15 Best Sunscreen for Tattoos

If you’ve recently gotten a new tattoo or even had one for years, you might wonder how best to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. The thing is, you really should keep the tattoo out of the sun for the first 3-4 weeks so it can heal, and then once it’s somewhat healed, you can use a tattoo sunscreen to protect it.

One of the most effective ways to do that is by using a tattoo-friendly sunscreen. Why does it need to be tattoo-friendly? Because some sunscreens contain fragrances or other ingredients that can actually irritate the area of skin you had tattooed.

This post digs into the best sunscreen options and provides comprehensive guidance on what to look for when selecting a sunscreen for your tattoo.

What Sunscreen is Best for a New Tattoo?

Click here for my favorite tattoo sunscreen

When choosing an excellent sunscreen for tattoos, several factors come into play to ensure both the longevity of your ink and the health of your skin, especially when you’re trying to reduce swelling! 30 SPF is crucial for blocking harmful UV rays that can fade the colors and blur the lines of your tattoo.

Water resistance is another key feature, especially if you plan on swimming or are prone to sweating, as it keeps the sunscreen from washing off too quickly. The formula should ideally be mineral-based or physical, as these types of sunscreens are less likely to irritate the skin and provide a robust barrier against sun exposure.

Ease of application is also important; options include sprays, sticks, or lotions (we have an excellent rundown of the best lotions for tattoos), each with benefits for ensuring thorough coverage. Lastly, consider whether the sunscreen is fragrance-free or has a mild scent, as strong fragrances can sometimes cause skin irritation. Considering these elements, you can select a sunscreen that will keep your tattoo vibrant and your skin protected.

Click here for my favorite tattoo sunscreen

Why Sunscreen is Essential for Tattoos

Sun exposure can wreak havoc on your tattoo for several reasons:

1. Fading Colors: UV rays can cause your tattoo’s colors to fade.
2. Skin Damage: Like any other part of your skin, tattooed areas are susceptible to sunburn and long-term sun damage.
3. Increased Risk of Skin Cancer: Tattooed or not, unprotected sun exposure increases your risk of developing skin cancer.

Best Sunscreen Choices

Product	Description	Specifics	Amazon
Mad Rabbit Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30	Specifically designed for tattoos; water-resistant and long-lasting.	Water-resistant, SPF 30	Check Price
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100	Budget-friendly; extremely high SPF; water-resistant and fast-absorbing.	Water-resistant, SPF 100	Check Price
Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50	Dermatologist-recommended; mineral-based; thorough sun protection without white cast.	Water-resistant, Mineral-based, SPF 50	Check Price
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50	Plant-based spray; lightweight and fragrance-free.	Water-resistant, Mineral-based, SPF 50, Fragrance-free	Check Price
Bubble Solar Mate Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40	Compact mineral stick; hydrates skin.	Water-resistant, Mineral-based, SPF 40	Check Price
EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50	Dermatologist-favorite; oil-free; suitable for oily or acne-prone skin.	Water-resistant, Oil-free, SPF 50	Check Price
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30	Mineral spray; simplifies application for hard-to-reach areas; no white cast.	Water-resistant, Mineral-based, SPF 30	Check Price
CeraVe Hydrating Face and Body Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30	Can be applied to face and body without irritation; hydrating.	Water-resistant, SPF 30	Check Price
Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30	Lightweight physical sunscreen; non-comedogenic; suitable for face tattoos.	Water-resistant, Physical formula, SPF 30	Check Price
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30	Moisturizes and soothes with natural oils; no white cast.	Water-resistant, SPF 30	Check Price
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Sport Stick SPF 50	Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic; suitable for sensitive skin.	Water-resistant, Hypoallergenic, SPF 50	Check Price
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Reef Friendly Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50	Fragrance-free; enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E; reef-friendly.	Water-resistant, Fragrance-free, Reef-friendly, SPF 50	Check Price
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 60	High-SPF mineral spray; lightweight; elegant formula.	Water-resistant, Mineral-based, SPF 60	Check Price
Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+	Can be applied on wet or dry skin; leaves no residue or transfer.	Water-resistant, SPF 50+	Check Price
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion	Vegan and cruelty-free; pleasant coconut scent.	Water-resistant, Vegan, SPF 30	Check Price

Sunscreen Must Haves

SPF Level

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, the type of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. Aim for sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for tattoos. Higher SPF levels offer more protection, but no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays.

Water Resistance

If you’re planning to swim or you sweat a lot, look for a sunscreen labeled as water-resistant. The FDA usually mandates that water-resistant sunscreens must maintain their SPF level after 40 or 80 minutes of water exposure.

Formula

When it comes to tattoos, mineral-based or physical sunscreens are often recommended. These sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which act as a physical barrier that reflects the sun’s rays away from your skin. They are also less likely to irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.

Application Method

Sunscreen comes in various forms – lotions, sprays, and sticks. Choose the one that you find most accessible to apply and reapply. Sprays can be convenient but make sure you get all the spots. Sticks are excellent for precision but may require effort to spread evenly. Lotions are generally the easiest to apply over large areas.

Fragrance-Free or Pleasant Scent

If you have sensitive skin, it’s best to go for fragrance-free options. Fragrances can sometimes cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. However, if you prefer scented sunscreens, opt for those with a pleasant but not overpowering scent.

