As a cricketer, you frequently spend a large portion of your day outside in the sun, both when training for and playing in matches. This time in the sun can become like second-nature to you, and sometimes you will barely even notice those sunny hours the next wicket falls.
This time adds quickly adds up. And you’re physically exerting yourself during this period (depending on your fielding position!). This means that you will be sweating, which can be the achilles heel of certain sunscreens.
This is why the the Skin Cancer Foundation urges all athletes, including you as a cricketer, to be extra careful with your sun protection measures!
That means that you must always be properly protected with an effective sunscreen (on top of a good hat, sunglasses, and long sleeved cricket whites).
In This Article
Finding the right sunscreen for your cricket needs does not have to be stressful. Let me walk you through the process of finding a sunscreen that is ideal for you (and for all cricketers).
After deep research into what cricketers need for sun protection, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for cricketers. However, keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for cricketers.
A great sunscreen is comfortable, easy to apply, and provides excellent UV protection. With this guide, you can choose a sunscreen that will minimize harmful rays so you can stay focused on remaining at the top of your game.
Buyer’s Guide
In order to make a proper decision, it often helps to understand the product you are buying. It can be difficult to look at a sunscreen bottle and know what it all means. In this section, we will explain what matters in a sunscreen or sun cream, and the most important features to look out for.
The sunscreen that will serve you best as a cricketer will have the following must-have features. Keep an eye out for them as you search!
Broad spectrum protection
When you spend as much time in the sun as you do playing cricket, broad spectrum protection should be one of the first things on your mind! It means that you are equally protected against both the UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
That’s right, there are two types of UV rays that come from the sun, and they work in different ways. The best sunscreen is one that has UVA and UVB protection.
UVB rays are the ones that cause burning and tanning by damaging the outer layer of your skin. You really want to be careful not to allow your skin to start burning as the length of a cricket match means you could be blistered by the end of a session!
UVA rays are even more dangerous because their damage goes unnoticed (at least for a while). These rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis), and cause premature aging. You don’t want to be a sun-weathered cricket commentator one day, so you need to stop UVAs now.
As you can probably guess, exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer – an illness to which cricketers are (unfortunately) particularly susceptible.
Simply put, in general, and especially as an outdoor athlete and cricketer, broad spectrum protection is of vital importance!
Best SPF for Cricketers
I’m sure that you know the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of a sunscreen is important, but perhaps you’re not sure exactly why. You’re not alone, but it is helpful to really understand how SPF protection truly works.
Let me explain it to you simply. The SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays will reach your skin if you have properly applied your sunscreen.
That means, if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30, then only 1/30th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin.
Don’t get carried away, though, especially when you’re outside playing cricket!
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF like time of day, amount of sunscreen properly applied, and even reflections from different surfaces.
Here’s a simple table which shows you how much protection you get from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
It seems like there’s very little difference between the higher SPFs, right?
It’s true, so how do you know which rating to choose for when you’re playing cricket?
SimplySunSafe likes to stay in line with guidelines put forward by the British Association of Dermatologists, which assert that you should choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50+.
Keep in mind that no matter what SPF rating you do choose, you need to be sure to reapply your sunscreen at least every two hours for optimal performance and protection!
Physical is better than chemical
Were you aware that sunscreens can be separated into two main groups – chemical and physical? The differences between these two groups lie in their active ingredients and in the way they protect your skin from UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin, while physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin.
Does one sound safer than the other?
In actuality, there are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones. Physical sunscreens:
- Work immediately upon application (no need to wait before you play!)
- Last longer
- Are less likely to cause irritation
- Have a longer shelf life
Am I convincing you yet?
Let me share something else with you. Many chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that mess with your hormones. As an athlete, that is not something that you want to have a problem with! The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone, and it is best for you to avoid it no matter what!
Physical sunscreen will provide you with the most durable protection while you play cricket in the sun!
Water resistant
Water resistance is a must in your sunscreen as a cricketer! You find yourself under the hot sun for eight hours at a time. There is no way that you won’t sweat. And when you add that with the sweat caused by physical exertion, water resistance becomes even more important.
To make sure that you receive continuous, sufficient protection while you’re giving your all on the cricket field, you need a sunscreen that won’t melt away at the first sign of sweat.
Sunscreens are available with 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance. I strongly suggest that you choose sunscreens with 80 minutes of resistance. It will provide you with longer lasting protection and peace of mind throughout your training and games.
