I'm officially crowning myself the Mary Poppins of my friend group. No, I don't randomly burst into song and dance (though wouldn't that be something?), but I do have a seemingly endless bag of beauty goodies to share with my loved ones. At group dinners, I'm your girl for a swipe of lip oil . At weddings, I'm armed to the teeth with blotting papers (plus tissues and waterproof mascara because, you know, happy tears). And on beach getaways, you can bet your bottom dollar I have more than a few sunscreens to offer.
Carrying around multiple bottles of sunscreen can get clunky, though, which is why I often snag adorable, travel-size minis before jetting off. Many of my favorite SPF brands create TSA-friendly versions of their cult favorites, too, so it really doesn't feel like I'm sacrificing quality for the sake of avoiding a crowded baggage claim. (Plus as I mentioned, they make great gifts.) Find my favorite picks below—the majority of which are beloved by the entire WWW beauty team—and packing for your next sunny destination will be an absolute breeze.
Best Spray: Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Pros: Applies sheer and easy to blend
Cons: Nozzle can clog after use
Size: 2 ounces
Non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and fragrance-free—what more could you ask for in a travel-size spray? Coola makes some of the best sunscreens in the game (their Water Plumping Gel Serum is also a dream), so I make sure to snag a mini spray (or two) every time I have a trip coming up. Do the same, and trust me, everyone in your travel party will be begging to borrow the stellar formula.
Customer review: "Love the convenience of the spray, the scent, and protection! Very easy to throw in your bag and use throughout the day at the beach, pool, lake, etc…"
Best Lotion: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros: A+ consistency, easy to blend and doesn't pill or leave a white cast
Cons: Can make sensitive eyes sting
Size: 3 ounces
Generously sized at three ounces, this sunscreen formula is a wonderful everyday option to use on both face and body. It absorbs like a dream, instantly disappearing into the skin with no greasy or ghostly residue, and it actually feels hydrating (whereas many sunscreens tend to strip my skin dry). If you have sensitive eyes, you might want to bring another option in your carry-on for your face; but overall, this is a winner.
Customer review: "It’s just a wonderful product… Doesn’t make me look ashy, smells good, feels good, and I take it on all of my vacays!"
Best Facial Spray: E.l.f. Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45
E.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable All Set for Sun SPF 45
Pros: Easily portable, great for reapplication
Cons: Can feel a bit "wet"
Size: 2 ounces
This cute little spray resides in my tote all summer. It's my number one pick for a refresh. Friendly reminder: You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, and this teeny spray makes reapplication an absolute breeze. Not to mention, it doubles as a setting spray to lock in your makeup. Win win! I only wish it had a finer mist—it can make my face feel a bit wet—but on no-makeup beach days that isn't an issue at all. In fact, it feels quite refreshing!
Customer review: "I have always wanted something to refresh my SPF over my makeup throughout the day. This is PERFECT. It's the perfect size to throw in my diaper bag (mom life) to protect my skin throughout the day!"
Best Face Lotion: Paula's Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Paula's Choice Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros: Neutralizes redness and calms skin, so hydrating it could be a moisturizer
Cons: People with oily skin might find it too "dewy"
Size: 2 ounces
During the summer months when I want to melt into a puddle of sweat, I will often use SPF in place of a moisturizer—many sunscreen formulas come infused with impressive skin hydrators, like shea butter and hyaluronic acid, anyways. I typically will reach for a Paula's Choice number (don't sleep on their sunscreens; they are very good!), and the new mineral option from their Calm line is just divine. With allantoin and centella asiatica, it immediately calms my complexion—it's as if a color corrector and sunscreen had a baby—and makes my skin so. Dang. Soft.
Customer review: "As somebody with sensitive skin who often finds sunscreen irritating, I appreciated that the sunscreen was not irritating at all. It is a mineral formula and I did find it to leave a white castle on my skin. It didn't sit that well in my skin and it didn't play that well and make up. I think this would also be a great body sunscreen."
