Runners, are you looking for the best sunscreen to protect your skin?

It's important to wear sunscreen not only during long runs or races but also if you're going to be outside for an extended period. There are many different sunscreens on the market, so how do you know which one is best for runners? In this blog post, we will discuss the best sunscreen for runners and why it's important to protect your skin while working out!

You want sunscreen that will stay on during your run, won't sweat off, and won't sting your eyes. You also want sunscreen that is lightweight and won't clog your pores. And of course, you want a sunscreen that is effective at protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays.

Read our blog post to find out which sunscreen is best for runners!

How We Choose the Best Sunscreen for Runners

It can be difficult to know which sunscreen is best for runners, as there are so many on the market.

Sunscreen is an important part of any runner's kit, but with so many different types and brands available, it can be hard to decide which one to buy.

After researching thousands of reviews and ratings, our team has compiled a list of the best sunscreens for runners. This will make your purchasing decision easier and ensure that you stay safe in the sun whilst running.

Here at Smart Frog, we take pride in our reviews. We only recommend products that we believe in and use ourselves. We also believe in transparency, so we want you to know that Smart Frog Reviews may receive a commission at no cost to you from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business).

With that said, we would never recommend a product we didn't believe in just to make a quick buck. We stand by our reviews 100%, and we hope you find them helpful. Thanks for supporting us and happy shopping!

Best Sweatproof & Waterproof Sunscreen

Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Ready for adventure? Neutrogena’s Sport Face Sunscreen has you covered. Our sport sunscreen is designed specifically for outdoor activity—whether your outdoor sport of choice is running, biking, swimming, or skiing, this facial sunscreen will stand up to whatever you can throw at it.

Formulated with unique Helioplex technology and a special electrolyte complex to help nourish skin, Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen resists wear off from water, rubbing, sweating, and wiping to keep your skin shielded from the sun’s harsh rays. So go ahead and break a sweat; this advanced formula won’t let you down!

What You Need to Know

Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70+ is of superior quality when it comes to sun protection against aging UVA and burning UVB rays. Created by a dermatologist-recommended brand, this face sunscreen is oil-free and PABA-free, so you don't have to worry about your pores getting clogged or breakouts forming. You can stay protected while also having peace of mind knowing that Neutrogena's sunscreen will keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Best Invisible Sunscreen

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is the perfect sunscreen for anyone looking to protect their skin from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. This invisible, weightless formula is scentless and ideal for all skin types, tones, and lifestyles.

The unique oil-free formula glides onto the skin without leaving behind any residue or greasy feeling, providing a shine control texture with a velvety and makeup-gripping finish. Thanks to its powerful antioxidant-rich ingredient blend, Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen also helps filter out blue light (skin-damaging light emitted from devices such as phones, tablets, and computers).

What You Need to Know

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen is an everyday sunscreen perfect for guys who want to nourish and protect their skin, while also having a beard-friendly formula. Supergoop’s clear texture feels like nothing and is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate. However, Supergoop everyday sunscreen contains powerful and clean ingredients like soothing frankincense and hydrating meadowfoam seed that will help keep your skin healthy and protected from the sun.

Best Anti-Aging

EltaMD SPF40 Ani Aging Face Moisturizer for Women

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What We Like Most About It

Protect your skin from the sun and fight signs of aging with EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 Anti Aging Face Moisturizer for women! This enriched facial sunscreen moisturizer utilizes broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection to shield your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays.

It also contains powerful antioxidants and hydrators such as Vitamin E, that help reduce dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. With this tinted moisturizer, you get the best of both worlds: protection from the elements and anti-aging qualities to retain a youthful glow. Keep your skin looking beautiful, healthy, and vibrant with EltaMD UV Restore SPF 40 Anti Aging Face Moisturizer for Women!

What You Need to Know

EltaMD SPF40 Anti Aging Face Moisturizer for Women is perfect for anyone looking to keep their skin looking youthful and hydrated. The formula is oil-free, formulated with hyaluronic acid to reduce fine wrinkles, and utilizes transparent zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF40 sun protection without leaving any residue.

It can be worn alone or under makeup and ensures your makeup looks like it is freshly applied all day long. EltaMD offers a quick solution for both younger and older generations who seek the benefits of daily skincare plus brightening, and anti-aging protection every day.

Best Natural Sunscreen

Thinksport SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

The Thinksport SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen provides superior protection from the sun's harsh rays, perfect for outdoor and active lifestyles. Our fast-absorbing sunscreen lotion is light on the skin, with no greasy or sticky residue. The powerful SPF 50+ is a broad spectrum UVA & UVB sun cream, guarding against skin damage and premature aging.

It's both gentle enough to use daily on even delicate skin, and sufficiently strong to provide excellent protection during sports and activities. Plus, it has no unpleasant chemical smell and is easy to apply. Protect your skin quickly and easily with Thinksport’s SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen - effective yet mild enough to use every day!