Zinc oxide as active ingredient
You already learned why it’s a good idea to choose physical sunscreens. Now I want to point out a specific ingredient to you: zinc oxide. It is the strongest sunscreen ingredient and protects against the full range of UVA/B rays.
Look for sunscreens with higher concentrations of zinc oxide to know that you are receiving the best and most reliable protection.
Be aware, you will likely be left with a white cast on your face when you use zinc oxide as an active ingredient.
Just think of it as proof of quality protection and a tribute to some of the greats of the game!
Higher SPF ratings for paler skin
As the guidelines suggest, you never want to choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating lower than 30. However, if you have paler toned skin, then you may want to consider choosing sunscreens with SPF ratings closer to 50.
Remember, the SPF is protecting you from burning and tanning. If you know that your skin is sensitive and burns easily, then it is worth your while to search and invest in a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating!
Best Sunscreen for Cricketers Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch |
 Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick |
 Alba Botanica Sport Mineral |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 30 | 30 | 45 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (18.24%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (9%) & Titanium Dioxide (7%) |
| Water resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Price | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon | See it at Amazon |
5 Best Sunscreens for Cricketers
After thorough research into what elements are necessary for proper sun protection of cricketers which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has compiled a list of the 5 best sunscreens for cricketers.
Each sunscreen provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all water resistant and each contains zinc oxide as an active ingredient.
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Top rated by EWG skin deep database with a "1" rating since 2010. First sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals: no avobenzone, oxybenzone, paraben, phthalate, paba and 1,4 dioxane free or UV chemical absorbers
- Highest - SPF 50 plus, water resistance (80 minutes), broad-spectrum coverage as proposed by the 2012 monograph
- Non-nano zinc oxide formulation average particle size >100micron, non-aerosol formulation (high concern of both ineffectiveness and particulates being inhaled)
- Applies and absorbs easily non-oily feel does not have an obtrusive smell that many organic sunscreens have. No animal testing.
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s first choice for sunscreen for cricketers is an all-around dependable and effective sunscreen that you will be able to use daily on the cricket field.
Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ provides broad spectrum protection through a high concentration of the desired active ingredient zinc oxide (20%) so you know you’re well protected!
It doesn’t get better than thinksport when it comes to the safety of your sunscreen. Thinksport was the first product to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements. Rest assured that your skin won’t react to this gentle formula.
Thinksport has a rather thick formula that you will want to make sure and rub in very well so that you’re not let feeling sticky.
Like the majority of sunscreens with high concentrations of zinc oxide, thinksport will leave your skin with a slight white cast. Just remember you’re there to play hard and you want your sun protection to be working just as hard. That white cast is a reminder that it is!
Speaking of playing hard, don’t worry about sweating and losing your sun protection. Thinksport provides 80 minutes of durable water resistance so that you’ll be able to play through a bit of the game without worrying about your sunscreen.
Thinksport’s high SPF rating also gives you extra cushion in your protection against burning from UVB rays while you play under the hot sun.
Do you have any young cricketers in your life? If you do, then thinksport can help you there too, with their kids formula. Help the next generation of cricketers learn and train safely in the sun!
thinksport SPF 50+ is also listed by SimplySunSafe as the best sunscreen for tennis and the most appropriate sunscreen for men. It’s truly an awesome product for a huge variety of uses.
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- High SPF rating
- Slight white cast
2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35
- SIMPLY THE SAFEST SPORT SUNSCREEN - Badger sets the standard for simple safe sunscreens that protect you and your family. This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen has only 5 simple ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, & sunflower vitamin E. Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic & fragrance-free this all natural sports sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin and all skin types.
- PROTECTS WITH THE MINERAL ZINC OXIDE - Badger’s SPF 35 Unscented Sport Sunscreen Cream uses non-nano, large particle zinc oxide which stays on top of your skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays, and won’t absorb into your bloodstream. Naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 80 minutes, perfect for swimming, surfing, skiing, and other sports.
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN - Safe for coral means safe for you too! Badger sunscreens are made without oxybenzone or any chemicals shown to harm coral or humans. All Badger sunscreen lotions and creams are top rated for safety and efficacy by the EWG sunscreen guide. This eco-friendly biodegradable sunscreen protects you without endangering marine life.
