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When you are going out to surf, you have your wetsuit on, your board is nice and cleaned and waxed. But you forgot one important thing: sunscreen! There is no shade when you are out surfing, not to mention that you are surrounded by water. Wondering what is the best sunscreen for surfers? I have tested and reviewed all 12 of these sunscreens just for you!
1. Best Overall – Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Lotion
- Volume: 8 fl oz.
- Scent: Original scent; smells like summer
Description
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a moisturizing sunscreen that protects you from all the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Protect yourself from the sun and Trust the Bum!
Features
Moisturizing: feel your skin rejuvenated and moisturized even after you are done surfing.
Hypoallergenic: vegan products, gluten-free, and retinyl palmitate-free for no adverse effect on the skin.
Long-lasting: lasts 80 minutes and should be reapplied every 2 hours for best sun protection.
How to use
When you are using a lotion or cream sunscreen, this is how you apply:
- Put the sunscreen on the back of your hand
- Take a bit of it and then apply it to your forehead generously
- Then apply more to your cheeks, face, nose
- Don’t forget to apply to the neck, nape, behind the ears, and very lightly on the lips
- Apply a thin layer on the back of your hands and rub it all over there
- Apply a thin layer over your exposed feet, not on your soles mind you
- Take a towel and wipe off any excess cream from your palms
- Look in a mirror or your front-facing camera to see if you have got all the areas
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the skin to fully absorb the sunscreen before you hit the waves
- (Optional) If you don’t have a wet suit, make sure you apply it to the rest of your body. Have a friend help apply it on your back very generously!
Expert Verdict
When Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion says to trust the bum, you should trust it! It is one of the best sunscreens out there for surfers! It has great water resistance so it will stay on your skin for the full 80 minutes you have it on after it has been absorbed into the skin. Then you have the fact it uses vegan ingredients so you can be quite confident that you will have no reaction to it whatsoever! It’s reef-friendly which is always a plus to looking out for the environment. And the fact I felt my skin moisturized even after a day out in the sun is just a plus on plus! The only concern I will bring up is the scent. It could be quite strong for someone with a sensitive nose. But don’t worry, the smell will be gone before you even hit the waves! Checks all the boxes for the best overall sunscreen out there for surfers!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Moisturizing and keeps the skin moisturized for the whole day out in the sun | Smell overpowering (but won’t be there for long) |
| Good water resistance; lasts all 80 minutes | |
| Vegan-friendly ingredients for sensitive skin | |
| Reef friendly |
2. Best Biodegradable Surfing Sunscreen – Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All; even for sensitive skin
- Material Type: Cream
- Volume: 4 fl oz.
- Scent: Coconut
Description
Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 is a great sunscreen that uses a non-oily formula to produce one of the best biodegradable sunscreens out there!
Features
Biodegradable: safe for the environment, not just for the corals either
No residue: be sure that there will be no residue left on your face after use
Non-greasy formula: will not make your hands or feet slippery
How to use
As this is a mineral sunscreen, it will be a little different from other types of cream or lotion sunscreen, but not that much.
- Put the sunscreen on the back of your hand and spread it across
- Take a bit of it and then apply it to your forehead generously, rubbing well
- Then apply more to your cheeks, face, nose, and neck, making sure to blend it well on the skin
- Don’t forget to apply to the nape, behind the ears
- Apply a thin layer over your exposed feet and rub it thoroughly
- Take a towel and wipe off any excess cream from your palms
- Look at yourself to see that you have applied it all over
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for full absorption
- (Optional) If you don’t have a wet suit, make sure you apply it to the rest of your body. Have a friend help apply it on your back very generously!
Expert Verdict
When there is a product that not only works to keep the coral reefs safe but also the environment, there is none better than the Reef Repair Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50! It’s non-greasy so you can be sure that your hands and feet won’t be greasy while you are on your surfboard. The fact that it is a mineral sunscreen but it doesn’t leave a residue is what makes this even better! With the added coconut oil your skin is left moisturized even after being out in the sun so that’s great too. However, the consistency of the product makes it quite a challenge to evenly apply across your skin so take care to vigorously rub it in so it absorbs into the skin!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Biodegradable ingredients to protect the environment | Thick consistency makes it harder to apply an even layer over your skin |
| No residue | |
| Your hands and feet won’t feel slippery |
3. Best for Plant-Based – All Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Butter
Specification
- SPF: 50+
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Butter
- Volume: 1 ounce
- Scent: No smell
Description
Get the best out of the All Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Butter and all of its plant-based buttery goodness!
