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Some people love the way that a tan looks on their skin. However, not everyone is keen on getting and maintaining a tan on their body. That is why it is important to get sunscreen that works to prevent tanning from happening on your body. That is why here at BeautiClassy, I have tested and reviewed 10 of the best sunscreens on the market to prevent from occurring on your skin!
1. Best Overall – CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
- Volume: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get the benefits of a hydrating sunscreen from the CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen that does it all for your skin!
Features
Deep hydration: Get the hydrating benefits from ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
Lightweight: Feels as if the sunscreen is not even on your face
Broad spectrum protection: protects from both UVA and UVB
How to use
As this is a face sunscreen, you will need about a nickel-sized amount to apply on your face. Take the appropriate amount and then apply it on your face, making sure to rub it in until all of the sunscreens are properly blended in with a small circular upward motion. Once you are done, let it sit on your face for 15 to 30 minutes to completely dry up before heading outside. Remember to apply 15 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply every two hours to get the best sun protection.
Expert Verdict
Your face is most susceptible to tan because the skin is thinner than the rest of your body. That is why the CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen will protect your skin from even the harshest sun! If you don’t want a tan but still want that subtle tan look, then this is the product you are looking for! The sheer tint leaves your skin nice and glowing without the greasy feeling that other sunscreen might have. Another great thing about this is the hydrating nature which keeps your skin nicely moisturized even under the sun. My only problem with the product is that the sheer tint can come off easily so be careful about that. Otherwise, you won’t tan one bit with this product even if the product comes off! The major reason why I considered this to be the best overall product out of the bunch is because of the protection that it gives against the sun. Even when the sheer tint comes off, you are still protected from your skin tanning. The zinc and titanium duo works to keep your skin protected and is just lovely that I couldn’t even tell I had sunscreen on my face. It is also good for sensitive skin so you don’t have to worry about any breakouts occurring on your skin either. That is why I would consider this to be the best overall sunscreen to prevent tanning!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Hydrating and moisturizing | Sheer tint can come off if rubbed |
| Sheer tint for a healthy glow | |
| Non-greasy feeling | |
| Broad spectrum protection | |
| For all skin types |
2. Best Natural Sunscreen – Badger SPF 30 Lavender Sunscreen Cream
Specification
- SPF: 30
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral (non-nano zinc oxide)
- Volume: 2.9 fl oz. (87 ml)
- Scent: Lavender
Description
Get the benefits of natural ingredients that will help to keep your skin soothed and protected from the sun with the Badger SPF 30 Lavender Sunscreen Cream
Features
Natural ingredients: include sunflower, jojoba oil, beeswax, and lavender oil
Biodegradable: safe to use for beaches
Water-resistant: up to 40 minutes
How to use
Take enough to cover two fingers and then apply it on your face, making sure to rub it in until all of the sunscreens are properly blended in with a small circular upward motion. Once you are done, let it sit on your face for 15 to 30 minutes to completely dry up before heading outside. Remember to apply 15 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply every two hours to get the best sun protection.
Expert Verdict
When you want natural sunscreen, look no further than the Badger SPF 30 Lavender Sunscreen Cream! With its natural ingredients come the soothing properties of jojoba oil and sunflower that will keep your skin free from irritation. Its non-nano zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection that will keep preventing your face from tanning at all! The calming effect of the lavender is a nice addition to the product as well. It also is water-resistant and biodegradable so you can be safe to have this product on your face even on the beach. However, due to its thicker consistency, it can be very hard to rub it into your skin so it might leave a white cast on your face if you aren’t thorough with it.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Safe for beach | Thick consistency; hard to rub it in |
| Broad-spectrum protection | |
| Soothing ingredients |
3. Best Non-Greasy – Paula’s Choice Extr4425a Care Non-Greasy
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: Normal
- Sunscreen Type: Chemical (Homosalate 10%, Oxybenzone 6%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3%, Octocrylene 2%)
- Volume: 5 fl oz. (148 ml) each
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get the non-greasy feeling of Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy which leaves your skin feeling smooth to the touch!
