When breaking a sweat is part of your daily routine, you need a sunscreen that can roll with the punches. Here’s what you should consider when choosing a sunscreen suitable for your sweat sessions:
- SPF Rating and Broad Spectrum: It’s non-negotiable, folks! Start with a sunscreen that has an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher and make sure it’s a broad-spectrum formula. Remember, broad-spectrum covers you for both types of UV rays — UVA rays (Aging) and UVB rays (Burning).
- Sweatproof: Nobody wants to look like a melting sundae during their spin class. Choose those that are described as water-resistant sunscreens and/or sweatproof sunscreens. It may not keep you feeling dry (you’ll still sweat — maybe even more), but it’ll ensure the sun protection stays put, regardless of how many box jumps or burpees you bang out.
- Matte Finish: Let’s face it, sweating makes us shiny enough already; we don’t need our sunscreen adding to the disco ball effect. Matte sunscreens can help tamp down that shiny, greasy look, giving your skin a nice, even finish.
- Oil-Free: If you’re a victim of oily skin, producing more oil than a Texas oil field when you’re working out, make sure to opt for oil-free sunscreens. They’re less likely to clog your pores, and won’t leave you feeling like you’ve just coated your face in salad dressing!
- Non-Comedogenic: Look for this magic word on your sunscreen bottle. It essentially means that the product is designed not to block your pores. So, on top of the foundation of sweat, sunscreen won’t play the evil villain leading to blackheads or acne.
- Lightweight Feel: We’re all about performance, and nothing hampers performance like feeling like your face is under a mud mask! Choose a sunscreen that’s lightweight and breathable. Trust us, your skin will thank you.
Other Considerations for Sweat-Proof Sun Protection
Let’s dive a little deeper into other things to keep in mind when choosing between the endless parade of sunscreens. Picking the right sunscreen often comes down to understanding your own skin and preferences. Here are some other factors to mull over when choosing your sweat-proof shield:
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
When it comes to sunscreens, it’s all about the mineral vs chemical sunscreen showdown.
Mineral sunscreens (primarily made with zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of your skin and reflect UV rays like a mirror. Chemical sunscreens instead absorb into your skin, and then absorb UV rays, transforming them into heat.
Mineral-based sunscreens, also called physical sunscreens, are a great choice if you have sensitive skin. They start protecting you as soon as you apply them because they simply sit on your skin. But realize that mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white cast (oh well, no one is perfect).
Chemical sunscreens tend to be more lightweight and less greasy and don’t tend to leave a white cast. The issue is that they can be really tough on folks with sensitive skin due to some of the harsher chemical ingredients.
Most dermatologists will agree that the best sunscreen is the one you will use. So, try both and see which one your skin loves!
I personally tend to opt for mineral face sunscreen and chemical sunscreen for body coverage. My skin is pretty sensitive, and while my face breaks out into bad rashes with chemical sunscreens, my body is usually fine. And chemical sunscreens tend to spread a bit more easily that minerals, making them ideal for covering larger areas of skin.
Best Sunscreen for Sweating
Let’s dive right in and unravel the mysteries of these sweat-combatting sunscreens. Sit tight and get ready to become the SPF whisperer among your friends!
1. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday SPF 30 Lotion
A feel-good chemical sunscreen that absorbs easily and isn't sticky
- SPF 30 and hydrating broad spectrum chemical sunscreen
- Light, refreshing, and sticky-free with no white cast
- Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extract
About: This UV ray-repelling gem, a divine concoction by Supergoop!, keeps your skin looking timeless even under the most scorching sun. Coined the PLAY Everyday Lotion, this skin-pamperer goes above and beyond to deliver SPF while keeping your skin hydrated and comfortable.
As a chemical sunscreen, it doesn’t give up easily in the face of perspiration challenges, making it perfect for those who love to break a sweat.
Features:
- Ultra Sweatproof and Waterproof: Sweat- and water-resistant up to 80 minutes. Woohoo, happy marathoning!
- No Stickiness or White Cast. Since it’s a chemical sunscreen, there’s no white cast, and fans note that this sunscreen is supremely sticky-feeling-free.
- Sensitive Skin Whisperer: Its ultra-hydrating, antioxidant-rich formula with ingredients like sunflower & rosemary leaf extract.
