It is easy to assume that you don’t need to wear sunscreen during the winter. It’s cold and the sun doesn’t seem to shine as bright, or at least your skin doesn’t feel it as much.
The truth, however, is that the sun’s UV rays are still working during the winter, and it’s definitely necessary to protect your skin!
You want to make sure that your face, especially, is properly protected as the Skin Cancer Foundation asserts. The best way to do that is through the daily use of a broad spectrum sunscreen!
Searching for sunscreen to use during the winter isn’t exactly the same as during the summer. Let me help you find the right winter sunscreen for you!
After thorough research into what your skin needs in protection during the colder months, SimplySunSafe recommends Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 as the best sunscreen for winter.
Best Sunscreen for Winter Comparison
 Badger Baby Sunscreen |
 EltaMD UV Sport |
 Vanicream Sunscreen |
 LaRoche-Posay Anthelios |
 thinkbaby Sunscreen |
|
| SPF | 30 | 50 | 30 | 50 | 50+ |
| Broad spectrum | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active ingredients | Zinc Oxide (18.8%) | Zinc oxide (9%) | Zinc Oxide (6%) & Titanium Dioxide (3.4%) | Titanium Dioxide (11%) | Zinc Oxide (20%) |
| Water resistance | 40 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price | Check Price |
Buyer’s Guide on winter sunscreen
To be sure that your skin is properly protected against the winter’s deceiving sun, there are a few must-have features that you should be on the lookout for in your sunscreen:
Broad spectrum protection
If you choose to remember only one thing about what you need in a sunscreen, remember this: 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 by altering skin DNA
You must protect your skin against UVA and UVB because exposure to both increases your risk of skin cancer.
Just because it’s colder during the winter, does not mean that the sun’s rays aren’t shining down doing damage!
Finding sunscreens that provide broad spectrum protection is fairly simple, as they are abundant and simple to identify.
To be sure that your sunscreen is broad spectrum, check the label and the ingredients list. The label often has words such as ‘broad spectrum’ or ‘UVA/B’, making it clear that you will receive sufficient protection.
Also take a look at the ingredients list for zinc oxide. Sunscreens with zinc oxide are always a safe and effective choice because they protect against the full range of UVA/B rays.
Best SPF for winter
Most people base their sunscreen purchasing decision on the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), even when they aren’t totally sure what it means.
It’s one of those elusive things that is never really explained. You know it’s important, but you couldn’t define it. So let me give you a simple explanation.
SPF tells you what fraction of the sun’s rays reach your skin when you have properly applied the sunscreen. This means that if you’re wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50, then only 1/50th of the sun’s rays will reach your skin.
However, wearing a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 doesn’t mean that you can stay in the sun 50 times longer than if you were not wearing sunscreen.
There are a lot of factors that influence the effectiveness of SPF including the time of day, amount of properly applied sunscreen, and even reflections from surfaces like snow and water.
But don’t be fooled by the harshness of the cold. The sun’s rays work just as well in the winter, as in the warmer months!
Take a look at this table below to better understand how much protection you get with different SPF ratings:
| SPF Rating | UVB Protection |
| None | 0% |
| 2 | 50% |
| 15 | 93% |
| 30 | 97% |
| 50 | 98% |
| 100 | 99% |
Surprised by what you see?
The reality is that there is a very small difference between and SPF rating of 30 and one of 100. So how do you know which SPF rating to choose during the winter?
SimplySunSafe agrees with the experts and suggests that you always choose an SPF rating no lower than 30 and no higher than 50.
And remember to reapply at least every two hours, no matter what SPF rating you choose!
Physical is better than chemical
It’s important to know that sunscreens can be grouped into two main categories – chemical and physical.
The differences lie in their active ingredients and in the way they work to protect your skin – and they are important:
- Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays as they reach your skin
- Physical sunscreens reflect UV rays before they reach your skin
There are many reasons to choose physical sunscreens over chemical ones. They work immediately upon application, last longer, are less likely to cause irritation, and have a longer shelf life.
If those reasons aren’t enough for 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 expressed by the FDA. Do your best to avoid this ingredient by checking that your sunscreen does not contain it!
The best sunscreen for cold weather will always be a physical one!
Suitable for daily use
Although you may not feel the heat of the sun, its rays are working even during the coldest moments of winter.
It is important that you keep your skin protected at all times. That is why it’s a good idea to find a sunscreen that will fit into your daily skincare routine.
Ask yourself these questions before you begin your search to make it a simpler process:
- Do you want a sunscreen that you can use on both your face and body daily?
Sunscreens used primarily on the face need a gentler formula than those used on the body as face skin is particularly sensitive. Any sunscreen that will be worn daily (as your should be) must be very effective yet still gentle.
- Will you wear makeup over your sunscreen?
Sunscreens used under makeup require a transparent finish or a tint to blend with your skin tone.
- What skin conditions or sensitivities do you need to accommodate for?
Skin conditions can help you exclude sunscreens with ingredients that may trigger your sensitivities.