Features
Antioxidant-rich: improves hydration and restores your face from environmental damages
Light texture: leaves your skin feeling nice and smooth
Makeup safe: leaves a matte finish that can be worn under your makeup
How to use
Take about a tablespoon of sunscreen on your hand and apply it evenly across your body. Make sure to rub it in properly until it is absorbed into the skin. To get even coverage across your body, make sure to first apply a thin layer and then rub it on your skin. Leave it dry for about 15 minutes before heading out in the sun.
Expert Verdict
Most sunscreen can leave a greasy feeling on your skin. That is why Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy works to leave your skin not feeling greasy while also protecting your skin from tanning in the process! It also leaves no residue while being long-lasting even when you are out and about. This is all thanks to the light texture of the sunscreen which has all the wonderful benefits of vitamins to help protect your face from any environmental damage. However, it is a chemical sunscreen so you might experience a bit of a burning sensation as a result. So make sure to use a bit of the product and rub it in well to not experience that. Otherwise, it is great for being non-greasy!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No residue and non-greasy | Chemical sunscreen |
| Antioxidant and light texture | |
| Long-lasting even when sweating |
4. Best for Protecting Skin from Sun Damage – Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: Normal to dry
- Sunscreen Type: Stick (Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Oxybenzone 3%)
- Volume: 1.5 fl oz. (42 ml)
- Scent: Sunscreen
Description
Protect your skin from sun damage with the easy-to-apply Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick!
Features
Lip safe: can be used on the lips with no problems
Easy application: just rub the product on your body and then smooth it over with your hands
Helioplex tech: Neutrogena’s unique broad-spectrum protection
How to use
Open the cap and apply it across your cheeks over the nose and rub it over, using only a smooth stroke to apply it over the forehead and rub the sunscreen in. Press it on your cheeks and chin for 3 seconds and then rub it all over and then press 3 dots across your neck and nape and spread. Apply a light dot behind the ears to get full coverage. Apply a light brush over your lips and gently smooth the sunscreen across. Wait 15 to 30 minutes before heading out in the sun.
Expert Verdict
Let’s start with what I don’t like about the Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick, and there are only two. First, it might say it is safe for the beach but it isn’t safe for coral reefs so you shouldn’t use this for the beach. Then the fact the application itself can be oily can be off-putting, to say the least. But what I really like about this product is the easy application and how well it does to protect you against the sun and tanning in general! It is even lip-safe so you don’t have to worry about burning your lips. Neutrogena’s broad spectrum protection is very good at keeping your skin from tanning and for everyday use it is the perfect little stick sunscreen! With its water resistance, you can be sure that any outdoor activity will not tan your skin with this product!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Easy application | Can leave your skin feeling oily |
| Lip safe | Not reef-safe |
| Broad spectrum protection | |
| Water resistant; great for outdoor activities |
5. Best Non-Allergenic – iS CLINICAL Eclipse SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All; best for allergenic skin
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
- Volume: 1.7 fl oz. (50 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Get the best hypoallergenic sunscreen with the iS CLINICAL Eclipse SPF 50+ Sunscreen that also helps to brighten skin!
Features
Vitamin E: helps to fight photodamage and is an anti-oxidant
Skin brightening: helps to prevent tan and gives you a brighter skin
Lightweight: light in texture
How to use
Take enough to cover two fingers and then apply it on your face, making sure to rub it in until all of the sunscreens are properly blended in with a small circular upward motion. Once you are done, let it sit on your face for 15 to 30 minutes to completely dry up before heading outside. Remember to apply 15 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply every two hours to get the best sun protection.
