So you’re getting ready to spend some time in tropical Thailand. I’m sure that you are excited and imagining all of the experiences you will have. This is how you should feel! Thailand is beautiful! Getting ready to spend time in a place like Thailand can leave you with many things to take care of. Let me help you with one: your sunscreen!
Part of the beauty of Thailand lies in its amazing weather, and sunny days. If you don’t come from a tropical region, you may be surprised at the strength of the sun in Thailand. It is not just bright, but heavy on your skin. While it may feel like a warm blanket, or a welcome hug when you first feel the warmth of the Thailand sun, it can quickly become dangerous if you’re not careful.
Spending any time in the sun in Thailand without sunscreen is simply not an option. Even the locals wear sunscreen on a daily basis in order to protect their skin from the UV rays of the sun. Yes, you want to follow the Skin Cancer Foundation’s suggestions and wear UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seek shade, but don’t forsake sunscreen thinking the other measures will protect you enough.
You will be able to find sunscreen to buy in Thailand, but I suggest that you plan ahead and bring it with you. Because of the high levels of tourism in Thailand, the prices for sunscreen, even some of the same brands you’d find at home, are very expensive! The same can be said across Asia including with sunscreen for Philippines.
Another thing that you may not even be aware of is that in many sunscreens and other skincare products in Thailand, there are skin-whitening ingredients. This is something that caters to the Thailand market, but may not be something you’re interested in. You’re better off discovering your ideal sunscreen at home and bringing it with you. I’ll help you with that!
After a lot of research into what exactly is needed for proper sun protection in Thailand, SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for Thailand. Read on for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for Thailand.
Buyer’s Guide
To make sure that you protect your skin properly in Thailand, there are a few must-have features that you should search for in your sunscreen:
Broad-spectrum protection
If there is one thing that you should always remember to look for when searching for a new sunscreen, it should be broad spectrum protection. This means that the sunscreen provides balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Each type of ray works in a different way which is why protection against both types is necessary.
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin causing you to burn or tan.
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) altering DNA and causing skin sagging and wrinkling.
Exposure to both types of UV rays increases your risk of cancer. The hot sun in Thailand will pound down on your skin, and you want to be as well protected as possible! There is no value or purpose in using a sunscreen that does not provide you with broad spectrum protection.
Luckily, it is simple to know whether or not a sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection. You just have to check the sunscreen’s label and/or ingredients list.
When looking at a possible new sunscreen choice, search the label for the words ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’ and then you’ll know you’re covered for sufficient protection. You can also check the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are extremely safe and effective, and they protect against the full range of UVA/B rays.
Best SPF for Thailand
Do you know and understand exactly what SPF means? If you aren’t sure, don’t worry. The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is one of those elusive things that everybody knows is important, but they’re not really sure why.
Understanding what SPF means and how it works will help you make a more informed decision about which sunscreen to bring with you to Thailand.
The SPF of a sunscreen indicates the fraction of the sun’s rays that will reach your skin when you have properly applied the product. So for instance, if you are wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin. Aha! Now you see why you can stay in the sun longer with sunscreen. Don’t jump to conclusions though!
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you are able to spend 50 times longer in the sun than if you were not wearing sunscreen. There are many factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF, including time of day, UV intensity, the amount of sunscreen properly applied, and even reflections off surfaces like water and sand.
Take a look at this helpful table below:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Not what you thought about SPF? The truth is that there is very little difference between a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 and one with 100. SimplySunSafe, in line with FDA guidelines, recommends that you use a sunscreen with an SPF rating no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
The tropical Thailand sun will not be forgiving so remember to reapply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours no matter what SPF rating you’re wearing!
Physical is better than chemical
Sunscreens can be grouped into two categories: chemical and physical. They each use different active ingredients to protect your skin in different ways. Let me assure you that the differences are important.
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
Physical sunscreens work immediately upon application, lasts longer, are less likely to cause irritation, and have a longer shelf life than chemical sunscreens. More importantly, they stop more light across a broader spectrum (especially UVA). These are some of the reasons why SimplySunSafe recommends physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
Another really important thing to know is that chemical sunscreens often contain dangerous chemicals that mess with your hormones. You don’t want that! The worst of these chemicals is called oxybenzone. I urge you to take your time checking the ingredients lists of sunscreen for this product and avoiding the use of it at all times.
Here at SimplySunSafe, I recommend physical, oxybenzone-free sunscreens that are safe and effective. You are sure to find one that fits your needs for Thailand!
Water-resistant
The tropical sun in Thailand does not let up. It is strong and ever-present, and may even feel oppressive sometimes. This means that no matter how you are dressed, or how many breaks in the shade you take, you are going to sweat in Thailand! Don’t worry, it’s simply something to be prepared for.
