Outsiders watching cycling see it as a smooth and flowing sport. The reality, however, is that it is extremely taxing and requires great endurance. Cyclists spend hours upon hours training in the sun. That is why it is vital that proper sun protection is utilized.
As a cyclist, it is wise to adhere by the Skin Cancer Foundation’s sun protection guidelines by wearing UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade when you’re able to. These things are not enough, however!
You need to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen at all times as a cyclist. Whether your day is spent training or competing in a race, you do not want to compromise the health and protection of your skin in the sun’s UV rays.
There are specific types of sunscreens that you’ll want to use as a hardworking cyclist, in order to ensure sufficient protection.
Let me guide you through the process of finding the right sunscreen for your skin while you ride your bicycle!
After comprehensive research into what your skin needs for protection while cycling, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for cycling. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for cycling.
Buyer’s Guide
To be sure that your skin is properly protected while you are cycling under the sun, there are a few essential features that you should search for in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
Perhaps the most important thing there is to know about sunscreen, for any purpose, is that you want it to provide broad spectrum protection.
What this means is that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is vital because each type of ray works differently:
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin, resulting in tanning or burning
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
Exposure to both types of rays increases your risk of skin cancer, which is why you want to ensure sufficient protection while you’re cycling.
Don’t worry, you’re in luck!
Finding broad spectrum sunscreens is very easy! They are available everywhere and easy to identify. Just take a look at the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.
The label will often have words such as ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’, clearly indicating the right protection.
You can also search the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are always a great choice for cyclists, as they protect against the full range of UVA/B rays.
Best SPF for cycling
Do you feel like the meaning of the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is slightly vague? You’re not alone!
It is important to understand what SPF means because it will aid you in your search for a pro cyclist sunscreen. Let me give you a simple explanation:
The SPF rating indicates the fraction of the sun’s rays that will reach your skin if you have properly applied the product.
For example, if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin.
Now you can see why it is very important and helpful. Just be sure not to get carried away.
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you can stay out in the sun 50 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. Unless you want a painful sunburn, don’t test this out while you’re cycling!
There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF including time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and reflections from surfaces like water and sand.
Check out this table below to better understand how much protection you receive with different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
It’s a bit surprising, right?
There is really very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100.
So how do you know which SPF rating to choose for cycling?
SimplySunSafe agrees with the experts on this matter and suggests that you always choose a sunscreen with an SPF rating no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
And remember, no matter what SPF rating you choose, be sure to reapply at least every two hours to protect your skin while on your bicycle!
Physical is better than chemical
It is good to know that sunscreens can be broken into two main groups – chemical and physical.
The differences between these groups lie in their active ingredients and in the ways they work to protect your skin.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
Here’s the important part – not all sunscreens are created equal!
There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemicals ones.
The most important reason is that physical sunscreens stop more sunlight across a broader UV spectrum. Put simply – they work better.
Physical sunscreens also work immediately upon application, last longer, are less likely to cause irritation, and have a longer shelf life.
If those reasons aren’t enough to convince you, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones!
As a cyclist, you don’t want to take that risk. The worst of these ingredients is called oxybenzone, and is still legal despite concerns from the FDA. I suggest that you take the time to check all potential sunscreens for this ingredient, and avoid it no matter what!
Physical sunscreens are the way to go for your cycling needs!
Water resistant
Although cycling may look like a simple and relaxed sport to outsiders, cyclists know that it is one of the most physically demanding sports there is.
Whether the weather is hot and humid or not, you will definitely find yourself sweating while training or racing on your bicycle.
That is why you want to use a sunscreen that provides water resistance while cycling.
Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. I suggest that you choose a sunscreen with 80 minutes of water resistance in order to maximize the durable protection that you will need while on your bicycle.
Wearing a water resistant sunscreen will provide you with the peace of mind knowing you will remain protected even when the sweat starts flowing while you’re cycling!
