The 7 Best Sunscreens For Tattoos, According to Dermatologists

ProsHighest SPF coverage Works on the face and bodyNo white castDoesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skinWater-resistant for up to 80 minutesAntioxidant protectionAvailable in 2 sizes: 3 oz, 5 ozConsIt’s heavier than other SPFs, but it blends easilyYou need to be putting on a shot glass's worth on sunscreen from head to toe, and that's especially important if you're rocking ink. La Roche-Posay makes application easy because it’s a moisturizing lotion that absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind an ashy finish on tatted skin.That’s why I like using this sunscreen, which offers SPF 100 coverage and blocks 99% of UVB rays that cause sunburns, said dermatologist Neera Nathan, MD. It’s what I’ve been using throughout the summer in NYC and visiting family in sunny Florida. I even brought La Roche-Posay on a recent trip to Barbados, and with regular reapplication, I didn’t get sunburned.Despite its white color, this one blends out easily. La Roche-Posay won’t camouflage your vibrant or dark body ink, which is always a win.It’s packed with the brand’s signature Cell-Ox Shield technology, which combines broad-spectrum filters with senna alata to protect against free radical damage. That’s helpful since UV exposure can trigger oxidative stress which may contribute to skin damage and tattoo fading over time.This SPF is packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, dimethicone to reduce water loss, hydrating glycerin, and panthenol to soothe and moisturize the skin. A bonus: It’s enriched with the brand’s mineral-rich thermal water from, where else but La Roche-Posay, France.It also saves money. Hear me out: Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen retails for $27 on Amazon. It can be applied to both the face and body, so it’s like getting two sunscreens for the price of one.Read More: Best Face SunscreensProsInexpensiveLightweight and non-greasyConsLeaves a subtle white cast behindTBH, most of the sunscreens specifically for tattoos we see online are just marketing hype. And this drugstore pick is proof you don't need to fall for the markup. The mineral sunscreen is readily available at a fair price, yet is lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and offers SPF 30 protection. Check, check, check, and check again.The mineral sunscreen is readily available at a fair price, yet is lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and offers SPF 30 protection. Plus, it earned the Eczema Association's seal of approval, which is comforting if you also deal with itchy flare-ups.Just remember that if you’ve got tan to deep complexions, this probably isn’t the right fit for you since it leaves behind a subtle white cast.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAlso contains skin-nourishing ingredientsNon-greasy formulaIf you're set on a dedicated tattoo sunscreen, dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, of Shafer Clinic in NYC recommends this one by Mad Rabbit. It's expensive, yes—that's the downside of tattoo sunscreens. But you can be sure it's designed for the ink you cherish. Mad Rabbit helps moisturize your skin, which helps tattoos appear more vibrant.The broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen is powered by zinc oxide to shield against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains antioxidant-rich ingredients, fatty acids, aloe vera, chamomile, and carrot extract to nourish your skin while protecting against sun damage and tattoo fading, says Dr. Engelman. It’s a solid option for keeping your tattoo looking better longer, says Dr. Engelman.ProsConvenient for on-the-go applicationFits into a small bag and your travel makeup bag Hydrating formulaHustle Butter is another dedicated tattoo sunscreen brand. The line earned snaps from Dr. Engelman, who points to the SPF 50 lotion as a solid pick. However, if you’re looking for something more unique yet still effective at protecting your skin, look no further than this stick. Its compact size and stick formula make the Sunscreen Stick perfect for targeting specific areas and for easy, on-the-go reapplication, says Dr. Engelman. Just remember to layer this one on top of your traditional sunscreen to ensure maximum coverage.It combines mineral-based zinc oxide with hydrating shea butter and coconut oil for extra skin nourishment. Not to mention it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so if you’re taking any last-minute dips during Labor Day weekend, this is a fantastic option. The TSA-friendly size ensures it’s easy to pack in your beach bag.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWorks for the face and bodyNo white castAvailable in 4 sizes: 1, 2.4, 5.5, 18 fl. ozConsOnly the XL 18 fl. oz bottle comes with a pump When it comes to protecting your ink, more is... well, more. And this iconic sunscreen is beloved by dermatologists like Mona Gohara, MD. Supergoop! will keep you protected during Labor Day Weekend, whether you’re headed to the beach, grilling outdoors, or just spending the extra day enjoying nature. The water- and sweat-resistant SPF 50 formula goes on smooth and won't leave a white cast on skin, marring the vibrancy of the design you want to show off.It absorbs quickly without leaving sticky residue and doesn’t bother my eyes when I sweat. The 80 minutes of water resistance come in clutch for my fellow swimmers. Editorial assistant Katie Mogg is also a fan of the lightweight formula that blends seamlessly into her skin.ProsContains skin-nourishing ingredientsGoes on clearNo synthetic fragrances, so it’s better for sensitive skinConsCan leave skin feeling greasyMineral sunscreens come highly recommended by dermatologists because they act as a physical shield on the skin. Still, the downside is they tend to leave white residue behind. Not this one, though. Its clear formula is so advanced that it disappears on darker skin tones and tattoos. It's also infused with jojoba and avocado to help hydrate and nourish skin—another thing people with tattoos should be mindful of.You can also rely on this water-resistant sunscreen for last-minute summer adventures. Just don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after taking a dip, or after 80 minutes of swimming.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsWater-resistant for 80 minutesFragrance-free formula Vegan and cruelty-freeConsRequires some extra effort to rub inIf your tattoo is located in a hard-to-reach spot like your back, you'll appreciate the convenience of a spray. Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, says this spray is a good option because it contains 14.5 percent zinc oxide, as well as soothing aloe, moisturizing shea butter, and glycerin. It also contains 70 percent organic ingredients and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.While Coola is known for their peach-scented sunscreen, this one is great because it’s fragrance-free. So if you have a sensitive nose or don’t want the smell of your SPF to compete with your body wash, body lotion, and perfume, this is the one for you.Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women's Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site. Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper's BAZAAR. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.Christian is the Style and Reviews Director at Men's Health and Women’s Health, where he oversees shopping and style content for both brands. He started his magazine career as an accessories assistant at Vogue, and has since held editorial roles at Tatler Asia and The Manual. When he’s not online shopping, you can find him on long walks with his two corgis.