Welcome to the ultimate guide for every outdoor enthusiast and climber seeking the perfect shield against the sun’s relentless rays! Whether you’re scaling towering peaks or navigating challenging rock faces, finding the best sunscreens for climbing is crucial for both your safety and enjoyment.
In this article, nationalparkshops’s team dives deep into the world of sun protection, uncovering the top sunscreens that offer superior durability, sweat-resistance, and eco-friendly ingredients, all while keeping your skin healthy and radiant. Say goodbye to sunburns and hello to worry-free adventures as we help you discover the ideal sunscreen companion for your next climb!
Contents
- 1 How we tested?
- 2 What is UV radiation?
- 3 Best Overall: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 (From $9.99 on Amazon)
- 4 Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 ($11.97 on Amazon)
- 5 Best Mineral-Based Spray: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70 ($49.89/ 3 packs on Amazon)
- 6 Best Stick: CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($8.97 on Amazon)
- 7 Best sunscreens for climbing for gel: Supergoop! Unseen Body Sunscreen SPF 40 (From $18.00 – $48.00 on Amazon)
- 8 Best for Serum: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60 (From $11.77 on Amazon)
- 9 Best for Kids: Ultrasun SPF50+ Extreme Protection 100ml (From $30.88 on Amazon)
- 10 Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 50 (From $37.05 on Amazon)
- 11 La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
- 12 Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60+
- 13 FAQs about sunscreen
How we tested?
Our tester thoroughly evaluated each of these sunscreens for climbing during our recent trip. Being passionate about SPF, we consistently reapplied sun protection throughout the day. We observed various factors, including how well the formulas went on, how quickly they absorbed, their scent, overall value, and how they performed when additional layers were applied – especially noting if any pilling occurred.
What is UV radiation?
Ultraviolet radiation is an energy type that cannot be seen by the human eye. It exists between visible light and X-rays on the electromagnetic spectrum.
The sun naturally emits three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. However, only UVA and a portion of UVB make it through the Earth’s atmosphere.
In addition to penetrating the atmosphere, UVA and UVB rays reach the outer skin layer and affect deeper tissues, including connective tissue and blood vessels.
Best Overall: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50 (From $9.99 on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: 100% Mineral Sunscreen provides broad spectrum protection, contains no Oxybenzone and no Octinoxate to help protect delicate coral reefs, Paraben free and fragrance free, ideal for sensitive skin, 80 minutes water resistant
- Sun Protection Factor: 50 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 9.07 g
Among all the sunscreens for climbing I tried, this one became my favorite and will be my go-to in the future. What impressed me about the Blue Lizard SPF was its texture and minimal white residue. It has an ideal consistency that is thick enough to prevent drips or greasiness but thin enough for easy application. It feels moisturizing without being sticky, similar to regular body lotion.
The product is free of added fragrances (which is great for those of us with sensitive skin), yet I found these sunscreens for climbing to have a very subtle and pleasant beachy, tropical scent. While it did leave a slight white cast, which is common with untinted mineral sunscreens, it was the least noticeable of all the mineral body sunscreens I tested—barely visible on my fair skin. It performed well against sweat on the trails (water-resistant for up to 80 minutes) and didn’t cause any irritation or breakouts on my skin.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 ($11.97 on Amazon)
- Sun Protection Factor: 70 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Active type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone (2.7%), Homosalate (9%), Octisalate (4%), Octocrylene (5%)
- Water resistance: 80 minutes
Using Hawaiian Tropic will likely make you question how something so effective can be so inexpensive. Hawaiian Tropic’s hydrating protection sunscreens for climbing met our criteria and is a delight to apply (plus, it looks great in the bottle!).
The nostalgic fragrance is paired with a promise of 12-hour moisturization, and the combination of cocoa and shea butter works to hydrate your skin while shielding it from harmful sunlight deeply. It’s not sticky or oily; it absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished. There’s truly nothing to dislike about these sunscreens for climbing, and once you try it, you may not want to switch back.
Best Mineral-Based Spray: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70 ($49.89/ 3 packs on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Provides powerful UVA/UVB protection with a weightless, clean feel; non-greasy, water-resistant, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and oxybenzone-free
- Sun Protection Factor: 30 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 1.21 Pounds
I have used this spray on several trail runs in Colorado, and I was pleased with how well it resisted sweat. I didn’t experience any running or dripping; once it dried, it felt completely weightless and stayed in place. The bottle, which features a locking lid, dispensed the product evenly, and it was easy to apply.
Initially, these sunscreens for climbing felt somewhat sticky, but after a few minutes, there was little sensation on the skin. It provided a glowing finish without leaving a white cast. The fragrance is mild, though it does resemble bug spray a bit.
Best Stick: CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 ($8.97 on Amazon)
- Scent: Fragrance Free
- Product Benefits: Ultra-Violet Protection
- Sun Protection Factor: 50 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 27 Grams
These sunscreens for climbing offered excellent protection for my face and neck during multiple hikes, effectively resisting sweat. It applies smoothly and feels pleasant (without any stinging!), but it does require a little rubbing to prevent the appearance of a lifeguard’s thick sunscreen application. Even after being blended in, there remains a faint white residue. I really enjoyed the subtle, fresh scent reminiscent of oats and milk, and its size along with the ease of use makes it a simple choice to pack in my bag.
