3 best beach sunscreens

Beach sunscreens are specially formulated sun protection products designed to shield the skin from the harmful effects of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays while enjoying outdoor activities at the beach. They are a crucial part of skin care routines in sunny and beachfront settings. Here's what you need to know about beach sunscreens:

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): Beach sunscreens come in various SPF levels, which indicate the level of protection they offer against UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn. Higher SPF numbers provide greater protection. SPF 30 and above is generally recommended for extended outdoor activities.
Broad-Spectrum Protection: Effective beach sunscreens provide broad-spectrum protection, which means they shield the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays can prematurely age the skin and contribute to skin cancer.
Water-Resistant Formulas: Many beach sunscreens are formulated to be water-resistant, as they need to withstand exposure to water, sweat, and high humidity. They may specify a duration (e.g., 40 or 80 minutes) for their water resistance.
Application: Proper application of beach sunscreen is crucial for effectiveness. It should be applied generously to all exposed skin at least 15-30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapplication is necessary every two hours or more frequently after swimming or sweating.
Ingredients: Beach sunscreens contain active ingredients that either absorb, scatter, or reflect UV rays. Common active ingredients include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and homosalate.Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are often preferred for their broad-spectrum protection and safety profile.
Sunscreen Types: There are two main types of beach sunscreens: chemical and physical (mineral) sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, while physical sunscreens create a protective barrier by reflecting and scattering UV rays.
SPF Lip Balms: Lips are also susceptible to sun damage. Many people use SPF lip balms at the beach to protect their lips from UV radiation.
After-Sun Products: In addition to sunscreen, after-sun products like moisturizers and gels can help soothe and hydrate sun-exposed skin. These products may contain ingredients like aloe vera, chamomile, and antioxidants.
Avoiding Peak Sun Hours: It's advisable to avoid direct sun exposure during peak UV hours (usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) when the sun's rays are strongest. Seek shade and wear protective clothing in addition to using sunscreen.
Skin Health: Regular use of beach sunscreen is essential for preventing sunburn, premature aging, and reducing the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. It helps maintain the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Personalized Choices: The choice of beach sunscreen can vary based on individual skin types and sensitivities. Some formulations are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, or suitable for sensitive skin.

In summary, beach sunscreens are essential for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays while enjoying outdoor activities, especially at the beach. Choosing the right SPF level, applying it correctly, and reapplying as needed are key to effective sun protection and maintaining skin health.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best beach sunscreens on the market

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Body Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, Oil-Free and Fast-Absorbing, 6.7 oz

Neutrogena

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help give your skin superior sun protection from harsh outdoor elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70. Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen lotion is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun damage. This sunscreen lotion is formulated with Helioplex Technology, which offers superior broad spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays. This fast-absorbing sunscreen is lightweight, oil-free, and PABA-free. From the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand

Brand Story

By Neutrogena

6.7-ounce bottle of Neutrogena Beach Defense Water Resistant Sunscreen Lotion for body with SPF 70 that helps prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer when used as directed
Stabilized with Helioplex sunscreen technology that provides superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays
Fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion is designed for your active family and features a lightweight, oil-free, and PABA-free formula
Beach-strength sunscreen lotion formula with SPF 70 can stand up to any outdoor activity and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Superior sun protection from the #1 dermatologist recommended suncare brand in a lightweight sunscreen lotion formula that absorbs quickly and is easy to apply

User questions & answers

Question:	Is this product gluten free
Answer:	Haha. I’ve no idea. Why would it matter...? It’s a sunscreen not something you eat.
Question:	Can you still get a nice tan with it on? I wanna get some color but dont want to get burned
Answer:	You might, but I'm not 100% sure. SPF above 50 is all the same and the number indicates the minutes of protection you get. Maybe if you try the SPF 30 of this line and still repeat the sunblock every hour or so yo''ll be able to tan a bit without burning. In the past, when I was able to tan I could get a bit of color without reapplying a 50spf sunblock on my face more than twice, but I live in the Caribbean.Now, I cannot tan because I developed Melasma, so even though I live in the city I use this sunblock and reapply the same every 2 or 3 hours, as I cannot tan or my condition will worsen. I Think you should ask a dermatologist to be sure, but in any case the product is amazing.
Question:	expiration date
Answer:	The 2 that we ordered a couple of months ago, apparently had the date printed on some tamper-proof part of the packaging (which we did not look at). We purchased one last week and they are now printing the expiration date on the bottom of the yellow plastic container and it was fresh!
Question:	Is this product safe for the coral reefs? I am going to maui
Answer:	Are you sure? the info of the product says "Oxybenzone Free"

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Water-Resistant Sunscreen Body Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 50, PABA-Free, Oxybenzone-Free & Fast-Drying, Superior Sun Protection, 6.5 oz

Neutrogena

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help give your skin superior protection from harsh summer elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen spray is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage and may decrease the risk of skin cancer caused by the sun when used as directed. Featuring an oxybenzone-free formula and stabilized with Helioplex Technology, it offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. Convenient for on-the-go, the easy-to-use spray can provides no-mess application for all of your family's outdoor activities. This SPF 50 spray sunscreen is lightweight, PABA-free, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and comes from the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand.