Features
Zinc oxide: blocks out UVA and UVB while sitting on top of your skin
Blends in well: suits most skin types
Beeswax: for that extra water resistance
How to use
This is a tinted sunscreen butter so it will be quite different from the others.
- Take one scoop for your forehead and apply evenly across
- Then take two finger scoop for your cheeks and chin
- Apply 2 tiny dots across your nose and rub them in well
- Make sure to get your neck and your nape, and don’t forget your ears!
- Apply 3 pea-sized dots on the back of your hand and your feet and rub them in continuously
- Use a dark-colored towel to wipe it off your palm
- Check the mirror to see if you have all your face nice and even layer of tint
Expert Verdict
When it comes to butter that is made from all plant-based iron oxides to protect your skin, you best believe the All Good Tinted Mineral Sunscreen Butter has got your back! It is nice and smooth so applying it over your face will be very easy if you rub it properly. The butter is nice and moisturizing and the beeswax helps to give more water resistance so be sure you won’t lose much sunscreen while out in the waves. The only downside is that it is tinted. That means it will stain any light color fabric so make sure that you have a dark wetsuit and are using a dark-colored towel to wash your face after you are done surfing.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Beeswax for extra water resistance | Tinted butter so it will stain light fabric |
| Plant-based oxides | |
| Very moisturizing |
4. Best for Light Skin – Sun Zapper Zinc Stick Mineral Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 50+
- Skin Type: Light Skin Tone
- Material Type: Stick
- Volume: 0.42 ounce
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get the stick on sunscreen with the Sun Zapper Zinc Stick Mineral Sunscreen! The best sunscreen you can use on light skin!
Features
On-stick application: simply rub the end of the stick on your face for an even application.
Zinc barrier: protect yourself from sunburns with the help of zinc on your face.
Very long-lasting: get up to 4 HOURS of sun protection!
How to use
For the stick application, it is very easy to apply with the following steps
- Open the cap and apply it across your cheeks over the nose and rub it over
- Use only a smooth stroke to apply it over the forehead and rub the sunscreen in
- Press on your cheeks and chin for 3 seconds and then rub it all over
- Press 3 dots across your neck and nape and spread them over
- Apply a light dot behind the ears and spread it all over
- Apply a light brush over your lips and gently smooth them over
- Look at a mirror and inspect to see if you have even layer across your whole face and neck
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes before hitting the waves
Expert Verdict
When you need sunscreen that will give you whooping 4 hours of sun protection, Sun Zapper Zinc Stick Mineral Sunscreen is just the right product for you! This is the best sunscreen to use for light skin tone as it will match your skin tone. Better yet, there are many different colors to choose from here so you can style your face to match your suit or board. The zinc oxide helps to create a barrier that will make sure that you won’t get any sunburn. The only problem is that not all of the product will be absorbed on the skin so it will stay on top of your face.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Long-lasting; up to 4 hours | Sits on your face; doesn’t absorb all of it |
| Multiple colors available | |
| No sunburn |
5. Best for Long Water Resistance – TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Lotion
- Volume: 6.5 fl oz.
- Scent: Lotion smell
Description
Get the best out of a long surf session with the TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30! Have it on even with the waves hitting your face.
Features
Non-nano zinc and titanium: help protect the coral reefs and you from the sun.
Great water resistance: doesn’t wash off easily.
How to use
- Put the sunscreen on the back of your hand and spread it across
- Take a bit of it and then apply it to your forehead lightly, rubbing well
- Then apply some to your cheeks, face, nose, and neck, making sure to blend it well on the skin
- Don’t forget to apply to the nape, behind the ears
- Apply a thin layer over your exposed feet and rub it thoroughly
- Take a towel and wipe off any excess cream from your palms
- Look at yourself to see that you have applied it all over
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for full absorption
- (Optional) If you don’t have a wet suit, make sure you apply it to the rest of your body. Have a friend help apply it on your back very generously!
Expert Verdict
When you are a surfer, you will be constantly clashing against the waves. This means that you need sunscreen that will last on your face for as long as possible. The TropicSport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is just what you need then! It won’t wear off no matter how many splashes of water you receive. The non-nano zinc and titanium oxide also means that you are both protecting your skin from sunburns and protecting the coral reefs! However, it is very thick it does leave a white cast on your face. It is also only SPF 30 rating. While that is still a good amount of protection from UV rays, for the amount of time that it is stated, I am not too sure you get full coverage from just a 30 rating. It is way better for the 80 minutes and needing to reapply every hour or two.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Doesn’t wear off from the waves | Very thick; stays on your skin |
| Great for the reefs | Only 30 SPF; not great for long-time exposure |
| Long-lasting |
6. Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreen – Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All; especially for sensitive skin
- Material Type: Cream
- Volume: 3 ounces
- Scent: Cream
Description
From the people that founded World Reef Day, comes the Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen! Enjoy the waves while also helping the planet!