I’m not always inclined to pause mid-hike to reapply liquid sunscreen, but this is so convenient to take out from a pocket and swipe onto my face while moving (or relaxing on a ski lift) that having it readily available will definitely benefit my skin. Additionally, it has ceramides to help support the skin barrier and hydrating hyaluronic acid. With this twist-up stick, there’s no mess or sticky hands, just an excellent product for on-the-go.
Best sunscreens for climbing for gel: Supergoop! Unseen Body Sunscreen SPF 40 (From $18.00 – $48.00 on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Hydrating, Nourishing, Shine Control, Soothing
- Sun Protection Factor: 40 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 1.7 Ounces
This sunscreen has a consistency similar to that of a makeup primer or a smooth gel. It applies completely clearly, making it an excellent choice for individuals with darker skin tones or those who dislike a white residue. These sunscreens for climbing provide a feeling of hydration and are weightless, but their invisible quality and light texture can make it difficult to determine the level of coverage. Additionally, it has a faint chemical fragrance.
Best for Serum: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum with Vitamin E & SPF 60 (From $11.77 on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Hydrating
- Sun Protection Factor: 60 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 1.7 Ounces
Spend an entire day outdoors while keeping your skin hydrated and protected with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 60 Face Serum. These sunscreens for climbing, enriched with vitamin E offer all-day moisture along with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB defense. Recommended by dermatologists, this sheer sunscreen serum ensures your skin feels soft and smooth, and it can also be used as a makeup primer.
These sunscreens for climbing provide water resistance for up to 80 minutes, and its formula is fragrance-free, oxybenzone-free, and non-comedogenic. Besides shielding against sunburn, using Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Serum in conjunction with other sun protection methods helps reduce the likelihood of skin cancer and premature aging due to sun exposure. Apply generously 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, right after towel drying, and at least every two hours.
Best for Kids: Ultrasun SPF50+ Extreme Protection 100ml (From $30.88 on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Ultra-Violet Protection
- Sun Protection Factor: 50 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 0.17 Kilograms
This is an essential item for your beach or vacation bag. The spray is clear, absorbs quickly, and has a non-greasy texture. It offers impressive longevity, marketed as a ‘one application’ solution for all-day protection.
There’s no question that these sunscreens for climbing provide broad and lasting coverage (and are also resistant to friction), but while it may be tempting to skip reapplying, it’s always recommended to do so, especially after swimming or heavy sweating.
The easy application process makes it convenient for frequent use, and with a hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic formula enriched with antioxidant Vitamin E, your skin will receive nourishment and protection.
Paula’s Choice Resist Anti-Aging Moisturiser SPF 50 (From $37.05 on Amazon)
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: This oil-free, weightless moisturizer curbs excess oil & defends skin with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.
- Sun Protection Factor: 50 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 56 Grams
These moisturizer sunscreens for climbing are suitable for acne-prone and mature skin due to their anti-aging formula. It protects from UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50. The lightweight formula contains soothing plant-based antioxidants to address skin concerns. It has a matte finish to avoid shine.
Review: “I’ve used several Paula’s Choice SPFs this summer, including their tinted SPF 30 and vitamin C-charged SPF 50. This one is my favorite for outdoor activities. I haven’t gotten sunburn on my face after three vacations in hot weather.”
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body and Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 100
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Non comedogenic sunscreen for face & body. Fragrance Free. Paraben Free. Oil Free. Allergy Tested. Oxybenzone Free.
- Sun Protection Factor: 60 Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
- Item Weight: 0.31 Pounds
If you experience breakouts and find that using face SPFs exacerbates the issue, consider this popular product from La Roche-Posay. This ‘invisible fluid’ is specifically designed for oily and acne-prone skin, absorbing excess oil for a matte finish while providing a lightweight feel and SPF50+ protection from UV rays.
I have been using these sunscreens for climbing every day since it was released for two main reasons. The science behind its formulation is quite remarkable, as it offers protection against the longest UVA rays at an affordable price. Additionally, the invisible, non-greasy finish is very satisfying, making reapplication enjoyable.
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60+
- Scent: Unscented
- Product Benefits: Protects against UVA/UVB rays & provides long-lasting hydration. Goes on clear, without any residue.
- Unit Count: 5.00 Fl Oz
- Item Weight: 0.3 Pounds
Shiseido’s high-end SPF received the top score in GH Beauty Lab trials for keeping skin moisturized, making it perfect for people with dry skin. It was also praised for being easy to wash off, not leaving a white residue, and having a pleasant scent. The only downside is that it is more expensive than other sunscreens.
FAQs about sunscreen
What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens?
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, while mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier that reflects UV radiation.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
It’s recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.
Can I use the same sunscreen for my face and body?
Yes, many sunscreens are formulated for both face and body. However, some facial sunscreens have additional skincare benefits like anti-aging properties.
What to look for in an SPF?
Your essential requirements include broad-spectrum protection, which safeguards against both UVA and UVB rays, with a minimum SPF of 30 (preferably 50). For optimal defense against all damaging rays, including blue light, visible light, and infrared, a full-spectrum SPF is recommended.
However, not every SPF product offers the same level of protection, so it’s important to understand the significance of the Sun Protection Factor.
Is a higher SPF always better?
Higher SPF offers more protection, but SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, which is sufficient for most people. Higher SPFs provide marginally better protection and are recommended for prolonged sun exposure.
