SPF 30 or higher. SPF 50 offers even more protection.
Non-Greasy Formula
You don’t want sunscreen that feels sticky or greasy. A good surfing sunscreen will be easy to put on and won’t feel heavy on your skin. This helps you stay comfortable while you surf.
Important Materials
Sunscreen uses different ingredients to protect your skin.
Mineral Sunscreens (Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide)
These are often called “physical sunscreens.” They sit on top of your skin and block the sun’s rays like a shield. They are usually good for sensitive skin and are generally considered reef-safe. Many surfers prefer these because they are less likely to irritate the skin.
Chemical Sunscreens
These sunscreens absorb UV rays and turn them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Common ingredients include oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. While effective, some of these chemicals can be harmful to coral reefs. Always check if a sunscreen is labeled “reef-safe” if this is a concern for you.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some things make sunscreen better, while others can make it worse.
What Improves Quality
- Long-lasting formulas: Sunscreens designed for sports will stay on your skin longer.
- Easy application: A sunscreen that spreads easily without leaving white streaks is more pleasant to use.
- Reef-safe ingredients: If you care about the ocean, choose sunscreens that don’t harm coral reefs.
What Reduces Quality
- Greasy or sticky feel: This can be uncomfortable and might not stay on as well.
- Sunscreen that washes off easily: If it comes off the moment you hit the water, it’s not doing its job.
- Ingredients that can hurt marine life: Some chemicals are bad for the ocean.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use sunscreen and how it feels matters.
Application
Surfing sunscreen often comes in sticks or creams. Sticks are great for your face because they are easy to apply precisely to your nose, cheeks, and ears. Creams are good for larger areas like your arms and legs. Make sure to apply it about 15 minutes before you go out in the sun so it has time to work.
During Surfing
A good surfing sunscreen will not sting your eyes if you sweat. It will stay put through waves and paddling. You should reapply it after swimming or if you’ve been out of the water for a while, even if it’s water-resistant.
After Surfing
You want sunscreen that washes off easily with soap and water. Some heavy formulas can be hard to remove completely, which might clog pores.
Choosing the right sunscreen is key to enjoying your surf sessions safely and comfortably. Protect your skin, protect the ocean, and have fun catching waves!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important thing to look for in surfing sunscreen?
A: The most important thing is water resistance, so it stays on your skin in the ocean.
Q: Should I use mineral or chemical sunscreen for surfing?
A: Both can work. Mineral sunscreens are often preferred because they are generally reef-safe and good for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are also effective but check if they are reef-safe.
Q: How often should I reapply sunscreen when surfing?
A: Reapply every two hours, or more often if you towel off or swim for long periods.
Q: What does SPF 30 mean?
A: SPF 30 means it blocks about 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher SPF blocks slightly more.
Q: Can I use regular sunscreen for surfing?
A: Regular sunscreen might wash off too easily. Sunscreens made for sports or surfing are better because they are designed to stay on longer.
Q: Does sunscreen protect against UVA and UVB rays?
A: Look for “broad spectrum” on the label. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Q: What does “reef-safe” mean?
A: It means the sunscreen does not contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs.
Q: How do I apply sunscreen stick for surfing?
A: Apply it directly to your face and other exposed areas. It’s easy to get good coverage on your nose and cheeks.
Q: Will sunscreen sting my eyes when I surf?
A: Some sunscreens can sting. Look for formulas that are specifically designed not to run into your eyes.
Q: How do I remove surfing sunscreen after I’m done?
A: Use a gentle cleanser or soap and water. Make sure to wash it off thoroughly.
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.