Features
Sustainable material: from the packaging to the ingredients, all are sustainable materials that make this eco-friendly!
No white cast: very easy to apply and leaves no white cast on your face
Made for sensitive skin: no breakouts or hives
How to use
- Put the sunscreen on the back of your hand
- Take a bit of it and then apply it to your forehead generously
- Then apply more to your cheeks, face, nose
- Don’t forget to apply to the neck, nape, behind the ears, and very lightly on the lips
- Apply a thin layer on the back of your hands and rub it all over there
- Apply a thin layer over your exposed feet, not on your soles mind you
- Take a towel and wipe off any excess cream from your palms
- Look in a mirror or your front-facing camera to see if you have got all the areas
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the skin to fully absorb the sunscreen before you hit the waves
- (Optional) If you don’t have a wet suit, make sure you apply it to the rest of your body. Have a friend help apply it on your back very generously!
Expert Verdict
When you want to hit the waves and protect the environment just a little bit more, Raw Elements Face and Body Certified Natural Sunscreen have got your back! From the packaging to the ingredients used in the product, all are recyclable and do not harm the environment! The container can be reused for other purposes or you can safely recycle it too after cleaning it. What I found that was absolutely fantastic with this product was the fact that it caused no irritation and no breakout even after repeated applications! Certainly a product you can rely on to not leave a cast on your face too. It is on the greasier side so make sure to apply a little and then spread it all over your face.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Eco-friendly and sustainable | Greasy; best to apply as little as needed |
| Great for sensitive skin | |
| No white cast or residue on your face |
7. Best for Kids – Waxhead Reef Safe Sunscreen Stick
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Large sunscreen stick
- Volume: 3.7 ounces
- Scent: Vanilla
Description
Just the sunscreen you need for a large family with many kids, the Waxhead Reef Safe Sunscreen Stick is a large and safe to use for kids and babies with a nice vanilla smell.
Features
Safe for kids: don’t have to worry about your kid’s having sunburn with this product
Non-messy: makes no mess while on your face
Easy application: easy to apply and dries really quickly
How to use
- Open the cap and apply it across your cheeks over the nose and rub it over
- Use only a smooth stroke to apply it over the forehead and rub the sunscreen in
- Press on your cheeks and chin for 3 seconds and then rub it all over
- Press 3 dots across your neck and nape and spread them over
- Apply a light dot behind the ears and spread it all over
- Apply a light brush over your lips and gently smooth them over
- Look at a mirror and inspect to see if you have even layer across your whole face and neck
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes before hitting the waves
Expert Verdict
When you have a large family, it is important that you bring enough sunscreen for everyone. That is why the Waxhead Reef Safe Sunscreen Stick is easy to apply and great for your kids. The smell of vanilla will surely make your kids want to have it on their faces. The tinted version of this might be something that your kids could get all over their bodies. But this version is not tinted and doesn’t have cocoa which could be a concern for some people. You can be assured that your children will be safe in the sun with this product. However, this sunscreen has a tendency to melt in hotter temperatures so you need to have it in a cooler or it will be a mess.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply with dots | Melts at high temperatures; need to be kept in a cooler |
| Not messy at all | |
| Great for protection and water resistance |
8. Best for Anti-Aging – JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+
Specification
- SPF: 50+
- Skin Type: All; especially for matured skin
- Material Type: Cream
- Volume: 4 fl oz.
- Scent: Green tea
Description
Made with natural ingredients like green tea, pomegranate, and cucumber extract, enjoy the natural anti-aging goodness from JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+!
Features
Natural ingredients: all-natural extracts used in this product
Anti-aging: fade your wrinkles away on a day on the beach
How to use
- Put the sunscreen on the back of your hand
- Take a bit of it and then apply it to your forehead generously
- Then apply more to your cheeks, face, nose
- Don’t forget to apply to the neck, nape, behind the ears, and very lightly on the lips
- Apply a thin layer on the back of your hands and rub it all over there
- Apply a thin layer over your exposed feet, not on your soles mind you
- Take a towel and wipe off any excess cream from your palms
- Look in a mirror or your front-facing camera to see if you have got all the areas
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes for the skin to fully absorb the sunscreen before you hit the waves
- (Optional) If you don’t have a wet suit, make sure you apply it to the rest of your body. Have a friend help apply it on your back very generously!