- 98% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY SKIN - The certified organic sunscreen base ingredients are antioxidant rich, ultra-moisturizing, and great for your skin. Non-GMO, fragrance free, and contains no dyes, parabens, or other artificial ingredients. Healthy botanical ingredients promote healthy skin.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST - Badger is a family owned, women run B Corporation (Benefit Corp) making mineral sport sunscreens and other organic skin care products that we use on our own families in rural New Hampshire since 1995. We are the leaders in safe natural sunscreens. Don't just take our word for it, read our ingredients, see what others say about Badger sunscreens, and try them for yourself.
Last update on 2021-01-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35 is a product that comes highly recommended here at SimplySunSafe. It is versatile and works well with all skin types. Not to mention that your broad spectrum protection is provided through a high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
Badger Sport’s formula is so simple, it’s hard to believe. It is made up of just five all natural ingredients. That is why it works well with any skin type, even sensitive types, and does not cause any irritation.
You will be able to use and re-apply this sunscreen daily, without having any issues on your face and body.
Expect to be left with a white cast with Badger Sport, as its concentration of zinc oxide is quite high. Just draw some battle streaks below your eyes and get on the cricket field to play!
While you’re playing under the sun, rest assured that your sweat won’t melt away the sunscreen right away. You’ll be equipped with 80 minutes of strong water resistance.
The sunscreen lotion is reliable, but if you prefer stick versions of sunscreen for easier and more convenient application, then you’re in luck. Badger has a sport sunscreen stick for your face. You can apply the lotion before the game and keep the stick in your pocket on the field for quick reapplications to your face, if you want!
We love Badger Sport so much we’ve chosen it as the best sunscreen for athletes. If you’re looking for a general sport sunscreen, look no further!
- Very high concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Available in stick form for face
- Leaves white cast on skin
3.Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50
- 2-fluid ounces of Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 provides superior protection against aging UVA and burning UVB rays to help prevent sunburn
- Specially formulated water-resistant face sunscreen is made with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide and features Dry-Touch technology to help ensure it dries with a non-greasy finish
- Our lightweight sheer sunscreen is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and irritating chemicals so it's gentle on skin and won't sting eyes and layers invisibly under makeup for easy wear
- From the number 1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand, the non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and oil-free formula of this mineral sunscreen contains antioxidants to help protect against skin-damaging free radicals caused by the sun
- This gentle face sunscreen delivers 2x better UVA protection than the leading mineral sunscreen among mineral sunscreens containing only mineral active ingredients. Apply prior to sun exposure to protect during outdoor activities like biking or hiking
Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50 is an excellent choice that you will find easily at your local drugstore. It’s a brand that is trusted worldwide and recommended by dermatologists. With this sunscreen, you will receive broad spectrum protection with yet another high concentration of active ingredient zinc oxide.
It doesn’t matter what type of skin you have, with the Neutrogena ultra sheersunscreen you will not experience irritation even when you use it every day for protection on the cricket field. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic (won’t cause your skin to break out with acne) for the gentlest of touches on your skin. So from normal skin to more acne prone skin, this sunscreen will work for you.
Due to the high concentration of zinc oxide, you will experience a white cast, but the lotion does absorb and dry very well. You won’t be left feeling like your skin is greasy while you’re trying to focus on the game.
As you need, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch provides 80 minutes of water resistance to get you through your cricket matches and training!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Suitable for all skin types
- Leaves white cast on skin
4. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick Sunscreen SPF 30
- 100% GOOD FOR YOU & YOUR FAMILY: A fast-absorbing & non-greasy 100% zinc-based sunblock to protect the face, lips, nose and ears. This water resistant sunscreen SPF 30 stick helps you enjoy the sun safely. Convenient, travel-friendly for families on the go.
- FORMULATED FOR VERY SENSITIVE SKIN: This sunscreen is specifically developed with 100% non-nano zinc to provide you with 80 minutes of water and sweat resistant coverage. Safe for baby and perfect for the entire family. Fragrance free.
- ZINC-BASED, MINERAL FORMULA: Specially formulated with skin-soothing organic oils like jojoba. Oxybenzone and Octinoxate free. Enriched with Babo's Organic Nutri-Soothe Complex. Reef friendly.
- ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY. Reef Safe. No Oxybenzone. Mineral Based sunscreen.
- NO HARSH CHEMICALS OR IRRITANTS: Hypoallergenic to reduce the risk of allergic reactions. Clinically tested and rated number #1 in safety by Environment Working Group (EWG). Gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond and walnut free. Made in USA and B Corp Certified.
Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The stick format of sunscreen works really well when you’re an athlete. It is convenient and fast. Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sport Stick is another great option for your cricket career. This compact stick provides a punch of broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
Babo Botanicals Sport Stick is great for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is even hypoallergenic. It is designed for use on the face and surrounding areas, such as ears and neck. However, it will work well on other areas of your skin that may be exposed while you play cricket, such as your hands.
With Babo Botanicals Sport Stick, you can multitask playing cricket while getting sun protection and conditioning your skin! The formula contains nourishing ingredients like shea butter and beeswax that work while you’re being protected.
You may be left with a white cast, but you definitely won’t have to worry about sweating this sunscreen off with its 80 minutes of water resistance!
This stick sunscreen may just be the best face sunscreen for cricketers. Its portability and ease of application make this perhaps its most appealing feature to any athlete.
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Convenient stick form
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- May leave white cast on skin
5. Alba Botanica Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45
- One 4 oz. bottle of Alba Botanica Fragrance Free Sport SPF 45 Mineral Sunscreen
- Lightweight sunscreen made with botanical ingredients
- Provides broad spectrum protection, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is coral reef friendly
- No oxybenzone, octinoxate or synthetic fragrances
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
Last update on 2021-01-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for your cricket sun protection needs is Alba Botanica Sport Mineral Sunscreen. This sunscreen is very reliable and provides broad spectrum protection with a combination of active ingredients zinc oxide (9%) and titanium dioxide (7%). It’s an excellent combination and this sunscreen has landed last on our list only because of its comparatively lower concentration of zinc oxide.
Alba Botanica Sport Mineral is a very thick formula that you will need to rub in correctly so that you won’t be left feeling greasy. That thickness is a security reminder of sufficient sun protection! You will likely be left looking a little whitish, but that’s the price you pay for solid sun protection.
The formula of this sunscreen is sensitive enough that you can use it all over your face and body without experiencing irritation. It is gentle enough to be used even on sensitive skin types! Alba Botanica Sport Mineral’s higher SPF rating is a great option for you if your skin is paler or more sensitive. It will help you avoid burning on the cricket field.
The 80 minutes of water resistance provided by Alba Botanica Sport Mineral is extremely durable and sweating while you play cricket will not interfere with your protection. My tip to you is to try to apply the sunscreen about fifteen minutes before you’re set to go on the cricket field. It needs a bit of time to absorb and dry properly.
- Zinc oxide used as active ingredient
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Higher SPF rating
- Will leave white cast
Conclusion
This guide was written for people on a search for the best sunscreen for cricketers. I hope that by reading this guide you learned more about what sun protection you need while you play and found a product that fits your specific needs!
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+, but all 5 of the recommended products are reliable and will protect you under the sun as a cricketer.
I suggest that you take some time to test out a few different sunscreens before deciding on one. You never know what type of reactions your skin might have to different formulas. By testing different sunscreens, you’ll learn what aspects of each one work and don’t work for you. Then your final decision will be the most informed!
I really love learning new things and hearing about other products from the people around me. If you use or know of another sunscreen that works well for cricketers, please share it in the comments. I’ll check it out and maybe even add it to the list to pass on the knowledge to other cricketers!
hello I m jyotsana i got selected in cpo exam n got the post of CISF sub-Inspector so my training is going to start on november so there i need to do lot of physical activities including running etc and that to in sun so what i need is a suncreen which is best suited for oily skin n most important thing is it should be of maximum sweat resistence as u know while running how much body sweats so it shouldn’t be like that sunscreen comes out with sweat plz reply me i m really afraid of it
Hi Jyotsana,
I just posted an article on the best sunscreen for Indian skin.
In it I outline a number of sunscreens for a range of skin types.
Some of them include the maximum water resistance (including the one for oily skin).
I think you’ll find a sunscreen in there to suit your needs.
Thanks,
Meg
Hi,
Am Sidhiq, I am usually playing cricket in Dubai, could you please advise what kind of Sunscreen I have to use (Please suggest some brands also) Dubai temperature is from 40 to 50 in the summer.
Thanks,
Hi Sidhiq!
I’d recommend checking out our guides for sports (to deal with sweat) and Indian skin (for your specific needs).
All the best,
Meg
I run daily at Mumbai marine drive , India , the regular sun screen makes my eyes very very itchy and i cannot run. My face sweats a lot please suggest best sun screen and how to apply?
Hi Dinesh!
I’d recommend checking out our guide for runners.
All the best,
Meg