Suitable for daily use
Cycling requires consistent and intensive training. You need to be out on your bicycle nearly every day in order to prepare yourself for your cycling competitions.
This means you need a sunscreen that you can depend upon for long-term daily use.
To help you find such a sunscreen, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can use daily on both your face and body?
- What skin sensitivities or conditions do you need to accommodate for?
Knowing the answers to these questions will streamline your search process, and lead you to find the ideal product to protect your skin while cycling.
This is because you can eliminate sunscreens that contain ingredients that will cause irritation or trigger skin sensitivities.
One thing is for sure: a sunscreen that you will wear and reapply multiple times daily must be gentle and not cause your skin irritation.
Luckily, SimplySunSafe has got your back! The products recommended here are all effective yet gentle enough for daily use without any problems with irritation!
(Just be sure to check individual product ingredients lists before buying if you have issues with particular ingredients.)
Best Sunscreen for Cycling Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical |
 EltaMD UV Pure |
 Raw Elements Eco Formula |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 30 | 47 | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) | Zinc Oxide (23%) |
| 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 Cycling
After thorough research into how to properly protect skin while cycling 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 cycling.
Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection at an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They are all water resistant and suitable for daily use while cycling!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport Kids sunscreen provides effective SPF 50+ sun protection for children. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB children’s sunblock is suitable for daily use on kids’ sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: Kids hate standing still, so this hydrating sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection begins instantly. The fast absorbing children’s sun lotion won’t leave skin feeling oily or sticky, and has no unpleasant chemical scent.
- CLEAN MINERAL FORMULA: The first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements, Thinksport vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Your child can swim, dive and play in the water safely. Our children’s sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering kids continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- REEF FRIENDLY: Safe for children, and safe for the earth. Produced in the USA, our sunscreen’s active ingredient is non-nano Zinc Oxide, and the formula is highly biodegradable, non toxic and does not contain any known chemicals harmful to coral reefs.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s first recommendation for sunscreen for cycling is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+.
This sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection with its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%), and is one of the safest on the market! In fact, it was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements.
As its name suggests, thinksport is durable and effective for protection while engaging in a demanding sport like cycling.
But don’t be fooled. Although it is a strong formula, thinksport is very gentle on skin. You will be able to use this sunscreen daily on your face and body without experiencing any irritation.
The formula is thick and may leave a white cast on your skin, but I don’t think this will be too distracting as the wind whips past your face while you’re out on your bicycle!
Thinksport provides you with the 80 minutes of water resistance which you need to feel protected at the maximum level.
It also has a high SPF rating, which makes it a great choice for those with especially sensitive or paler skin.
Because of its versatility and staying power, thinksport SPF 50+ is also SimplySunSafe’s pick for best triathlon sunscreen. So if you’re not just into cycling but love swimming and running too – this is the perfect option.
- Suitable for daily use
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- High SPF
- Thick formula
- 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 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another excellent and reliable sun protection option for cyclists is Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35.
This product is a SimplySunSafe favorite because of its dependability and versatility. It provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of its sole active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%).
Badger is durable and effective for sports like cycling, but its formula is extremely gentle.
Badger is a simple formula, with a total of only five 100% natural ingredients. Daily use on the face and body of even the most sensitive skin will be safe without any irritation.
The high concentration of zinc oxide makes the formula thick and likely to leave a slight white cast, but this is a small price to pay for sufficient sun protection!
Your 80 minutes of water resistance are taken care of by Badger and you can rest assured that the sweat you work up while cycling will not interfere with the imperative protection of your skin under the sun!
SimplySunSafe loves Badger Sport – this is no secret. In fact, we’ve chosen it as the best sunscreen for sports generally. Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed.
- Simple, natural formula
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Thick formula
- Will leave white cast
3. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30
- UVA / UVB broad-spectrum protection.
- Very water resistant.
- 18.6% Zinc Oxide.
- Chemical-free, biodegradeable, ocean-safe, eco-sensitive.
