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Surfing Sunscreen

Our surfing sunscreen is built for long sessions: SPF 30+ protection, water resistance, and zinc formulas that stay put. Shop now and paddle out covered.

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Sunscreen for surfing is really about using the right sunscreen that can keep up with long sessions in the water. Our Mineral and Signature formulas are built for exactly that kind of day. Long paddles. Salt in your hair. Sun bouncing off the water for hours.

When you’re out chasing waves, you need SPF that sticks with you. Our Signature Sunscreen is lightweight, water-resistant, and made to handle sweat, wipeouts, and whatever the tide throws your way. If you’re more into a mineral formula, our Mineral Sunscreen gives you solid coverage with a formula designed to stay put through long beach days.

At the end of the day, surfing sunscreen just means protection you can trust when you’re living in the water. Whether you grab Mineral, Signature, or Original sunscreen, you’re covered so you can focus on the next set rolling in, not your SPF.

Key Features to Look for in Surfing Sunscreen

When you’re searching for the best sunscreen for surfing, you want something that can hang through long sessions, heavy sun, and constant water time. Here’s what actually matters.

  • SPF 50+: Out in the lineup, the sun hits different. You’re getting it from above and from the water reflecting it right back at you. That’s why SPF 50+ is a solid call for surf days. It gives you high broad spectrum protection so you can stay out longer without stressing every time a set rolls through. Our Signature and Mineral SPF 50 formulas are built for those all-day beach missions.
  • Water Resistance: If it’s not water resistant, it’s not surfing sunscreen. Period. Look for formulas labeled water resistant up to 80 minutes so they can hold up through paddling, duck dives, and wipeouts. Reapply after long sessions, towel-offs, or when you’re grabbing a snack between waves. Staying on top of it keeps you covered.
  • Active Ingredients: You’ve got options here. Some surfers prefer mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide for a formula that sits on top of skin and reflects UV rays. Others go with chemical actives that absorb into skin and feel ultra lightweight. Both can offer effective broad spectrum protection, so it really comes down to what feels best on your face and body when you’re out there for hours.
  • Application: Application matters more than people think. For surf days, lotions are great because you can see where you’ve covered and really work it in before you paddle out. Sticks are clutch for your nose, ears, and lips. Sprays can be easy for quick beach reapplications, but make sure you rub them in. Whatever you choose, apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as directed.

We've Got Answers

What’s the Best Sunscreen for Surfing?

The best sunscreen for surfing is one that can handle hours in the water and intense sun without quitting on you. Look for SPF 50+ with strong water resistance, ideally up to 80 minutes, so it holds through paddling and wipeouts. Many surfers like mineral formulas with zinc oxide because they create a physical barrier that stays visible and durable in the surf. Others prefer lightweight lotions that absorb well but still offer solid broad spectrum protection.

What Is the White Stuff Surfers Put On Their Face?

That classic white stripe you see on surfers’ noses and cheeks is usually zinc oxide. It’s a mineral active that sits on top of your skin and helps reflect UV rays, which is why it’s been a go-to for long days in heavy sun. It’s thicker, more visible, and built to hang through saltwater, sweat, and wipeouts without tapping out halfway through your session. If you want that same durable coverage in a less messy format, our Mineral Sunscreen Stick is clutch. It goes on easy, stays put on high-exposure spots like your nose and ears, and is perfect to toss in your bag for quick re-ups between sets. Old school look. Solid protection. 

Why Do Surfers Wear Zinc Sunscreen?

Surfers wear zinc sunscreen because it’s the kind of protection that doesn’t flake out halfway through a session. Zinc oxide is a mineral active that sits on top of your skin and helps reflect UV rays, which makes it a solid choice when you’re logging long hours in the water. With the sun beating down and bouncing off the surface, you want something that can handle it. A lot of surfers also like that you can see it. That white stripe on the nose and cheeks isn’t just for style points. t’s coverage on the spots that take the most sun. Simple, reliable, and ready for another paddle out.