The Best Beach Sunscreens of 2024 for Safe and Fun Beach Time!
Planning to hit the beach and soak up some sun – So, it’s as essential beach item to have the perfect sun protection against sun rays. When choosing a sunscreen – it’s better to get one that has an SPF at least 30. You can also find sunscreens in lotion, gel, spray, and more. Another option is a mineral sunscreen, which uses physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the sun’s rays. And to get a little bit of bronze color – choosing a tanning oil or glow lotion is an ideal choice and don’t forget about after-sun care. Be sure to have aloe vera after-sun in case you get much sun. In this post, you will find the best beach sunscreens to protect your skin. – have fun and be safe at the beach.
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Best Reef Safe: BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
Pros
- Reef safe
- Fragrance-Free
- Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- SPF 50+ – UVA/UVB Protection
- Water Resistant
- Smart Bottle Technology
- Easy to spread
Cons
- Little thick and may leave a white cast
BLUE LIZARD sensitive mineral sunscreen is a reef-safe sunblock that contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. This unscented beach sunscreen has SPF 50+ and provides UVA/UVB protection. Protect your skin by acting like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body. It’s water resistant and features smart bottle technology that turns the bottle blue in sunlight as a reminder that it’s sunscreen time. BLUE LIZARD sensitive mineral sunscreen is a great choice for those looking for best beach sunscreens, reef-safe that provides excellent sun protection.
More Info
Brand: BLUE LIZARD
Bottle: 5 oz
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ – UVA/UVB Protection
Skin Type: Sensitive (recommended for body use)
Use For: More recommended for body use
Manufacturer: AmazonUs/SK45I
Country of Origin: USA
Item Form: Sunscreen
Reef Friendly Alternative: Kokua Sun Care SPF 50 Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen
We Also highly recommend, Kokua Sun Care SPF 50/80 Min Water Resistance Reef Safe Natural Zinc Sunscreen, if you looking for the best beach sunscreens with a good scent and safe for the reef.
- Reef Friendly
- Scent: Light Coconut Vanilla
- Sun Protection: 50+ SPF
- Water Resistance: 80 Min
- Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive, Dry
- Volume : 3 fl oz – 89 ml
- Little Expensive
Best Water-Resistant: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Pros
- SPF 50 – UVA/UVB Protection
- Oil-free, Water-resistant
- With Vitamin E
- Smells great
- For all skin types.
- Free of Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, Paraben
Cons
- Strong beachy coconuts smell, wonderful for the beach but, if your plan for everyday use we think you need a little smell.
- Contains 10% octocrylene, which is listed as not reef-safe
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a great option and infused with Vitamin E to keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun. It also has a wonderful summery scent that will make you feel like you’re on vacation even if you’re just at the beach for the day. This beach sunscreen is oil-free, water-resistant, and great for all skin types. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is Hypoallergenic and Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten, Cruelty, and Paraben Free, so you can feel good about using it without harming the environment but, still not 100% reef-safe. Apply it 15 minutes before you head out into the sun for optimal protection.
More Info
Brand: Sun Bum
Bottle: 8 fl oz (237 ml)
Sun Protection: SPF 50 – UVA/UVB protection
Skin Type: All
Use For: All areas of skin and avoid the eye area
Reapply: Every 2 hours, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
Manufacturer: Sun Bum
Country of Origin: USA
Item Form: Lotion
Best Natural sunscreen: Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen – Safe, Natural Sunblock
Pros
- Natural Mineral Sunscreen
- Vegan
- Reef Friendly
- Safe
- Water Resistant
- SPF 50+ – UVA/UVB Sun Protection
- Unscented
Cons
- Little thick and may leave a white cast
Thinksport SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for the beach because it is natural, vegan, reef friendly, safe, water resistant, and provides SPF 50+ and UVA/UVB sun protection. Thinksport sunscreen is made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which provide broad-spectrum protection from the sun’s harmful rays. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for swimming, surfing, and other activities at the beach. Thinksport sunscreen is also safe for both adults and children, as it is free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Finally, Thinksport sunscreen is unscented and comes in a convenient bottle, making it perfect for packing in your beach bag.
More Info
Brand: Thinksport
Bottle: 6 fl oz (177ml)
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ – UVA/UVB Sun Protection
Skin Type: Oily, Sensitive
Use For: Body and face (more recommended for body use)
Manufacturer: Thinksport
Country of Origin: USA
Item Form: Lotion
Best for Kids: Thinksport Kids SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Safe
- Natural
- Unscented
- Mineral Sunscreen
- Vegan
- Reef Friendly
- SPF 50+ , UVA/UVB Sun Protection
- Water Resistant
Cons
- Little thick and may leave a white cast
Thinksport sunscreen is one of the best beach sunscreens on the market for kids. This mineral sunscreen is made with natural ingredients, so it’s gentle on your kids’ skin. The SPF 50+ rating means it will block out 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. Mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the sun’s harmful rays. it won’t irritate your kids’ skin like some chemical sunscreens can. Plus, it’s reef safe, meaning it doesn’t contain any ingredients that are harmful to marine life. is also free of any synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, or other nasty chemicals. In short, Thinksport sunscreen is one of the best beach sunscreens possible option for keeping your kids safe from the sun.