You want to choose a water-resistant sunscreen for Thailand. Since sweating is inevitable, you want a sunscreen that will not immediately melt off when you start to sweat. Otherwise, you will be spending your whole day reapplying.
If it seems too good to be true, it is. ‘Waterproof’ or ‘sweatproof’ sunscreens do not exist! Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. I suggest that you search for 80 minutes of water resistance for Thailand.
Not only will you be sweating each day, due to the sun and humidity, but you are likely to visit some of the gorgeous beaches for swimming. You’re better off being prepared with a water-resistant sunscreen, which will provide you with the best sun protection for Thailand!
Suitable for daily use
As I mentioned before, it just is not an option to go without sunscreen during the day in Thailand. You will immediately regret it! So you need to spend some time in advance thinking about what specific needs you have in a sunscreen that you will wear every day in Thailand.
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can wear on both your face and body?
- Do you need to adjust your coverage with sunscreen for Asian skin?
- Will you wear makeup over your sunscreen each day?
- Do you have any skin conditions or sensitivities that sunscreen may affect?
When you go shopping, have all of these questions answered for yourself. That way you know what specifications you are searching for. There are many sunscreens available for all types of skin that provide protection yet flexibility for wearing them.
In Thailand, you will be wearing sunscreen every day, and most likely reapplying multiple times during the day. For that reason, SimplySunSafe has recommended sunscreens that will provide sufficient protection with gentle ingredients that won’t irritate your skin.
Best Sunscreen for Thailand Comparison
 thinksport Sunscreen |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested |
 SunBum Original Sunscreen |
 EltaMD UV Pure |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 30 | 50 | 47 |
| Broad-spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Avobenzone (3%) Octocrylene (10%) Homosalate (10%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) |
| 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 Thailand
After thorough research into the sun protection necessities of Thailand which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has chosen the 5 best sunscreens for Thailand. Each recommended sunscreen provides physical, broad-spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They are all water-resistant and oxybenzone free!
1. thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinksport sunscreen provides effective sun protection for athletes, sports and active use. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream is suitable for daily use on even sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating body and face sun cream is quick and easy to apply, and protection from the sun begins instantly. The fast absorbing SPF 50+ sun lotion won’t leave your 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: Ideal sunscreen for sport and other activities that make you sweat. Our sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- REEF FRIENDLY: Safe for you, 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 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thinksport Sunscreen is SimplySunSafe’s choice for the best sunscreen to use in Thailand. It is unparalleled in terms of safety, and was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements. Broad-spectrum protection is provided with a high concentration of zinc oxide (20%), a very desirable sunscreen active ingredient!
Using thinksport Sunscreen every day will not cause your skin irritation, and you will find that it will fit right into your daily skincare routine for your face and body. While it is thick and can leave a white cast, if not rubbed in well, this is not something you really need to worry about, especially if you will wear makeup on top!
With thinksport Sunscreen, you will receive 80 minutes of water resistance that is durable, even with heavy sweating. Just what you’ll need in Thailand!
And guess what? If you’re going on a family trip to Thailand, this brand will cover all the members of your clan. thinksport Kid’s Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ and thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ both provide all of the same benefits as thinksport for babies and children!
- Durable water resistant for 80 minutes
- Great for daily use and under makeup
- Available for babies and kids
- Thick formula
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 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
A favorite sunscreen here at SimplySunSafe, BADGER Sport Sunscreen is a stellar option for Thailand. It has an even higher concentration of its active ingredient zinc oxide (22.5%) than thinksport Sunscreen, and is a very simple formula.
Made with a total of 5 ingredients, BADGER Sport Sunscreen is extremely gentle on your skin. It is effective without causing any irritation on your face or body. The high concentration of zinc oxide won’t leave a white cast as long as you rub it in well. It’s fragrance free so you won’t even notice you’re wearing it!
This is another formula that will provide reliable water resistance for 80 minutes that will not be greatly disturbed by sweating or swimming in Thailand’s waters. BADGER also has sunscreens especially for babies and kids that provide on par quality protection with 40 minutes of water resistance.
BADGER Sport Sunscreen may be the ideal sunscreen for you in Thailand, and it’s a brand that can protect your whole family. Give it a try!
- Great for daily use
- Available for babies and kids
- 80 minutes of reliable water resistance
- Thick formula
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 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Providing broad spectrum protection using a high concentration of the active ingredient zinc oxide (20%), BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is another great choice for Thailand. The sports activity focused design of this sunscreen means that it is durable even under strenuous activity or unforgiving climates.
Don’t worry that it’s aimed at athletes, BurnOut is still very gentle on the skin. It contains aloe vera, and will not cause you any irritation with daily use, even on your face. This makes it an easy option to incorporate into your daily routine for Thailand.
Your 80 minutes of water resistance will not be affected by sweating or water activity with BurnOut. It is made for durability, and it delivers. You can trust that your skin is being protected even when you start sweating.
BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical has a very thick formula, and it will take you time to rub it in. Give yourself a few extra minutes at the start of your day to apply it well, otherwise you’ll be left with a white cast. But even then, you can always wear a little makeup or tinted moisturizer to offset the white cast!
- Water resistant for 80 minutes
- Gentle enough for daily use
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Thick formula
- Likely to leave a white cast
4. SunBum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
- ORIGINAL SPF 50 SUNSCREEN LOTION . This is the stuff we use every day. It’s the formula that started it all. People say it smells like summer. We like that. Whether we’re spending a lazy day at the beach or just hangin’ out, our Original formula is definitely our fav.
- MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Dermatologist and Sonny approved, this non-comedogenic facial sunscreen spray adds a barrier to your face and delivers UVA/UVB protection. Our oil-free, water-resistant and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant SPF 30 Glow is great for all skin types.
- HOW TO USE. 15 minutes before sun exposure, apply liberally to all areas of the skin and avoid the eye area. For best results, reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Sonny’s Tip: Apply every 2 hours for maximum sun protection.
- PROTECT YOUR SKIN. The key to practicing safe sun is to protect and moisturize your skin. Our Original Sunscreen line is Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty and Paraben Free to ensure a fun day in the sun.
- TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better.
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E is a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic Broad-spectrum sunscreen that delivers UVA and UVB protection and it is packed with Vitamin E and antioxidants that keep you hydrated and great for all skin types. This prevents skin damage, premature skin aging, and skin cancer. The 50 SPF rating is highly recommended for places like SouthEast Asia where it can get really hot and it helps if you are fair-skinned or have a history of skin cancer. The product is Vegan and cruelty-free, oil-free, water-resistant and reef-friendly coupled with a nice fragrance.
It is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes so you constantly move through the cities for as long as you like without worrying so much. Reapply after 2-hour intervals during sun exposure. Slather it on your skin as much as you want and rub in properly to avoid white film showing on the skin.
However, a letdown with this sunscreen is that while it is oxybenzone free, it contains some Avobenzone which is a good UVA protection agent but is a chemical that people try to avoid. That is the biggest reason the sunscreen is this low in the ranking. Another one is that it takes longer to absorb into the skin. While other sunscreens generally require 15 minutes to absorb, this takes about 30 minutes!
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Does not clog skin pores
- Good for all skin types
- Takes longer time to absorb into the skin
- No Zinc Oxide
5. EltaMD UV Pure Broad-Spectrum SPF 47
- EltaMD UV Pure SPF 47 kids sunscreen lotion is made with chemical-free active ingredients for kids and adults who want effective, long lasting sun protection
- This product is non-sealed
- This kids mineral sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide reflects and scatters harsh UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburns and offer better sun protection for families
- Gentle kids sunscreen formula glides over wet or dry skin, rubs in quickly and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making this a great water resistant sunscreen for kids and adults
- Lightly rub in this oil free sunscreen for kids face and body and reapply often for all-around sun protection
Last update on 2023-05-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final pick for sunscreens to use in Thailand is EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum. This is a formula that suits many sun protection purposes and is frequently recommended here at SimplySunSafe. It provides broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD UV Pure is a great option for daily use on the face and body. The formula is lightweight and will not cause any irritation to your skin. It will fit into your daily skincare routine well, and sit easily under makeup. It does leave a light scent, so consider whether or not that will bother you.
There is a chance that it may leave a white cast on your skin, but it will not be so noticeable if you have rubbed the cream in well. Also, it is something that you can easily counter with makeup or tinted moisturizer.
The reason EltaMD has landed last on SimplySunSafe’s list for sunscreens for Thailand is that its 80 minutes of water resistance is not as durable as the other sunscreens on this list. You will inevitably sweat in Thailand, and you will find that EltaMD will melt away faster and easier than our other sunscreen choices.
It is still an effective and reliable sunscreen, so it is up to you to test the products and weigh the pros and cons of each to make your decision!
- Lightweight formula good for daily use on face and body
- Will not irritate skin
- May leave white cast
- Water resistance not as effective as others listed
Conclusion
I wrote this guide for people searching for the best sunscreen for Thailand. Hopefully, by reading this, you have gained more knowledge about what is necessary for sun protection in Thailand, and have found a sunscreen that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+, but all five recommendations will sufficiently, conveniently, and comfortably protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays in Thailand.
Make sure to spend some time in advance testing different sunscreens. By trying different products, you learn what specific needs your skin has and how it reacts to different ingredients and formulas. After trying different products, you will be able to decide on the perfect sunscreen for your skin in Thailand!
I always like to learn new things and hear about new products from other people. So if you use or know of any other sunscreen that is great for Thailand, please share it in the comments. I will take the time to check it out and maybe even add it to the list!
This was so helpful, thank you so much!