Traveling the world is an enriching experience, but it also exposes your skin to varying levels of sun and UV radiation. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets or relaxing on exotic beaches, packing Travel Sunblock is non-negotiable for skin health. Finding the right travel-size sunscreen that complies with TSA guidelines without compromising on protection can be challenging. We’ve rigorously tested a range of travel sunscreens to bring you the best options for every travel style and skin type.
Top Travel Sunblock Picks for Every Traveler
We’ve evaluated numerous travel-size sunscreens, focusing on texture, effectiveness, portability, and specific needs like reef safety and skin sensitivity. Here are our top recommendations to keep your skin shielded on your next adventure.
Best Overall Travel Sunblock: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Image alt text: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 travel size bottle, best overall travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 stands out as the best overall travel sunblock due to its exceptional texture and broad-spectrum protection. Its lotion-like consistency ensures that a small amount provides ample coverage, making the 3-ounce travel size incredibly efficient.
Things to Consider: While it blends effectively, some users might notice a very faint white cast immediately after application, which disappears quickly with thorough rubbing.
Our testers were particularly impressed with this sunscreen during a trip to Hawaii. Unlike typical mineral sunscreens that can feel heavy, Babo Botanicals has a lightweight, almost liquid texture that applies like a hydrating lotion. It absorbs rapidly, leaving no greasy residue and only a subtle mineral scent. Its water resistance is commendable; it stayed put even after ocean swims and didn’t stain clothes or towels. The 3-ounce bottle proved to be long-lasting, with a significant amount remaining after four days of consistent use. For a mineral-based, hydrating, and highly protective travel sunblock, Babo Botanicals offers outstanding value.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Mineral, Vegan, Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free
Image alt text: Applying Babo Botanicals travel sunscreen, showcasing its sheer texture and easy application.
Best Budget Travel Sunblock: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Image alt text: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion travel size twin pack, best budget travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: For travelers seeking an affordable and reliable travel sunblock, Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion is an excellent choice. This budget-friendly option is particularly ideal for active trips, and conveniently comes in a pack of two travel-sized tubes.
Things to Consider: It’s important to note that this formula is not reef-safe, so consider alternative options if you plan on snorkeling or swimming in coral reef areas.
Banana Boat is a household name in sun protection, known for its effectiveness and affordability. Their travel-size Sport Performance Sunscreen offers great value, providing two 3-ounce bottles at a competitive price, easily fitting into carry-on luggage. Our digital editorial director, Nina Ruggiero, tested this sunblock in Mexico and praised its no-nonsense formula. It’s hydrating, offers robust sun protection, and resists transfer to clothing and swimwear. While the texture is on the thicker side and requires a bit more effort to blend for a sheer finish, absorption is still reasonably quick. Nina reported excellent protection during a full day of sun exposure on a boat, achieving a healthy tan without any sunburn. For budget-conscious travelers who need reliable protection for active pursuits, Banana Boat is a top pick.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 3 ounces (per bottle, two bottles included)
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Oil-free, Fragrance-free
Image alt text: Hand holding travel-size Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen, demonstrating its portability for travel.
Best Hydrating Travel Sunblock: Coola Classic Body Sunscreen
Image alt text: Coola Classic Body Sunscreen Guava Mango travel size bottle, best hydrating travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Coola Classic Body Sunscreen is the ideal travel sunblock for those prioritizing hydration. Enriched with plant-based ingredients, it not only protects from the sun but also nourishes and moisturizes the skin.
Things to Consider: This particular formulation is designed for body use and is not specifically formulated for facial application.
“It felt more like a luxurious body lotion than sunscreen,” shared our outdoor gear editor, Taylor Fox, after using Coola’s Organic Classic Body Sunscreen daily for two weeks. The plant-based formula aligns with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act, ensuring it’s free from chemicals harmful to coral reefs. The sunscreen applies smoothly and evenly, leaving no white cast or greasy feel. It demonstrated excellent transfer resistance and water resistance. A 3.4-ounce bottle easily lasted for a two-week trip with regular application, highlighting its value. For travelers seeking a hydrating and eco-conscious travel sunblock, Coola is a premium choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3.4 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Reef-safe, Vegan, Cruelty-free
Image alt text: Applying Coola travel sunscreen, emphasizing its moisturizing and smooth texture.