Expert Verdict
It can be difficult to find a sunscreen that works for you if you are allergic to certain ingredients. That can be especially worse if you are allergic to the sun! Luckily, the iS CLINICAL Eclipse SPF 50+ Sunscreen is a professional beauty product that will keep your skin protected from the sun while also not causing an allergic reaction! Not only that, but it will also help revert any skin damage from being out in the sun too often with the help of vitamin E. The lightweight texture helps to absorb quickly so you are ready to go out as soon as possible and will help to brighten your skin in the process. However, it is a very expensive product that works well for sensitive skin. A small price to pay to avoid unnecessary breakouts!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight texture and fast absorbing | Expensive |
| Vitamin E goodness | |
| Non-allergenic |
6. Best Chemical-Free – Reef Repair Feel Good Cosmetic Sunscreen SPF 50
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Zinc oxide)
- Volume: 4 fl oz. (120 ml)
- Scent: Coconut
Description
The Reef Repair Feel Good Cosmetic Sunscreen SPF 50 is paraben-free, silicone-free, titanium dioxide-free, oxybenzone-free, and octinoxate-free!
Features
Chemical-free: free from harmful chemicals
Reef-safe: does not harm coral reefs and aquatic animals
Moisturizing: keeps the skin nicely moisturized even after a day on the beach
How to use
When using it on your face, make sure to apply it in an even layer. For your body, you will need only about 1 tablespoon worth of sunscreen. Apply it on your skin and spread it evenly and then rub it in until it is fully absorbed.
Expert Verdict
When you need a sunscreen that is free from harmful chemicals and gives protection against tanning, the Reef Repair Feel Good Cosmetic Sunscreen SPF 50 is just the product that you are looking for! It will leave your skin feeling really moisturized and give it a nice. Even though it has only zinc oxide, the protection it provides is just the amount that you need. It even benefits from having anti-aging properties that will decrease the appearance of wrinkles on your face and keep your skin protected from the sun in the process. However, it is quite thick so expect some white cast if you don’t rub it in well enough.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Anti-aging properties | Leaves a white cast |
| Moisturizing | |
| Good protection from the sun |
7. Best for Sensitive Skin – Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: Sensitive skin
- Sunscreen Type: Lotion (Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%)
- Volume: 8 fl oz. (236 ml)
- Scent: Coconut and mango essence
Description
The Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is a sunscreen that is great for sensitive skin!
Features
Non-comedogenic: does not clog pores
Even coverage: fast absorbing that spread to an even coverage
Tropical smell: smell like the ocean breeze
How to use
Take about a tablespoon of sunscreen on your hand and apply it evenly across your body. Make sure to rub it in properly until it is absorbed into the skin. To get even coverage across your body, make sure to first apply a thin layer and then rub it on your skin. Leave it dry for about 15 minutes before heading out in the sun.
Expert Verdict
Picking out products that are good for sensitive skin can be difficult, especially when you want to prevent tanning. But with the Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 you can be perfectly safe! The non-comedogenic properties in the sunscreen make sure there are no breakouts on the skin at all. With just a little bit of the product, you can cover your whole body with a thin even layer so you can be sure that you don’t over-moisturize either. It’s also fast absorbing so you don’t have to work too hard to rub it on your skin either! The downside; the scent of coconut and mango can be overpowering for some and can irritate the eyes as a result so be careful when using around the eyes.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast absorbing | Scent can be irritating to the eyes |
| Non-comedogenic | |
| A small amount gives great and even coverage |
8. Best for Outdoor Sports – Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Spray (Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 6.0%)
- Volume: 6 fl oz. (170g) each
- Scent: Banana
Description
Get a dry oil spray sunscreen that will leave your skin feeling silky smooth and ready for outdoor sports with the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray!
Features
Dry argan oil: leaves your skin feeling nice and smooth
Long-lasting: keeps the sunscreen on your skin even when sweating
Clear spray: does not leave any residue on your skin
How to use
As this is a spray-on sunscreen, you will have to first apply it on your hands and then rub it on your face. Make sure to get enough of the spray on your hands and spread it over your face, neck, nape, and behind the ears. Do not apply it directly to your face! When applying on your body, make sure to rub it in well and spread it evenly across the surface of the skin. Wait about 15 minutes after applying to get the greatest effect under the sun and reapply every 2 hours or so.
