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Any Professional tattoo artists will tell you that the key to healing fresh tattoos quickly and preventing them from fading is to protect them from the sun.
Your tattoo is always in danger, and the sun is its worst enemy. The skin barrier that protects your body from harmful UV rays is compromised after getting a tattoo. This increases the chance of body pigmentation, ink fading improper healing, and infection.
Luckily protecting your tattoo from the sun shouldn’t be difficult or complicated. The finest sunscreen for tattoos will protect your tattoo and old tattoos from fading and drying.
6 Best Sunscreens for Tattoos for 2020
The following reviews show the best sunscreen lotion for tattoos for quality, long-lasting tattoo protection;
1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry
Our opener for the best sunscreen to use on tattoos is the Neutrogena Sheer SPF 100+, 3 Fl. Oz. This is a highly recommended for those hot summers or exciting long physical activities. But why would we rate it so? Let us take you through;
Quick Summary
- Recommended by tattoo artist
- Waterproof
- Fast-absorbing
- Dry-Touch technology
- This sunscreen to protect itself against sun damage, which can lead to many issues
- Comes with Nourishing avocado oil, zinc oxide, and vitamin E combined with natural extracts
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using an SPF of at least 30 for maximum sun protection
- With the oil-free formula of this, you can be confident that it won’t feel greasy throughout the day
- PABA-free and non-comedogenic
- 3 Fl. Oz packaging
Non-greasy resistant to water lotion
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100+, 3 Fl. Oz lotion is non-greasy and water proof, giving you the freedom to enjoy yourself at the beach.
With this best sunscreens to use on tattoos, which is dermatologically tested, you get to enjoy 80 minutes of sun protection irrespective of the weather.
Wide Spectrum SPF 100+
Your finest item will definitely pack the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer because of its Wide Spectrum SPF 100+.
Armed with the Helioplex Technology, the Wide Spectrum SPF 100+ blocks the harmful aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays from affecting the skin.
If your skin is exposed to these harmful rays, you will have a higher chance of damaging your tattoo and developing cancerous cells. This lotion provides a wide bandwidth of protection.
Fast absorbing and Dry-Touch Technology
This Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 100+ absorbs fast into the skin resulting in an airy, lightweight feel. Its Dry-Touch Technology results in a non-greasy matte finish on your skin, making it the best brand.
PABA-free and non-comedogenic
You will love this sunscreen’s PABA-free and non-comedogenic active ingredients combinations, which makes it suitable for all skin as it will not clog the pores on your skin. This quality also makes it safe completely safe to use as your best daily sunscreen.
Conveniently shaped 3oz packaging
The conveniently shaped 3-ounce container makes it easy to apply and carry around. Additionally, you get an adequate lotion for your tattoo sunscreen for numerous applications before you hit the stores.
- Available in different forms; stick or lotion
- Water proof up to 80 minutes after application
- Contains a wide spectrum of SPF 100+
- PABA-free and non-comedogenic
- Fast absorbing and with Dry-Touch Technology
- Non-greasy
- 3oz lotion adequate for numerous applications
- Sensitive skin on certain skin
2. Sun Bum Original SPF 30
What other option would we have at this slot in the list of best sunscreens for tattoos rather than the Sun Bum sunscreen spf 30 Sunscreen Lotion 3 oz?
Quick Summary
- SPF 30+, 3oz
- Wide Spectrum Moisturizing sunscreen
- Vegan and reef-friendly
- It can seriously speed up the fading process
- Offer their original liquid sunscreen (pictured) in a variety of protection levels (SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF 70)
- It blends active ingredients like jojoba oil and zinc oxide with organic natural moisturizers
- If you take a look at the ingredient list you can clearly see that this sunscreen is a lot different than most
- Water proof
- This acts as a healing ointment to help your body art heal
- Paraben, PABA and non-petroleum
If you are an outdoor person, then it is probably the best time to grab this from a reputable brand, and that has several products under its name.
Wide Spectrum Moisturizing sunscreen
Uniquely, the broad-spectrum sunscreens are a must-have as sunscreen to protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. If overly exposed, these can cause severe damage to your skin and expose you to skin cancer.
You need not worry about the Sun Bum sunscreen spf 30 Lotion 3 oz. Protection for your tattoo element is well taken skin care of, ranking it highly among the best moisturizer and sunscreen for tattoo skincare.
