Last updated on March 29th, 2024 at 11:11 am
If you are looking for the best surf sunscreen, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our top choices for a surf sunscreen that will protect you from the burning sun while doing what you love.
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About Surf Sunscreens
During the summer months, waves attract surfers to enjoy the thrill and excitement of the ocean, giving them a sense of freedom and adventure. However, with the fun of catching waves under the sun comes the potential danger of harmful UV rays. That is why using surf sunscreens is vital for keeping your skin safe and protected.
A top-notch surf sunscreen safeguards your sensitive skin from sunburn. It reduces the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and skin cancer. By acting as a protective shield, the sunscreen allows you to focus on carving up the waves.
To assist you in choosing the best sunscreen, we’ve scoured the market and tested various options to curate a list of the 10 best surf sunscreens out there. We are confident that these sunscreens will protect your skin while surfing without worrying about damaging your skin and have a safe and enjoyable surfing experience.
The 10 Best Surf Sunscreens
1. La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen – Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
The La Roche Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is a dermatologist-recommended face sunscreen that provides superior protection against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 50. This tinted mineral sunscreen is formulated with iron oxides for a universal tint without any white cast. In fact, it has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly, and it is ideal for all skin types.
This surf sunscreen is fragrance-free with water resistance for up to 40 minutes. Moreover, it contains 100% mineral ingredients. It is oxybenzone-free, making it perfect for those wanting to take extra precautions when choosing their sun protection product.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 50 SPF.
● Weight – 0.11 Pounds.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● High SPF Protection.
● Offers Skin Tint.
● Non-comedogenic Formula.
Cons
● Possible Tint Mismatch.
2. EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen – Oil Free
EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen is ideal for comprehensive protection from the sun. It is designed to offer excellent sun care and provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays. Its gentle, oil-free formula makes it suitable even for sensitive skin types. Plus, its SPF 50 level offers a water-resistant layer of defense that will help protect against sunburn and decrease your risk of skin cancer or early skin aging. For long-lasting protection against harmful UV rays, apply as directed 15 minutes before sun exposure.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 50 SPF.
● Weight – 3 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Water-Resistant Design.
● UVA/UVB Broad-Spectrum Protection.
● Non-greasy Finish.
Cons
● Not Reef-Friendly.
3. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Water Resistant
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect solution for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula prevents an oily or sticky feeling and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
Ideal for everyday use, this surf sunscreen is suitable for sensitive skin. It provides gentle defense against the sun’s rays by offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes. This water-resistant sunscreen uses natural minerals as its active ingredients, with no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, or any other dangerous toxic chemicals.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 50 SPF.
● Weight – 6 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Natural Ingredients.
● Reef-Safe Product.
● One of the best mineral sunscreens.
Cons
● Thick Application.
4. Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen – Natural Vegan Formula
If you are a surfing enthusiast who needs sunscreen with natural and vegan ingredients, Kokua is an excellent option. It is constructed with Hawaiian superfoods such as coconut and papaya extract, which moisturize and nourish your skin. Additionally, it is gentle on sensitive skin, non-comedogenic, and free of artificial fragrances, including phthalates.
Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Sunscreen offers excellent protection from the sun and has a pleasant coconut vanilla scent that enhances your water activities. Therefore, it is a sot-rated surf sunscreen for the peak of summer.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 50+ SPF.
● Weight – 4 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Non-Nano Zinc Oxide.
● Contains Antioxidants.
● No synthetic fragrances.
Cons
● High Price Point.
5. Reef Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 All-Natural Sunscreen – Biodegradable Mineral Sunscreen
Reef Safe Sunscreen is an excellent choice for surfers. This specially formulated, biodegradable sunscreen is designed with your skin in mind. With no parabens, silicone, or titanium dioxide, you can be sure that you are protecting the environment as much as you are protecting yourself from the damaging effects of UV Rays.
The non-sticky, nonoily water-based formula applies transparently and evenly to your skin with almost no rubbing required. Plus, it is rated waterproof for up to 80 minutes. So, no matter how long you stay out in the sun, sand, sea, or surf, you can trust that your skin is protected against harmful rays and premature aging.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 50 SPF.
● Weight – 4 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● All-Natural Ingredients.
● Reflect UV rays.
● Mineral-based formula.
Cons
● Possible Skin Sensitivity.
6. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick – Dermatologist Approved
This dermatologist and sonny-approved face stick helps you look your best while protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It can easily be applied to all face and neck areas for long-lasting protection from UVA/UVB rays.
With a non-comedogenic roll-on formula, no white residue is left behind after application. In addition, it is enriched with vitamin E to help nourish and hydrate your skin for a smooth finish. Simply apply sunscreen after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating to ensure your skin is protected.
Specs Overview:
● Sun protection Factor – 30SPF.
● Weight – 0.45 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Water-resistant for 80 minutes.
● Enriched with Vitamin E.
● Compact and travel-friendly.
Cons
● Can feel greasy.
7. Sun Zapper Zinc Stick Mineral Sunscreen Light Skin Tone – Suitable for Children
This sun protection stick is an excellent choice for people with light skin tones. It has a pretty cool sun protection factor of 50+, provides more than 4 hours of water resistance, and is suitable for children over 6 months old.
This unique zinc stick is designed to match and blend in with those who have lighter skin tones. The formula has been widely used to protect you when exposed to the sun’s harmful rays.
