Best Sunscreen for Horses

Spending time with horses and having them as a part of your family can be one of the most rewarding things in life.

Horses are intelligent beings, and your relationship with each horse you encounter will be unique with different intricacies. As a horse lover, you likely want to provide the best care possible to the horses in your life. Grooming a horse properly is a detailed and important process and skincare is an integral part of a horse’s health.

One thing that may not cross horse owners’minds until it’s too late is sun protection for the horses in your life. The skin of horses, especially that on their faces, is sensitive, and needs to be protected just as you protect your own skin from the sun. Skin damage is especially common in horses and owners need to do all they can to minimize these risk areas.

Similar guidelines exist for protecting horses against the sun’s UV rays, as for humans. Equus Magazine suggests that you outfit your horse with protective clothing, keep it stabled during high sun hours, and use sunscreen.

Can you put human sunscreen on horses? 

It’s a common question, to which the simple answer is: yes.

Broad spectrum sunscreens designed for use on humans, can also be used on your horses. Let me walk you through the process of learning what to look for in human sunscreens to sufficiently protect the horses in your life.

Buyer’s Guide

 

Searching for the right sunscreen to use on horses can feel daunting. There are a few must-have features that you should look for in a sunscreen to be sure that you are headed in the right direction:

Broad spectrum protection

When searching for sunscreen for any purpose, the most important element of the sunscreen is broad spectrum protection. With this feature, there is no difference when it comes to horses and humans – it’s a must!

Broad spectrum protection means that your horse’s skin will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which work differently. UVB rays damage the outer layer of skin and cause the burning that is evident on horses.

UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate the deepest layer of skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging. Like humans, exposure to both types of rays increases a horse’s risk of getting skin cancer, which they are more prone to as they age.

You should pay special attention to the skin around your horse’s eyes when thinking of sun protection.

Finding human sunscreens that work for horses with broad spectrum protection will not be difficult. Sunscreens with broad spectrum protection are available everywhere, and are easy to spot. Just take a moment to look at the sunscreen’s label and ingredients list.

On the label, you may notice words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ indicating your preferred protection. Then, you can also check out the ingredients list and search for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are the ideal choice for horses as they protect against the full spectrum of UVA/B rays.

Best SPF for Horses

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) which you depend on to make decisions about your own sunscreen, is something that also matters when choosing sunscreens for horses.

This means it’s important to understand what the SPF rating of a sunscreen actually means.

Let me give you an understandable explanation: SPF indicates the fraction of the sun’s UV rays that will reach your horse’s skin, if you have properly applied the product. This means that with an SPF rating of 50, only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your horse’s skin.

But be cautious! Just because your horse wears a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that they are able to stay in the sun 50 times longer than if they weren’t wearing sunscreen. Do not make this mistake with the fair and sensitive skin on your horse’s face!

Many factors influence the effectiveness of SPF including time of day, amount of sunscreen properly applied, and reflections from surfaces like water or sand. Check out this table to better understand the amount of protection you get with different SPF ratings:

SPF Rating	UVB Protection
None	0%
2	50%
15	93%
30	97%
50	98%
100	99%

Whether or not it comes as a surprise to you, this is the truth. There is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and on of 100.

Which rating is the right one for horses? The experts recommend that humans choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50. SimplySunSafe agrees with this general recommendation for the case of horses, as well.

Depending on the sensitivity of your horse’s skin, you may want to choose SPF ratings closer to 50 to more easily prevent sunburns. No matter what SPF rating you choose to apply to horses, be sure to reapply at least every two hours. Their skin needs careful tending just as yours does!

As you can see, the SPF rating is important, but proper usage and diligent application is perhaps even more important. Along with other factors such as providing your horse with proper shade, you can do everything in your power to protect your horse from dangerous UV light.

Physical is better than chemical

Sunscreens are not made equal! There are two main groups – chemical and physical. The difference between these two categories are in their active ingredients and the way these ingredients work to protect horse skin.

Chemical sunscreens soak into your skin and absorb UV rays as they reach your skin, while physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin.

One of those sounds better than the other, right? If you need a little more convincing, here are a few reasons to choose physical sunscreens instead of their chemical counterparts. Physical sunscreens:

• Work immediately upon application
• Last longer
• Are less likely to cause irritation
• Have a longer shelf life

Have I convinced you to use physical sunscreens for your horses yet? If not, consider this: Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that mess with the hormones of humans. The worst of these ingredients is called oxybenzone and is still legal despite EWG concerns.

Maybe these ingredients will not have exactly the same effect on horses, but chemical sunscreens are known to cause irritation and allergic reaction on the skin of horses. Avoid causing your horses unnecessary discomfort and choose physical sunscreens!

Zinc oxide as active ingredient

Zinc oxide is the best active ingredient to have in a sunscreen whether you are a human or a horse (though not if you’re a dog – see dog sunscreen). A sunscreen with zinc oxide protects against the full range of UVA/B rays and is a safe and natural ingredient.

In fact, many horse lovers choose to make homemade sunscreen for horses. Their main, and often only, ingredient is zinc oxide. The superior protection it provides paired with its sensitivity on their skin cannot be beaten.