Moisturizing sun protection for your skin
For those hot summer afternoons, this non-comedogenic contains Vitamin E, which is an antioxidant and that provides that protection against UV rays damage on your skin.
water proof lotion
Additionally, the Sun Bum sunscreen spf 30 is water-resistant, with protection that lasts up to 80 minutes after application.
Vegan & Reef friendly
This lotion is also vegan and reef friendly and ideal for that coastal feel. Like other Sun Bum skincare products, you get to feel that summer aura with the original Sun Bum scent.
This is Bum
The other reason we believe in this, and for it to appear among our best mosturizer and sunscreen list is simply because it is a Bum! The company adheres strictly to the guidelines issued by the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF), making it a reputable in the market.
- Contains a wide spectrum of SPF 30+
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes after application
- Vegan and Reef friendly
- Non-petroleum and water-resistant
- Wide Spectrum Moisturizing lotion
- The packaging bottle is not that hardy and can easily burst or break under moderate pressure
3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral
Our list could not have gotten longer without mentioning Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral 5oz. You will find this is a popular option in your best sunscreens to protect tattoos.
Quick Summary
- Broad-spectrum protection with sensitive minerals
- No chemical additives
- This sunscreen from Tattoo Care also acts as a healing ointment
- Contains SPF 30+ protecting against UVA/UVB
- Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide—No chemical active ingredients
- Containing nourishing and hydrating ingredients that are beneficial for both old and new tattoos
- Paraben-free
- The oil-free, fragrance-free formula is packed with Vitamin C to keep skin cells healthy
- 40 minutes of maximum water-proof
- UV Photosensitive tube
Wide Spectrum protection with sensitive minerals
This Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral sun exposure 5oz offers for big tattoos in the market. Tried and tested by top dermatologists, this contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which provides the best alternative protection. These minerals camouflage skin redness and avert skin itching.
Due to the high concentration of these minerals, this product is suitable for all skin types. Additionally, it is highly recommended for sensitive skin, eczema, or rosacea.
Contains SPF protecting against UVA/UVB
The special SPF in this sun exposure helps protect against tattoo aging caused by damaging UVA and UVB rays from the sun.
Paraben-free and Fragrance-free
The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral 5oz is Paraben-free and fragrance-free, and thus ideal for sensitive skin, ranking highly in our list.
Water-resistance
With this, you are guaranteed water resistance of up to a maximum duration of 40 minutes.
UV Photosensitive Plastic Cap
This protect tattoos has a UV photosensitive BPA-free plastic cap that changes color depending on the strength of the UV rays. This can serve as a warning to you that intense UV rays are about to cause damage to your tattoo and other skin problems such as sunburns.
Blue Lizard brand
The Blue Lizard Australian brand has been a player in the industry for over two decades, and they have always produced high-quality tattoo aftercare products.
- Contains a wide spectrum of SPF
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes after application
- Oil and grease-free
- Wide Spectrum Moisturizing lotion
- A UV photosensitive cap warning you on the UV rays
- Some users have complained that it is too thick to spread on the skin.
4. Australian Gold SPF 50- Sunscreen for Color Tattoos
The fourth entrant in our our bucket list of the best sunscreens for week old tattoo is the Australian Gold spf tattoo sunscreen stick 14 gm. If you need something small in size and easy to manage, then this is your pick.
Quick Summary
- Ultimate fade protection
- Enhanced hydration and moisturizing
- Pocket-friendly size
- The sunscreen features superior SPF 70 protection with Helioplex technology
- This is designed to protect tattoo fade with a powerful dose of SPF 50 while all-natural ingredients
- Includes pure and high-quality ingredients that will boost the healing process of your tattoo along with a great amount of sun protection factor
- It will be good if it has antioxidants, shea butter, zinc oxide, aloe vera, and vitamins, among other nourishing ingredients
- SPF 50+ spectrum
Provides the Ultimate Fade Protection
With the spf tattoo sunscreen stick 14 g, you are guaranteed ultimate fade protection by preventing ink discoloration and brightening existing tattoo colors.
Unique SPF 50+
Like anyone else, there is nothing more annoying than getting those sunburns are damages to the skin due to sun rays. This tattoo sunscreen stick has the wide spectrum SPF 50+, which protects your tattoo by blocking the UVA and UVB rays, which cause your tattoo to discolor or fade.
The Australian Gold Tattoo Stick spf 50 has a wide spectrum that provides the best protection to the skin.