More Info
Brand: Thinksport
Bottle: 6oz
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ / UVA/UVB Protection
Skin Type: All
Use For: Body & Face
Manufacturer: Thinksport
Country of Origin: USA
Item Form: Lotion
Best Face & Body Stick: Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Pros
- Stick glides easily, face & body
- No messy hands
- SPF 50 – UVA/UVB Protection
- Water-Resistant
- Lightweight
- Amazing smell
Cons
- Little greasy
- Strong Smell, wonderful for the beach but, if you plan for everyday use we think you need a little smell.
- Contains Octocrylene, which is listed as not reef-friendly
Neutrogena beach defense for face and body sunscreen stick is a great sunscreen for those who are looking for an easy and convenient way to apply sunscreen without getting their hands messy. This beach sunscreen stick glides on easily and is water-resistant, making it perfect for a day at the beach or pool. It also has an SPF of 50 and provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Best of all, this sunscreen has an amazing smell that will make you feel like you’re at the beach even when you’re not!
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Brand: Neutrogena
Stick: 1.5 oz
Sun Protection: SPF 50 – UVA/UVB Protection
Skin Type: All
Use For: Face & Body
Manufacturer: Johnson & Johnson
Country of Origin: USA
Best for Face: Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70+
We Also highly recommend, Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70+, if you looking for face sunscreen with a special care.
- SPF 70+
- Sweatproof & Waterproof
- Light Scent
- Oil-Free
- Non greasy
- Affordable
Best Spray Pack: Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50 Twin Pack
Pros
- SPF 50 – UVA & UVB protection
- Invisible clear spray
- Banana Scent
- Water-resistant
- Twist and lock spray, no cap
- Twin Pack
Cons
- Sprayer should handle with care
- Octinoxate &Oxybenzone free, for reef-safe – But still contains Octocrylene, which is listed as not reef-friendly
Banana Boat sport ultra sunscreen spray is a broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen that provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is ideal for use during activities such as swimming, biking, and running. The spray bottle makes it easy to apply, and the sunscreen itself is non-greasy and has a pleasant scent. Banana Boat sport ultra sunscreen spray is a great choice for those who are looking for a high-quality, affordable spray beach sunscreen that will provide reliable protection from the sun.
More Info
Brand: Banana Boat
Bottle: Twin-pack each 6 oz (170g)
Sun Protection: SPF 50 – UVA & UVB protection
Skin Type: All
Use For: Body
Manufacturer: Energizer Personal Care
Country of Origin: USA
Tanning Oil: Sun Bum SPF 15 Moisturizing Tanning Oil
Pros
- Bronze glow
- SPF 15 – UVA/UVB Protection
- Great Smell
- Water-resistant
- For all skin types.
- Effective
- Aloe Vera, Green Tea Butter, Marula, Argan, Coconut, and Avocado Oil to Delight your skin
Cons
- Sprayer should handle with care
- Octinoxate & Oxybenzone free, for reef-safe – But still contains Octocrylene, which is listed as not reef-friendly
The way to get a golden brown tan while also moisturizing your skin? Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil is perfect for you! This oil is enriched with aloe vera, green tea butter, marula, argan, coconut and avocado oil to delight your skin while it gets bronzed. It also has UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 15. Sun Bum’s Tanning Oil is also Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free. So not only will you look good, but you’ll also be protected from the sun’s harmful rays. So go ahead and enjoy the summer sun with Sun Bum SPF 15 Tanning Oil!
More Info
Brand: Sun Bum
Bottle: 8.5 oz
Sun Protection: SPF 15 – UVA/UVB Protection
Skin Type: All
Use For: Body and face (more recommended for body use)
Reapply: 1
Manufacturer: Sun Bum, LLC.
Country of Origin: USA
Best After Sun: Sun Bum Cool Down Aloe Vera Gel (2 Pack)
Pros
- Hydrating, Soothing, Nourishing Skin
- Calm down skin
- Non-greasy
- Quickly absorbed
- Sensitive Skin
- (2 Pack)
Cons
- Not beachy smell, but accepted
Sun Bum’s cool down aloe vera gel is a great way to soothe sunburns and prevent peeling skin. The aloe vera and tea tree oil in the gel helps to nourish and hydrate the skin, while the cocoa butter leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. The gel is quickly absorbed and has a non-greasy formula that is ideal for sensitive skin. Sun Bum’s cool down aloe vera gel is a great choice for those looking for a product to hydrate, sunburn, anti-aging, soothing, or nourish their skin.
More Info
Brand: Sun Bum
Bottle: 1Pack 8 fl oz (237ml)
Skin Type: Sensitive
Use For: Face & Body
Manufacturer: Sun Bum
Country of Origin: USA
Item Form: Gel
We recommend reading the most important questions and answers about sunscreen from the specialized sources to always have healthy and beautiful skin.
Click directly below, you will find easy and usfual Q&A
American Academy of Dermatology Association (Sunscreen)
The Skin Cancer Foundation (All About Sunscreen)
Summary
It can be hard to know which sunscreen is the best for you, but hopefully, this post has helped clear things up a bit. We’ve looked at some of the best beach sunscreens on the market and what makes them stand out from the rest. Now that you know more about beach sunscreens, it’s time to get packing for your next vacation!
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