In an attempt to cover all possible needs, SimplySunSafe has recommended a variety of products for the winter months. Read each review carefully to ensure that the sunscreen you choose has the features you require.
Skin nourishing ingredients
The cold of the winter months can often cause your skin to become dry or more sensitive.
To help with this you can search for a sunscreen that will provide more than just sun protection. Many sunscreens are formulated with specific ingredients that help to nourish and condition the skin.
You’ll find some great options below that provide thorough and effective sun protection while working to nourish and hydrate your winter-affected skin!
5 Best Sunscreens for Winter
After extensive research into your skin’s needs in the cold weather 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 winter.
Each product provides physical, broad spectrum protection with an SPF rating of 30 or greater. They all contain skin-nourishing ingredients and are suitable for daily use!
1. Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
- SIMPLY THE SAFEST SUNSCREEN FOR BABIES - Badger sets the standard for simple safe baby sunscreens that protect your infants and toddlers. This broad spectrum mineral sunscreen has only 7 simple ingredients: non-nano zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, sunflower vitamin E, organic chamomile, organic calendula, and organic seabuckthorn. Pediatrician tested, gluten-free & hypoallergenic this all-natural baby sunscreen is perfect for your babies delicate skin.
- PROTECTS WITH THE MINERAL ZINC OXIDE - Badger’s SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Cream uses our original non-nano, large particle zinc oxide. This mineral stays on top of your baby's skin, scattering and absorbing UVA & UVB rays, and won’t absorb into their bloodstream. Naturally water and sweat resistant for at least 40 minutes it's perfect for the beach, pool, and light activities. The light chamomile & calendula scent is calming and relaxing.
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN - Safe for coral means safe for your baby 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 mineral sunscreen protects you without endangering marine life.
- 98% ORGANIC INGREDIENTS FOR HEALTHY BABY SKIN - The certified organic sunscreen base ingredients are antioxidant rich, ultra-moisturizing, and great for your babies skin. Non-GMO and contains no dyes, parabens, or other artificial ingredients. Healthy botanical ingredients promote healthy skin for your baby.
- A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST - Badger is a family owned, women run B Corporation (Benefit Corp) making mineral baby 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 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
SimplySunSafe’s first choice for sun protection in the winter is Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30.
This sunscreen provides all the same benefits as its counterpart, Badger Sport Sunscreen, and has added benefits for use in winter.
Badger Baby has a simple and natural formula that will not any irritation to your sensitive winter skin. Broad spectrum protection is provided through its active ingredient zinc oxide (18.8%).
The sunscreen is a little thick and will leave a slight white cast, but this texture contributes to its moisturizing factor. This slight white tint can easily be covered with makeup, if necessary.
Using this formula on your face and body each day will be safe, and it even contains conditioning and calming ingredients including chamomile and calendula which will counter any harshness your skin encounters from the cold weather.
An added bonus of Badger Baby Cream is its 40 minutes of water resistance. If you find yourself engaging in outdoor winter sports that will cause you to break a sweat, this sunscreen will (literally) have you covered!
The Kids version of the product is also a winner (though not for winter) having been chosen as one of the best summer sunscreens.
- Suitable for daily use
- Contains nourishing and calming ingredients for cold weather
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Thick formula
- Slight white cast
2. Elta MD UV Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50
- SPF 50 sport sunscreen protects your skin from outdoor UVA and UVB rays and is specially formulated for active lifestyles and outdoor activities
- This water resistant sunscreen lotion protects you in the water for up to 80 minutes and won’t sting when you sweat or rinse off in the water
- Promote healthy skin while staying active outdoors with EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
- EltaMD body sunscreen is made for active lifestyles, easily apply this broad spectrum full body sunscreen on wet or dry skin
- EltaMD UV Sport sunscreen helps protect your skin from damaging UVA and UVB rays with essential ingredients including Zinc Oxide and an antioxidant
Last update on 2023-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Another great option for use during the winter months is Elta MD UV Sports sunscreen. It is a great product for everyday use on the skin. It is formulated with zinc oxide, a natural mineral compound that provides broad-spectrum coverage against infrared, UVA and UVB rays. It prevents sunburn, reduces the chance of skin cancer, skin wrinkling, pigmentation and premature skin aging induced by exposure to the sun. Zinc does not breakdown in the sun. it keeps its protective properties. It is also fit for use on sensitive skin types. The sunscreen is formulated with avobenzone or oxybenzone. It is a nice body and facial sunscreen for all skin types. This sunscreen is non-comedogenic doesn’t clog pores or irritate the skin.
It is great for the ease it provides. You just rub it on your skin and reapply every 30 minutes. Elta MD sport formula sunscreen is oil-free and water-resistant up to 80 minutes and it stays on the skin when you sweat. This sunscreen is appropriate for winter outdoor activities. It does not sting the eyes and it blends well under makeup. One great news is that it does not leave a white cast. Hence, it is suitable for people of color who regularly find it hard to find a suitable sunscreen to use.
It is however on the expensive side. Despite this, it is a great product that keeps you comfortable and shielded from harmful exposures at all time!