Best for Glowy Skin: Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40
Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40
Pros: Like a shimmery highlighter and SPF in one, blends easily with no white cast
Cons: Not the best for oily skin
Size: 3.4 ounces
Huge Glowscreen girl over here! I remember the first time I tried the cult-favorite facial sunscreen. I thought, Wow, I want to slather this all over for a full-body glow, and pretty soon the brand answered my prayers. (I'm sure I wasn't alone in begging for a body-sized version.) Now there's more than enough of the shimmery formula to go around, but it's still TSA-approved at 3.4 ounces. I plan on tossing a few in my carry-on to shine head to toe.
Customer review: "I love the Glowscreen for my face and use it daily. This is now my go to for my body, especially on vacation. I love it."
Best Scent: Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30
Pros: Smells amazing without being too overpowering, feels hydrating on the skin
Cons: If you're sensitive to fragrance, this probably isn't the sunscreen for you
Size: 3.4 ounces
When it comes to scent, it doesn't get better than Vacation. In fact, people loved the sunscreen's fragrance (a blend of coconut, banana, and fresh pool water) so much that the brand even bottled it into a perfume. What's more, the lotion has a creamy, gel-like consistency that disappears upon application.
Customer review: "I'm so glad I came across yall on Instagram!! The smell, omgggg it's like I went back in time to my childhood!! It smells amazing and I'm instantly transported back to the beach even if I'm in my backyard. Also my husband, who is quite fair-skinned, hasn't burned since using it which is why I'll keep coming back! Please continue with the great products!!"
Best Under Makeup: MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50
MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Crème SPF 50
Pros: Has a smooth, matte finish that resembles makeup primer
Cons: Expensive
Size: 3.4 ounces, 1.7 ounces
I know what you're thinking. A mineral sunscreen? Under makeup? Mineral formulas are notorious for being less-than-stellar in the spreadable department, making them not the best choice to layer underneath foundation or concealer. But trust me when I say that this creamy formula feels like silk on the skin—absolutely no pilling or chalky cast. A bonus? It comes in a tinted version , too, for more of a primer-like effect.
Customer review: "This is the best mineral sunscreen. Goes on silky smooth and blends right in. It is sheer (no white cast) yet provides great protection. I have been using this for years and shared with friends and family who also love it!"
Best Serum: Caudalie Vinosun ProtectDaily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Lotion
Caudalie Vinosun Protect Brightening Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 With Niacinamide
Pros: Provides a glowy base for makeup, lightweight and great for warmer months
Cons: Very small size, so not the best choice for body
Size: 1.7 ounces
It's called a lotion, but I find this sunscreen to have a more milky, serum-like consistency. Of course it features viniferine, the brand's signature grapevine sap, to brighten dark spots as it protects against harsh UV rays (which, fun fact, is one of the biggest culprits for said dark spots), and it has a slight tint that balances zinc oxide in the mineral formula. Caudalie sunscreens are beloved in Europe, but this is the first formula to make its way stateside. No surprise, it's exceptional.
Customer review: "I tried this product for the first time in Paris, and when I ran out, I had no other way but to order another one. I think this is the best sunscreen on the market right now that Doesn't make my skin breakout."
Best Sheer: Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Sun Bum Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 50
Pros: Fine mist, feels lightweight, easy to apply
Cons: Strong sunscreen-y scent
Size: 1.75 ounces
Sun Bum sunscreens are known for a fine, lightweight mist that makes you feel like you're wearing nothing at all. No greasy residue here! I will say, it does have a classic sunscreen scent (some people actually like the stronger smell, but it's something to note if you prefer fragrance-free formulas), but it's a great staple to pick up before your next vacay. And at $9 a pop, it feels like a steal.
Customer review: "I’m not a huge fan of spray sunscreen but this one smells great and is super nice, it doesn’t leave that sticky nasty feel like other ones can!"
