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Sunscreen is a necessity for everyone, including those with tattoos, as it protects the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays, which cause signs of aging, burns, and cancer. Skincare experts argue that sunscreen for tattoos also helps prevent the ink from fading. “UV exposure can particularly diminish darker colors like dark greens, blacks, and deep purples. Protecting these from UV light helps maintain the vibrancy and clarity of your tattoos,” says celebrity facialist and holistic skin expert Vee Mistry.
After chatting with several skincare experts and one tattooed editor, I put together your quick and easy-to-follow guide on the best sunscreens for tattoos. Some are from brands like Mad Rabbit, which swear they’ll help enhance your body ink, while others are from classic brands we all know and love, like Neutrogena and Coppertone. Best of all, they start at just under-$7, so they make for a perfect self-care gift for your tattooed loved ones. Given the affordable price of these sunscreens for tattoos, you can treat yourself to some of our other gift ideas, like Pedro Pascal and Halle Berry's favorite red light therapy devices.
Best Sunscreens for Tattoos
Best Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Best Budget Buy: Coppertone Every Tone SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Best for Healing Sun Damaged Skin: Isdin Eryfotona Actinic SPF 50
Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Best Mineral Sunscreen: Mad Rabbit SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
What to Consider
Our sunscreen experts get real about all things sunscreen for tattoos, including why you should sport SPF after your new ink heals and how to shop for sunscreen, including the differences between chemical and mineral sunscreens and how your skin type determines which SPF is best for your unique needs.
When to Apply Sunscreen on Tattoos
Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, M.D., agrees that sunscreen for tattoos is essential, but you should only apply it after 4-6 weeks of letting your fresh ink heal. She recommends wearing sun-protective clothing or a bandage during the healing phase. “Once the skin has fully healed, start using sunscreen on an everyday basis because UV radiation can contribute to fading of tattoo pigments,” she says.
Everyone else should wear sunscreen for tattoos daily to protect their skin from the negative effects of UVA and UVB rays and ensure their tattoos remain vibrant. Dr. Marc Hurlbert, PhD, and CEO of the Melanoma Research Alliance caution that skimping on sunscreen for tattoos is a big skincare mistake.
"Newly tattooed skin is often inflamed from the tiny punctures from the tattoo needle making the skin sensitive during the healing process. Inflamed skin becomes more vulnerable to the sun, which is why it [is] important to protect your skin, especially in the first few days after getting a new tattoo. Direct sun exposure on a tattoo that is not fully healed can increase the risk of improper healing, odd pigmentation, and fading or uneven ink," Hurlbert explains.
Wear SPF 30 or Higher
SPF stands for sun protection factor. Hubler says it measures how much UVB radiation is required to burn protected skin versus the radiation exposure needed to burn unprotected skin. The FDA recommends using at least SPF 15, but our experts and the American Academy of Dermatology prefer SPF 30 or higher. But what does this all mean for you?
"As the SPF increases, your relative protection from sunburn increases too. A sunscreen labeled as SPF 15 will protect your skin from about 93% of UVB rays and SPF 30 blocks about 97%," says Hubler. "The higher the SPF, the more protection it offers up to about SPF 50. After this point, higher SPF ratings will cost more while only providing a slight additional benefit. Don’t be fooled: we almost always get less protection than what is advertised because people tend to use less sunscreen than what is used for testing!"
Prioritize Broad-Spectrum Sunscreens for Tattoos
Hurlbert recommends broad-spectrum sunscreens that protect your skin from UVA rays that cause wrinkles and UVB rays that cause sunburns. Plus, skin cancer is no joke so always wear sunscreen to help prevent this health concern. The experts I consulted agree that the best sunscreen for tattoos is the one you’ll actually wear and reapply. However, the easiest way to ensure you're using broad-spectrum sunscreen is to use mineral sunscreen, which I'll discuss more in the next section. Sunscreens are typically divided into two categories: chemical and mineral sunscreens. See more on that below.
Your Skin Type
Lastly, King suggests considering your skin type to ensure your new sunscreen for tattoos won't irritate or contest your skin type. She advises someone with oily, combination, and acne-prone skin to use a non-comedogenic sunscreen to prevent blackheads and pimples. King, a Harvard and Columbia alumna, advises those with dry or mature skin to use sunscreens that contain hydrating non-active ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and squalane to help support the skin barrier.