Expert Verdict
The JACKET Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is one of those products that you can use even when you are not out surfing! Its anti-aging properties will be really helpful for everyday sun protection that makes your wrinkles more prominent. It is made from all-natural ingredients so that your skin stays safe and benefits from the natural anti-aging ingredients. What’s better, it is specifically designed for surfing too! Its water resistance and sunburn protection provide great coverage and can stop any age spots from appearing on your face too! The only problem is that it’s not really great when you have to reapply it after a couple of hours. It makes your face really crusty and feels tacky as a result.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Natural anti-aging ingredients | Not great reapplication |
| Built for sports and outdoor activities | |
| Continued use for anti-aging benefits; great for daily use once a day |
9. Best for Easy Use – All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: Normal
- Material Type: Spray; aerosol
- Volume: 6 ounces
- Scent: Slight smell
Description
Use one of the easiest sprays with a lock with the All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray! Easy application and an easier reapplication for a long day of surfing!
Features
Top lock nozzle: lock to avoid accidental discharge
Gentle spray: doesn’t harm the skin and is great for sensitive skin
No gas smell: doesn’t give off a strong smell
How to use
As this is a spray, you might think it’s completely different to apply but it really is quite similar to other ones in the list.
- Twist the nozzle to the left to unlock
- Shake it well
- Position spray 2-3 inches from your hand and spray it on there by pushing down the nozzle for two seconds
- Rub the sunscreen on your face and repeat steps 2-4 until you are fully covered, applying it lightly
- Twist the nozzle to the right to lock
Expert Verdict
When you have to reapply a quick bit of sunscreen right before the next wave comes, then you will definitely need the All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray! It’s fast and effective and you will be ready for the waves in 10 to 15 minutes after applying it to your face. Unlike other sunscreen sprays, it really is a gentle product that does not harm the and makes it nice and smooth. However, it does leave a noticeable white cast on your skin as a result, even after rubbing it a lot!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Gentle spray | Leaves a very noticeable white cast |
| No gas smell | |
| Fast setting |
10. Best for All Sport – MANDA Organic Sun Paste
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Butter paste
- Volume: 2.7 ounces
- Scent: slight chocolate and coconut smell
Description
Derive all the benefits of this paste-like sunscreen called the MANDA Organic Sun Paste! Designed for sports that involve water and sweat!
Features
Sweat resistance: be sure that sweat won’t wear out the sunscreen
Food-grade ingredients: usable on the lips
Quick set: for a paste, it is a very quick setting; needs only 20 minutes or so (which is fast for a butter or paste sunscreen)!
How to use
Much like the butter sunscreen, this one will have the same application
- Take one scoop for your forehead and apply evenly across
- Then take two finger scoop for your cheeks and chin
- Apply 2 tiny dots across your nose and rub them in well
- Apply a dot on the center of your lips and then spread it on the edges
- Make sure to get your neck and your nape, and don’t forget your ears!
- Apply 3 pea-sized dots on the back of your hand and your feet and rub them in continuously
- Use a towel to wipe it off your palm
- Check the mirror to see if you have all your face nice and even layer of tint
Expert Verdict
For any type of sport, be it surfing or running, be sure the MANDA Organic Sun Paste will be your perfect companion to keep you protected from the sun and sweat-free! It is one of the best sunscreens for any type of outdoor sport. Its great water resistance makes it very good for surfing and even better for sweat as well! For a paste that usually needs about 30 minutes, it dries and absorbs in your skin fairly quickly, taking about 15 to 20 minutes instead. Most people forget about the lips but this you can use on the lips without any problems thanks to its natural ingredients. However, it does leave the skin on your face feeling sticky so make sure that you wipe your palms well.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast setting | Sticky |
| Great for water and sweat resistance | |
| Safe for lips |
11. Best for Natural Ingredients – SurfDurt Original Reef Safe Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All
- Material Type: Paste
- Volume: 1.92 ounces
- Scent: Coconut
Description
A thick paste that is great for surfers, the SurfDurt Original Reef Safe Sunscreen is made up of natural ingredients to help you combat the waves!
