Best Sunscreen for Skiing

Skiing is one of the most exhilarating winter sports, with the thrill of the wind in your hair and the rush of adrenaline as you glide down the slopes.

However, the reflection of snow can significantly increase your UV exposure rate, leading to sunburns and skin damage. That’s where sunscreen comes in.

In this guide we’re highlighting our top picks when it comes to the best suncreen for skiing so that you can worry less about those pesky UV rays and focus instead on that fresh powder!

What to Look for in a Sunscreen for Skiing

• High SPF. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s essential to pay attention to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. You’ll want to wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Also make sure you’re nabbing a sunscreen that’s labeled as “broad spectrum protection”, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Waterproof and Sweatproof. Another critical factor to consider is the water resistance of the sunscreen. When skiing, you’re likely to sweat and get wet — whether from powder flying in your face or collapsing into a pile of packed snow, so it’s essential to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant and sweat-resistant and can stay on your skin for an extended period.
• Portable. You may want to consider a smaller, portable sunscreen stick or balm to take with you in your ski jacket pocket for re-applying after you’ve covered yourself with a good initial base — especially if you’ll be on the slopes the entire day!
• Mineral-based Ingredients: Mineral physical sunscreens are those that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These minerals form a physical barrier on your skin that reflects and scatters UV rays. Mineral sunscreens are less likely to cause irritation, allergies, or clogged pores than chemical-based sunscreens. That being said, if your skin isn’t especially sensitive and you want to avoid the white cast common with mineral sunscreens, chemical sunscreens (which absorb into the skin rather than sit on top of it) are often fine for sturdy skin types — at least on body areas.
• Stick or Cream Form is Likely Best. A stick balm or sunscreen cream/lotion are probably the best forms of sunscreen for skiing, as they are easy to apply and stay on your skin better than sprays or gels. Stick sunscreens are convenient to carry and use on your face, lips, ears, and nose, whereas cream sunscreens are more moisturizing and suitable for your body. Avoid using sprays or gels, as they can be less effective, wasteful, and harmful to your lungs if inhaled.

Best Sunscreen for Skiing: Our Top Picks

1. Sun Bum SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

About: Shred those gnarly slopes and forget about the sun’s scary UV rays with Sun Bum’s Signature SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion. This stuff is die-hard, trusted by professional surfers, climbers, and yes, even skiers, worldwide. Rad!

It’s cosmetically friendly too, meaning it won’t clog up your pores and cause break outs. It’s even moisturizing, so it helps avoid that dreaded skin-chapping from the winter chill.

Features:

• Non-Greasy: Slathering on a sunscreen that’s got the consistency of nacho cheese? No thank you! Sun Bum’s is non-greasy, so you can apply it and forget it.
• Water Resistant: It’s resilient stuff! Whether you’re working up a sweat on the piste or taking an alpine lake plunk, this sunscreen can handle up to 80 minutes of water exposure.
• SPF 50: This means it bounces back 98% of the sun’s “burning” rays. And it’s broad spectrum (like all sunscreens listed here) so it’ll block all of the sun’s harmful UV rays.
• Mineral Physical Sunscreen: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two minerals in their natural environment, bounce the sun’s rays right off your precious skin, rather than soaking them up. Awesome, right?

2. Dermatone Multi-Purpose Sunscreen

About: Slam the breaks on those wicked sun rays with Dermatone Multi-Purpose Sunscreen! As a face AND lip balm with SPF 23, Dermatone gives adequate protection against the sun’s harmful rays while being your skin’s steadfast comrade against sun, wind, cold temperatures, and even the brrr of chapping and frostbite.

Housed in a convenient classic tin, you can easily toss it in your pocket and jump on the ski lift without a second thought.

Features:

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Sunburns? Risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging? No thank you! This sunscreen is a knight in shining armor battling against UVA and UVB rays.
• Water and Sweat Resistant: Who likes reapplying sunscreen when you’re catching waves or bombing down a hill? With Dermatone, you get up to 80 minutes of water or sweat resistance on your skin.
• Face and Lip Balm: Bonus! Not just a sun-blocking warrior, but specifically designed to also be a face and lip balm that moisturizes, heals, and repairs your skin from sun, wind, chapping, and when the frost gets fierce.
• Classic Tin: Convenient to carry, simple to apply, and not a tube in sight. This handy tin can slip into your ski jacket pocket without a second thought.
• Medicated Formula: Got skin irritation? Not today! This sunscreen packs a medicated punch to soothe your skin and keep it happy.

3. CeraVe Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral SPF 50

About: Bat those harmful rays away like they’re pesky flies with CeraVe Sunscreen Hydrating Mineral SPF 50! Packing broad-spectrum protection with 100% mineral filters, it’s your skin’s personal goalie against the sun’s UV radiation – plus it’s kind to sensitive skin.

Unique ingredients like ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid make it not just a sunscreen, but also a skin barrier-restorer and moisture-locker. It’s even got a sheer tint that blends like butter on toast, giving your skin that coveted, “I just returned from the Alps!” glow.

Features:

• 50 SPF Broad Spectrum Protection: Say hello to your personal sun ray bouncer, featuring SPF 50 protection and 100% mineral ingredients that won’t irritate sensitive skin.
• Hydrating Formula: Not just a sunscreen, but a thirst quencher for your skin. With ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, it moisturizes AND repairs the skin barrier!
• Sheer Tint: No Halloween-esque white faces here (as is commonly an issue with physical sunscreens)! This sunscreen lotion has a gentle tint that adapts to most skin tones like a chameleon, giving you a naturally sun-basked look.
• Water and Sweat Resistant: It’s got your back (and front, and side) on those ski slopes for up to 40 minutes. Reapplying every run? I don’t think so!

4. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

About: If you’re the kind of lizard that enjoys both the sun and snow, you can’t beat the BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen.

Coming in hot with SPF 50+ protection, this sunscreen trooper uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect the sun’s wicked rays — even at high altitudes. With no chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens, and no fragrances, it’s all smooth sailing for sensitive skin folks.

Hitting the ski trails or building your snow fort, it retains its powers for 80 minutes in water or domes of sweat. The magic doesn’t stop there; it’s bottled cleverly and proudly sports the “We Love the Reef” badge, skipping the reef-damaging chemicals – now that’s a lizard after our heart!

Features:

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Get yourself knight-level, SPF 50+ protection with 100% mineral ingredients. UVB and UVA rays, meet your match.
• Sensitive Formula: All the good stuff without the irritants – no chemical sunscreen ingredients, no parabens, and a big no to fragrances. It’s as gentle as can be!
• Water and Sweat Resistant: The fun doesn’t have to pause with this powerhouse. Whether you’re gliding on snow or battling it out in a snowball fight, it can handle 80 minutes of sweat or snow-melt.
• Smart Bottle: Now this is clever! The bottle changes color when ultraviolet rays put you in danger are at large, reminding you to slather on more protection. Art and science in a bottle, folks!
• Reef-Friendly: Pulling out the stops for our coral buddies. Part of the “We Love the Reef” sunscreens, our blue lizard friend ditches oxybenzone and octinoxate, both known reef troublemakers.

So, for your snow bunny escapades or your beach lounging moments, BLUE LIZARD’s got you covered – but what’s your take? Share your sunscreen tales or woes; we’re here to listen.

5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick

About: Say hello to your skin’s new BFF, Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Delivering broad spectrum, water-resistant protection faster than a skier flying down the slopes, this righteous sunscreen is all kinds of heroic.

It pulls off a vanishing act on your skin without leaving a white ghostly trace and proves to be a smooth operator on sensitive skin. And with its handy stick form, it’s super easy to reapply sunscreen even at the summit.

Oh, and did we mention it’s vegan and reef-friendly? It checks the boxes, from skincare to ocean care!

Features:

• High-Protection: The magic number is SPF 50, which shields your skin from UVA and UVB rays ready to rain on your parade.
• Dry Touch Technology: No more IG stories of shiny sunscreen cheeks, y’all! Its Dry-Touch technology sees to it that your skin remains sheer and clear, with not a hint of white residue or ghostface.
• Non-Comedogenic: Breakouts, begone! Gentle on sensitive skin types and doesn’t clog pores. This stick has moves smoother than a pro skier.
• Enriched with Vitamin E: It’s not only a sun warrior but a skin nourisher too! With a dollop of Vitamin E added, it’s there to quench thirsty skin as well as protect.

6. Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Face Stick

About: Catch those rays but don’t let them bite with Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick. This sun-saving stick is walking the green walk by being vegan and reef-friendly.

It offers broad spectrum protection (which is a bit of a given), but it also packs an extra punch with added vitamin E for bonus skin care action. The neat face stick spawns fuss-free application for braving outdoor adventures, including charging down a ski slope.

Plus, it dances the sun tango, being water and sweatproof for up to 80 minutes! So fear not, you won’t have to rush down to the ski lodge if the sweat begins to drop down your face.

Features:

• Broad Spectrum Protection with Vitamin E: Sun Bum’s sunscreen offers SPF 30 protection souped-up with vitamin E, covering you against UVA and UVB rays and reducing sunburns, skin cancer, and ‘way-too-early’ aging.
• Vegan and Reef-Friendly Formula: The planet can rely on Sun Bum! Vegan and vouching for our reefs, this sunscreen formula snubs octinoxate and oxybenzone—two no-goods banned by the Hawaii 104 Reef Act for messing with coral reefs and marine life.
• Convenient and Easy-to-Use Face Stick: No mess, no stress. Swipe this face stick across your face and lips whenever duty calls! It’s a great choice for any sport use including running and cycling too!
• Water and Sweat Resistant: The adventure continues come sweat, water, or wet snow, with resistance that clocks in a cool 80 minutes.

7. BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick

About: Preventing your ski-loving face from cooking in the sun is easy as a glide down the bunny slope with the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Stick (basically the same as the lotion described above, but in handy stick form)!

Features:

• Broad Spectrum Protection: Standard issue protection for the sun-fearing snow bunny – SPF 50+ and 100% mineral ingredients fighting off UVA and UVB rays.
• Sensitive Skin Formula: Keep calm, sensitive skin, and carry on skiing. No chemical sunscreens, no parabens, no fragrances, just pure, gentle protection.
• Water and Sweat Resistant: Waterproof for 80 minutes! Yes, you can finally stop worrying about becoming a snow-melt sunscreen victim.
• Convenient Stick Application: Smooth to apply, the stick format fits snugly in your pocket, ready whenever you need a quick swipe of protection.

Other Sun Safety Tips for Skiing

• Cloudy Days Count. Remember, that white power reflects all kinds of UV rays, and just because its overcast out doesn’t mean your safe — always lather up the protection!
• Consider UPF Clothing Too. There are a number of ways you can use clothing to provide additional sun protection — consider using a face mask, gloves, and ski goggles to protect your skin while using a little less sunscreen or when you don’t feel like reapplying.
• Know Your Skin. The best sunscreen will be the one that works for you! Make sure to do a skin patch test before a full sunscreen application to make sure the sunscreen plays nice with your specific skin type.

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Remember, when your inner snow bunny hits the slopes, grab along your favorite sunscreen for skiing and hop down those slopes without breaking a sweat. Any sunscreen we missed? Share your favorite sunscreens for skiing below in the comments!