Best Sunscreen for Runners

Welcome to our best sunscreen for runners review!

Sun protection is vitally important for runners. Outdoor runners expose themselves to more of the sun’s dangerous radiation than most people. This increases your risk of skin cancer and will eventually cause your skin to age quicker (UVA radiation prompts skin wrinkling and sagging).

All of your sun protection gear should be of the highest quality. Your first defense from the sun should always be quality running gear with UV protection (long-sleeve shirts, shorts, hat, sunglasses), planning your runs when the sun is less intense (early morning and late afternoon), and running in areas with a lot of natural shade.

You can’t stop there though. There will still be areas of your body (face, neck, hands, arms, and legs) exposed to the sun’s dangerous UV radiation for extended periods. Including a high quality sunscreen in your sun protection arsenal is a must!

Best Sunscreen for Runners Comparison

Buyer’s Guide on Sunscreen for Running

For a sunscreen to protect runners from the sun while running, it must have a number of factors:

Broad spectrum protection is a must

The sun produces a broad spectrum of nasty UV radiation. This radiation is broadly classified as UVA and UVB. UVB is the radiation that causes sunburn. A lot of sunscreens only offer protection against UVB radiation, leaving you exposed to UVA radiation.

UVA radiation is arguably the more dangerous end of the radiation spectrum. UVA radiation is responsible for the DNA altering damage that occurs deep in the skin and can lead to melanoma. On top of this, UVA radiation also increasing visible signs of aging in the skin (sagging and wrinkling).

Whenever you buy a sunscreen you should be looking for products labeled with something like ‘UVA/UVB protection’ or ‘broad spectrum’. If it doesn’t have this labeling, don’t even bother. This kind of protection is especially important for runners as you are constantly exposing yourself to sunlight and the potential for serious harm.

All of the products SimplySunSafe recommends offer broad spectrum protection as it’s the only way to ensure complete sun protection.

Best SPF for Runners

Most people have no idea what sun protection factor (SPF) actually is, even though they base a lot of the protection they get from the sun on this number. Even when it gets explained it’s still confusing.

The SPF rating is the number you have to multiply the time it takes you to burn without protection by to get the time it’ll take you to burn with that level of protection. Clear as mud, right? Let’s use an example to get a better idea. If you take 5 minutes to burn without sunscreen, an SPF 15 sunscreen will protect you for 75 minutes (15 times as long). If you’re more resilient and take 10 minutes to burn naturally, you’ll get 150 minutes of protection.

This doesn’t mean a particularly resilient person (say 20 minutes before burning) with an SPF 50 sunscreen will get 1000 minutes (over 16 hours) of protection. No matter how high the SPF, a sunscreen won’t last much longer than 2 hours. This time is even less when you involve sweat (like from running) or water (see the water resistance section below). This makes reapplying regularly, wearing UV-rated clothing, and seeking out shade wherever you can vital elements of effective sun protection.

Apart from the fact that it’s confusing, SPF has some other issues:

• It only rates protection against UVB radiation, not UVA. To assess UVA protection you need to make sure you’ve got the right active ingredients (more on this below).
• The time you’re protected also depends on light intensity and application thickness. This means it’s inconsistent and impossible to predict.
• The ratings naturally lead people to believe that SPF 15 offers half the protection of SPF 30. This isn’t even close to true and companies take advantage of this misunderstanding.

There is a much better way to look at SPF so you can choose which one to use. All you have to do is look at the amount of UVB radiation each rating level blocks.

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

It’s easy to see from the table that once you get to SPF 30, the increases in protection are minimal. Most people don’t understand this and a few years ago companies were taking advantage of the misunderstanding. They produced sunscreens with SPFs at or above 100, suggesting they offered far better protection than standard SPF 30 sunscreens. What they were really offering was an extra 2% for sometimes considerably more money. This is why the FDA now caps SPFs at 50+.

So now you’re in the know when it comes to SPF, which one should you be using? You can probably guess the answer from the table, but just to be sure I checked with the experts and they too recommend using sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or more. This will provide you with the protection you need and anything above this is just a (small) bonus you shouldn’t be paying through the nose for.

Physical not chemical

Sunscreens are broadly classified as physical or chemical. Physical sunscreens use their active ingredients to reflect damaging radiation away from the skin. Chemical sunscreens use their active ingredients to absorb radiation before it reaches the skin.

Research shows that physical sunscreens:

• stop more radiation from reaching the skin
• last longer on the skin
• are less likely to cause irritation
• start to work immediately
• have a longer shelf life

If you need even more convincing, chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients thought to be endocrine disruptors (things that mess with with your hormones). A clear example of this is the all too common and notorious oxybenzone.

To know you’re getting the goods, check the label for ‘physical’ or ‘mineral’ wording. If a ‘physical’ or ‘chemical’ classification isn’t clear, read the active ingredients. Physical sunscreens will use high levels of either zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

All of the sunscreens featured here are highly recommended by the EWG for both UV protection and ingredient safety. They are an authority on sunscreen and if you search for a lot of the most popular brands on their site, you might get a rude shock.