- Does not irritate the eye
- Lightweight and sinks well into the skin
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Expensive
3. Vanicream Sunscreen Lotion Sensitive SPF 30
- Dermatologist Recommended
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30
- No Sensitizing Chemical Sunscreen
- Non-Comedogenic
Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Vanicream is another solid option for winter sun protection. This formula provides broad spectrum protection through its active ingredients zinc oxide (6%) and titanium dioxide (3.4%).
Vanicream is designed for use on sensitive skin on the face and body, and will not cause you any irritation.
Its thick formula will require time to rub in properly, but will not leave you with a white cast.
The thick formula provides hydrating benefits for dry skin, which you will likely experience during the winter months.
You are also provided with 80 minutes of water resistance should you so need them.
Vanicream is also available in an SPF 50 formula if you have paler or more photosensitive skin.
One thing to keep in mind about Vanicream is that the thick formula does not work very well under makeup, and will leave your skin feeling heavy, if you cover it up.
- Designed for sensitive skin
- Hydrates dry skin
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Thick formula
- Doesn’t work well under makeup
4. LaRoche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 60
- This lightweight 100% mineral tinted face sunscreen with titanium dioxide was developed for sensitive skin and provides broad spectrum SPF 50 protection
- The fast-absorbing texture leaves a tinted matte finish on skin for a healthy glow
- It is formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants
- Non-greasy, fast absorbing texture with a matte finish and universal tint for all skin types. Lightly tinted sunscreen with iron oxides to provide a healthy glow
- The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends this product as an effective aid in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin, including sunburn and possibly premature aging
Last update on 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a fast-absorbing, oil-free sunscreen with Broad Spectrum UVA and UVB SPF 50 protection. This face sunscreen is created with the exclusive Cell-OX Shield technology, a formulation of physical sun filters and a powerful antioxidant complex to guard the skin from free radicals caused by sun exposure. The sun filter is developed with Perlite and Silica to create a special oil-absorbing compound that soaks up excess oil on the skin leaving oil-free, dry feeling on the skin. Developed to meet up to rigorous protection measures that ensure that the sunscreen is Paraben-free, Oxybenzone-free, and Octinoxate free. It is also tested on sensitive skin, dermatologist tested, oil-free, Fragrance-free, Allergy tested, and Non-Comedogenic. It is safe for use on the face and for use on sensitive skin.
It is suitable for use in all weather, it works well and stays put in blizzards and humidity. It does not clog the pore and allows the skin to respire properly. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and leaves you worry-free as it won’t run off your face as you sweat.
One disadvantage is that that sunscreen leaves a white film. Despite this, it does not affect makeups. All in all, it works nicely as a sunscreen that protects one from the harshest effects of nature!
- Great on sensitive skins
- Nonallergenic and non-comedogenic
- 80 minutes of water resistance
- Leaves white film on the skin
5. thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- SAFE, NATURAL PROTECTION: Thinkbaby sunscreen provides effective SPF 50+ sun protection for babies. The broad spectrum UVA & UVB baby sunblock is suitable for daily use on infants’ sensitive skin, offering gentle defense against the sun’s rays.
- EASY APPLICATION: The hydrating sun cream is quick and easy to apply to even the most active babies, and protection begins instantly. The fast absorbing kids 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, Thinkbaby vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun creams contain no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals.
- WATER RESISTANT: Your baby can splash, swim and play in the water safely. Our children’s sun cream provides the highest water resistance per the FDA, offering babies continuous protection for up to 80 minutes in the pool or sea before the sunscreen should be re-applied.
- REEF FRIENDLY: Safe for babies, 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 2023-03-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen is another excellent option for use in the winter months.
This sunscreen provides you with broad spectrum protection with its active ingredient zinc oxide (20%).
In terms of safety, thinkbaby is your best choice. It was the first sunscreen to pass the Whole Foods premium care requirements. You will have no need to worry about irritation even with daily use of this formula.
It is effective, yet gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. The formula even contains skin nourishing ingredients like olive oil and sunflower oil.
Thinkbaby is a bit thick and may leave a white cast if you do not rub it in properly.
It provides 80 minutes of water resistance, and its high SPF rating is a plus for those with paler skin.
Give it a try and you won’t be disappointed!
If you’re active in the winter you might want to try out the sport version of this product as it is SimplySunSafe’s pick as the best skiing sunscreen.
- High concentration of zinc oxide
- Safe and suitable for daily use
- High SPF rating
- Thick formula
- Likely white cast
Wrap Up on Best Sunscreen for Winter
This guide was written for those searching for the best sunscreen for winter. I hope that by reading this guide, you gained further insight into what your skin needs during the cold weather, and have found a product that fits your specific needs.
SimplySunSafe recommends Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 as the best sunscreen for winter. But all 5 products listed will work well as sun protection in the winter.
Now that you have read this guide, you can start testing different products. By trying different sunscreens, you will learn how your skin reacts to different formulas. This will make your search process much smoother and easier!
I love learning new things and hearing about new products from others! If you use or know of another sunscreen for winter use, please share it in the comments.
I will be sure to check it out and maybe even add it to this list!
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