As temperatures soar to unprecedented highs, individuals of all ages, both men and women, are in search of the ideal sunscreen to shield their faces and skin from the damaging effects of sunburn while enjoying a beach getaway. If you're planning a beach vacation, be prepared for intense sun exposure, potential skin dehydration, refreshing breezy evenings, and harmful UV rays.
Whether you opt for sunscreen or sunblock, it's essential to make a thoughtful selection of the best products for your body and face that fulfill their purpose without causing adverse reactions. To protect both nature and aquatic life, consider investing in eco-friendly and reef-safe sunscreens.
Keep in mind that not all sunscreens are created equal, as they are formulated to cater to specific skin types and characteristics. Therefore, it's crucial to exercise caution to avoid overspending on a product that may not be suitable for you. For instance, while the Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is excellent for your body during your seaside trip, the Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 is designed to be gentle and sheer on your face.
During your beach escapade, bulky containers of sunscreen are unnecessary. The sunscreens highlighted below come in travel-friendly sizes. Their active ingredients, levels of water resistance, and SPF ratings vary, providing a range of options to meet the diverse skin needs of your entire family.
Here are the top sunscreens for a beach vacation in 2023:
Sunscreen Name
Mineral/Chemical
SPF
Active Ingredients
Water Resistance
1.
EltaMD
Chemical
SPF 46
Niacinamide, 9.0% Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Inactive Ingredients
Non-Resistant
2.
Alba Botanica Clear Spray Coconut SPF 50 Sunscreen
Mineral
SPF 50
Avobenzone 3.0%, Octocrylene 8.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Fruit Extracts
80 minutes
3.
Coppertone SPORT Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Mineral
SPF 50
Inactive Ingredients: SD Alcohol 40-B, Octocrylene 9%, Octisalate 4.5%, Oxybenzone 6%
80 minutes
4.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Mineral
SPF 50
Octocrylene 10.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 10.00%
80 minutes
5.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Mineral
SPF 70
Octisalate 5%, Homosalate 15%, Octocrylene 2.8%, Avobenzone 3%
80 minutes
6.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral
SPF 50+
Zinc Oxide 20.0%, Inactive Ingredients
80 minutes
7.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sunscreen Lotion
Chemical
SPF 60
Active Chemicals
80 minutes
8.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion
Mineral
SPF 50
Octocrylene (7.5%), Octisalate (5%), Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (10%)
80 minutes
9.
CETAPHIL Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Mineral
SPF 60
Titanium Oxide 6%, Zinc Oxide 4.7%, Inactive Ingredients
80 minutes
10.
Aveeno Positively Sunscreen Lotion
Mineral
SPF 50
Zinc Oxide 21.6%, Inactive Ingredients
80 minutes
1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 Facial Sunscreen – Rating 4.7 /5 Stars
EltaMD UV Clear is meticulously designed to block harmful UV rays, providing not only sunburn protection but also soothing the skin thanks to its antioxidant properties. This sunscreen is particularly beneficial for those with acne-prone skin, dark spots, or rosacea, as the high-purity Niacinamide helps shield sensitive skin from sun exposure. Its combination with hyaluronic acid makes EltaMD an outstanding option for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Reasons EltaMD ranks as our top choice include:
- Being oil-free, it leaves no greasy residue on your face.
- It is completely unscented, ideal for those sensitive to fragrances or wishing to fully enjoy the beach atmosphere.
- The absence of harmful preservatives, evidenced by its paraben-free formulation, underscores its commitment to skin health.
2. Alba Botanica Clear Spray Coconut SPF 50 Sunscreen – Rating 4.5/5 Stars
For effective protection against harsh UVA and UVB rays at the beach, simply spray Alba Botanica Clear Spray Coconut SPF 50 Sunscreen onto your hands before applying it to your face. This lightweight sunscreen is enriched with vegetable extracts that absorb quickly, leaving no greasy feeling behind. It's 80% water-resistant, paraben-free, and cruelty-free, making it suitable for vegan users. Beyond skin protection, it also supports the fight against premature aging and can be used on children as young as three, making it a fantastic family option.
In addition to being free from harmful chemicals, Alba Botanica Coconut Oil Hawaiian Clear offers several benefits:
- It's versatile enough to nourish