Image alt text: Coola Guava Mango travel sunscreen bottle and packaging, showcasing its compact travel size.
Best Splurge Travel Sunblock: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Image alt text: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ travel size bottle, best splurge travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: If you’re willing to invest in a high-end travel sunblock, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion is worth the splurge. Its lightweight formula is incredibly efficient, with a small amount providing extensive coverage.
Things to Consider: The consistency is somewhat watery and slightly oily, which might not appeal to everyone initially.
Despite being just 1.6 ounces, the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion’s watery texture allows for easy spreading and excellent coverage. A small dollop blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving a smooth, moisturized finish. Although it feels slightly oily upon application, it absorbs completely within minutes to a sheer, undetectable set. Fragrance-sensitive users will appreciate its scent-free nature. Water resistance is exceptional; the formula remained intact even under running water, confirming its 80-minute water resistance claim. For a luxurious, effective, and long-lasting travel sunblock, Shiseido is a top-tier choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 1.6 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Reef-safe
Image alt text: Applying Shiseido travel sunscreen, highlighting its smooth and lightweight texture.
Image alt text: Shiseido travel sunscreen blending into skin, showing its sheer finish and quick absorption.
Image alt text: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion travel sunscreen product shot, emphasizing its premium packaging.
Best Sheer Travel Sunblock: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Image alt text: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 travel size bottle, best sheer travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: For a barely-there feel, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is the best sheer travel sunblock. It absorbs completely into the skin in under a minute, making it perfect for those who dislike the sensation of wearing sunscreen.
Things to Consider: It has a light floral fragrance, which may be noticeable to those sensitive to scents.
Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen excels in its lightweight and smooth formula that becomes virtually undetectable on the skin. It absorbs seamlessly within a minute, leaving no greasy residue. The subtle floral scent effectively masks typical sunscreen odors. The consistency is hydrating without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. While it showed some runoff under running water, it didn’t cause eye stinging, a common issue with many sunscreens. If you prioritize a weightless feel in your sun protection, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is an excellent travel companion.
Product Details:
- SPF: 55
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: PABA-free
Image alt text: Applying Neutrogena Ultra Sheer travel sunscreen, demonstrating its quick absorption and sheer texture.
Image alt text: Neutrogena travel sunscreen fully absorbed, showing its invisible finish on the skin.
Image alt text: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch travel sunscreen product shot, highlighting its travel-friendly size.
Best Reef-Safe Travel Sunblock: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme
Image alt text: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme SPF 50 travel size bottle, best reef-safe travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: For environmentally conscious travelers, MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is the best reef-safe travel sunblock. Its mineral formula is free of reef-damaging chemicals and absorbs surprisingly well for an eco-friendly product.
Things to Consider: If not rubbed in thoroughly, it can leave a slight white cast, typical of mineral sunscreens.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals known to harm coral reefs. While mineral sunscreens are often associated with a thick texture, this formula is remarkably silky and absorbs well with thorough blending, minimizing any white cast. Its versatility is a major plus, suitable for both face and body. Beyond being reef-safe, it’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind, using ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc, beneficial for acne-prone or rosacea-prone skin. The brand’s commitment to transparency is evident in their detailed ingredient list and explanations available on their website. For travelers prioritizing reef-safe and sensitive-skin friendly sun protection, MDSolarSciences is a leading choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Reef-safe, Vegan, Cruelty-free
Image alt text: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme travel sunscreen texture, showcasing its creamy consistency.
Image alt text: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme travel sunscreen in hand, demonstrating its portable size for travel.
Best Stick Travel Sunblock: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50
Image alt text: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 travel size stick, best stick travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 is the best stick travel sunblock for on-the-go application. Its stick applicator allows for mess-free and convenient application, especially when you want to avoid getting sunscreen on your hands.
Things to Consider: Applying a stick sunscreen all over the body can be more time-consuming compared to lotions or sprays.
Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is perfectly sized for everyday carry and quick sun protection touch-ups. Despite its small size, it provides potent SPF 50+ protection in a solid stick form, eliminating messy application. While it initially feels slightly greasy, it absorbs quickly with rubbing, leaving minimal sheen. Our associate director, Morgan Ashley Parker, praised its clear application on brown skin, noting no white cast or residue after absorption. It also proved to be workout-proof, resisting running or rubbing off during a sweaty session, making it ideal for outdoor activities. For convenient, portable, and effective sun protection, especially for the face, Shiseido’s stick is a top choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 0.7 ounces
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
Image alt text: Applying Shiseido stick travel sunscreen on arm, showcasing its easy glide-on application.