What You Need to Know

Thinksport SPF50+ Mineral Sunscreen is an ideal sunscreen to protect you from harmful UV rays without exposing you or the earth to toxic chemicals. Thinksport's vegan, Leaping Bunny-certified formulas don't contain any PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or other ingredients that can be bad for your health or the environment. On top of it all, Thinksport's mineral sunscreen uses a non-nano Zinc formula and is produced in the USA. These qualities make Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen perfect for sports and other activities where you may be exposed to the sun.

Best Chemical Free Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide

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What We Like Most About It

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen is your ultimate sun protection for days in the sun. For over two decades, it has been tried and trusted by millions of Aussies when faced with extreme UV rays, earning a reputation as one of the strongest forms of sunscreen available.

With every application, you’ll get effective broad-spectrum sun protection that you can rely on. The secret? Each Blue Lizard Sunscreen contains Zinc Oxide, which protects your skin by forming a layer on top and reflecting UVR away from your body. So don’t worry about spending time outdoors.

What You Need to Know

Blue Lizard has just released an incredibly effective mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+ that offers 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance - perfect for those days spent swimming, running, or doing whatever activity you love.

The Blue Lizard formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays without the use of chemical active ingredients that can irritate. Blue Lizard gives you maximum sun protection with their latest mineral sunscreen and will have you feeling refreshed even after a full day in the sun.

Best High SPF

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Introducing La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Sunscreen – your reliable ally against the sun’s harmful rays. Developed to provide the highest level of sun protection, our SPF 100 sunscreen is ideal for those with skin prone to burning. Crafted with a lightweight formula, this high-protection sunscreen absorbs fast and won't leave a white cast, delivering long-lasting hydration and coverage that can take on any outdoor activity.

Plus, all formulations are produced under strict allergy-testing standards so you can enjoy your sunny days without interruption. Suitable for all ages and TSA-friendly for travel convenience, La Roche-Posay Sunscreen offers superior defense against UVA/UVB rays.

What You Need to Know

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Sunscreen Milk is the perfect choice for a quick and effective sunscreen. This luxurious sunscreen lotion is designed to melt into your skin, a true testament to La Roche-Posay's commitment to premium skincare products.

Additionally, this product leaves skin feeling hydrated and smooth without any greasy residue - ideal for those with sensitive or oily skin! Even better, La Roche-Posay provides broad-spectrum SPF 100 protection that is proven safe by renowned dermatologists. It's no surprise then why La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Melt In Sunscreen Milk has been awarded countless awards.

Best for Sensitive Skin

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion

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What We Like Most About It

All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion is a dermatologically tested sunscreen perfect for active individuals who care about protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful rays. This non-greasy, lightweight face, and body lotion blends in clear and won't clog your pores, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

A blend of nourishing and moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, green tea, and rose hips provide an effective barrier between your skin and UVA/UVB radiation. These natural ingredients also help to repair damaged skin caused by windburn or sunburn.

This sunscreen is ideal for outdoor activities such as running, as it's easy to apply and quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving an uncomfortable chalky residue behind.

What You Need to Know

All Good's SPF30 Sport Sunscreen Lotion offers more than the standard broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and water resistance, ensuring that you get the maximum benefits of applying sunscreen while also supporting a more sustainable practice.

All their suncare products boast an impressive lineup of reef-friendly ingredients that are lightweight, non-greasy, and even capable of hydrating and repairing your skin. All Good makes sure to never include any chemical UV absorbers, parabens, or any other harmful additives in their sunscreen lotion, firmly placing them at the forefront of responsible sunscreen manufacturers.

Best for Added Vitamins

Jaxon Lane Face Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Introducing Jaxon Lane Face Sunscreen – the perfect solution for all your outdoor activities and sunny days! The gentle, non-irritating sunscreen is just what you need to keep your face protected without any skin irritation. Its non-comedogenic qualities mean it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.

Suitable for all skin types, this hypoallergenic formula contains powerful agents such as green tea extract and vitamins C and E that help treat acne and unclog pores. With SPF 50 protection for a long-lasting defense against sun damage, now you can enjoy the outdoors worry-free! Furthermore, this face sunscreen is alcohol-free and won’t dry out your skin as many other sunscreen sprays do.

What You Need to Know

The lightweight formula is the perfect facial sunscreen for oily skin as it glides on smoothly, and absorbs quickly without contributing to face or body oil. Not only does it provide effective protection with an SPF 50 component and natural mineral sunscreen, but it also soothes and hydrates dry skin while reinforcing its natural moisture barrier.

This unique formula won't leave a white chalky residue like some sunscreens, nor will it have a chemical odor. We have also added ginseng root, a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent aging and maintains skin elasticity, making it a great all-day essential for both men's and women's skincare needs.

Best Spray on Sunscreen

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Introducing Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen, a powerful SPF 50 sunscreen that goes beyond merely providing reliable protection against UV rays. A unique lightweight dry oil formula fortified with Argan Oil keeps your skin looking and feeling soft and smooth. This advanced physical sunscreen is perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, biking, running, and more, as it's been designed to be water and sweat-resistant while also outperforming standard sunscreens.