Expert Verdict
Even though the Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray is a dry oil spray sunscreen, you can be sure that it will not leave your skin feeling whatsoever! The clear and dry spray works wonderfully while also providing long-lasting protection against the sun while doing outdoor activities. The argan oil provides the skin with a smooth silky touch while also moisturizing it. However, the one factor that makes it a bit troublesome is that the spray can be hard to press down when the product is running out. If you are into sports and general outdoor activities, then this can be the product for you. Just remember to reapply it every hour of being outside to keep your skin well protected.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| No residue | Spray can be hard to press down |
| Non-greasy | Not safe for beaches |
| Long-lasting even when sweating | |
| Moisturizing argan oil |
9. Best Vegan – Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion
Specification
- SPF: 50
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Lotion (Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 10.0%)
- Volume: 8 fl oz.
- Scent: Unscented
Description
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a moisturizing sunscreen that protects you from all the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
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
Take a bit of sunscreen on your hands and apply it liberally on your face. Make sure to cover all over the face and rub it in an upward circular motion until it is fully absorbed into the skin. When applying to the body, take a bit of the product and spread it across one part of your body and then rub it in. Repeat this for the rest of your body until the product is fully absorbed. Wait for 15 minutes after applying to enjoy the sun.
Expert Verdict
When Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion says to trust the bum, you should trust it! It works really well against the sun and prevents any sort of tanning on your skin while being one of the best vegan sunscreens out there! 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 on the skin. It’s reef-friendly which is always a plus to looking out for the environment and enjoying the beach without worrying about the environment. The only concern I will bring up is that it can be irritating to the eyes, especially after you have been swimming. So be careful when applying it around your eyes!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Moisturizing and non-comedogenic | Can irritate the eyes |
| Vegan ingredients and reef-friendly | |
| Great water-resistance |
10. Best Dermatologist-Recommended – Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+
Specification
- SPF: 30+
- Skin Type: All
- Sunscreen Type: Mineral (Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
- Volume: 5 fl oz. (148 ml)
- Scent: Unscented
Description
The dermatologist-recommended Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ is designed with the help of a dermatologist to give you head-to-toe protection from tanning!
Features
All skin types: works for all types of skin, even sensitive
Quick fading: might appear white on your skin but will soon fade and absorb into the skin
Color change: turns from white to blue in the bottle when exposed to the sun
How to use
Take enough to cover two fingers and then apply it on your face, making sure to rub it in until all of the sunscreens are properly blended in with a small circular upward motion. Once you are done, let it sit on your face for 15 to 30 minutes to completely dry up before heading outside. Remember to apply 15 minutes before heading out in the sun and reapply every two hours to get the best sun protection.
Expert Verdict
People are often skeptical of dermatologist-recommended products because they think they might not be as effective as others. But with the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ you can be sure that you won’t tan even under the blazing Australian sun! It is recommended by dermatologists because of safe it is for all types of skin, be it oily, dry, normal, or even sensitive skin! It is free from harmful ingredients that are comedogenic like parabens. The most surprising feature of this product is the color-changing aspect. It might seem like a gimmick but it can be a good indicator to know when to put on some sunscreen whenever it changes color. So you can carry it around and check if you need to protect yourself from the sun. However, it does leave a slimy shiny film on your skin after using it so if you are worried about looking shiny then you should avoid this product. Otherwise, it is a great product that dermatologists swear by!
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Color change to know when to put on the sunscreen | Leaves a shiny film on your skin |
| Good for all skin types | |
| No harmful ingredients like parabens |
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What to Look for When Buying Sunscreen?