- Paraben-free, petroleum-free, paba-free.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is another great sun protection option suited to cyclists. It provides broad spectrum protection with its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
BurnOut is free of parabens, chemicals, and PABA which makes it suitable for daily use on your face and body. Even with multiple reapplications throughout the day, irritation will not be a problem with BurnOut.
The formula also contains skin nourishing ingredients that will enhance your experience from simple protection to protection and conditioning!
The formula is thick and will require time to rub in properly, but this just adds to the durability of its 80 minutes of water resistance.
BurnOut is a great option for cyclists, and I suggest that you give it a test run (well, ride)!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Skin nourishing ingredients
- Thick formula that takes some time to rub in well
4. EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47
- Gentle and lightweight
- Water-resistant (80 minutes)
- 10.0% transparent zinc oxide, 5.5% titanium dioxide
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum SPF 47 is a cyclist-friendly option for sun protection.
This is another SimplySunSafe favorite that provides effective broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD UV Pure is a little different from the other sunscreens on this list because it has quite a lightweight formula. It is designed for use on sensitive skin on the face and body and even daily use will not lead to any irritation.
Although this formula isn’t as thick as the others, it is still likely to leave a slight white cast. But I don’t think that will interfere with your ability to cycle!
EltaMD UV Pure is reliable enough for cyclists and it provides 80 minutes of water protection so that you don’t need to worry about being unprotected when you begin to sweat.
Its high SPF may also be of interest to those with paler or sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Pure is a little on the pricey side. This is due to its more cosmetic feel which makes application a little easier. If the price doesn’t put you off, try it out!
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Lightweight formula
- High SPF
- May leave slight white cast
- Expensive
5. Raw Elements Eco Formula Sunscreen SPF 30
- EWG TOP-RATED SUNSCREEN – Performance-driven face and body sun protection lasts up to 80 minutes and does not run or sting your eyes
- DAILY USE FOR ALL AGES – Gentle, moisturizing formula can be used as part of your daily skin care routine and is gentle enough for kids
- CERTIFIED ORGANIC NATURAL MINERAL SUNSCREEN – Soy, gluten and nut free, contains no synthetic chemicals and packed with nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, so your skin stays protected long after environmental exposure
- SPF 30+ BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION – With a sole active ingredient of 23% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, our Face + Body Lotion 30+ provides UVA-UVB true broad-spectrum coverage
- SAFE FOR OUR PLANET – Reef-safe, Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free, non-GMO and biodegradable in recyclable packaging. Protect yourself and the environment!
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final recommendation for cyclists looking for sun protection is Raw Elements Eco Formula SPF 30. This product provides you with broad spectrum protection through a very high concentration of effective active ingredient, zinc oxide (23%).
Raw Elements Eco Formula is a hypoallergenic and suitable for daily use on face and body. Irritation will not be an issue with this product, even if you have skin conditions or sensitivities.
With natural Vitamin E included in the product’s ingredients, your training and competitions will be a time of skin conditioning!
Raw Elements Eco Formula does have a rather thick formula which is likely to leave a white cast. But with a durable 80 minutes of water resistance, you aren’t likely to be too concerned with a slight white cast. You’ll be too busy enjoying the ride on your bicycle!
This sunscreen is a bit pricey, but don’t count it out until you test it out to see if it works well for your skin!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Skin nourishing formula
- Thick formula
- A little pricey
Conclusion
This guide was written for those searching for the best sunscreen for cycling. I hope that by reading this guide, you gained a better understanding of how to protect your skin from the sun while on your bicycle, and found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+, but each recommended is guaranteed to provide you with sufficient sun protection for your cycling needs.
Now that you have read this guide, the next step will be to start testing different products. By trying out different sunscreens, you learn how your skin reacts to different textures and ingredients – which means you’ll find your perfect sunscreen!
I love learning new things and hearing about different products from others!
If you use or know of another sunscreen that works well for cyclists, please share it with me in the comments. I’ll check it out and maybe even add it to this list!
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