6 Great Sunscreens That Won’t Come Off While You Run
Here’s what to apply to protect yourself from harmful UV rays.
We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Why Trust Us?
As outdoor exercisers, it’s particularly important for runners to protect our skin from UV ray, but given how much we move and sweat just any old sunscreen often won’t do. Our colleagues over at Bicycling have the same problem, which is why their editors gathered together a list of their favorite sunscreens. We’re passing it on to you, just in time for summer training.
The article 6 Great Sunscreens That Won't Come Off While You Ride originally appeared at Bicycling.
Zealios Sun Barrier SPF 45
For long-term water resistance:
Oil-free Zealios goes on clear and offers solid protection from the sun without that filmy feeling a lot of zinc-based sunscreens give off. It’s got a high-enough SPF for longer runs, and is waterproof for 80 minutes, so even your sweatiest runs won’t leave you vulnerable to the elements. Plus it uses as many natural ingredients as possible without sacrificing performance, according to the company’s founders. Zealios is also a sponsor of the Jamis cyclocross team, so you know it’s been well-tested. Buy it here.
Coola Suncare Unscented Sunscreen Spray SPF 15 and SPF 30 Face
For the animal-friendly:
This organic, vegan, made-in-the-US sunscreen is unscented and free of parabens. Ultra-sheer and non-greasy, it’s available in an SPF 15 spray-on (okay if your sun exposure will be less than 60 minutes). It also has a special SPF 30 face-formulated blend that’s easy to apply and won’t cause you to break out. You can grab it from the Bicycling store, or you can buy it here.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch
For super-sheer lightness:
Both the bottle and spray varieties of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry Touch line are a great choice for maximum protection and minimum slime. Plus, they're easy to find in nearly any drugstore or grocery store. “It’s the least greasy of the stuff I’ve tried, won’t leave your face shiny, and doesn't cause breakouts, which is always a concern of mine,” says Bicycling’s Senior Editor Gloria Liu. Buy it here.
Beyond Coastal Active Sunscreen SPF 30+
For easy application:
The Beyond Coastal Sunscreen is easy to keep on hand in a 2.5oz. airline-friendly size or face stick that’s animal-friendly, oil-free, and fragrance-free. We liked that it rubs on easy like lotion without that filmy feeling that accompanies so many sunscreen experiences and includes some natural ingredients, like green tea extract and yerba mate. Buy it here.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
For that vacation smell:
This classic favorite goes on light, won’t cause any breakouts on sensitive skin, and comes in a tropical piña colada scent that brings back childhood trips to the pool or beach. It’s oil-free, non-greasy, and comes in SPFs 15, 30, and 50. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it won’t come off the minute you start sweating. Buy it here.
Neutrogena Beach Defense 70
For waterproof protection your doctor can get behind:
Made from naturally sourced ingredients and fragrance free, this top-notch sun protection is available in spray, stick, and lotion versions. Bicycling Online Editor James Hart swears by the stuff, which is touted by Neutrogena as the number-one dermatologist-recommended suncare. He uses Beach Defense “because I’m fair skinned, my family has a history of skin cancer and I spent two years living in an area with very high melanoma rates [Sydney],” he says. “My dad’s had a lot of issues with skin cancer, and this is the stuff his doctor told him to use. I like it personally because it absolutely positively will not come off. You don’t have to reapply every 20 minutes because you’re sweating too much.” Buy it here.
Watch Next
The Best Comfy Walking Shoes for Wearing Every Day
The Best Shoes at the 2024 London Marathon
The 9 Best Running Shoe Inserts for 2024
The 7 Best Running Belts for Easy Gear Storage