Water-resistant (so it doesn’t sting your eyes)

Sunscreen that rubs off with sweat, stings when it gets in your eyes, and leaves you squinting for the rest of your run is a huge pain for runners. The solution to this all too common problem experienced by runners is to make sure your sunscreen won’t run. This will stop you having to slow down to try to remove the sunscreen from your stinging eyes.

Changes to sunscreen labeling regulations mean sunscreens can no longer market themselves as ‘waterproof’ or ‘sweatproof’. This is definitely a step in the right direction as no sunscreen could possible hope to guarantee those claims.

Now sunscreens are labeled as ‘water resistant’ for periods of 40 or 80 minutes depending on the resistance of the particular product. This ensures people are aware of the requirement to reapply regularly and aren’t mislead about the ability of sweat and water to interfere with sunscreen performance.

Another great way to identify a sunscreen for running is to check if it’s labeled for use as a ‘sport’ sunscreen. Although purely a marketing term, the manufacturer has usually done some testing to ensure if can perform under more testing conditions. Plus, the reviews on these products are more likely to come from people who’ve used the product for the purpose you intend – so customer feedback is more relevant.

Rub on lotion not spray

Spray sunscreens are easy to apply which is great for time-poor runners on the go. However, the time saved is not worth it. For years the FDA has been urging people to avoid spray sunscreens, especially for use on children.

They have good reasons to not recommend these products. Spray sunscreens increase the chance of accidental inhalation. Breathing in the chemicals in sunscreens, especially nano-sized and micronized ingredients, is a more direct route of exposure that could lead to lung injury. On top of this, spray sunscreens offer inadequate sun protection as they make it more difficult to create a consistent layer that covers all exposed areas.

Although still legal to sell, the FDA has threatened to ban them in the past. While companies scramble to provide more evidence of their safety, spray sunscreens aren’t recommended on SimplySunSafe.

Appropriate for daily use

Your running sunscreen will likely be getting quite a workout (just like you!). It’s important that the ingredients present combine to create a gentle formulation appropriate for daily use.

If you have sensitive skin, all of the products here feature natural and organic ingredients that make them suitable for you. They shouldn’t cause irritation unless you react to one of their ingredients, so read the product descriptions and ingredient lists carefully before making your purchase.

5 Best Sunscreens for Runners

After thorough research that combined discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in running forums SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best sunscreens for runners. Like any sunscreen for endurance athletes, all of these physical sunscreens provide broad spectrum protection, have an SPF of 30 or over, have the highest level of water resistance, and are suitable for daily use.

1. BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen

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

BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen is one of the simplest and best broad spectrum physical sunscreens on the market. It has only 5 ingredients, is certified as 100% natural and 98% organic. You know exactly what you’re getting because all that’s in there is zinc oxide (22.5%), sunflower oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, and sunflower vitamin E.

This sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes (maximum available) which means it won’t budge when you sweat during rigorous exercise.

Although unscented, the antioxidant-rich sunflower oil base gives off a mild fragrance that can be likened to oatmeal – certainly nothing to complain about.

BADGER Sport Sunscreen’s short and natural ingredient list make it awesome for people with sensitive skin who are prone to irritation caused by other products. It won’t do you any damage and because it’s biodegradable, non-nano, and safe for coral reefs, it won’t be harming the environment either.

The high concentration of zinc oxide allows for great and balanced UV protection. However, it does take some rubbing in and will likely leave a white cast on most skin types. This is because physical sunscreens aren’t absorbed into the skin like chemical sunscreens. This is what makes them so effective, but do be careful after you’ve applied as this sunscreen can rub onto other surfaces if you touch them.

Some people have complained that it’s greasy and hard to get off your hand after application – but that’s the whole point! This stuff won’t just come off in water or by sweating. It’s there to stay so you get great protection throughout your run.

Despite these points, BADGER Sport Sunscreen still takes the number one spot because this isn’t meant to be your everyday sunscreen. You can get something more cosmetically appealing for everyday, but for running you need protection!

2. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+

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

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a physical sunscreen that uses non-nano zinc oxide (20%) as its active ingredient. It has the highest marketable SPF at 50+ and offers fantastic, balanced protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. It was beaten out by BADGER Sport Sunscreen because of BADGER’s shorter ingredient list.

Thinksport (and their other brand thinkbaby) do a lot to ensure the products they make are safe for consumption. They don’t make spray sunscreens, avoid all active chemical ingredients known to be biologically harmful (like oxybenzone), and follow FDA directives like gospel. This is why their products are so highly regarded and why thinksport Sunscreen was the first to pass Whole Foods premium care requirements.

This easy to apply sunscreen is used by pro athletes and recommended by dermatologists (it’s also SimplySunSafe’s number one cycling sunscreen). It is packed full of natural ingredients like sunflower oil, jojoba oil, olive oil, raspberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil and papaya. It doesn’t feel oily on the skin and has an inoffensive fragrance you shouldn’t be concerned about.

