15 Best Sunscreens for Tattoos, According to Dermatologists in 2024
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Hey, you. Yeah, you. Whether you've just gotten fresh ink or are sporting years-old tattoos, sunscreen for tattoos should be a non-negotiable. Not only does it shield you from sunburns and, more seriously, skin cancer, but it's also key for preventing premature ink fading. According to board-certified dermatologist Dendy Engelman, your body's natural metabolic processes already chip away at tattoo vibrancy over time, but UV radiation from the sun accelerates this process. "Newly tattooed skin is especially vulnerable to sun damage," she says, stressing the importance of daily sunscreen application post-tattooing.
Think about it: Because your skin has recently undergone some trauma, courtesy of those tattoo needles, it will be pretty sensitive for a bit. So, as a rule of thumb, after the tattoo is fully healed, Dr. Engelman suggests beginning with an SPF 50, and if you've had your ink for a while, SPF 30 is totally fine—just never anything below that. Now, with the help of Dr. Engleman and board-certified dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD, I found the 15 best sunscreens for tattoos that you'll want to rub over your ink to prevent them from fading and protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays, below:
Our top picks for the best sunscreen for tattoos in 2024:
Keep reading for the full breakdown of the best sunscreens for your tattoos, according to product reviewers and experts, along with dermatologists' tips on choosing the best sunscreens for your tattoo and what to look for before you buy.
Mad Rabbit Defend Tattoo Sunscreen
Pros
- Formulated for all skin types and tones
- Dries totally sheer
Cons
- Some testers don't love how thick the consistency is
This made-for-tattoo SPF is jam-packed with antioxidants and moisturizers for smooth skin that's protected from environmental aggressors and the sun's rays. Though this mineral sunscreen is formulated with zinc oxide—the ingredient notoriously known for leaving a white cast—it actually applies totally sheer and feels super lightweight. For maximum protection, reapply it every 80 minutes.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "It doesn’t smell like sunscreen which is the best. My tattoos normally rise when in the sun using regular sunscreen, but with this, they don’t! It also doesn’t leave that weird oily residue. I love it! A little goes a long way!"
Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Free of dyes, fragrances, and parabens
Cons
- Reviewers say it gives a slight white tint at first, but after a little blending, it disappears
If you're looking for a sunscreen that is the gentlest of gentle, look no further than the Vanicream mineral SPF 30. Not only is it free of a bunch of potentially sensitizing additives (including dyes and fragrances), but it also comes in at a very affordable price point.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I have tried many different daytime SPF moisturizers and this is definitely one of the best ones I have used. It makes my skin feel so soft."
Supergoop! Cloud 9 100% Mineral Sun Balm
Pros
- Aluminum packaging is eco-friendly
Cons
- Super tiny packaging, so not a lot of value
This balm sunscreen is the perfect product to throw in your bag on the go and have on hand for all of your small tattoos. Thanks to a blend of oils (see: baobab, sea buckthorn, buriti, and rosehip) and butters (see: murumuru and shea), your tattoo will be super moisturized while protected from the sun's harsh rays.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Balm
Glowing Customer Review: "It melts in, is incredibly moisturizing, and a little goes a long way. Can’t believe it’s a mineral sunscreen. And with clean ingredients!
SUNNIE The Protector Face and Neck Moisturizer
Pros
- Gentle enough to be used on post-procedure skin
Cons
- Often sells out
This product combines moisturizing agents, antioxidants, and hyaluronic acid that work to boost your skin's moisture while preventing fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, the ultra-gentle formula is designed for sensitive and post-procedure skin by a plastic surgeon—meaning people who are naturally prone to irritation or anyone who has just gotten a treatment or, hint, hint, a tattoo!
- SPF: 40
- Type: Chemical
- Formula: Serum
Glowing Customer Review: "I am very picky about what I use. This is the second time I ordered this product, and it feels great, isn't too greasy, there's nothing harmful, and it just makes me feel safe using it daily."
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion
Pros
- Formulated with moisturizing ingredients for smooth skin
Cons
- Some testers say that the formula leaves their skin feeling greasy
“You want to make sure you get full coverage by applying a thick layer of sunscreen over your tattoo," says Dr. Engelman. But if the white cast on that thick layer has you concerned, opt for this clear sunscreen that dries, yup, totally sheer, so you won’t have a visible filter or white cast over your ink. It's also fragrance-free, so it's safe for fresh ink after the healing process.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Chemical
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I love the consistency of the lotion. It spreads evenly and doesn't leave a white residue. I went basking in the Florida sun for four days straight and my skin did not burn, my nose did not peel, and the lotion did not get watery as it got warmer."
