Best Sunscreens For Tattoos
These Absolute Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Tattoos From Fading
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Protecting your skin from UV rays is an important step in any skincare routine all year long, but in the Summer months, when sitting in the sun for hours is the norm, it's vital to apply (and reapply) your sunscreen — especially on tattooed skin. Without proper protection, the sun can dull a tattoo's colours and cause it to fade much quicker over time, effectively ruining the tat you likely spent a pretty penny on.
To ensure that your tattoo is protected from the sun, all you need is a safe lotion or spray sunscreen that, spoiler alert, you can use on the rest of your body. That's right, tattoos — whether super tiny or covering your entire body — don't need anything special when it comes to sun care, so whatever you use on your body is perfect for coating your ink with.
That said, based on effectiveness, price, and user reviews, we've rounded up some of the best sunscreens on the market for all skin tones and types to help protect all of your skin from the sun's harmful (but oh-so-sweet) rays. And if you're more into physical blockers, like zinc oxide, we've got you covered there, too.
1 La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk
Rated the best on the market with a perfect score from Consumer Reports for the fourth year in a row, La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk ($36) dries super fast, and is made with an antioxidant complex that fights against UV ray-caused free radicals.
2 Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($11) is a sister to the Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch formula, but contains zinc oxide as its primary ingredient.
3 Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 ($32) is great for all skin types and goes on the skin clear with a weightless feel.
4 Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30
This Equate Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30 ($5) stays put for 80 minutes, even through vigorous exercise, and is available at the drug store.
5 Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 50 ($13) goes on clear and smooth, and can be found at your local drugstore.
6 Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 30
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion SPF 30 ($8) has a strong and moisturising formula that's aluminium, dye, and paraben-free.
7 Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30
The Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 30 ($65) goes on clear, so there's no white or purple ashy tone left behind — plus, it's great for oily skin.
8 Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray SPF 50+
Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Spray SPF 50+ ($16) is easy to apply, doesn't stain clothes, and works wonders in the hot sun.
9 Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50
This Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50 ($5) can last up to 80 minutes in water, is lightweight, not runny, and is quick-drying.
10 Shiseido Wetforce Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum 50+
The Shiseido Wetforce Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum 50+ ($36) goes on completely clear and can be used under and over makeup.
11 CeraVe Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50
Despite containing zinc oxide, CeraVe Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Face Lotion SPF 50 ($15) is lightweight — plus, it's oil-free!
12 BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50
BullFrog Land Sport Quik Gel SPF 50 ($13) is a gel formula that isn't oily, leaves no white cast, and can be applied with little mess.
13 Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF 70 Lotion
This Coppertone Ultra Guard SPF 70 Lotion ($9) boasts water-resistant UVA and UVB protection, and contains vitamin E.
14 Alba Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen
Alba Hawaiian Clear Spray Sunscreen ($11) has gentle ingredients and sprays on clear so there's no ashy coating on darker skin tones.