Enhanced hydration and moisturizing of the skin
Unlike most other to protect tattoos sticks and lotions, the Australian Gold Tattoo Stick spf 50 14 g contains olive fruit oils, tea tree, and sunflower that enhance hydration.
This, coupled with the presence of Vitamin E, adds to an adequate moisturizing of the skin. The oils also result in the tattooed skin achieving a gorgeous glow making it one of the ideal.
Pocket-friendly size
The other feature that makes this product stand out among the best sunscreens to use on a new tattoo is its small and pocket-friendly size. It also easily fits into your pockets or backpack.
- Contains a wide spectrum of SPF 50+
- Contains Vitamin E and natural ingredients
- Oil-free and water-resistant
- Wide Spectrum Moisturizing lotion
- Small pocket-friendly size, 14 g
- It is relatively more expensive compared to its peers in the market.
- Due to its small size, it is not adequate for bigger tattoos.
5. CannaSmack Ink Guard- Sunscreen for Fresh Tattoo
Our pick to wear over tattoo is the CannaSmack Tattoo Sunscreen and Ink Fade Shield sunscreen stick spf.
Quick Summary
- Contains SPF wide spectrum
- Sunscreen and Ink Fade Shield
- Anti-Fading effect
- Infused Hemp Seed Oil
- Contains Omega 3 and 6
- Hemp seed oil is specifically helpful for tattoos as it enriches your skin with omega fatty acids
- It keeps skin in top condition with aloe, zinc oxide, shea butter, coconut oil, calendula, and beeswax
- Cruelty-free
- Contains Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
- Mostly tattoo artist recommend lotion
Infused with premium Hemp Oil
If you need a sunscreen that will not only moisten but also brighten your skin, then the CannaSmack is the solution. It contains an infusion of high premium Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil that is rich in Omega 3 and 6, Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E that provide a moisturizing and healing effect on your tattoos.
Shield tattoos from fading in the sun
With this sunscreen stick, you increase the vibrancy of your tattoos. It contains the broad spectrum protection SPF 30+, a unique photosensitive UVA and UVB hypoallergenic, and unique water-resistant formula, making it ideal for application, especially on facial tattoos.
Paraben-free and fragrance-free
Conforming to the CannaSmack tradition, this sunscreen stick does not contain any harmful additive. It is Paraben-free, fragrance-free, sulfate-free, gluten-free, and color-free, making it one of the best type of sunscreens for tattoos.
Easy to use stick application
This sunscreen stick guarantees you a mess-free application due to its sleek and handy design. The easy to use applicator makes it easy to control when applying it to the tattooed skin area.
Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free certified
Like all CannaSmack products, this sunscreen stick is Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free certified and was not subjected to animal tests during its manufacturing.
Also, this stick is made in the USA, undergoing rigorous quality control tests before it’s released into the market. This adds to the reason to why it makes the list of the best waterproof sunscreens for tattoos, especially facial tattoos.
- Contains a broad spectrum of SPF 30+
- Infused with Cannabis sativa (Hemp) Seed Oil
- Contains natural elements
- Oil-free and water-resistant
- Broad Spectrum Moisturizing lotion
- Contains no harmful additives
- It is not a reef-safe, unlike its peers in the market.
Picking the ultimate Sunscreen for New Tattoos for You
By now, you already know that not just any sunscreen will work perfectly for tattoos, so now is the time to choose the best sunscreens for tattoos of them all.
We found that nothing beats the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch waterproof and Non-Greasy Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 Fl. Oz.
Firstly, the powerful SPF of 100+ in this broad-spectrum won us over. This is more than enough to protect your skin from UVA &UVB rays and keep your tattoo ink looking new for longer. It’s enriched with antioxidants that help to heal newer tattoos and fight tattoo fading or discoloring caused by the sun for older tattoos.
Another thing that makes it the best daily sunscreen is that it has a Dry-Touch technology that completely absorbs any oil or grease from tattoos. Unlike most other high SPF tattoo sunscreens, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch leaves behind a clean, ultra-light, and shine-free feel.
NeutrogenaUltra Sheer Dry-Touch is the perfect combination for powerful, effective, but lightweight protection. This is ideal for tattoos wearers as the lotion does not clog their skins’ pores and irritate their tattoos.
The advanced Heliopolis technology allows the lotion to penetrate much deeper in the skin and makes it superior to most other brands in the market. It is water resistance, sweat resistance, oil-free, non-comedogenic, and leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft.
What more could you ask for in choosing the ultimate sunscreen for your tattoo?