Do your horse a favor and make sure that any sunscreen you choose to apply on their skin has zinc oxide as an active ingredient.

Water resistant

There is no way to control whether or not a horse will sweat. So you need to prepare properly for that likelihood when they will be spending time out in the sun. A horse’s nose, especially, is already moist, and in hot weather, non-water resistant sunscreen is likely to melt right off.

As the skin of a horse’s face is hypersensitive, you don’t want to risk any unprotected time in the sun. Therefore, water resistance is a necessity in sunscreen for a horse’s nose. Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. It’s a safer choice to protect your horse with 80 minutes of water resistance, and you know what they say, ‘better safe than sorry!’

Stick sunscreen

Many people who spend time with and work with horses feel that a stick form of sunscreen is more practical for use with horses.

Regular sunscreen creams and lotions can be thick and require a lot of labored rubbing in order to properly absorb. Horses may not feel comfortable with this process, making it difficult to apply the sunscreen evenly.

With stick sunscreens, application is slightly smoother. Many customers assert that using stick sunscreens allows them to feel certain that they have properly applied the sunscreen to horses without too much fuss.

As you know, one of the main factors in horse care is how the horse actually likes it. So choosing a sunscreen that doesn’t make your horse uncomfortable will save you a lot of time and effort during the application process.

Specialty horse sun protection

While you can safely and effectively use human sunscreen on horses, it is not the only way. There are products that are specifically designed for use on horses, as well.

Horse sunburn masks are commonly chosen items, especially for horses with pink noses. There are different varieties which protect different portions of the horse’s face. These masks also come in handy if, by chance, a horse has already suffered a sunburn and needs protection to allow it to heal.

There is a popular sunscreen, called My Pet Sunblock, formerly My Pony Sunblock, which is physical, and contains only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as ingredients. This product has been marketed especially for horses and other animals. When you read the My Pony Sunblock reviews, you will see that it is quite simple, yet effective and trusted.

Another common option used is horse sunscreen powder. The reason that some people choose to use a powder is because they find that it causes less distress to horses during application as it can be applied quickly and with less pressure than standard sunscreen. These are options to keep in mind when searching for sunscreen for horses.

Making Your Decision – Our Number One Recommendation

You may be wondering, with all this information and all the different options for my horse – which product and method of protection should I actually choose?

The answer is that it depends on numerous factors. But to make the best decision for you, you need to consider these factors. Essentially, you should base your decision on your horse, and on your horse’s environment.

For your horse, consider its age, size, color, and whether you know if it is susceptible to certain conditions. Additionally, you should choose a method of application that your horse does not seem to mind.

Another very valid consideration is your horse’s environment. This includes the climate where you live, and how much sun is typical. Additionally, factors that are individual to your horses stable, its pasture, and how many shaded areas it has access to.

Overall, you want to consider how much sun your horse is actually getting, which will help you decide how much and how often to apply sunscreen.

If you are still in doubt, there is always the option to consult a veterinarian. A medical professional can help you make the best decision possible. They will also consider the circumstances which are personal to your climate and to your horse.

Best Sunscreen for Horses Comparison

 

5 Best Sunscreens for Horses

 

After thorough research into what horses really need which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe compiled a great list of the 5 best sunscreens for horses.

Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They all contain zinc oxide and are water resistant!

1. Raw Elements Eco Stick Sunscreen SPF 30+

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

SimplySunSafe’s first recommendation for sunscreen for horses is Raw Elements Eco Form Sunscreen.

This sunscreen boasts broad spectrum protection with a very high concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (22.75%).

Raw Elements Sunscreen Stick provides the opportunity for easier application to a horse’s face, while upholding superb protection. One major benefit with stick sunscreen is that many horses tend to prefer this variant over lotion, as they are more comfortable with the application process.

Your horse will receive 80 minutes of water resistance with Raw Elements, which will enhance the level of protection they receive. Although this sunscreen does not have a higher SPF rating, it is an excellent option for daily protection of horses!

2. Badger Sport Sunscreen SPF 35

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Badger Sport Sunscreen is my next recommendation for protecting horses in the sun.

It is another formula which provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of zinc oxide (22.5%). Although Badger Sport is a cream formula, the protection it will provide to horses cannot be ignored.

It is a simple formula with only 5 natural ingredients which will not cause any irritation to a horse’s skin. It is unscented which ensures even further that horses will not be bothered by this sunscreen. And if your horse is not bothered, then you will find that the application process will become quick and easy.

The SPF rating is a bit higher than Raw Elements Eco Stick and horses receive 80 minutes of necessary water resistance. Badger may prove to be a great option for the horses in your life!

3. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is another great option for horses in the sun.

It provides broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of our favorite active ingredient, zinc oxide (20%).

Thinksport is one of the safest sunscreens on the market, having been the first to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements, and will not cause horses any irritation.

This formula provides 80 minutes of durable water resistance and also provides a higher SPF rating, which is ideal for horses with paler skin and pink noses. Thinksport is also available in stick form, but with an SPF rating of 30.