How We Chose
After chatting with all three experts, I considered all of the above guidance when selecting sunscreens for tattoos. To simplify your gifting experience, I created a handy key specs section for each featured SPF so you can best narrow in on the best one for you. Additionally, many of these sunscreens are expert-recommended. For example, I recently bestowed the featured best budget buy with a Best New Beauty Award win for its inclusive invisible finish and impressive sun protection. While the best overall suggestion is the go-to SPF for one of my fellow editors. Other sunscreens on this list are loved by King and Mistry, and TBH, I'm adding them all to my shopping cart because they sound that incredible.
Ultra transparent Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Meet our best overall recommendation from Neutrogena. Not only does Ultra transparent earn top marks from our team and reviewers, but it also provides impressive broad-spectrum protection and a non-ashy finish. Plus, its cheap price doesn't hurt either, so you can afford to order a few at a time for your entire family. You could even stash extras at your office desk, gym locker, and go-to carry-on bag for upcoming summer adventures.
Notably, Ultra transparent is the only option available in multiple SPF levels, including SPF 30, 45, 55, 75, and 100. So while I always encourage everyone to reapply sunscreen, if you're not using the adequate amount (a shot glass worth on your face and body) or not applying frequently (every 80 minutes), it helps that you've at least applied SPF 100 coverage earlier in the day.
Our senior editor, Summer Cartwright, has five tattoos and consistently relies on this affordable sunscreen for tattoos. "Whenever I get a new tattoo, my routine stays the exact same no matter the placement: let it heal in the bandages the shop gives, then apply Aquaphor and Neutrogena SPF like it's my job. Skin is particularly sensitive after being tatted, and obviously still healing, so these two products together ensure that the ink remains fresh, free of scabbing, and protected in the sun," she explains.
Cartwright also has an epic pro tip: Keep the full-size, non-comedogenic SPF and Aquaphor at home and carry travel-size tubes of each in your purse so you can reapply for around-the-clock protection.
More: Sunscreens to Wear Under Makeup Loved by Our SPF-Obsessed Beauty Editor
Every Tone SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
I recently named Every Tone SPF 50 the best sunscreen of 2024 in my inaugural Best New Beauty Awards package, so naturally it's a featured winner in this story, too. This Coppertone sunscreen steadfastly remains my all-time favorite because it's cheap, effective, and compatible with all skin types.
Coppertone squeezes out white, which gave me pause during initial testing, but it immediately blends clear. This invisible finish is especially wonderful because Coppertone doesn't leave behind an ashy look that could cover up your beautiful body ink.
I also had several Hearst staffers with more melanin-rich complexions test this sunscreen, and everyone considered its ability to blend into their skin a major win.
This Best New Beauty Award-winning sunscreen also contains vitamin E, a nourishing antioxidant that prevents free radical damage. I find it helps lock in hydration during the winter months, but isn't super heavy that my skin sticks to my clothes during the hot East Coast spring and summer.
Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion
King's top sunscreen for tattoos is from Isdin, a brand well-liked by many of her fellow board-certified dermatologists. Isdin is the priciest option on our list, but its ultralight formulation melts into the skin without feeling heavy.
Above all, King highlights the combination of 100% mineral broadspectrum coverage paired with DNA repair enzymes to help heal previous sun damage as a major win.
"It's all zinc oxide and it also contains antioxidants and DNA repair enzymes, which means it's actually repairing and protecting at the same time. The texture is lightweight and easy to use," she says about the water-resistant sunscreen.
It also contains antioxidant-rich vitamin E, which is known for protecting the skin against environmental damage that causes premature aging. This Isdin sunscreen also has a sophisticated silky texture that doesn't leave behind a greasy or white finish, so it's the perfect base for your go-to waterproof foundation or body makeup.
Sensitive SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen
Caring for sensitive skin can be tough — I know this struggle all too well. Thankfully, King says this sunscreen for tattoos is ideal for protecting your skin without worrying about potential irritation.
King appreciates that it rubs clear onto the skin and the ingredient list is worthwhile. "It contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to nourish the skin. It's non-comedogenic and does not contain parabens or fragrances, making it a good fit for sensitive skin," notes King, who is a clinical instructor of dermatology at Cornell.
Notably, Sensitive SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen is twice as sweat- and water-resistant as the original Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen, meaning you can wear this for up to 80 minutes.
Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 Sunblock Spray
We love spray sunscreens for their epic ability to cover large areas and so does King. "[This sunscreen] goes on white and dries quickly to a transparent, dry-touch matte finish on all skin tones, and it's rich in antioxidants," gushes King.