- Avoids Common Chemical Irritants: Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, as well as sulfates, parabens, and synthetic fragrances. So, while the chemical formula may irritate the ultra-sensitive, it’s a worthy consideration even when other chemical sunscreen have failed you.
Pros
- The Supergoop! name is premium and well-cherished, and for good reason. Their ultra-lightweight, ultra-hydrating formulas are like a spa day for your skin.
- White cast and sticky-feeling free!
Cons
- All these superpowers come at a cost, and in this case, it’s a bit hefty on the wallet.
- While designed to be relatively gentle, chemical formula may still irritate the super ultra-sensitive
About: Thinking about playing sports in the sun but worried about your skin? Thinksport has you covered! This mineral-based sunscreen boasts of an SPF count of 50. Easy to rub in, yet sturdy, it’s designed specifically for heated outdoor exertions. So, tell your sweat cells to bring it on!
Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
A clean mineral sunscreen that's Leaping Bunny certified
- SPF 50+ and broad spectrum
- Clean mineral sunscreen with no no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, or avobenzone.
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- Cruelty-free and Leaping Bunny certified
Features:
- Mineral Wonder: Mineral-based SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s dermatologist recommended and non-greasy for the win.
- Jogger’s Joy: It’s water and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes. No Alice-in-Wonderland-esque melting here!
- Sensitive Skin Savvy: No harmful chemicals, with a formula that’s free of PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, and dairy (hurrah) — perfect for those sporting sensitive and oily skin types.
- Green Badge: Leaping Bunny certified and the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements.
Pros
- Animal lovers can rejoice, as this product doesn’t approve of animal testing.
Cons
- Its lotion form can be a bit laborious to spread and reapply (as is the case for most mineral sunscreens)
3. Hawaiian Tropic Island Active Sunscreen Spray
About: Hawaiian Tropic takes you right into the heart of the tropical islands. Its Island Sunscreen Spray, with an SPF level of 30, packs a punch, especially for those drawn to aquatic adventures and sandy stretches.
Hawaiian Tropic Active Clear Spray Sunscreen
A sweet-smelling spray sunscreen for easy application
- SPF 30 + broad spectrum protection
- Goes on clear with no white cast
- Water and sweat-resistant
- Chemical formula, but with no oxybenzone or octinoxate
- PETA-certified to be cruelty-free
Features:
- Water Baby’s Delight: A water resistant and sweatproof sunscreen that covers you for 80 minutes? Just what the surfer ordered!
- Light as a Breeze: It’s a fast-absorbing, non-sticky spray sunscreen formula designed for the sporty types.
- Aloha Aroma: The perks? A coconut fragrance that’ll transport you straight to the beach.
Pros
- t’s tailor-made for spritz-and-go applications, making it a tropical treasure.
Cons
- Sniff sniff. Some may find the coconut fragrance a tad too strong.
4. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
About: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with zinc oxide is proud to bear the seal of SPF 50. For all the delicate-skinned among us, this sunscreen is your suit of armor against the sun’s mighty rays and even mightier sweat.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
A trusted, fan-favorite mineral sunscreen that's easy on sensitive skin
- SPF 50 and broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen
- Reef-friendly with no oxybenzone or octinoxate
- Paraben-free & fragrance-free -- ideal for sensitive skin
- Sweat and water resistant (80 minutes)
Features:
- Non-irritating Formula: Crafted with zinc oxide sans any chemical active ingredients, this is a protein shake for sensitive skin.
- Fresh Breath for Skin: It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free. Ahhh, smell the…nothing!
- Wins the Water War: This toughie doesn’t get intimidated by a little water resistance — up to 80 minutes of sweat-proof and water-proof coverage.
- Ocean Friendly: Contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate. Even Nemo approves!
Pros
- An easy choice for those with sensitive skin, as it’s a solid zinc oxide mineral sunscreen.
Cons
- May leave a chalky reminder of its presence with a white cast — rub thoroughly!
Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream
About: The Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen Cream is here to put the ‘win’ in ‘skin’! Equipped with SPF 40, this physical sunscreen lotion is your skin’s best bud for outdoor activities where sweat is an uninvited guest.
Features:
- Spectrum Shield: Bid adieu to UVA and UVB rays with broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection.
- Purely Mineral: Bounce the sun’s harmful rays right off your skin with clear mineral zinc oxide.
- Sensitive Skin Knight: Score brownie points with sensitive skin, as it’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic.