Image alt text: Holding Shiseido stick travel sunscreen, emphasizing its compact and portable design.
Best Mousse Travel Sunblock: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse
Image alt text: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50 travel size bottle, best mousse travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse is the best mousse travel sunblock due to its unique foamy texture that’s both fun to apply and incredibly hydrating. It also dries faster than traditional lotions.
Things to Consider: The opaque bottle makes it difficult to determine how much product remains.
Supergoop sunscreen is a favorite among our testers, particularly the Blue Sea Kale Body Mousse. The top-press applicator dispenses a light, airy foam that’s delightful to use on both face and body. It has a faint, pleasant sunscreen scent and doubles effectively as a hydrating lotion, especially in tropical climates. Morgan Ashley Parker often uses it as a moisturizer replacement when traveling to tropical destinations, praising its non-sticky, weightless feel, even in heat and humidity. It leaves no white cast or greasiness and is especially popular among those with children, thanks to its playful mousse texture. For a fun, hydrating, and effective travel sunblock, Supergoop! Mousse is a standout.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Cruelty-free, Vegan
Image alt text: Applying Supergoop! mousse travel sunscreen, showing its light and airy foam texture.
Image alt text: Supergoop! mousse travel sunscreen absorbing into skin, showcasing its non-greasy finish.
Image alt text: Supergoop! mousse travel sunscreen with beach accessories, emphasizing its suitability for vacation.
Best Travel Sunblock for Face: Black Girl Sunscreen
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Image alt text: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 travel size bottle, best travel sunblock for face.
Why We Recommend It: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is specifically formulated for melanated skin and excels as the best travel sunblock for the face. Its sheer formula provides a radiant finish without any white cast.
Things to Consider: It imparts a glowy finish, which might not be preferred by those seeking a matte look.
Designed for melanated skin, Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is enriched with ingredients like jojoba and avocado to moisturize and protect without leaving a white cast. It layers seamlessly over other skincare products, even medicated acne treatments, and resists water transfer. The fragrance-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin. It provides a healthy, glowy (not greasy) finish, making it an excellent facial sunscreen option. For travelers with melanated skin seeking a protective and radiant sunscreen, Black Girl Sunscreen is highly recommended.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Cruelty-free, Fragrance-free, Vegan
Image alt text: Applying Black Girl Sunscreen travel sunscreen, demonstrating its sheer and glowy finish on skin.
Image alt text: Black Girl Sunscreen travel sunscreen product display, highlighting its branding and packaging.
Best Spray Travel Sunblock: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray
Image alt text: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray travel size bottle, best spray travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray is the best spray travel sunblock for its ease of application and non-greasy formula. The spray format makes it simple to reach tricky spots like the back.
Things to Consider: It features a noticeable tropical coconut scent, which might be strong for some users.
Coola’s spray sunscreen simplifies application, especially for hard-to-reach areas. The SPF 30 spray is lightweight, transparent, and leaves no white cast or greasy residue. The delightful coconut scent evokes a tropical getaway without being overpowering. It dries quickly after light rubbing and feels gentle and nourishing, thanks to its vegan and paraben-free formulation. A 2-ounce bottle may be better suited for shorter trips if used for full-body coverage, but it’s ideal for weekend getaways or primarily facial use. For a convenient, lightweight spray-on travel sunblock with a pleasant scent, Coola is a top choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 2 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Formula: Vegan, Cruelty-free
Image alt text: Applying Coola spray travel sunscreen to arm, demonstrating its easy spray application.
Image alt text: Coola spray travel sunscreen in suitcase, highlighting its travel-friendly aerosol format.
Image alt text: Coola spray travel sunscreen product shot, showcasing its sleek and portable packaging.
Best Lightweight Travel Sunblock: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
Image alt text: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 travel size bottle, best lightweight travel sunblock.
Why We Recommend It: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is the best lightweight travel sunblock, offering a consistency similar to a sheer lotion, making it incredibly comfortable for daily wear.