Consider this your no-fail sunscreen for quickly protecting hard-to-reach areas like your back. The fine mist is ideal for someone rocking a back tattoo no matter how small (hi, cute shoulder tat) or large, like Ben Affleck's phoenix rising from the ashes. Of course, you can spray your entire body with this sunscreen, so you won't have to worry about purchasing a separate sunscreen for your chest or legs.
I also appreciate that King recommends the fragrance-free spray sunscreen. Coola makes a popular Peach Blossom version if you prefer scented skincare. FWIW, that version provides SPF 70 coverage, while the featured fragrance-free sunscreen provides SPF 30 coverage. Either way, your body ink will be protected from the sun and you can easily and quickly cover your body.
As a bonus, this spray sunscreen contains a slew of hydrating organic ingredients, like jojoba and coconut oils, along with soothing aloe vera.
SPF 30 Tattoo Sunscreen
Hurlbert argues that you don't actually need a sunscreen that markets itself for tattoos — and as a journalist, I totally understand why. I also don't have any body ink, but I still enjoy using Mad Rabbit's sunscreen for tattoos and feel confident suggesting you purchase it. For starters, the blend of vitamins, antioxidants, and moisturizing botanicals leaves helps my skin feel supple and soft.
I'm obsessed with the inclusion of aloe vera for soothing, lightweight hydration and vitamin C for a long-term brightening effect. There's also carrot extract, which protects against environmental stress and promotes cell turnover for more youthful-looking skin.
I like the lightweight feel, but because it utilizes a mineral active ingredient (zinc oxide), I do need to blend a little harder compared to its chemical counterparts like Neutrogena and Coppertone.
That being said, I don't need to blend as intensely as other sunscreens I've tested in the past, including derm-loved Elta MD. (It is a great brand, but the signature SPF is just not my top choice for anyone with deeper complexions, hence why it's not featured on this list.) In the end, I didn't experience white cast on my caramel skin using Mad Rabbit, but those with deeper skin tones should be proactive about blending to avoid accidental white cast.
Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow
Misty's favorite sunscreen for tattoos is the Color Science Glow. "This mineral SPF not only protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light [emitted from smart gadgets], but also contains antioxidants and offers a beautiful iridescence, enhancing the look of tattoos by making them appear glowy," says the Toronto-based skincare pro.
Glow earned its name because it imparts a golden peach tone flattering to all complexions. It has a silky-smooth texture for a luxurious feel and helps protect your skin from photoaging, such as wrinkles and fine lines.
While the radiant, champagne glow factor is alluring, if you want the original, non-glowy finish opt for the Original version. Mistry says anyone who wants to conceal their tattoos for whatever reason, like a job interview or dinner at your grandma's house, can use one of the tinted sunscreens. For example, if you have a deeper complexion or are looking to add some warmth to your complexion (like freshly self-tanned skin), you can use the Bronze version.
Cartwright loves using this tinted SPF on her face instead of foundation for a light, natural look. "I don't have any face tats so can't speak for its ability to protect body art, but I can attest to its incredible quality. I put it on bright and early most mornings and it'll last and stay looking fresh until bedtime. It protects my skin while making it look flawless."
Types of Sunscreen
Mineral
While both chemical and mineral sunscreens are effective, King prefers mineral SPF. They last longer in direct sunlight, naturally offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, and are safer for the environment, including coral reefs. Mineral sunscreens, sometimes called physical blockers, also provide instant sun protection against solar rays. Active mineral SPF ingredients include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Chemical
These sunscreens rub easily into the skin and don’t leave behind a white cast, which is the ashy white, grey, or purple tint onto melanin-rich complexions. They are typically sweat- and water-resistant, so chemical sunscreens are great for those who live an active lifestyle, like swimmers, runners, and tennis players. My biggest tip for someone using chemical sunscreens is to apply early because they de-emulsify, which is a 15 to 30-minute process where the SPF dries down and leaves behind a sun-protective layer. Common active chemical SPF ingredients include avobenzone, hom*osalate, oxybenzone, and octocrylene
Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Water-resistant sunscreen is ideal for daily wear, especially when you swim or sweat often from outdoor exercise or just in general. (Ahem, we all do, especially in the summer, and it's totally fine!) So, what exactly is water-resistant sunscreen? "First thing first, no sunscreen is waterproof. Instead, sunscreens can be rated as water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes. With water-resistant sunscreens, you’ll still need to pay special attention when swimming or sweating to make sure that you reapply sunscreen as directed, but you won’t need to worry as often," he says.
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