Traveling can mean a lot of different things. It can include a variety of climates and activities. You may be traveling for a leisurely vacation or traveling for work, but one thing is for sure. No matter what type of travels you are embarking on, you need to be prepared to protect your skin against the sun’s UV rays!
The Skin Cancer Foundation has reasonable guidelines that you should always follow when in the sun. They include wearing UV protective clothing, hats and sunglasses, and seeking shade. But even with these measures, you need to be sure that you are always wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen.
Truthfully, wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen is the most flexible and important sun protection possible for your travels.
Make sure to take the time to think about what climates you’ll find yourself in and what activities you’ll take part in, whether it’s lounging on the beach and drinking margaritas, or hiking for hours at a time. That way you’ll know exactly what features you need in your sunscreen and your search with be easier!
After extensive research into what the necessities are for sun protection for travel, SimplySunSafe has chosen thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+ as the best sunscreen for travel. Keep reading for a detailed buyer’s guide, comparison table, and in-depth reviews of the top 5 sunscreens for travel.
Buyer’s Guide
To be sure that your skin receives the best possible protection during your travels, there are a few must-have features that you should search for in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
The single most important thing for you to remember when searching for sunscreen for traveling, or any other reason, is that you need it to provide broad spectrum protection.
This means that you will receive balanced protection against both UVA and UVB rays. This is essential because each type of ray works differently:
- UVB rays damage the outer layer of your skin, causing you to tan or burn
- UVA rays penetrate the deepest layer of your skin (the dermis) and cause premature aging
You definitely want to make sure that you are covered against both types of rays while you are traveling, as exposure to both increase your risk of skin cancer.
Luckily you will not have to worry about finding sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection, as they are available most everywhere, and very easy to spot!
Just take a look at the sunscreen’s label. It will often have words like ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B,’ indicating that it provides sufficient protection.
You can also check the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are safe and effective options for travel because they protect against the full range of UVA/B rays!
Best SPF for travel
Have you ever asked yourself what exactly the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) means?
Don’t worry, you are not alone! It is one of those things that everyone seems to rely on for sunscreen decision making without quite understanding how it really works. Let me explain it simply to you!
The SPF rating tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays 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. Sounds great, right? It is very helpful in protecting your skin, but be careful not to get carried away with your time in the sun during you travels!
Wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 does not mean that you can safely spend 50 times longer in the sun than you would without sunscreen. There are many factors which influence the effectiveness of SPF like:
- time of day
- amount of properly applied sunscreen
- reflections from surfaces like sand and water
Check out this table to better understand the protection you receive from different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Not what you were expecting?
As you can see, there is very little difference between an SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So how do you know which is the best SPF to choose for your travels?
SimplySunSafe suggests, in line with FDA guidelines, that you choose sunscreens with SPF ratings no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
But remember to reapply at least every 2 hours during your travels, no matter what SPF rating you choose!
Physical is better than chemical
It’s important to know that sunscreens can be divided into two main groups – chemical and physical. The differences between these two types of sunscreen come from their active ingredients and the 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
There are many reasons that SimplySunSafe suggests you choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones.
The most important reason is that physical sunscreens are proven to stop more light across a broader spectrum. It doesn’t get much simpler – they’re just better sunscreens.
On top of this, physical sunscreens:
- work immediately upon application
- last longer
- are less likely to cause irritation
- have a longer shelf life
If those reasons still don’t convince you, listen to this:
Chemical sunscreens often contain ingredients that mess with your hormones!
The worst of these ingredients is called oxybenzone, and is still legal, despite concerns from the FDA. I suggest that you always check for this ingredient and avoid it at all costs!
For safe, fun travels, stick with a physical sunscreen!
Suitable for daily use
Wherever your travels take you, it is likely that you will want to be protected from the sun at all times. That is why you’ll need to find a sunscreen that you can use every day with no issues.
Consider these questions before you begin your search:
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can use daily on both your face and body?
- Will you wear makeup on top of your sunscreen?
- What skin conditions or sensitivities do you need to consider?
Having these questions answered before you begin your search will help you streamline the process and make it easier for you to find the best sunscreen for vacation!
All of the products recommended here by SimplySunSafe are great options for daily use on your face and body that will not cause irritation to your skin!
Water resistant
Hopefully, your travels will involve some time in a warm climate, and maybe even some beaches!
If this is on the cards for you, then you’ll want to ramp up your sun protection even more.
Sweating and water activity can affect the durability of sunscreens, and that’s why it’s a great idea to choose a water resistant sunscreen for your travels.
Sunscreens are available with water resistance for 40 or 80 minutes. A sunscreen with water resistance will allow you the freedom to enjoy your travels without constantly worrying about sweat or swimming affecting your sun protection.
I suggest that you choose sunscreens with 80 minutes of water resistance to maximize your sun protection while you’re traveling.
The best sunscreen for a beach vacation will definitely provide you with 80 minutes of water resistance!
Best Sunscreen for Travel Comparison
| thinksport Sunscreen |
 Badger Sport Sunscreen |
 EltaMD UV Pure |
 BurnOut Ocean Tested |
 Vanicream Sunscreen |
|
| SPF | 50+ | 35 | 47 | 30 | 30 |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (22.5%) | Zinc Oxide (10%) & Titanium Dioxide (5.5%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) | Zinc Oxide (6%) and Titanium Dioxide (3.4%) |
| 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 Travel
After thorough research into what your skin will need in sun protection for traveling which included discussing issues with customers, reviewing customer feedback, examining manufacturer specifications, and participating in skincare forums, SimplySunSafe has determined the 5 best sunscreens for travel.
Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or higher. They are all suitable for daily use and water resistant, just in case!
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 2023-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s first choice of sunscreen for your travels is thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+.
This formula is one of the safest possible choices, 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%).
Thinksport is an excellent formula because while it is very durable while remaining gentle enough for you to use daily on your face and body without irritation.
Do keep in mind that your skin will be left with a slight white cast. This is the tradeoff for sufficient sun protection during your travels! You can always cover it up with some makeup, if you want.
Thinksport provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance for the inevitable times on vacation where the weather is especially warm or you find yourself swimming!
Its high SPF rating is great for those with paler skin, or even travels to places with extra strong UV radiation.
Another great thing about thinksport is that it is a brand that can protect your whole family during your travels. If you’ve got young ones joining you on vacation, take a look at thinksport Kids Sunscreen and thinkbaby Sunscreen – both great products specifically formulated for young, sensitive skin.
An all-around winner for sun protection for your travel needs!
- Suitable for daily use
- 80 minute water resistance
- Available for kids and babies
- 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 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Badger Sport Sunscreen is another excellent option for protecting your skin against the sun’s UV rays while you travel!
You will receive broad spectrum protection with a high concentration of zinc oxide (22.5%) so you know it’s quality protection!
Badger is a sunscreen with an extremely simple formula, just a total of 5 natural ingredients! Your face and body will be protected daily and irritation will not even cross your mind.
Badger’s formula is also thick so you will want to be sure to rub it in well to minimize any white cast left on your skin!
Your 80 minutes of water resistance are covered with Badger so sweating and swimming will not cramp your travel style!
Another family-oriented company, Badger is also available for kids and babies if you need protection for your kids too.
Don’t miss this product in your test trial for your travel sunscreen!
Although Badger Sport came a close second here, it’s arguably more suited for tropical destinations. This is why it’s been named SimplySunSafe’s best Mexico sunscreen and best sunscreen for Hawaii.
- Simple formula
- 80 minute water resistance
- Available for kids and babies
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
3. 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 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
EltaMD UV Pure Broad Spectrum is another solid option for sun protection while you travel.
This formula provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (10%) and titanium dioxide (5.5%).
EltaMD is a light formula that will be extremely gentle on your face and body, and is ideal if you plan to wear makeup during your travels.
It does leave a slight white cast after heavy sweating or multiple reapplications, but if you’re wearing makeup this shouldn’t bother you too much!
EltaMD also provides you with 80 minutes of water resistance for the warm stretches during your travels when you’re enjoying the world’s best beaches!
Another great sun protection option that will make your travels more carefree and enjoyable!
- Light formula
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Great base for under makeup
- Leaves slight white cast
4. 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 2023-03-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BurnOut Ocean Tested Physical is a sunscreen that will serve you well anywhere in the world that your travels may take you.
It is a strong formula that provides broad spectrum protection with its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
Don’t be fooled by its tough sounding name. BurnOut is extremely gentle on the face and body, even with daily use. It contains aloe vera to help nourish your skin, as well!
The formula is thick and may leave a white cast, but you’ll be able to cover it up well with some makeup!
BurnOut is another sunscreen that will facilitate your beach vacations! With 80 minutes of water resistance you will be able to swim and play beach volleyball knowing that the sweat won’t ruin your sun protection!
BurnOut is a great sunscreen to try out for your travels!
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Suitable for daily use
- Thick formula
5. Vanicream Sunscreen SPF 30
- Dermatologist Recommended
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- No Sensitizing Chemical Sunscreen
- Non-Comedogenic
Last update on 2023-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s final choice for sunscreens you should use during your travels is Vanicream Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30.
This sunscreen provides you with broad spectrum protection with its active ingredients zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (3.4%).
Vanicream is specially formulated for sensitive skin so daily use on your face and body is exactly its job! You will not experience any irritation and you will be sufficiently protected.
One thing to keep in mind about Vanicream is that it has quite a thick formula. This is an excellent feature if you have dry skin, but it’s not so great for makeup. It will not leave your skin with a white cast, but your skin may feel heavy if you cover Vanicream with makeup.
Vanicream is a flexible option for all parts of the world, as it provides 80 minutes of water resistance!
In addition, Vanicream is also available with an SPF of 50 for those with sensitive skin or who simply want higher protection!
I encourage you to give Vanicream a try, it may be the sunscreen for you!
- Formulated for sensitive skin
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Available in SPF 50
- Very thick formula
- Doesn’t work well under makeup
Conclusion
This guide was written for anyone searching for the best sunscreen for travel. Hopefully, by reading this guide you gained a greater understanding of what you need in a sunscreen for travel and found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends thinksport Sunscreen SPF 50+, but all 5 sunscreens listed will provide sufficient sun protection during your travels.
Now that you’ve read this guide, it is a good idea to begin a test trial of a few different sunscreens. You want to be sure you know how your skin reacts to different formulas before you choose one.
That way you’ll know that the sunscreen you ultimately decide upon is the best fit for your travels!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from other people. So if you use or know of another great sunscreen for travel, please share it in the comments. I’ll take a look at it and maybe it’ll even end up on this list!
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