The Ultimate Guide to the Best Sunscreen for Surfers: 13 Best options for 2023

Looking for the best sunscreen for surfers? You’ve come to the right place. This summer my little boy went down to one of the surf board rental shops in town with his dad and went for his first lesson on Ericeira’s beaches. So, I scoured the internet looking for the best products possible, and learned that there are many other factors to consider when choosing the right one for you.

In a recent study, researchers found that surfers are 6 times more susceptible to developing skin cancer than the regular population. This is because they spend so much more time in the sun than the rest of us and directly suffer from the damaging effects of UV rays.

They probably don´t reapply often enough either! I know my little boy hates reapplying and has me running after him on the sand!

That’s why it’s so important for surfers to wear sunscreen when they hit the waves. Sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from sunburns and other sun-related issues, but it can also greatly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

But with so many sunscreen options on the market, how do you know which sunblock is best for surfing? And what about skin type? What about the environment? So many places now ask that sunblock be reef safe… What does that mean?

In this guide, I’ll explain what I found out about how to choose the right sun protection and recommend the best sunscreen for surfers I found online.

Sunbutter Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50– Best Tinted Cream

Pros:

• Non-migrating formula so it stays on your skin until you wash it off
• Heavy duty SPF 50 skin defense keeps sunburn at bay for longer before needing to reapply
• Water resistant for 4 hours
• A nice golden tan tint keeps your face from looking ghost white and blends well into most lighter skin tones
• All Natural Active Ingredients mean your not spreading toxins on your skin
• Non nanoparticle zinc oxide, vegan and cruelty-free means it is 100% Reef-Safe so you don´t harm the environment or any animals when using this product

Cons:

• It’s a little expensive but users swear by it, and say it’s definitely worth the money
• Due to the slight beige tint this sunblock is best for the face, but will slightly stain lighter rashguards around the neckline

🌊 Get your Sunbutter Tinted Sunscreen here!

50 SPF Headhunter Heavy Duty Reef Safe Sunscreen– Best Priced

Pros:

• Non-greasy, hypoallergenic formula means it’s perfect for sensitive skin
• Tinted light brown formula means no more white cast and great coverage
• Designed for avid water sport enthusiasts so it doesn’t melt on your face or wear off in the water
• 100% Reef-Safe, which means no chemical actives
• Gentle sunscreen that doesn’t burn eyes so it’s great for kids too
• Water resistant at least 80 minutes so you get at least an hour or two in the water before reapplying

Cons:

• The tint does come off on rashguards, so it’s best used just on your face. It does come off after a few washes.

🌊 Get your Headhunter Heavy Duty Sunscreen here!

Waxhead Sunscreen Paste – Best for Kids

Pros:

• 30 SPF means no sunburn
• Only 4 ingredients: 25% nonnano zinc oxide sunscreen, coconut oil, beeswax, vanilla extract so you know you have the most eco-friendly reef, safe sunscreen out there
• Perfect for kids, also FDA-approved for babies under 6 months
• Very small packaging at 2 oz, which means you can easily throw it in your purse or backpack

Cons:

• It´s kind of a pasty white color, but some people like this look so they know where they have applied sunscreen.

🌊 Get your Waxhead Sunscreen here!

BLUE LIZARD Sunscreen Stick (Sensitive Mineral) – Best Stick

Pros:

• Super practical stick format to make applying easy on face and tattoos
• 50 SPF Special formula for sensitive skin with no parabens, fragrances or dyes so your skin doesn’t react or break out
• Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate to help protect delicate coral reefs
• Tiny size means it´s perfect for covering small bits like tattoos when you’re traveling

Cons:

• If the white cast look isn´t for you you’ll need to rub it in quite a bit
• half an ounce really isn’t very much so does feel slightly expensive considering it’s as big as two chapsticks put together, but since it works really well, most people feel it’s worth the price for its practicality.

🌊 Get your Blue Lizard Sunscreen Stick here!

