By Marnie Kunz

Finding the best sunscreen for runners is key to protecting our skin on the go. Since I’m often outside coaching runners, as well as running myself, I go through sunscreen like toilet paper, especially in the summer. And I’ve tried it all — from the streaky and smelly to the ones that clogged my facial pores. After much trial and error and research, I emerged with my picks for the best sunscreen for runners. But first, we’ll go over some basics on why sunscreen is important, how sunscreens are different, and what ingredients to watch for.

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Why Do Runners Need Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a cream, lotion, spray or stick that provides a barrier to reflect some of the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation. Sunscreen is vital to protect against skin cancer and also helps prevent aging of the skin, which causes wrinkles, sunspots, and thinning. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is estimated to be associated with 80%–90% of skin cancers, so protection against UV rays is an important part of staying healthy.

Types of Sunscreen for Runners

Before we delve into specific sunscreen for runners, it helps to understand some basic facts about sunscreen. Sunscreens come in two forms — physical blockers and chemical blockers. Physical sunscreens reflect ultraviolet rays from the sun and contain one of two active ingredients - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb the sun’s ultraviolet rays. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, in the U.S., these chemical sunscreen ingredients typically include aminobenzoic acid, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone.

Although sunscreen is always a good idea, not all sunscreens are created equal, as some may have harmful chemicals. According to the American Cancer Society, the chemical benzene, which is found in some sunscreens, may cause cancer. As a result, there have been recalls of some sunscreens in recent years due to benzenes. As I researched the best sunscreens, I only picked sunscreens that are benzene-free.

One other ingredient in some sunscreens that may cause concern is octinoxate, which is found in many chemical sunscreens. Octinoxate has been linked to environmental damage, especially to coral reefs in the ocean. Octinoxate is found in many common products such as hair dye, shampoo, nail polish, lotion, and sunscreen. The chemical goes by many names, so in addition to octinoxate and octyl methoxycinnamate, it may be labaled as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, escalol, or neo heliopan. You can learn more about octinoxate here and I also am including octinoxate-free sunscreens on my list.

What Are UVA and UVB?

Most people (myself included until I researched this!) do not know the difference between UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the ones that are measured with SPF (which means Sun Protection Factor). UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancer. SPF measures a sunscreen’s ability to filter UVB rays.

UVA rays are also linked with skin cancer as well as premature aging of the skin (commonly called photoaging). Many sunscreens do not protect against UVA rays. Only sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” protects against UVA rays and UVB rays. If you are looking for a definite blocker of both types of rays, physical sunscreens with zinc oxide protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

What SPF Is Best?

Most dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30. SPF 30 filters about 97% of UV-B rays and SPF 50 filters about 98% of UV-B rays, which is not a big difference. Since SPF 30 is usually the easiest to find and most economical, dermatologists recommend SPF 30.

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Tips for Finding the Best Sunscreen for Runners

Runners have some special issues when it comes to sunscreen, mainly because we sweat a lot and are in the sun more than most people. This is compounded if you live in a climate with year-round warm weather. We need sunscreen with sticking power. For this reason, I recommend choosing a water-resistance sunscreen so it will not come off quickly when you sweat. I also recommend getting one sunscreen for your face and one for your body, as face sunscreens are usually specially formulated not to clog pores. I have tried face sunscreen on my body as well but it goes so fast and since it’s more expensive than body sunscreen, it’s more practical to have a separate face and body sunscreen. That said, there are some formulas that are labeled for the face and body, so that is a good option for an all-in-one sunscreen. When choosing a sunscreen for running, take your skin into account and if you are acne-prone or have sensitive skin, choose products that are non-scented and designed for oily or sensitive skin.

How Often to Apply Sunscreen

Usually, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen every two hours, but with running and sweating, it should be every hour. So if you are going for a run for over an hour, you’ll need to bring some sunscreen with you to reapply. I bring my little CamelBak with sunscreen in the bag for my longer runs and also for runs that end with outdoor activities like coaching, shopping at the farmer’s market, or biking. If you hate carrying things on the run, you could bring a small sunscreen stick and put it in your pocket or in a fanny pack.