It is water resistant for the maximum marketable period of 80 minutes which makes it great for runners who get a sweat going. It’s natural ingredients work well with sensitive skin.

The durability and protection this sunscreen offers does result in a white cast on most skin types. This white look does fade during use but, once again, this should be of little concern for runners who are looking mainly for protection from the sun.

Thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ comes in two sizes – a 3 oz TSA compliant tube for travel and a larger 6oz tube. This means you can get better value for money if you really like this product.

3. BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30+

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

BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical SPF 30+ is, as the name suggests, a water-resistant, physical sunscreen. It offers broad spectrum protection through the use of zinc oxide (20%) as an active ingredient.

BurnOut is a company focused on using only safe ingredients and protecting the environment. Ocean Tested Physical is free of chemicals, parabens, petroleum, and PABA. It is enriched with hemp seed oil, aloe vera, and antioxidant vitamins to soothe and rejuvenate damaged skin. On top of this, it’s biodegradable, ocean-safe, cruelty-free, and vegan! It’s hard to find a cleaner sunscreen from an environmental standpoint.

Specifically designed for use by athletes, Ocean Tested Physical has great water resistance which means it stays put on your skin. There’s no chance this product will be getting in your eyes on a long, sweaty run.

It has a great texture for a mineral sunscreen that makes it easier to apply than most. It has a subtle fragrance similar to most natural sunscreens that shouldn’t bother you unless your nose is particularly sensitive.

As with the previous two products, the water-resistance and great sun protection offered by BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical means that it will likely leave a white cast on your skin when applied correctly.

The majority of negative reviews of this product stem from a formulation change that occurred a number of years ago. BurnOut apparently added some ingredients that weren’t fully understood at the time. This has been corrected and this product is once again a star in the eyes of the EWG.

4. Goddess Garden Sport SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen

No products found.

Goddess Garden Sport SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection by using both zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (6.4%) as its active ingredients. I am only recommending the rub on lotion version of this sunscreen as I don’t recommend sprays based on the FDA’s concerns. You should also note that a lot of the negative reviews of this product concern the spray version and faults with its packaging.

Goddess Garden is another environmentally-friendly company. It is woman-owned and focuses its practices on sustainability. They maintain a low carbon footprint and support organic farmers, local schools, and family-friendly organizations. What more could you want?

The features of Goddess Garden Sport follow naturally from the principles of the producer. It is a biodegradable, reef-safe, gluten-free, cruelty-free, vegan, non-nano, non-GMO sunscreen that comes in a recyclable container! On top of all that, it contains certified organic ingredients like aloe vera and sunflower seed oil and is free from chemical sunscreens and fragrances – making it great for sensitive skin.

It has the highest water-resistance level at 80 minutes which means it won’t run or streak on runners who’ve got a sweat going. Although their marketing materials suggest it goes on sheer, the combination of physical protection and water resistance do mean this product will leave a white cast, especially if applied correctly and reapplied when necessary.

5. All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen

No products found.

All Terrain TerraSport SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that uses zinc oxide (16%) as its active ingredient. This is the third vegan sunscreen featured on this list! That’s what happens when you’re after safe products that use natural ingredients.

All Terrain TerraSport is made from biodegradable ingredients and is packaged in recycled, recyclable and/or biodegradable materials. It is a paraben, PABA, petroleum, nano, cruelty, animal by-product and fragrance-free sunscreen. TerraSport uses natural ingredients like aloe vera, cucumber extract, vitamin E, jojoba oil, vitamin C, sea kelp extract, and sunflower oil in TerraSport so it can soothe and nourish your skin.

It offers the highest 80-minute water-resistance which, when coupled with the fact that it doesn’t sting your eyes, makes it great for sweaty runners. (Please don’t just rub it in your eyes to test!)

Although the zinc oxide included is transparent and non-whitening, some people do still experience a white cast. As mentioned before, that’s the price you pay for quality sunscreen.

A lot of the negative feedback people have on this product has to do with it splitting in its container (oil and zinc separating). This is obviously a problem as it makes the sunscreen difficult or impossible to use. To fix this issue I recommend thoroughly kneading the tube before application, particularly as the sunscreen gets closer to its expiration date.

Wrap Up on Best Sunscreen for Runners

This summary of the best sunscreens for runners will hopefully help you choose the right sunscreen for your needs. It was written to better your understanding of what you should look for in a running sunscreen and what necessary features you’ll want.

SimplySunSafe recommends BADGER SPF 35 Sport Sunscreen as the best sunscreen for runners. Having said this, all 5 of the recommendations made will provide the effective protection a runner needs when outdoors. Choose the product you think will best suit your skin and remember that you might have to experiment with a few sunscreens before you find one that perfectly matches your skin and needs.

If you’re a passionate runner who uses a great sunscreen not featured here, please let me know in the comments and I’ll do some research and considering adding it to this guide.

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