Summer is rapidly approaching, and while we enjoy the beautiful weather, we must be mindful of our beloved tattoos. No matter how good the tan can look on your body, direct contact with sun rays and lax skincare routines can accelerate fading of new and old tattoos. The solution? The best sunscreens for tattoos that rescue you from turning into a dry scaly dragon! 

Our contributor Dr. Dr.Hari Kiran Chekuri, a certified dermatologist, and the Medical Head of ClinicSpots, says, “People often ask if sunscreen can harm tattoos. The answer is no, as long as you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Sunscreen won't change or fade the colors of your tattoo, no matter what's in it.

Tattoos need protection from the sun, just like skin does. Too much sun can make tattoos fade or change color over time. To keep your tattoos looking good, always use sunscreen on any exposed tattoos.”

The founder of EvolveInk, Mike Desmarets shares some tips about inkcare. He says, "Keep in mind when you are out in the sun that will ruin your tattoo no matter how old it is, you see the UV rays from the sun will fade your tattoo if it's exposed to enough direct sunlight when you leave your ink out in the sun. Those UV rays are absorbed, breaking down the ink pigments in your design." Furthermore, he goes on to say, "Regardless of how well the tattoo artist applied it (the tattoo) and new tattoos are even more prone to this so what I do to my already healed tattoos I will apply a moisturizing sunscreen. I will go either between SPF 30 and SPF 50, just to make sure my tattoos are protected from the sun." With this insight, we hope you have gotten a glimpse of how important tattoo care is and how one can keep it evergreen throughout the years.

Now, why wait? Flaunt your tattoos out in the sun with style and care, and indulge in potential skin care with sunscreens to protect your ink with our dermal-approved list of the best SPF protection creams.

 

• 1
  Best for Acne-prone Skin

  Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-touch sunscreen boasts an SPF range of 70, making it one of the best sun-protection products. The formulation consists of Helioplex technology that discourages damaging UVA rays from penetrating deep under the skin's surface. This long-lasting sunscreen is not only translucent but also fast-drying, leaving no place for clogged pores. Plus, with no white cast or greasy feel, it's the perfect all-in-one sunscreen for your face and body.

2

Most Effective Sunscreen

BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

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With zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, Blue Lizard’s Sensitive mineral sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum UV protection. It's also water-resistant and features distinctive packaging that alerts you when it's time to apply sunscreen. It does so by changing the color to blue when hazardous UV rays are present. To note more, the tattoo sunscreen is non-comedogenic and doesn't contain additives like parabens, octinoxate, oxybenzone, or fragrances making it the perfect fit for delicate and sensitive skin. All in all, the mineral sunscreen is the ideal pick for every sunny day!

 

3

Best Splurge

elta MD UV SPORT BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 Sunscreen

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Dermats and skincare enthusiasts can't stop raving about EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen. It has garnered over 11,000+ positive reviews because of its ultra-moisturizing properties. Plus, the non-greasy composition is perfect for all skin types and has an 80-minute water resistance rating. And, while it's already loaded with several skin-protecting components, it also contains 9% zinc oxide, leaving zero chance of white cast as compared to other formulas.

 

4

Best Sunscreen for Microbladed Eyebrows

CANNASMACK INK GUARD SPF 30 Sunscreen

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CannaSmack Ink Guard is a half-ounce chunky balm stick with a proprietary water-resistant composition that provides utmost protection against damaging sun rays. With premium seed oil derived from cannabis sativa, the formula is also enriched with omega-3, omega-6, and vitamins A, B, D, and E to further hydrate and nourish your skin, thereby brightening and protecting your tattoos. Another plus point? Its easy-to-use applicator makes the product one of the best sunscreens for microbladed eyebrows!

 

5

Best Skin-friendly

SHISEIDO Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

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Shiseido’s sunscreen stick is an immaculate choice for gym freaks and athletes who sweat profusely and need good sweat-resistant sunscreens. The tattoo-friendly sunscreen is transparent and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Plus, free of nasties like oxybenzone and octinoxate that are bad for the coral reef, the easy-to-apply stick provides 98% sun protection using SPF 50+. Furthermore, with a compact design, it's also easy to carry to any beach you travel to next.

6

Best Travel-friendly

Aveeno Protect + Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Stick

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Aveeno Protect + Soothe mineral sunscreen stick glides like butter in one stroke, thereby leaving the skin feeling soft and nourished. With an SPF 50 zinc oxide-based solution, perfect for those who stay out in the sun for too long, it is additionally free of parabens, and phthalates, making it suitable for all kinds of skin. The bonus? The tattoo-friendly travel-sized sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection that is essential for protecting your tattoos from sun damage.