6.5-ounce can of Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen Spray with SPF 50 to help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer caused by the sun when used as directed
Formulated with Helioplex sunscreen technology, this body sunscreen provides superior broad spectrum protection against skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays
Fast-absorbing sunscreen spray is designed for your active family and features a lightweight, oxybenzone-free and PABA-free formula that protects against sun damage during any outdoor activity
Beach-strength sunscreen spray formula with SPF 50 can stand up to any outdoor activity and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Superior sun protection from the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand, in a lightweight sunscreen spray formula that contains no oxybenzone, dries fast and is easy to apply

Product features

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Help give your skin superior sun protection from harsh summer elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen spray is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage.

- Lightweight, oil-free & water-resistant (up to 80 minutes)

- Helioplex Technology delivers Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection

- Convenient spray-on format

- Oxybenzone Free

SCIENCE-BACKED

Formulated with unique Helioplex, a sunscreen technology with superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays.

PROTECTION FROM THE BEACH ELEMENTS

Nothing beats a long day at the beach, but the sun can be a threat to your skin’s health without proper protection. Also, prolonged exposure to water can compromise your skin's nature protective barrier. So, next time you hit the waves, keep your skin safe with our powerful broad spectrum sunscreen which is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage.

SUPERIOR PROTECTION. NO MESSY HANDS

In a convenient spray-on format, which is ideal for active families. Great for use on large areas of skin, especially hard-to-reach places.

APPLY EARLY AND OFTEN

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2 hours, as well as after sweating, swimming or towel drying.

Sprays: apply evenly until the product is “glistening” on the skin (2 to 4 seconds of continuous spraying per limb, and 5 to 8 seconds for the torso and back)

MAKE IT A HABIT

Keep your sunscreen where you’ll remember to apply it every day before going outside, such as near your keys or toothbrush. Studies show that by linking with an existing habit you can increase usage.

CHECK YOUR HEALTH PLAN

Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA).

Product eligibility may vary by plan. Check with your benefits administrator to determine which expenses are eligible before you shop.

PRACTICE TOTAL SUN SAFETY

In addition to wearing SPF, wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and skip the tanning bed by using a sunless tanner instead.

Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70, Fast Absorbing Sunscreen Body Spray Mist, Water-Resistant & Oil-Free UVA/UVB Sun Protection, 6.5 oz

Neutrogena

Based on 4 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Help give your skin superior sun protection from harsh summer elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Body Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70. Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen spray is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage. Plus, when used as directed with other sun protection measures, it may decrease the risk of skin cancer and early aging caused by the sun. The convenient spray is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is formulated with Helioplex Technology, which offers superior broad spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays. This fast-absorbing SPF 70 sunscreen spray is lightweight, oil-free and PABA-free. From the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand. Packaging and formulation may vary. New formula contains no oxybenzone and uses avobenzone for optimal protection from UVA & UVB rays.

Brand Story

By Neutrogena

6.5-ounce can of Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray for body with Broad Spectrum SPF 70 and Helioplex technology for UVA and UVB sun defense
Sunscreen spray formula is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and is great for use on large areas of skin, especially hard-to-reach places. The lightweight spray formula is easy to apply and absorbs quickly
SPF 70 body sunscreen is formulated with Helioplex Technology, which offers superior broad spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays
Superior sun protection from the #1 dermatologist recommended sun care brand, Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray is designed for your active family and features a fast-absorbing, lightweight, oil-free, and PABA-free formula
When used as directed with other sun protection measures, may decrease the risk of skin cancer and early aging caused by the sun. Packaging and formulation may vary. New formula contains no oxybenzone and uses avobenzone

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the expiration date for this SPF 70 spray sunscreen
Answer:	Bottom of can. Mine expires 10/2021.
Question:	Does the sunscreen stick come in spf
Answer:	Hi! We don't have SPF30 in this stick form at this time, but we'll let our team know you're looking for it!
Question:	Why is this product here is much cheaper than on the official website. Is the seller is real neutrogena
Answer:	Manufacturers sell at the MSRP, which is always higher than any store. They agree never to undercut retailers. Only discontinued products are sold for less.
Question:	Is it normal to receive this product with no plastic seal? It did have the plastic cap/cover under the lid, but no plastic wrapped around the product
Answer:	I have bought a few of these from Amazon, and none were wrapped in plastic.

Product features

Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70

Help give your skin superior sun protection from harsh summer elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray with Broad Spectrum SPF 70. Ideal for active families, this beach-strength sunscreen spray is clinically proven to help defend against the signs of sun and water damage.

- Lightweight & fast absorbing spray

- Helioplex Technology delivers Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection

- Water Resistant (up to 80 minutes)

- Convenient spray-on format

SCIENCE-BACKED

Formulated with unique Helioplex, a sunscreen technology with superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin-burning UVB rays.

PROTECTION FROM THE BEACH ELEMENTS

SUPERIOR PROTECTION. NO MESSY HANDS

In a convenient spray-on format, which is ideal for active families. Great for use on large areas of skin, especially hard-to-reach places.

APPLY EARLY AND OFTEN

Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going out, and reapply every 2 hours, as well as after sweating, swimming or towel drying

Sprays: apply evenly until the product is “glistening” on the skin (2 to 4 seconds of continuous spraying per limb, and 5 to 8 seconds for the torso and back)

MAKE IT A HABIT

CHECK YOUR HEALTH PLAN

Sunscreen is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA).

Product eligibility may vary by plan. Check with your benefits administrator to determine which expenses are eligible before you shop.