Specs Overview:
● Sun protection Factor – 50+ SPF.
● Weight – 0.42 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Light tint.
● Long-lasting effect.
● Nice packaging.
Cons
● Quantity-wise, it’s pretty expensive.
8. Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen, SPF 40 Sport Mineral Sunscreen – Organic Sunscreen Ingredients
Badger sunscreen is the perfect go-to product for all your sun protection needs. Whether you are surfing or swimming, this surf sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
The active organic ingredients include zinc oxide, which shields your skin from the sun’s rays without irritating it. This sunscreen has a light skin-tone tint to help minimize white cast and is also suitable for children.
Badger sunscreen is free from chemical sunscreens, parabens, fragrances, and other toxic ingredients. As an added bonus, it comes with a 50% Pcr tube, which is the perfect solution for traveling and storing it safely when not in use.
Specs Overview:
● Sun Protection Factor – 40 SPF.
● Weight – 2.9 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Reef-friendly formula.
● Resistant to sweat and water.
● Scent-free.
Cons
● Thicker consistency might be uncomfortable.
9. Supergoop! PLAY SPF 30 Antioxidant Sunscreen – Broad Spectrum
This surf sunscreen is lightweight and has 30 Spf, which might be enough to protect your skin. It is also packed with antioxidants, making it an excellent choice for those looking to protect their skin from harmful UV rays. Besides, it is among the happiest users due to its superb resistance of up to 80 minutes, and it is water-resistant and sweat-resistant, making it suitable for most outdoor activities. It is enriched with oxybenzone, vitamin C, green tea, and acai extracts, which make it unique and help protect the skin from further damage.
Specs Overview:
● Sun protection Factor – 30SPF.
● Weight – 6 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Packed with antioxidants.
● Clean ingredients.
● Excellent skin protection.
Cons
● Quite stinky
10. TIZO Ultra Zinc Body Face Sunscreen – Soothing Sunscreen
This soothing mineral sunscreen uses multiple particle sizes to give you maximum coverage while virtually vanishing on all skin tones. The tint also helps add an elegant, dewy finish. This unique combination of zinc oxide and moisturizing ingredients will leave your skin feeling hydrated and looking fabulous, no matter how long you spend in the sun.
TIZO Ultra Zinc is lightweight and easy to apply, so it will not bog you as you ride the waves. Plus, it helps strengthen your skin’s natural defenses against environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution.
Specs Overview:
● Sun protection Factor – 40SPF.
● Weight – 3.53 Ounces.
Pros And Cons:
Pros
● Photostable.
● Free from chemicals.
● Elegant texture.
Cons
● Not invisible perfectly on darker skin tones.
How Did We Choose the Best Surf Sunscreens?
Are you tired of coming back from a day of surfing with a scorching sunburn? We were, too. That is why we researched extensively to find the best sunscreens for surfing. We evaluated various factors, such as ingredients, water resistance, SPF level, and sweat resistance, to ensure that the sunscreens we recommend provide the best protection for those long hours in the sun.
So, don’t let sun exposure ruin your next surfing session. Trust our research to keep your skin safe and protected.
Buying Guide – What to Look for Before Choosing a Surf Sunscreens?
Let’s explore the key factors to consider before you choose your shield against the sun.
1. SPF Rating and Broad-Spectrum Protection
Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures a sunscreen’s effectiveness in protecting against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. For surfers exposed to the sun for extended periods, sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or at least 30 is advisable.
2. Ingredients and Reef Safety
Many traditional sunscreens use chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone, which harm marine life. Recent research suggests these chemical sunscreens contribute to coral bleaching. Therefore, consider sunscreens with reef-safe, mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
3. Water Resistance and Durability
A surf sunscreen needs to withstand the harsh conditions of the ocean. It should be water-resistant, staying on your skin for extended periods without requiring frequent reapplications. Check for the product’s water resistance time– ideally, it should last for at least 80 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
1. What makes sunscreen ideal for surfing?
A perfect surf sunscreen needs to be long-lasting and water and sweat-resistant to stay on the skin for a prolonged period, even in harsh, salty water. It should also offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. Why should I use surf-specific sunscreen instead of regular sunscreen?
Surf-specific sunscreens are engineered to withstand the rough oceanic conditions and long exposure periods typical in surfing. They are generally more water-resistant than regular sunscreens, meaning they are less likely to wash off and can protect you for longer durations in the water. They’re also made to minimize eye-stinging, a common issue with conventional sunscreens.
3. What is SPF, and how much do I need for surfing?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures a sunscreen’s ability to protect the skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. Dermatologists typically recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of UVB rays.
If you are surfing and using sunscreen with higher SPF, it might offer more protection due to the intense reflection from the water.
Conclusion – A Final Thought
To sum up, choosing a surf sunscreen is a personal decision, depending primarily on your skin type and sensitivity. But if you intend to stay in the water for extended periods, we suggest looking for sunscreens with an SPF of 50 or more that contain reef-safe mineral ingredients like zinc oxide.
Also, always ensure that the product has adequate water resistance and excellent durability. By considering all these factors, you will be better protected against the sun’s rays.
Enjoy your time in the water without worrying about sunburns or skin damage.
For more surf product reviews, check out our post about the best surf watches and surf wax.