7

Best for Color Protection

MAD RABBIT DEFEND Tattoo Sunscreen

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Developed specifically for tattoos, Mad Rabbit Defend sunscreen delivers broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, fortified with skin-soothing zinc oxide, vitamin C, carrot extracts, and rosehip oil, it helps to keep your skin well-hydrated and shielded from UV rays. To note more, this daily wear 100% mineral sunscreen works extensively to moisturize the skin barrier, thus enhancing the colors present in your tattoos. The potent antioxidants further make this one of the best tattoo sunscreens on our list!

 

8

Best Vegan Sunscreen

TATTOOMED Sun Protection SPF 50

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With Tattooed Sun Protection SPF 50 sunscreen, one is sure to receive the best UVA/ UVB broadband filter for their beloved body canvas. Plus, with the goodness of provitamin B5 in the formulation, you can do your tattooed skin a favor when the sun burns and stings your precious skin. To note more, while reviewing this product, a happy reviewer asserts, "It has given my two arm tattoos excellent sun protection and they are still very black. The ink protection technology in the sun cream works and is greatly appreciated. I wouldn't want to use any other tattoo suncream now and I thoroughly recommend it. It's worth so much more than it costs."

 

9

Best Non-comedogenic

Colorescience SUNFORGETTABLE TOTAL PROTECTION Sport Stick SPF 50

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Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection sport sunscreen stick glides on with an opaque hue, but that's simply so you know how much you're using. When patted in with your fingers, this squalane-infused sunscreen moisturizes the skin and changes into a translucent shield over the tattoo. It also boasts water resistance for up to 80 minutes when headed for a dip in the pool or beach. Overall, the tattoo sunscreen is a suitable pick for those in search of a reef-friendly, mess-free, and hypoallergenic product!

 

10

Best Scented Sunscreen

INK-EEZE INK SHIELD Sunscreen Stick

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Ink-Eeze Ink Shield sunscreen stick is the perfect pick if you want your tattoos to look pristine all the time. It is enriched with aloe vera that offers natural repairing properties and triggers the body to heal affected areas, vitamin E is known as a fat-soluble antioxidant, essential to maintain the health of your skin, and glycerin that hydrates the outer layer of the skin. The best part? Its bottle, made of a 100% recyclable sugarcane resin tube, contributes toward a safe environment. Besides that, the tropical scent of coconuts makes this product a destined choice for those seeking UV rays protection with a scented benefit!

 

Now that you have seen our product recommendations for the best sunscreen for tattoos, glance through our buying guide to make an informed purchasing decision. 

 

Here are a few factors to consider before purchasing or choosing the best sunscreen for tattoos:

• Ingredients: To promote healthier skin, try purchasing a tattoo-safe sunscreen infused with hydrators like hyaluronic acid and squalane. You can also buy a water-resistant sunscreen without additives or harmful ingredients, such as alcohol or added fragrance, if you are a water baby. Potent components like aloe vera, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, and carrot extracts are further great for ensuring your skin’s health.  
• Formulation: Mineral sunscreens act as a physical barrier against the damaging rays of the sun, as they sit on the top of your skin laying a protective shield. Meanwhile, steer clear of chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are bad for the coral reef, and typically worse for tattooed skin. 
• SPF: When it comes to sunscreen, more is less, so you can never have too much. Based on our knowledge, we encourage beginning with a higher SPF, such as SPF 70 or 50, because the skin has recently been pierced with needles and is more sensitive to sun exposure. Also, the amount of sunscreen you wear is the key to healthy skin. 
• Ask an Expert: For optimum usage, it is vital to consult with your tattoo artist regarding your healed or unhealed inks. One must ensure that the tattoo is completely healed and confirm whether the sunscreen will not create any adverse reactions. 

Our contributor Dr. Hari Kiran Chekuri says, “When choosing a sunscreen, it's important to consider its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating. Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Anything lower may not provide enough protection, and anything higher may not offer significantly more protection. Aside from SPF, it's also crucial to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. If you're planning on being in the water or sweating, it's important to choose a sunscreen that is water and sweat-resistant. This will ensure that the sunscreen stays effective even with activities that can cause it to rub off.”

Here are a few simple steps to use sunscreen for tattoos: 

• Firstly, pick a sunscreen with SPF 70 or SPF 50, whatever is recommended by your trusted dermatologist.
• Take one to two drops of the lotion over your skin and rub it till the tattooed area is well moisturized. 
• If using a sunscreen stick, try not to overpress the product onto the skin. Lightly glide the product to not clog the pores.
• Lastly, be it new or old tattoos, generously apply sunscreen for optimal sun protection to keep your skin safe!

Contributor: Dr. Harikiran Chekuri, Medical Head - ClinicSpots