Expert Tips

1. Keep the Area Clean: Use antibacterial soap to keep the tattoo clean (we have an article on the best soaps for tattoos).
2. Reapplication is Key: No matter how high the SPF, reapplication every two hours is crucial for ongoing protection.
3. Quantity Matters: Dermatologists recommend using a “shot glass” amount of sunscreen for each application on the body. Don’t skimp!
4. Patch Test: Always do a small patch test to ensure the product doesn’t irritate your skin, especially if you’ve recently gotten your tattoo.
5. Consult a Professional: Consult your tattoo artist or a dermatologist for personalized advice if in doubt.

Best Sunscreen For Tattoos

Mad Rabbit Tattoo Sunscreen SPF 30

Why It’s Good:

Designed specifically for tattoos, Mad Rabbit offers broad-spectrum protection and long-lasting water resistance. It’s also celeb-approved and highly rated on Amazon.

Pros:

• Celeb-approved
• High ratings on Amazon

Cons:

• May be pricey for some

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100

Why It’s Good:

This budget-friendly option offers an extremely high SPF level, providing extra protection against UV rays. It’s also fast-absorbing and water-resistant.

Pros:

• Affordable
• High SPF

Cons:

• May leave a white cast on some skin tones

Blue Lizard Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Why It’s Good:

Dermatologist-recommended and mineral-based, this sunscreen offers effective protection without leaving a white cast on your skin.

Pros:

• Recommended by dermatologists
• Mineral formula

Cons:

• May be greasy for some skin types

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Why It’s Good:

This plant-based sunscreen comes in a spray form, making it easy to apply. It’s also lightweight and free from fragrance.

Pros:

• Easy to apply
• Natural ingredients

Cons:

• May need to shake well before use

Bubble Solar Mate Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

Why It’s Good:

A compact and portable option, this mineral sunscreen stick also hydrates the skin.

Pros:

• Portable
• Moisturizing

Cons:

• May need to rub in well to avoid streaks

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

Why It’s Good:

This dermatologist-favorite is oil-free and won’t clog pores, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin.

Pros:

• Suitable for oily or acne-prone skin
• Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation

Cons:

• May be expensive for some

Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

Why It’s Good:

This mineral-based sunscreen spray makes application easy, especially for hard-to-reach areas, and leaves no white cast.

Pros:

• Convenient
• No white cast

Cons:

• May need to reapply often for adequate protection

CeraVe Hydrating Face and Body Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

Why It’s Good:

This versatile sunscreen can be used both on the face and body without causing irritation or clogging pores.

Pros:

• Hydrating
• Gentle on skin

Cons:

• May be too sheer for some preferences

Supergoop! Mineral Sheerscreen SPF 30

Why It’s Good:

Lightweight and non-comedogenic, this physical sunscreen is excellent for face tattoos and won’t cause breakouts.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Non-comedogenic

Cons:

• May be pricey for some

Black Girl Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Why It’s Good:

Enriched with natural oils, this sunscreen both protects and nourishes tattooed skin.

Pros:

• Nourishing
• No white cast

Cons:

• May be oily for some skin types

Colorescience Sunforgettable Sport Stick SPF 50

Why It’s Good:

This hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic sunscreen stick is perfect for sensitive skin and is also reef-safe.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Reef-safe

Cons:

• May need to blend well to avoid streaks

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen SPF 50

Why It’s Good:

Enriched with aloe vera and vitamin E, this sunscreen hydrates tattooed skin while also being reef-friendly.

Pros:

• Soothing
• Reef-friendly

Cons:

• May be thick for some preferences

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Spray SPF 60

Why It’s Good:

This high-SPF mineral spray offers easy application and a luxurious, lightweight formula.

Pros:

• Elegant
• Mineral formula

Cons:

• May be expensive for some

Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector Sunscreen SPF 50+

Why It’s Good:

This sunscreen stick is unique in its ability to be applied to both wet and dry skin without leaving residue or transferring onto clothes.

Pros:

• Invisible
• Waterproof

Cons:

• May be small for some needs

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Why It’s Good:

This vegan, cruelty-free sunscreen lotion comes with a pleasant coconut scent, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your sun protection.

Pros:

• Vegan
• Cruelty-free
• Smells good

Cons:

• May be sticky for some skin types

Wrapping Up Best Sunscreen For Tattoos

Choosing the right sunscreen for your tattoo isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a commitment to the longevity of your ink and the health of your skin. Tattoos are a form of self-expression, each with a unique story and significance. They’re not merely skin deep; they are a part of who you are. Therefore, they deserve the best care possible, starting with sun protection.

The options are abundant, from high-end to budget-friendly, from sprays to sticks to lotions specifically made for ink. Whether you have sensitive skin, are prone to sweating, or have freshly inked tattoos, sunscreen is only part of the tattoo care routine. Consider looking at the best lotions for tattoos, and the best soaps for tattoos as well. Consider your specific needs and preferences, weigh the pros and cons, and make an informed choice. A well-protected tattoo looks vibrant and is a lasting tribute to the artistry and emotion that went into creating it.

So, the next time you step out into the sun, ensure your tattoo is as well-equipped to face the day as you are. After all, a tattoo is forever; make sure it looks its best by always giving it the protection it deserves.