Give the brand a try on your horses and see what will work best!

4. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30

Last update on 2023-10-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

BurnOut Ocean Tested is another sports-oriented sunscreen that will work well on horses.

It too provides broad spectrum with a high concentration of zinc oxide (20%).

This is another cream formula which is thick so that is something you will need to consider in terms of your horse’s comfort during application.

Often, horses are not as comfortable with a cream type of sunscreen. However, if you test it out and your horse is fine with it, then it can be quite an effective method of protection.

The high concentration of zinc oxide yields stellar protection. The formula is vegan and will not cause horses any irritation.

BurnOut provides 80 minutes of water resistance for horses and is an overall reliable source of sun protection.

5. All Terrain Terrasport SPF 30 Sunscreen

Last update on 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

All Terrain Terrasport is another sunscreen which is designed for sport activity protection of humans, but will transfer very well to horses.

It has a high concentration of zinc oxide (16%) which provides broad spectrum protection.

All Terrain Terrasport is a great option for the already moist noses and sensitive facial skin of horses as it is non-greasy.

The cream formula is thick and will take effort to rub in, but will provide strong protection. Although many horses will be uncomfortable with a cream type of sun screen, it does provide excellent protection. If your horse is okay with it, then this brand is highly recommended.

Horses receive 80 minutes of water resistance with All Terrain Terrasport, covering them even in hot weather or during any activity in water.

What if My Horse Gets a Sunburn?

This article has been mainly focused on protecting your horse from the sun, but what should you do if your horse does become sunburned?

Sunburn can be mainly seen in the face and around the eyes, where a horse’s hair is not as thick, and they are more vulnerable to the sun. A sunburn can be very painful to a horse, which is why protection is so vital.

If you see a mild sunburn, you should do what you can to cover the area or get the horse out of the sun. A face mask can provide some shade and allow the burn to heal before it gets worse.

However, if the sunburn becomes more severe, a visit to the vet is necessary. A vet can provide the proper treatment and medication necessary to treat your horse. If you think your horse is suffering from a severe sunburn, a trip to the vet is very much recommended.

Conclusion

This guide was written for those seeking the best sunscreen for horses. I hope that by reading this guide you gained more knowledge about what goes into properly protecting horses, and you found a product that fits your specific horse needs.

SimplySunSafe recommends Raw Elements Eco Stick Sunscreen SPF 30+, but all 5 listed options will sufficiently protect horses from the sun. Before you decide on one sunscreen to use on the horses in your life, you should spend some time testing different products.

Horses have a different type of skin than humans, and it is important to check reactions to different formulas and types of applicator. After your trial runs, you will be able to make a more informed decision.

It will really come down to your own circumstances and your individual horses. It is hard to say definitively the best method of sun protection for every horse. Sometimes, it just takes some experimenting to see what they are comfortable with. And if you are still in doubt, then a consultation with a medical professional can help.

I love learning new things and hearing about new products from my peers! So if you use or know of another great sunscreen for horses, please take a moment to share it in the comments. I will check it out and maybe even add it to this list!

FAQs

Q: Can you put human sunscreen on horses?

A: There are some sunscreen products made for horses out there. But it seems like the ones that humans use are just as safe to apply on your equine companions. You may choose from two types of sunscreens, organic absorbers/filters or inorganic physical blockers (zinc oxide). Besides, zinc-oxide cream is one of the most effective sunscreen products there are and is safe for horses too! 

So, you can generally also use any product meant for people, such as those containing PABA on your horse. Also, note to do a patch test on your horse by applying a small amount at night on a sensitive area. 

Q: How do you treat sunburn on your horse?

A: To treat your horse’s sunburn, apply a soothing ointment gel or aloe. Then apply a heavy coating of sunscreen to minimize further injury in the sun. Also, ensure your horse has plenty of fresh, clean water; hydration helps heal damaged skin. Apart from this, you’ll want to talk with your vet if the symptoms don’t resolve. Preventing sun damage is a great way to go!

Q: How can you prevent sunburn on your horse?

A: As a horse owner, one of the most important things you can do to protect your horse from sunburn is making sure that he/she has the right fly sheets and masks. A full mask such as Absorbine Ultrashield Fly Mask covers your horse’s nose all the way down to their ear tips. Choose pale-colored fly/sun sheets that act like mesh in order to provide some protection over their backs but not keep out any sunlight entirely. 

Be sure when fitting these items on your animal for purchase, they’re tailored properly, so it’s comfortable to prevent sores. Also, don’t forget to use sunscreen. 

Q: How do you know if your horse is sunburned?

A: You may not be able to see the sunburn on your horse’s white coat, but you can usually tell if they have been out in the heat for a long time. Common indicators are changes in temperament and dehydration. Changes in temperament include excessive head shaking, extreme agitation when approached or touched, lethargy, reluctance to move from shade into sunlight.

Redness around the eyes or nose may be a symptom of sunburn, but it is not exclusive. If your horse’s skin becomes unusually dry or irritated from the sun, they are most likely sun-struck. Watch for changes in behavior and lookout for signs of inflammation like patches of swollen skin.

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