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen– Best Clear Sunscreen with Zink Formula

Pros:

• It smells amazing!
• This zink formula is clear which means no white ghost look
• SPF 50 formula is oil-free and water-resistant so it doesn’t clog your pores for over 80 minutes in the water
• Hypoallergenic with vitamin E, this formula keeps your skin moisturized and reaction free
• Cruelty-free and reef safe means this sunscreen really does protect animals in and out of the water

Cons:

• It burns if you get it in your eyes, so not ideal for children but I loved it for myself!
• At 50 g the pot is rather small, but it does make it easy to tote

🌊 Get your Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Clear Sunscreen here!

Sun Zapper Zinc Oxide Sunscreen– Most Fun!

Pros:

• Incredible 4 hours of waterproof SPF 50 zinc sunscreen for face protection so you don’t have to reapply
• Super fun white, pink and blue tint in travel stick form so you can throw it in your bag and go
• My son loved loved loved this! Painting faces with colors is a great way to encourage kids to wear sun protection
• Paraben-free zink oxide means this more natural product doesn’t irritate sensitive skin

Cons:

• Only comes off with lots of soap and scrubbing which means it lasts really well in the water
• The colors stain clothes, but after laundering a few times, does come out fairly well
• The sticks will melt in the heat, so keep them in your bag

🌊 Get your Sun Zapper Zinc Sunscreen for face here!

Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen Oil-Free– Best for Acne Prone Skin

Pros:

• One of the best-priced sun blockers
• SPF 50+ clear formula resists wearing off from water, rubbing, sweating or wiping for up to 80 minutes
• Dermatologist-recommended sunscreen means it’s lightweight, oil-free and non-comedogenic, so it won’t cause breakouts or clog pores
• Oxybenzone free means it is more environmentally friendly and won’t irritate your sensitive skin

Cons:

• Stings like crazy if you get it in your eyes so just be careful when applying- not for kids!

🌊 Get your Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen here!

Hook Ya Sports Mineral Sunscreen – Best Fragrance-Free

Pros:

• Reef Safe, Bait Safe, Boat Safe means it won’t damage the environment or stain equipment like some other sunblocks
• Fragrance-free made for anyone bothered by strong scents
• Water resistant up to 80 minutes means strong SPF 50 protection even in the water
• Mineral Sunscreen with an Ultralight finish means no pasty white look or heavy chemicals
• Well priced so it doesn’t break the bank

Cons:

• Packaging is small, but each order includes 2 bottles of 3 oz

🌊 Get your Hook Ya Mineral Sunscreen here!

Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen- Most Ecological

Pros:

• SPF 30 water resistant up to 80 minutes
• Non-nano zinc oxide formula offers full protection and is reef-safe, cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable to keep the ocean clean
• Gentle, moisturizing formula packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays supple
• Comes in a reusable, recyclable, plastic-free tin
• Is solid, more of a paste, and doesn’t melt in the heat so great for traveling since doesn’t count as a liquid

Cons:

• Since it is thicker, it definitely needs some rubbing in to be absorbed by the skin. It’s also suggested that the cream be warmed up before applying to help spread more easily
• Not the best on darker skin since it does leave a slight white cast, but also comes in a tinted version

🌊 Get your Raw Elements Natural Sunscreen here!

Bondi Sands Hydrating Sunscreen- Best Moisturizing

Pros:

• Really great price!
• SPF 50 which is very water resistant up to 80 minutes so it’s perfect for extensive use in the ocean
• Formulated with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E so it’s extra hydrating and has a slight sheen to it
• Paraben, fragrance, and Sulfate Free so it’s suitable for sensitive skin
• Gentle, fast-absorbing, and dries to an invisible, non-greasy finish so you don’t have a heavy feel on your face
• No oxybenzone or octinoxate which makes it reef friendly

Cons:

• Some people find the formula slightly too heavy for their face, but find it extremely moisturizing – it’s ideal for people with dry skin, but not mixed or oily skin.

