When you're sweating up a storm, the right sunscreen can help keep your face and body protected from harmful UV rays. (Elta MD, Neutrogena, Badger)
If slathering on sunscreen evokes memories of your mom's childhood reminders to protect your skin, you're not alone. Like many children, I dreaded the ritual of rubbing or spraying on sunscreen — those precious seconds seemed to last an eternity when all I wanted to do was throw myself into the pool. But now, especially as someone who is regularly active outdoors, I understand the importance and continue to preach it: Applying sunscreen isn't a chore; it's part of a proper skincare routine.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with the American Academy of Dermatology reporting that an estimated one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news? Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, and UV exposure is the most preventable cause of skin cancer. Unprotected exposure to UV rays, particularly UVA rays, is correlated with the development of skin cancer and premature skin aging, including wrinkles and age spots. Therefore, in the quest to prevent skin cancer, sun protection in the form of sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is the key.
For runners, cyclists, golfers, water-sports enthusiasts or other athletes spending considerable time outside, good sun care is crucial. "For active individuals, sunscreen needs to go the extra mile," says Dr. Kristina Collins, board-certified dermatologist. "Sports sunscreens help maintain continuous protection in high-performance conditions, reducing the risk of burns, sun damage and ultimately, skin cancer."
The term "sports sunscreen" has no FDA definition, but sporty folks should look for a handful of extra factors in their lotions, sprays or creams. "The most important factors to look for in a sunscreen are broad-spectrum protection, a sunscreen SPF of 30 or higher and water resistance (either 40 or 80 minutes)," advises Dr. Ruth McTighe, board-certified dermatologist. "Equally important is choosing a sunscreen format — whether lotion, stick, spray or gel — that you'll be able to reapply consistently when outdoors or playing sports."
It's not just the sunscreen itself that matters, but how and where you apply it. Namely, sunscreen should be applied to all areas of exposed skin (including your lips and scalp) — not just your face. Also, don't forget to apply on cloudy or cooler days, as UV rays can still penetrate.
Finally, applying once isn't enough. "You should consistently reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors," emphasizes McTighe. "It's also important to reapply after swimming or sweating heavily — even if the product is water-resistant."
McTighe also reminds us that face and body sunscreen is just one part of a sun safety strategy: "Don't forget to avoid peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and wear sun-protective clothing."
While this can sound scary, there are plenty of options for athletes looking to keep their skin safe. We've rounded up our favorite broad-spectrum sunblock picks that'll stand up to water, sweat and, of course, sun exposure.
Update, Aug. 11, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability below. Our number one pick for the best sport sunscreen remains unchanged.
SPF: 44 | Broad-spectrum: Yes | Water resistance: Yes | Mineral or chemical: Mineral | Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Dr. Claire Wolinsky prefers a tinted mineral sunscreen like this one because it provides broad-spectrum physical SPF coverage, hydration and works well under makeup. EltaMD is known for high-quality sunscreen that so many docs recommend. It offers broad-spectrum UV protection from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and leaves a smooth finish, even on dry or sensitive skin.
The brand also recently released a new mineral sunscreen we're excited to try. Check out EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Broad Spectrum SPF 50, which we featured on our list of the most-anticipated products of the month.
Type: Lotion | SPF: 30 | Type of protection: Hybrid (chemical/mineral) | Reef safe: No | Active ingredient: Ceramides, zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: No
For anyone looking for an affordable and effective sun protection option, CeraVe's Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 for Face & Body is a great pick. This gentle sunscreen features a hybrid formula that combines mineral and chemical sun filters to reflect and absorb UVA and UVB rays. While it contains zinc oxide, which is known for leaving a whiter cast, we found that the white cast was lighter than most other brands and even appeared to shimmer rather than appear greasy.
While CeraVe's lightweight sunscreen isn't a sport-specific sunscreen, it is water and sweat resistant and stood up to plenty of workouts without running or leaving me burned.