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving an oily residue so you can start enjoying the outdoors without worrying about sunburns or other harmful effects of UV exposure. With its trustname-brandand formula, and improved dry oil technology for superior protection against the sun’s rays and moisture loss in your skin cells, Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen gives you all the confidence to stay outside longer so you can start living life to the fullest every day!

What You Need to Know

Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin with superior broad-spectrum protection and nourishing benefits. This non-greasy, lightweight spray now contains Argan Oil, providing a silky-smooth finish that's luxurious to the touch.

It doesn't feel sticky or waxy like some other brands – just a light layer of defense against UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it's water resistant for up to 80 minutes; perfect for outdoor activities like swimming or sports. Banana Boat Sport Ultra Sunscreen offers superior coverage without all the heavy and greasy feelings, so you can be sure you're protected while still feeling comfortable and confident.

Best No Fragrance

Hook Ya Sport Mineral Sunscreen

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What We Like Most About It

Introducing Hook Ya Sport Mineral Sunscreen, your ultimate go-to for sun protection! This unique sunscreen is SPF 50 with 80 minutes of extreme sport water conditions and formulated specifically for sports enthusiasts. It is fragrance-free, non-greasy, and sweat resistant so you can focus on your activity without worrying about smudges or irritating effects.

Enjoy the benefits of superior protection against the sun's rays without compromising on comfort — Hook Ya Sport Mineral Sunscreen won't run in your eyes when you work up a sweat! Plus, it stays put while you're exposed to water.

What You Need to Know

Hook Ya Sport Mineral Sunscreen is the perfect choice when you are planning a day in the sun. Unlike chemical-based options, Hook Ya sunscreen has a unique mineral formula that offers durable broad-spectrum protection without absorption into your skin or bloodstream.

The ultra-light white finish is barely noticeable when dry, but strong enough to handle extreme outdoor conditions - so you won't have to worry about sweating off your sunscreen! A reliable and lightweight option, Hook ya Sunscreen is smooth enough for daily use and protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays so you can enjoy your day with peace of mind.

Running In the Sun FAQs

Below are some of the common questions regarding running in the sun:

Should runners wear sunscreen?

Yes, runners should wear sunscreen. Sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation, which can cause sunburn, skin cancer, and premature skin aging.

Sunscreen is especially important for runners because they are exposed to the sun for long periods and their skin is often exposed to the sun's UV rays without being protected by clothing. In addition, sunscreen can help protect against other types of injuries, such as burns and blisters.

So yes, runners should wear sunscreen when running outdoors. It's an important way to protect their health and well-being.

Why do runners not wear sunscreen?

Runners usually don't wear sunscreen because they sweat off the sunscreen and it's not effective enough to stay on the skin while running. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours, which is difficult to do when you're running. Additionally, sunscreens can often contain chemicals that are harmful if swallowed. Some runners would rather just avoid those risks by not wearing sunscreen.

Is sunscreen 50 or 30 better?

Sunscreen 50 is better.

Sunscreen 50 has a higher sun protection factor (SPF), meaning that it will protect your skin from the sun's harmful UV rays for a longer period. Sunscreen 30 will only protect for up to 30 minutes, after which you will need to reapply.

What is the difference between sport sunscreen and regular sunscreen?

Sport sunscreen is designed to stay on the skin for a long time even when you sweat. It is also often advertised as being water resistant. Regular sunscreen is not meant to be used when you are sweating and it will come off your skin when you get wet.

Is sport sunscreen better than regular sunscreen?

There isn't a definitive answer to this question since there are so many different types of sport sunscreen. However, most sports sunscreens are designed to be more resistant to sweat and water than regular sunscreens. This means that they're less likely to wash off or wear away when you're active.

What is runner's face?

Runner's face is the term used to describe the appearance of a person's face who frequently runs. The main features of runner's face are a thin, gaunt look and sunken eyes. This is because running can cause a person to lose weight quickly, leading to a loss in muscle mass and bone density. This in turn can lead to a sunken appearance around the eyes and cheeks.

Should I apply sunscreen before jogging?

Sunscreen should always be applied before going outdoors, whether you are planning on participating in physical activity or not. Sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun's harmful rays, which can cause skin cancer and premature aging.

When exercising, it is important to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection. Make sure to apply sunscreen generously all over your body, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

How can I protect my skin while running?

Sunscreen. Hats. Sunglasses. Plenty of water to keep hydrated. And if you're running outside, try to schedule it for early morning or evening when the sun isn't as strong.

How do you keep from getting sunburned when running?

Hats are a runner's best friend. The wider the brim, the better. When you're running, seek shade whenever possible and wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight. Use physical sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or more, and reapply every two hours.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration, which can make you more susceptible to sunburn. And finally, avoid running in the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.

What Is the Best Sunscreen for You?

Thank you for reading! We hope that this information has been helpful and that you are now better equipped to choose the best running sunscreen for your needs.

Be sure to check out the prices of our top recommended sunscreens and have a great run!