Features
Natural minerals: a minerals sunscreen that uses all-natural minerals
Thick paste water resistance: great for surfers out in the waves
How to use
- Warm up on the back of your hand before applying by rubbing it there
- Apply it on your forehead and spread it evenly across
- Then take two finger scoop for your cheeks and chin
- Apply 2 tiny dots across your nose and rub them in well
- Make sure to get your neck and your nape, and don’t forget your ears!
- Apply 3 pea-sized dots on the back of your hand and your feet and rub them in continuously
- Use a towel to wipe it off your palm
- Check the mirror to see if you have all your face nice and even layer of tint
Expert Verdict
The SurfDurt Original Reef Safe Sunscreen is a great mineral sunscreen paste that is very water-resistant and works well to protect your skin from sunburns. It also makes for great water resistance so you can be sure that you enjoy 80 minutes of surfing without having to worry about the paste wearing out. However, it is so thick! You need to warm it up in your hands before you apply it on the face for sure!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Great water resistance | Very thick paste that is hard to blend on your face |
| Natural minerals that make for an eco-friendly product | |
| Recycled packaging |
12. Best for Travel Friendly – SALT & STONE SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: Normal
- Material Type: Stick
- Volume: 0.53 fl oz.
- Scent: A slight smell
Description
Travel anywhere with the SALT & STONE SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick! Travel-friendly and great for spot application too!
Features
Small size: carry it wherever you go
Great deodorant: a nice smell that works well for underarm
Quick drying: very quick and easy set
How to use
- Open the cap and apply it across your cheeks over the nose and rub it over
- Use only a smooth stroke to apply it over the forehead and rub the sunscreen in
- Press on your cheeks and chin for 3 seconds and then rub it all over
- Press 3 dots across your neck and nape and spread them over
- Apply a light dot behind the ears and spread it all over
- Apply a light brush over your lips and gently smooth them over
- Look at a mirror and inspect to see if you have even layer across your whole face and neck
- Wait 15 to 30 minutes before hitting the waves
Expert Verdict
When you have limited space or don’t want to carry around a large lotion bottle on your travels, then the SALT & STONE SPF 50 Tinted Sunscreen Stick is exactly what you are looking for! It is great and very easy to apply all over your face. Not only that, but it is a great deodorizer so you can be sweat-free all day long. It’s very quick drying so expect a quick application that won’t feel greasy at all! However, I felt it left a little too much residue after I was done on the day on the beach.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy to apply and travel with | Left residue |
| Sweat-free all day long | |
| Doesn’t feel greasy |
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How Much Sunscreen to Apply On Face?
It depends on what type of sunscreen you are using. For example, if you use a lotion or cream type that is non-comedogenic, you can apply as much as you want. Once it dries up and absorbs in your skin, it won’t look like anything! Butter, paste, and spray have to be applied sparingly because they will form a thick barrier on your face that can leave a residue, especially on your face.
As a rule of thumb, you should apply as much before your skin starts to feel oily or greasy. Another good indicator that you have used too much product is if the sunscreen cream is not absorbing in your skin. If you have white or chalky consistency on your face after applying, you should take it off the excess by patting your face with a dry towel.
How Long Does Sunscreen Last Once Applied?
Most sunscreen will have their own lasting amount as advertised by the company itself. Some will claim 80 minutes, the USA standard, or 240 minutes, which is the Australian standard. Just know that most if not all sunscreen will last around the 60 to 80 minute mark. That is why it is important to reapply two hours after your first application because 15 to 30 minutes will be spent drying the sunscreen and absorbing it in your skin. If you feel like your face or skin is starting to heat up, that is when you reapply sunscreen!
FAQs
Most surfers use sunscreen with an SPF rating between 30 and 50 while also having water resistance so it doesn’t wear off in the waves.
Yes, they do! It is important to protect your skin from the sun as UVA and UVB rays are known to cause skin cancer.
It is important to wear a wet suit that will cover most of your body. Then, you should wear sunscreen on the exposed parts of your body. A great piece of advice is to surf 2 hours before the sun is setting so that the intensity of the sun is not too high.
An after-sun lotion that has soothing ingredients like aloe vera is the best for skincare for surfers. It helps the skin after a day of being battered by the waves all day long!
A rash vest with an SPF rating of 50 is a great way to protect you from a tan that you might get from surfing. It will also help you not slide off your board either!
Final Thoughts
There you have it. The best sunscreens for surfers in their respective categories. For this review, I had a wonderful time spent on beaches and waterboarding. It was a lot of fun to try these products out, especially the Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, which I found was the best out of the bunch. As always, stay classy!
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