- Water-resistant Superstar: Keeps protecting your skin for up to 80 mins under water or intense sweat.
- Clean Green Cream: Made with minimal ingredients—cry ‘hip hip hooray’ for gluten-free, non-GMO naturalness!
- Reef-friendly: It’s all good news for ocean lovers with no oxybenzone or marine-killing chemicals.
- Sustainable, Made in USA: Besides being formulated and manufactured in a 100% solar-powered facility, it’s cruelty-free.
- 98% Organic: Almost all its ingredients have a solid organic pedigree.
Pros
- An allergen-free, mineral sunscreen packed with organic ingredients that’s been on many ‘must-buy’ lists.
Cons
- A stellar sunscreen like this does come at a price, and a higher one at that.
So folks, that concludes our voyage through best sweat-resistant sunscreens. Which one piques your curiosity, or do you have another hot (or cool, sunscreen-ed) favorite? Drop a comment and join the conversation!
5. Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen
About: Say hello to the nature-embracing Alba Botanica Sport Sunscreen. With an SPF value of 45, this mineral guardian is prepared to shield your skin from the sun’s glare and discourteous sweat!
Alba Botanica Sunscreen
A no-nonsense, gentle mineral sunscreen that's cruelty-free
- SPF 45 and broad spectrum
- Physical mineral tinted that's gentle on sensitive skin
- No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or synthetic fragrances
- Cruelty-free
Features:
- Robust Defence: SPF 45 and broad spectrum protection — all in a cinc oxide and titanium dioxide formula designed to create the ultimate sun and sweat armour.
- No Sweat: Water and sweat resistance that lasts up to 80 glorious minutes.
- Goodbye Nasties: Oxybenzone and octinoxate? Not on its watch! Same for synthetic fragrances. That means it’s a good fit for sensitive sun-goers.
- Greens Galore: A 100% vegetarian formula, brimming with botanical wonders.
Pros
- This lightweight, plant-based sunscreen is perfect for sports enthusiasts who need a portable sun umbrella.
Cons
- Minera lotion may leave a white cast — but that’s the case for nearly all mineral sunscreens!
6. Babo Botanicals Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick
About: The Babo Botanicals Zinc Sport Sunscreen Stick emerges from the pack with an mighty SPF of 50. Housed in a convenient stick format, this mineral sunscreen armed with zinc oxide assures your skin stays sun-safe and sweat-proof!
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sport Stick
A compact and travel-friendly stick sunscreen
- SPF 30 and broad spectrum mineral zinc sunscreen
- Stick formula designed to protect face, lips, nose and ears
- Reef-safe and hypoallergenic
- Clinically tested and rated number #1 in safety by Environment Working Group (EWG)
Features:
- Sweat Score: Enjoy up to 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance.
- Sensitive-skin Compatible: Hypoallergenic? Check! Full of skin-soothing ingredients like jojoba oil, avocado, and shea butter? Check, check!
- Free from Allergens: It’s gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond, and walnut free.
- Nature First: Oxybenzone and octinoxate are shown the exit door in this formula.
Pros
- You can protect your lips, nose, and ears with this versatile stick.
Cons
- Compactness comes at a cost, as some find the stick rather small given the price tag.
Sun Protective Clothing and Sun Hats: Your Other Allies!
Protecting you from the sun is a lot to put on the shoulder of sunscreen alone — sun protective UPF clothing and sun hats can help!
These offer extra protection where sunscreen might struggle to maintain its efficacy, especially when you’re sweating like a sprinkler system.
In fact, if you’re really sweat prone, you’re probably better off focusing on sun protective clothing and hats, and then supplementing with sunscreen on your face. Just be sure to opt for a wide-brimmed hat for the most coverage!
Reapply, But Wipe First!
Your mom always told you cleanliness is next to godliness, right? And hey, turns out she’s right when it comes to sun protection.
If you’re already dripping in sweat, you really need to wipe yourself down before reapplying your sunscreen – otherwise it’ll slide right off! Wet doesn’t stick on wet, so make sure you’re at least semi-dry before adding another sunscreen coating.
Hats off to you, fellow sweaty comrade. That’s our list of the best sunscreens for sweating. We want to know, have you got some holy grail sunscreens that have seen you through the sweatiest of slogs? Share your wins in the comments below!