The sunscreen goes on easily and feels moisturizing, in part due to the addition of hyaluronic acid, which attracts hydration to the skin's surface. The added niacinamide (a form of vitamin B) also may help protect against skin damage from UV rays.
Type: Spray | SPF: 30 | Type of protection: Chemical | Reef safe: No | Active ingredient: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: Yes
Recommended by McTighe, Neutrogena's Sport Active Defense SPF 30 Spray is our top pick for spray sunscreens, thanks to its sweat and water-resistant formulation that stood up to sweaty workouts during our testing. Despite humidity and sweat, this sunscreen didn't run or grow whiter with use. Quite to the contrary, it wasn't even noticeable.
This spray feels very lightweight, and its glossy sheen dries in under five minutes, so you can quickly head out the door and on to your next adventure. The addition of vitamins C and E also makes this sunscreen feel moisturizing.
It also has a bit of a minty fragrance, which some reviewers found to be refreshing. I thought it was a bit chemical-forward but appreciated that the scent wasn't long-lasting.
This sunscreen also comes in an SPF 70 version for those who want that extra boost of protection.
Type: Lotion | SPF: 50 | Type of protection: Mineral | Reef safe: Yes | Active ingredient: Zinc oxide | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: No
Thrive's BodyShield SPF 50's reef-safe formulation and unique water-resistant mix of natural ingredients, including pine rosin, larch tree and zinc oxide, give it a leg up for land and water adventures.
As to be expected with a mineral sunscreen, Thrive's product leaves a white cast, but our tester found it less noticeable when compared to other brands on the market. And unlike many mineral sunscreens, Thrive's was easy to apply. It rubs in smoothly and feels extra moisturizing, thanks to the addition of macadamia extracts.
Thrive's BodyShield stands up to the sun and is also formulated with skin-friendly ingredients like antioxidant-rich plant extracts from juanilama, fierrillo, and corallilo plants. These plants are sourced from regenerative farms in Costa Rica, supporting Thrive's ethos of leaving the world better. The sunscreen is packaged in recycled and recyclable plastic tubes too.
Type: Lotion | SPF: 43 | Type of protection: Hybrid | Reef safe: Yes | Active ingredient: Octinoxate, zinc oxide | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: No
If you're looking for ultra-luxe, smooth-feeling sunscreen to apply to your face, Neova Active is our pick. This sport-specific, medium-weight sunscreen has zinc oxide and chemical filters to reflect and absorb rays for superior protection. Frankly, it felt so sheer on my skin that I was worried I would end up burned, but I never got even a little bit pink with this product, and it never ran during sweaty workouts.
Neova Active is also formulated with more cutting-edge ingredients intended to support long-term skin health. Specifically, the inclusion of photolyase derived from plankton is a stand-out. While research is relatively limited, there is some evidence that photolyase can help with DNA repair in relation to damage caused by UV rays. Essentially, this product is intended to protect and repair your skin when used regularly.
The price tag on NEOVA Active is on the higher end, so we suggest reserving this one for your face to make it go a little farther.
Type: Lotion | SPF: 50 | Type of protection: Mineral | Reef safe: Yes | Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: No
Minimal ingredients meet maximum protection with Badger Adventure Mineral Sunscreen. With just four ingredients, this reef-safe, fragrance-free sunscreen is ideal for people who have sensitive skin. It comes in a recycled tin that's easy to stash in a cycling pouch, hiking pack or even a running belt.
Badger's Adventure Mineral Sunscreen feels balm-like, and in colder environments it's more solid, making it a bit tougher to apply and rub in. However, our tester found that on warmer days, the texture softens and spreads more easily. As a zinc oxide-based sunscreen, it leaves a slight white cast. Our tester, who has dry skin, found it moisturizing (thanks to the addition of vitamin E), but noted it may feel heavy on oilier skin types.
Beyond its simple formulation, Badger goes above and beyond when it comes to sustainability: The sunscreen is packaged in recycled materials, made in a factory powered by solar energy and features 98% organic ingredients. It's a thoughtful choice for skin protection and the planet.