🌊 Get your Bondi Sands Hydrating Sunscreen here!

Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen– Best Spray On

Pros:

• Spray makes it super easy to use on hard-to-reach areas like your back
• Goes on dry, not sticky, and has a mat finish so you don’t look shiny
• 80-minute water and sweat-resistant so you can use it underwater without burning
• Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free so it doesn’t irritate sensitive skin
• 100% non-nano zinc formula without active chemical components means it is reef safe

Cons:

• It leaves a significant white cast, but can be rubbed in with a bit of persistence

🌊 Get your Babo Botanicals Sunscreen here!

Jack Black, Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25– Most Moisturizing

Pros:

• Enriched with superior skin conditioners and antioxidants so it soothes and relieves dry, chapped, irritated lips – truly one of the most moisturizing lip products out there!
• Offers broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF of 25 to protect against UV rays, windburn and temperature extremes
•  Lightly flavored with black tea and green tea extract so your lip balm doesn’t taste artificial or too sweet

Cons:

• This product comes in slightly earthy flavors, instead of sweet, which isn’t for everyone, but the variety of flavors makes up for this
• A little expensive at 8$ a tube

🌊 Get your Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm here!

Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm– Best Tasting

Pros:

• Delicious coconut, banana and watermelon flavors which hide that yuck sunscreen taste
• Aloe and Vitamin E help protect and moisturize your lips

Cons:

• It has a low melting point so keep them out of the sun
• Not as moisturizing as could be if you’ve got really dry chapped lips
• Flavors are quite sweet, so depending on preference these may not be for everyone

🌊 Get your Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lip Balm here!

How to choose the Best Sunscreen for Surfers.

Surfing sunscreen, clear sunscreen and zinc sunscreen for face are truly some of the most useful surfing gifts. Read on for more on how to choose the best one.

Does it offer adequate sun protection?

This obviously the most important characteristic and the reason why we buy it! Look for a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that states it provides broad-spectrum coverage, meaning protection from UVA and UVB rays.

These numbers are usually clearly listed on the product label. Waterproof or water-resistant options are the best for surfers and we like sweatproof options too since that means it won’t run and doesn’t burn eyes.

Does it stay on throughout the session?

When you choose a surfing sunscreen that is waterproof or water-resistant and sweatproof, it should stay on throughout your surfing session. Make sure to read the label for information about how long the product stays effective while swimming or sweating.

I’ve found that reading the product reviews will give you a better idea of how long it really does stay on, and how difficult it is to get off afterward, so keep that in mind. With most surfingsunscreens you’re good to go for at least 80 minutes, or a little over an hour. However, some exceptional brands will stay on for as long as 4 hours!

Do you want to see the sunscreen on your face?

It depends on personal preference. Some people may prefer to see the sunscreen on their face as an indication that it is applied and providing protection, while others may not want to feel or see it. If you would like to be able to see the sunscreen, look for a product that states “non-greasy” or “non-oily” on the label.

These types of sunscreens won’t leave your skin looking glossy and will be much less noticeable than oilier options. Nowadays you can buy clear zinc sunscreen, so keep this in mind if you don’t care for the white-cast look!

Is it reef safe?

Watch out! Some sunscreens are labeled as reef safe but still contain reef-bleaching ingredients. It’s best to choose one which is made with natural ingredients such as Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both which provide a physical as opposed to chemical barrier to harmful rays.

Chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate and 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, which can be found in traditional sunscreens, have been linked to coral bleaching so be sure to check the ingredient list before purchasing. Also, make sure it’s biodegradable and that the container can be recycled so it won’t contribute to ocean pollution!

Best Sunscreen for Surfers FAQ

The Best Sunscreen for Surfers: The Wrap-Up

There are soooooo many options out there! I hope our adventure in the sun has helped you find the best sunscreen for surfers to throw in your bag. I know that after trying all of the above we’ve got sunscreen coming out of our ears and hopefully won’t burn for years to come!