When you are buying sunscreen, you should look for a mineral sunscreen that has non-nano zinc oxides as its active ingredients. These are considered to be the gold standard because they will reflect most of the UV rays from the sun! They are also really good for the reefs so you can enjoy your day on the beach without worrying about harming the environment. Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection so you can safe from both UVA and UVB rays!
While zinc oxide is the best, titanium oxide is also up there in terms of preventing tanning. The only problem that you might have with titanium dioxide is that it is not really safe for all types of skin and can cause some sort of reaction. But it still provides protection equal to that of zinc oxide. When you combine both of these mineral sunscreen ingredients together, you get the best sunscreen out there to help protect you from the sun!
If you aren’t fond of having bits of zinc oxide on your face, then you can opt for chemical sunscreens with avobenzone as its active ingredient. While it might not be considered to be safe for the USA due to FDA regulations, avobenzone is the best chemical sunscreen ingredient out there that can provide broad-spectrum protection.
The thing that you need to watch out for in chemical sunscreen are oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. These are bad for your body as they readily absorb into the bloodstream which can cause reactions that you don’t want to have in your body! They also have bleaching properties in them which makes them not safe for coral reefs so these are banned from being used around beaches in Australia and Hawaii.
Other than that, you should look out for moisturizing and waterproof sunscreen as you will be out in the sun all day which can leave your skin feeling dehydrated. With a moisturizing lotion, not only are you protected from tanning but you are also keeping your skin nicely moisturized in the process! The waterproof sunscreens will help to keep your sunscreen from washing away in the water so you can enjoy your time in the water without worrying about sunburns!
Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning?
Sunscreen does prevent tanning, but it will not fully prevent tanning. This is because the sun-protection factor, or SPF does not give a 100% blocking effect. For example, SPF 15 will provide you with 92 to 95% protection from UV rays. This means that there are still some UV rays that are being absorbed by your skin and causing melanin to be produced.
Now if you are thinking of getting higher SPF sunscreen, then there are problems with that too. Most people will tell you that you need no more than SPF 50 sunscreen. This is because SPF 30 and 50 sunscreens are able to effectively block out 97 and 98% of UV rays respectively! Go higher to SPF 70 and it will only give diminishing returns. So no sunscreen will be able to provide complete protection from UV rays and you will instead have a light tan when out with sunscreen.
Last but not least, these active ingredients in sunscreen are good for 2 hours after application. This is because the ingredients slowly degrade over time causing them to work less effectively as time progress. So if you don’t reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or so, you will risk facing tanning on your skin and other effects of UV rays. But even though no sunscreen will completely prevent tanning, it will protect your skin from sun damage like sunburn and photoaging like wrinkles and dark spots. So it is always worthwhile to have sunscreen on your body to prevent as much tanning as possible and protect your skin from harmful UV rays!
FAQs
Wearing at least an SPF 30 sunscreen along with clothing will make sure that your skin won’t excessively tan. It will prevent UV rays from penetrating your skin.
SPF 30 is able to block out 97% of UV rays from the sun while SPF 50 will block 98%. So overall for tanning purposes, SPF 30 is better as it will allow for more tan than SPF 50.
Mineral sunscreens are the best at not darkening the skin as they reflect the UV rays before they reach your skin. Chemical sunscreen absorbs the UV rays and changes their properties but it still has a chance to darken the skin.
If the sunscreen has bronzing properties, then it can lead to your skin becoming darker than usual as it promotes the production of melanin to darken your skin!
Skin exfoliating products and skin lightening products are your best options to stop your skin from tanning naturally without damaging the skin in the process.
If you have darker skin, then you are more likely to tan because your body is already used to producing melanin.
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, the 10 best sunscreens to prevent tanning! Even though none of these will give you a 100% protection from tanning, it will give just enough to prevent excessive tanning. I really liked the CeraVe sunscreen on the list because it did everything without compromising sun protection or skin problems! I enjoyed my days being out in the sun and using these products so with summer fast approaching stay classy on your day out under the sun!
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