EleVen by Venus Williams Unrivaled Sun Serum
Pros
- Clean, reef-safe formula
Cons
- Testers note that the dropper gets clogged often, making the packaging not ideal
If your tattoo is almost always covered by clothing (hi, hidden tattoos), you don’t necessarily need to reapply your SPF every two hours just for brunch outside. But don't feel too protected by your clothes: Dr. Dendy says a white T-shirt typically has the sun protection strength of SPF 4. So don't skip out on SPF if you're outside all day; slather on this lightweight, serum-like sunscreen before getting dressed to be safe.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Serum
Glowing Customer Review: "It blends effortlessly into your skin in less than a minute, and it’s sheer while offering maximum protection. I have sensitive blemish-prone skin and have no issues with breakouts or irritation. It feels like silk."
EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Pros
- Offers 80 minutes of water-resistance
Cons
- Some testers say it can take a bit to rub the formula completely in due to the thick consistency
For you ~outdoorsy~ types, you’ll def want a waterproof sunscreen with a high SPF, like this one with SPF 50. Your sunscreen is no good if it slides thirty minutes after being in the heat, leaving you and your tattoo fully exposed to the sun.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "This brand of sunscreen was recommended by my dermatologist. I am very fair with sensitive skin and use sunscreen frequently. This is the first high SPF sport sunscreen that I have used that feels light and silky on my skin!"
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Made for sensitive skin types, so it's non-irritating
Cons
- Takes a bit to blend out the white cast, some testers say
Hate the feeling of sunscreen on your hands? Same. Look for a spray sunscreen or stick sunscreen like this one, so you can swipe it several times over your tattoo (remember, you need more than you think), without leaving your hands greasy or sticky. It has SPF 50 protection, it's fragrance-free, and it's also water resistant—so really, you have no excuse not to wear it.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Stick
Glowing Customer Review: "Fragrance-free, smooth formula, this zinc oxide formula gives broad spectrum protection without leaving a trace. It's easy to apply, highly recommended."
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
Pros
- Won't leave skin feeling sticky, goopy, or tacky
Cons
- Some testers don't love the smell when they first apply it
UV rays come in two forms: UVB (which causes sunburns) and UVA (which causes skin damage and premature aging). Both, however, contribute to skin cancer and, of course, the fading of your tattoo. Luckily, this broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 protects your tattoo—and your health—against it all.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I have combination skin and it didn’t leave me feeling too dry or too oily. It has a smooth, lightweight application with no white case, unlike all the other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried."
CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Fragrance-free formula
Cons
- Testers say that it does leave a white cast, so you have to blend it in really well
If you have ~traumatic~ memories of your mom forcibly rubbing the greasiest of sunscreens on your face, I promise this tattoo sunscreen won’t trigger you. Just like anything CeraVe does, it’s super moisturizing and silky, so you can load on the appropriate amount (see: a quarter-sized drop for a three-inch tattoo) without the heavy, sticky feeling of old-school sunscreens, no matter where you apply it.
- SPF: 30
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I’m a recent convert to CeraVe products as my skin is more sensitive than ever, and I have had a lot more allergies in recent years. I have never used a CeraVe product that I didn’t love, to be honest, and this sunscreen is no exception."
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Pros
- Offers broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- The product may separate in the packaging over time, some testers say
Trust me, in forty years, your tattoo will be thanking you for wearing this SPF 70 sunscreen...today, right now (go get it; we'll wait). Instead of leaving a greasy or dewy sheen behind, it dries with a matte finish and is lightweight enough that you'll barely feel like you're wearing anything.
- SPF: 70
- Type: Chemical
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I use it on my tattoos and this stuff works! You can see it on your tattoos and you know it is protecting from the sun."
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
Pros
- Tube is easy to glide over your skin on the go
Cons
- Because the formula applies sheer, it's easy to miss spots
This leak-proof stick sunscreen is super easy to throw in your bag and reapply throughout the day (which, for the record, you should be doing every two hours you spend in the sun). Thanks to its hydrating formula, it will glide on really smoothly, and won't leave a white cast thanks to its sheer color. Plus, it's water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Chemical
- Formula: Stick
Glowing Customer Review: "This will forever be my favorite sunscreen. It’s super easy to apply and it goes on completely clear without being greasy/sticky."