Type: Spray | SPF: 30 | Type of protection: Chemical | Reef safe: No | Active ingredient: Octinoxate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone | Broad spectrum: Yes | Sweat & water resistance: 80 minutes | Added fragrance: Yes
I've used spray sunscreens before, but a mist sunscreen was new to me! Bu's Ultrafine WOWmist Sunscreen goes above and beyond the expectations of a spray sunscreen, delivering the lightest possible application. This sunscreen applies so gently, you don't need to rub it in. While it takes about 15 minutes to dry, once it does, it leaves a slight sheen but no greasiness or stickiness. It's incredibly lightweight, and our tester didn't even notice it while exercising outdoors.
The WOWmist Sunscreen also features a light white sage scent, which our tester noted she really enjoyed, leaving her feeling a sense of refreshment while using the product. But if you don't like a scented sunscreen (or you just don't like the scent of sage), the brand also offers a fragrance-free version and a citrus-scented version.
Bu's mist is also hypoallergenic and noncomedogenic, especially formulated for sensitive skin and active individuals. And for anyone following a vegan lifestyle, the Ultrafine WOWmist is oil-free vegan-friendly with no other animal-derived products.
For younger athletes, Bu has a kid-friendly option too.
SPF: SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how well a sunscreen protects you from UV radiation, specifically UVB rays, which cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. "A sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher is recommended, as SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UV rays. While higher SPFs offer slightly more protection, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, and the increase in protection levels off around SPF 30," explains McTighe.
Broad spectrum protection: Broad spectrum protection ensures coverage against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Each dermatologist we consulted recommended broad-spectrum sunscreens only.
Water and sweat resistance: "Sunscreen is neither sweatproof nor waterproof, which is why the FDA prohibits these terms on product labels. However, sunscreens can be labeled as 'water-resistant' — either 40 or 80 minutes — indicating how long the product remains effective while swimming or sweating," says McTighe.
Noncomedogenic: Sunscreens labeled as noncomedogenic should not cause blocked pores, which is an extra perk if you'll be getting sweaty while wearing the product.
Lightweight and nongreasy: Sunscreen can get a bad rap for being either greasy or heavy! If you opt for a sunscreen that is lightweight and nongreasy, you're more likely to wear it.
Portability: If you're on the go and need to reapply sunscreen in the middle of a workout, consider looking for a TSA-friendly size or a stick sunscreen that you can easily slip into your bag.
Ingredients: There are two primary kinds of sunscreen that feature different active ingredients. Mineral (sometimes referred to as physical) sunscreens create a physical barrier between your skin and the sun, reflecting rays away from your skin. Mineral sunscreens often include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as primary ingredients. On the other hand, chemical sunscreens absorb the sun's rays before they reach your skin. These sunscreens use avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and/or octocrylene as primary ingredients.
Format: Sunscreens are offered in lotions, liquids, sprays, mists, sticks and lip balms. Dermatologists agree that the best format is the format you'll be most likely to apply (and reapply).
As an avid outdoor enthusiast, longtime athlete and certified personal trainer, I've tested plenty of sports sunscreens while exercising outdoors. For this product ranking, I tested 14 dermatologist-recommended options while hiking, running, walking, playing pickleball and practicing yoga outside. I recruited a friend with a different skin tone and health history who runs, cycles and rock climbs to test the same 14 products. I also spoke with multiple board-certified dermatologists and nurse practitioners to get professional insights into sun protection, specifically for athletes.
Sunscreens were evaluated based on protection, application, texture, feel and overall experience.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50: This sunscreen stick is made for sweaty days in the sun with 80 minutes of water/sweat resistance. The sunscreen goes on a little thicker and can feel sticky if it's not fully blended in.
Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray: This spray feels exceptionally light and offers great protection under the sun during sweaty pickleball matches. We tested the fragrance-free version, but there are scented options too.