Things to Consider: It provides a slightly shimmery finish, which may not be suitable for all preferences.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen stands out for its incredibly lightweight texture, resembling a sheer face moisturizer. The formula, infused with green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, is more watery than many sunscreens. It’s ideal for workouts and outdoor activities, resisting runoff from sweat and absorbing quickly without greasiness or clumping. It provides a dewy, refreshed finish and has a subtle, non-overpowering fragrance. Without any white cast, it’s a great option for those seeking a lightweight, hydrating travel sunblock.
Product Details:
- SPF: 36
- Size: 1.69 ounces
Image alt text: Applying Innisfree travel sunscreen, showcasing its lotion-like and sheer texture.
Image alt text: Innisfree travel sunscreen product packaging, emphasizing its compact size and branding.
Other Notable Travel-Size Sunscreens
While the sunscreens above are our top recommendations, several others performed well in our tests but didn’t quite make the top spots due to minor drawbacks like scent or a slight white cast. These are still worthy contenders depending on your specific preferences:
- [List of other sunscreens from original article]
Our Sunscreen Testing Methodology
For two weeks, Travel + Leisure rigorously tested 20 travel-size sunscreens in liquid, stick, and spray formats, all compliant with carry-on liquid regulations (3.4 fluid ounces).
We assessed sunscreens in various outdoor settings, from beaches to pools and everyday activities, rating them on texture, opacity, water resistance, and transfer resistance. Each sunscreen was applied at least seven times across the body to evaluate usage impressions and longevity for vacation use.
Top-performing sunscreens were easy to apply, blended smoothly without a white cast, and didn’t transfer onto clothing. They exhibited good water and sweat resistance, didn’t irritate skin, and left minimal to no greasy residue. Value was assessed post-testing, comparing performance to price.
Essential Tips for Choosing the Best Travel Sunblock
Prioritize SPF and Broad-Spectrum UV Protection
Always choose a travel sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher for adequate protection against UVB rays. Broad-spectrum protection is equally crucial, shielding you from both UVA and UVB rays. Remember to reapply every two hours, and more frequently after swimming or sweating. Consider packing after-sun lotion to soothe skin in case of unexpected sun exposure.
Select Your Preferred Sunscreen Format: Stick, Lotion, or Spray
Travel sunblock comes in various formats to suit different needs. Sticks are incredibly convenient for travel, minimizing spill risks and adhering to carry-on liquid rules. Lotions are classic and versatile, while sprays offer easy application, especially for the body and reaching the back. Regardless of format, always ensure broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30+.
Understand the Difference: Mineral vs. Chemical Sunblock
Mineral sunscreens, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, physically block sun rays, sitting atop the skin. They are often recommended for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and are typically thinner and more sheer. Choose based on your skin type and desired application experience.
Opt for Reef-Safe Formulas for Beach Destinations
Many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs. If you’re heading to the beach, choose reef-safe options, avoiding ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate. Check the active ingredients list and consult resources like the Coral Reef Alliance for more information on reef-safe ingredients.
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Image alt text: Mineral travel sunblock application, emphasizing the importance of choosing reef-safe options for ocean travel.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Sunblock
Can I bring travel-size sunscreen on an airplane?
Yes, travel-size sunscreens under 3.4 ounces are permitted in carry-on luggage according to TSA guidelines. You can typically carry a quart-sized bag of liquids. For larger quantities, pack sunscreen in your checked baggage.
Can I carry on aerosol sunscreen?
Yes, aerosol sunscreens are allowed in carry-ons, provided they are within the 3.4-ounce limit. Larger aerosol cans must be checked to comply with TSA regulations.
Enhance Your Sun Protection with These Travel Essentials
Maximize your sun safety and beach enjoyment with these recommended accessories:
- BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella: A portable and sturdy beach umbrella offering excellent shade and convenience.
- Columbia Sun Trek T-shirt: UPF 50 tee with moisture-wicking fabric for comfortable sun protection.
- L.L.Bean Tropicwear Comfort Shorts: UPF 50+ shorts with water-repellent finish and multiple pockets for beach days.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Anna Popp, Associate Editor at Travel + Leisure, leads product reviews and travel writing since 2018. She personally tested travel sunscreens and collaborated with travel editors for comprehensive testing and results.
Updated by Anne Taylor, Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure, an experienced traveler and product tester dedicated to providing current and reliable travel information.
Learn more about our rigorous testing and editorial process
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