Paula's Choice Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid
Pros
- Formulated with antioxidants to prevent against environmental aggressors
Cons
- There's not a ton of product for the price
Unlike the thick, greasy sunscreens that you might be used to, this one with SPF 50 is lightweight, has a milky texture, and dries into an invisible barrier that you’ll barely notice. It’s also fragrance-free, so if you’re concerned about any fragrance-induced irritation, there’s none to be found here.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Chemical
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I use this daily and I love it so much! It’s hydrating and has good protection, but it also leaves my skin looking fresh and not oily."
Glytone Hydra Lipid UV Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum
Pros
- Packed with hyaluronic acid and squalane for smooth, healthy-looking skin
Cons
- May start to pill if you apply too heavily, some reviewers say
Packed with hydrating MVP, hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing squalane, this creamy sunscreen will keep your skin soft and hydrated, while also keeping your tattoo safe from the sun's fading wrath. And don't worry about the texture: It'll quickly dry down into a velvety finish with no noticeable residue.
- SPF: 40
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I first purchased this at my dermatologist’s office. I play tennis a couple of days a week and use it religiously. It does not show and does an excellent job."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid
Pros
- Won't leave a greasy feeling or shiny residue behind
Cons
- Only offers 40 minutes of water-resistance
A huge part of what makes a good sunscreen (other than, um, actual sun protection) is texture and finish. This SPF 50 sunscreen for your tattoo has a lightweight matte finish, so whether you have a full sleeve or a small tattoo on your wrist, you won’t feel any greasiness or see shininess after you apply.
- SPF: 50
- Type: Mineral
- Formula: Lotion
Glowing Customer Review: "I really like that this sunscreen is a thin liquid that goes on easily without leaving a white cast. It is not greasy and has no scent; I've never had such a great experience with a facial sunscreen."
Will sunscreen ruin a tattoo?
“No, your sunscreen is not going to ruin the tattoo,” says dermatologist Purvisha Patel, MD. Contrary to the myth that sunscreen will affect or damage the tattoo ink itself, sunscreen is actually completely safe, as long as you let your skin completely heal first from the wound created by the tattoo needles.
Again, if you're working with new ink, you can start covering it with sunscreen as soon as your skin around your tattoo has completely healed, says Dr. Patel. That's usually around four to six weeks after getting it done, during which time you should keep it covered to prevent sun exposure as it heals. And after that, SPF will help your tattoo stay brighter and crisper than it would if you weren't using sunscreen on a daily basis (yes, daily, unless you live in an underground cave).
How to choose the best sunscreen for your tattoo:
Consider the coverage you need
Dr. Engelman says to look for sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 or more: "When it comes to sunscreen, more is more—you can't overdo it,” she says. If your tattoo is new, Dr. Engelman suggests starting with a higher SPF, like SPF 50, since your skin has been recently penetrated with needles and is more sensitive to sun exposure. And keep in mind that how much sunscreen you use actually matters. If you have a three- or four-inch tattoo, you should be using a quarter-sized dollop of sunscreen to fully cover and protect it, she says.
Decide if you like mineral vs. chemical formulas
Let's break it down: Mineral sunscreens use mineral-based blockers (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) that sit on top of your skin and act as a physical barrier against the sun. Chemical sunscreens, however, use chemical-based filters (like oxybenzone and octinoxate) to absorb UV rays, convert them to heat, and release them from your skin—a process that can be potentially irritating on sensitive or freshly tattooed skin. However, the best sunscreen for your tattoo is the one that you’ll actually wear every single day, and chemical formulas have come a long way, so there are some great options on the market now that are formulated for sensitive or irritated skin types.
Look at the ingredient list
If you’re still in the early weeks of your tattoo, Dr. Patel says to opt for a fragrance-free sunscreen to avoid any irritation or inflammation on healing skin. No need to introduce known irritants into an already-ouchy area, you know? And remember that it's not just about the sunscreen—it's also about keeping your skin moisturized to help it heal faster (when it's fresh) and prevent it from fading (when it's healed). So make sure to stock up on a tattoo-safe lotion and pick a sunscreen spiked with lightweight hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane, to keep your skin healthy.
Meet the experts:
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York, NY.
- Purvisha Patel, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon, and the founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates in multiple locations across TN and MS. Dr. Patel is also the founder of Visha Skincare, a skincare line that specializes in brightening and fading UV damage.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is an associate editor who writes beauty at Cosmopolitan and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and the best clear sunscreens. She regularly tests and analyzes sunscreens for tattoos on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
Sami Roberts was previously the beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing health, social media, and beauty-related stories, including the best eyelash curlers and the best glass and crystal nail filers.
Sami Roberts was the previous beauty assistant at Cosmopolitan. Keep up with her cat-filled life in New York on Instagram.
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