Zo Skin Health Daily Sheer Broad-Spectrum SPF 50: This daily sunscreen is incredibly lightweight, smooth and moisturizing. It's on the higher end of the price range.
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40: This spray stays true to its name — it dries quickly. However, I didn't love the scent.
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Spray: This spray didn't give off a sticky glaze and smelled great. Unfortunately, during very intense exercise, the spray ran and appeared white.
Suntegrity Mineral Sun Sport Stick: Suntegrity's stick is a nice, on-the-go option that's compliant with the Hawaii Reef Act 104. However, it feels a little slicker and gives a slight white cast.
PCA Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45: For a pricier option, I wanted this sunscreen to work a little more effectively. While the formulation is lightweight, I found that it ran during outdoor activities and caused my skin to break out.
UVA and UVB rays are structurally different and impact your skin in different ways. UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are associated with skin damage and aging (like wrinkles and fine lines) and are also rays associated with tanning. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are associated with burning. One way to remember is that with UVA, the "A" stands for "aging," and with UVB, the "B" stands for "burning."
UVA and UVB rays together contribute to underlying skin damage that can lead to cancerous mutations and skin cancers.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection.
"Reapply every two hours, or immediately after excessive sweating, towel drying or swimming — even if the product is water-resistant. If you're outdoors for long stretches, set a timer to remind yourself," says Collins.
Sunscreen isn't the only form of sun protection for athletes, though. As McTighe advises, athletes can wear sun-protective clothing and avoid the sun during peak hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Yes! However, dermatologists recommend looking for specific guidelines.
"Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen that is water-resistant is your best bet for UVA protection while participating in outdoor activities and sports. The water-resistant component will help with any sweating that is likely to happen with outdoor activities," says Anna Chacon, board-certified dermatologist.
The terms "reef-friendly" and "reef safe" are not regulated. "That being said, when it comes to sunscreen, reef-friendly tends to refer to mineral-based SPF sunscreen. If the active ingredients are zinc and/or titanium oxide, it's likely going to minimize harm to our coral reefs," explains Catie Boucher, board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner.
Meanwhile, standard chemical sunscreens that utilize ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate may contribute to coral bleaching, though McTighe cautions that more research is still needed in this area. Often, the conditions in which sunscreens are tested for environmental safety don't translate to the real-world settings, so it's not clear to what extent chemical sunscreens could affect the reefs. One 2020 review study points out that most coral bleaching is caused by other agents and that there's no clear evidence that chemical sunscreens should be avoided for this reason.
It's also important to note that some products marketed as "reef-friendly" may use nano zinc and nano titanium, which are less safe for marine plants and animals. "'Reef-friendly' isn't regulated by the FDA, so always read the ingredient list," says Dr. Robyn Gmyrek, board-certified dermatologist.
"Using sunscreen is most important, regardless of type, to protect your skin from the sun," says Chacon. "Spray versus sunscreen lotion is a personal preference."
However, proper application is key.
"While a spray sunscreen can be convenient for reapplication and easier to apply on large or hard-to-reach areas, they are often under-applied and are sprayed unevenly, leading to inconsistent coverage. In addition, there is an inhalation risk if used on the face or in enclosed areas," says Gmyrek.
She also has a few extra tips if you're using a spray sunscreen:
Spray close to the skin until it glistens before rubbing it in
Avoid spraying directly on the face. Spray it into your hands before applying it to your face
Make sure the air is still, so the wind doesn't blow the sunscreen particles away from your body
Reapply every two hours (or more frequently if you're sweating heavily or swimming), just like creams
Each individual's skin is different, but generally speaking, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreens with fewer ingredients. "Choose fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and noncomedogenic products," says Gmyrek. "If you are very allergic or sensitive, patch test any new sunscreen on a small area of skin before applying on your entire body."
Kristina Collins, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist
Ruth McTighe, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Anna Chacon, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Robyn Gmyrek, MD, board-certified dermatologist
Catie Boucher, board-certified dermatology nurse practitioner
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
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