Also, even when it’s cloudy or cold outside, our skin can still absorb UV rays, so it’s important to wear sunscreen year-round. Put your sunscreen on at least 15 minutes before running so it has time to dry before you sweat. After you run, shower and cleanse your skin to remove dirt and sweat. Check out our Skincare Tips for Runners from the pros at Sacred Skincare NYC for more ways to keep your skin healthy before, during and after running.

Here are my top picks for the best sunscreen for runners:

Best All-Purpose Sunscreen

BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen - No Oxybenzone, No Octinoxate - SPF 30+ UVA/UVB Protection, 5 Fl Oz Buy on Amazon

Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide offers UVA and UVB protection in a lightweight lotion that dries quickly after applying. The innovative bottle will show you when UV rays are at harmful levels. If you take the bottle outside, the color will change from white to blue when there are UV rays present. So even if it’s cloudy outside but your bottle turns blue, lather up the sunscreen. This environmentally-friendly sunscreen does not contain octinoxate.

Best Sunscreen for Face and Body

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion is a waterproof broad-spectrum sunscreen for the face and body that is free of harmful benzenes and does not contain reef-destroying octinoxate. The light formula comes in SPF 30 and SPF 50 and has different sizes so you can bring a small tube on the go.

Most Convenient Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is easily accessible as you can find it online or at almost every drugstore or big-box retail store. I use this broad-spectrum sunscreen for my face when running and it’s lightweight, waterproof, and does not get into my eyes. It is oxybenzone-free and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores.

Best Sunscreen for People of Color

Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Glow is designed for people of color to protect against the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. Although melanin offers some protection against UV rays, people of color can still get sunburn, sun-damaged skin, and skin cancer, and Black Girl Sunscreen offers help. Make It Glow is a SPF 30 water-resistant sunscreen. The lightweight moisturizing sunscreen is environmentally-friendly, fragrance-free, and contains no parabens.

Best Sunscreen Spray

Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 Spray offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays in a water-resistant spray. The cruelty-free formula is coral-reef friendly and has a refreshing, summery coconut scent.

Best Stick Sunscreen

Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is your best bet for a small, convenient sunscreen to carry on the go. The clear broad-spectrum formula glides on and is non-greasy and non-comedogenic so it won’t clog pores. It is designed for sports and will hold strong in sweat and water.

Best Budget Sunscreen

Coppertone SPORT Clear Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is a great budget-friendly sport sunscreen that will keep you protected from UVA and UVB rays. The waterproof formula goes on clear and is free of dyes, parabens, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. This sunscreen is a good bet for runners in hot climates or those who are in the sun a lot and need lots of sunscreen because you won’t have to spend a lot to keep using it.

Best Travel Sunscreen

All Good SPF 30 Sport Mineral Sunscreen Lotion offers a convenient travel size that would be easy to carry on a run. The broad-spectrum formula protects against UVA and UVB rays and is a blend of zinc oxide and botanical ingredients including organic coconut oil, jojoba oil, and shea butter. The oxybenzone-free is made with reef-friendly ingredients.

Best Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection for sensitive skin. The oil-free zinc oxide formula is mineral-based and does not contain any common skin-irritating chemicals. The oil-free, fragrance-free and paraben-free sunscreen can be used on your entire face and body.

Best Face Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide and Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, SPF 30+ is a mineral-based zinc oxide sunscreen formulated to protect the face from UVA and UVB rays. This waterproof face sunscreen goes on light and won’t leave any white streaky residue.

Have you tried any of these sunscreens? What is your top sunscreen for running? Comment below. 👋

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach, a dog lover, Akita mom, and the founder of Runstreet. She is based in Brooklyn, New York.

Best Sunscreen for Runners