Best Water-Resistant: Bask SPF 30 Lotion
Bask Suncare SPF 30 Lotion
Pros: Fabulous subtle scent, great for active lifestyles
Cons: Takes a minute to rub in
Size: 3.4 ounces
This water-based formula was specifically designed not to stain your clothing or sting your eyes when exposed to sweat, ocean, the pool, etc., so it's great to slather on your face and body. It also features a light vanilla and coconut aroma that smells nostalgic yet not too dominating. Even if you have a sensitive nose (like me!), I'd wager you'll enjoy the subtle scent. My only callout is that it takes a bit to rub in—it does eventually turn sheer, but it does appear very opaque right out of the tube. That said, the extra few seconds will ensure you never miss a spot.
Customer review: "I love this sunscreen. It smells fantastic and works even better. I am a triathlete and spend a lot of time outside swimming, biking, and running. It never runs in my eyes and does not sweat off. I am a HUGE fan and have ordered multiple items for everyone in my family."
Best Hydrating: UnSun Cosmetics Full Coverage Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
UnSun Cosmetics Hydrating Full Coverage Body Lotion Spf 30
Pros: Great for face and body, doubles as moisturizer
Cons: Takes a bit to rub in
Size: 3 ounces
The best sunscreens make you feel like you aren't wearing sunscreen at all, and this one totally fits the bill. In fact, it feels just like an ultra-moisturizing body lotion that just so happens to contain SPF. It contains prickly pear, bitter orange, and cucumber extracts for hydration and brightening, antioxidant power, along with baobab oil to further drench the skin in moisture and leave behind a subtle sheen. Trust, it packs a punch in its three ounces.
Customer review: "This full-body sunscreen is just as great as the facial sunscreen I tried and bought two summers ago. I've been anxiously awaiting this body product, since first falling in love with the tinted facial sunscreen. It absorbs well, protects extremely well, and washes off with just one shower—something that can not be said for most commercial mineral sunscreens. I love how quickly I can put it on before being in the sun, and how much I can rely on coverage throughout the day. It's reassuring to know that I'm fully protected from harmful invisible UVA/UVB rays while being active outdoors."
Best Splurge: Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen SPF 40
Dr. Loretta Urban Antioxidant Sunscreen Spf 40
Pros: Great texture, contains targeted ingredients for aging concerns
Cons: Expensive for a smaller size
Size: 1.7 ounces
Leave it to a derm to create one of the best mineral sunscreens I've tried! I adore Loretta Ciraldo, MD, and her skincare line is truly top notch. It's a bit spendy, but it includes high-quality ingredients like peptides to plump fine lines and lipochroman, a special antioxidant that defends against pollution. Consider it your most elegant face cream spiked with SPF.
Customer review: "This sunscreen is amazing. It's the first formulation I have tried that protects but is not greasy. It has a radiant pink hue that disappears on the skin on application. Highly recommend."
FAQ
Can you put sunscreen in a travel container?
Technically yes, you could, but most experts would advise against it. See, every time you open up a sunscreen bottle, you're exposing it to light and air—both of which can accelerate the product's shelf-life by breaking down the ingredients. Your sunscreen is in its packaging for a reason, and every time you re-home the goop you risk losing its efficacy. Any dirt, dust, or bacteria in your DIY jar can also mess with the ingredients and their potency. Not to mention, things can get messy!
If you're in an absolute pinch, sure, go ahead and transfer your favorite formula. Wearing potentially less effective sunscreen is better than not wearing it at all! But if you are able, try to cop a travel-size bottle instead of playing chemist.
What is the max sunscreen size for travel?
According to the TSA website , you can bring sunscreen in a bottle less than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), be it a lotion or aerosol spray, in your carry-on baggage. For checked baggage, feel free to exceed that limit and bring full-sized bottles.
Does TSA consider stick sunscreen a liquid?
Nope! Stick sunscreens are considered solids, so they don't have the same size restrictions as liquids. Sunscreen sticks tend to be quite small, anyways, which makes them great for travel purposes. Here, find our favorite editor-approved sticks to glide on.
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