Best Surf Sunscreen 2026
Published May 15, 2026SurfSpotGuide Editorial
Surfers burn faster than almost anyone — you are in direct sun for hours with UV reflecting off the water surface. The right sunscreen is reef-safe, SPF 50+, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and will not wash off the moment you paddle out. Here is what to buy and what to skip.
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The short answer
Get a mineral zinc oxide stick for your face (Raw Elements, All Good, or Thinksport) and a mineral lotion for your body (Badger Sport, Sun Bum Mineral, or Thinksport). Both should be SPF 50+, water-resistant 80 min, and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Expect to spend $15–$25 per product.
Our Top Sunscreen Picks
Reef-safe, SPF 50+, water-resistant 80 minutes — the three we reach for most.
We may earn a small commission if you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We only recommend gear we'd ride ourselves.
Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Lotion
Sun Bum · AmazonReef-safe mineral lotion for full-body coverage. Widely available and easy to reapply.
Raw Elements Face Stick SPF 30
Raw Elements · AmazonZinc face stick that does not run into your eyes — the surfer face-protection standard.
Thinksport SPF 50+
Thinksport · AmazonAffordable mineral option, water-resistant 80 min, no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Sunscreen Formats: Which to Use Where
Zinc stick (face)
Best for: Face and noseThe most popular format for surfers' faces. Brands like Raw Elements, All Good, and Thinksport all make reliable face sticks.
Mineral lotion
Best for: Full body coverageApply 15–20 minutes before hitting the water and let it absorb. Badger, Thinksport, and Sun Bum Mineral are consistently recommended.
Reef-safe spray (pump, not aerosol)
Best for: Quick top-up on dry skinUse as a supplement, not a replacement. Only pump-style — not aerosol. Check that it is mineral-based.
What to Look For
Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide sit on the skin surface, reflect UV, and are stable in water. Chemical filters like oxybenzone absorb UV but degrade faster and harm coral reefs.
SPF 30 is the bare minimum — go 50+ for surfing. You are facing direct sun reflection off water for hours at a time.
This is the FDA's maximum water resistance claim. Anything less than 80 minutes means you are reapplying every 40 minutes in the water — impractical.
Both ingredients are banned at Hawaii beaches and many reef areas. They bleach coral. Even outside restricted zones, avoid them.
Sticks do not run into your eyes when you wipe sweat or saltwater off your face. For the face specifically, stick beats lotion every time.
SPF only measures UVB protection. "Broad spectrum" means UVA is covered too. Always check for this label.
Ingredient Cheat Sheet
Flip the bottle and check the active ingredients. Here is what each one means for reef safety and performance.
| Ingredient | Type | Reef-safe? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zinc oxide | Mineral | Yes | Best broad-spectrum mineral UV filter. Reef-safe. Can leave white cast. |
| Titanium dioxide | Mineral | Yes | Mineral filter. Good UVB coverage. Often combined with zinc oxide. |
| Oxybenzone | Chemical | No | Banned in Hawaii, Palau, Key West. Bleaches coral. Avoid. |
| Octinoxate | Chemical | No | Also banned in Hawaii. Avoid near reef environments. |
| Octocrylene | Chemical | No | Under scrutiny for reef toxicity. Avoid if possible. |
| Avobenzone | Chemical | Unclear | Not currently banned but breaks down quickly in water. Less stable than mineral. |
What to Avoid
- ✗Aerosol spray sunscreens — banned at many California and Hawaii beaches; spray is inconsistent and misses patches of skin
- ✗Chemical-only formulas with oxybenzone or octinoxate — restricted at Hawaii state parks and harmful to reefs
- ✗SPF 30 or below — not adequate for multi-hour surf sessions with direct sun and water reflection
- ✗Moisturizing or "dry touch" formulas not designed for water sport — they wash off in 20–30 minutes
- ✗Tinted formulas on the body — fine for the face but difficult to verify coverage on limbs
How to Apply It Properly
Apply 15–20 minutes before entering the water.
Mineral sunscreen needs time to form a continuous layer on the skin. Applying right before paddling out reduces effectiveness.
Use more than you think you need.
Most people apply about half the amount needed for the tested SPF. If the bottle says 2 oz for full body coverage, use 2 oz.
Cover ears, back of neck, and backs of hands.
Surfers burn these spots constantly. They are easy to forget and face serious sun exposure.
Reapply every 80 minutes — set a timer.
No sunscreen lasts longer than 80 minutes in water regardless of claims. In the heat of a good session it is easy to lose track of time.
Use a rash guard to reduce how much sunscreen you need.
A long-sleeve rash guard eliminates the need to apply sunscreen to your torso and arms. Focus the sunscreen on face, neck, and hands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sunscreen do surfers use?
Surfers typically use mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) rated SPF 50+ and water-resistant for 80 minutes. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and is more stable in water.
Is reef-safe sunscreen required for surfing?
Legally required in Hawaii and some California beaches. Sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned at Hawaii state beaches. Practically, most surf-specific sunscreens are already reef-safe by formulation.
How often should you reapply sunscreen while surfing?
Every 80 minutes in the water — that is the limit of the water-resistant rating. In practice, reapply after every session or rest break. Use a face stick for quick reapplication on your face between sets.
What SPF should surfers use?
SPF 50+ minimum. Surfers face direct sun plus reflection off the water surface. SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays. The extra protection over SPF 30 matters when you are in the sun for hours.
Does a rash guard replace sunscreen?
Partially. A long-sleeve rash guard protects covered skin from UV, but your face, neck, hands, and any exposed skin still need sunscreen. A rash guard plus a good face sunscreen is the practical combo most surfers use.
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// Free Gear Checklist
Don't buy the wrong gear.
Our free Beginner's Surf Guide has the exact gear checklist — what to buy first, what to skip, and how to pick a board and wetsuit that won't hold you back. Free, instant.
No spam · Instant delivery · Unsubscribe anytime