Any Professional tattoo artist 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 new and old tattoos from fading and drying.
6 Best Sunscreen for Tattoos for 2020
The following reviews show the best SPF sunscreen for tattoos for quality, long-lasting protection;
1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry- SPF Sunscreen for Tattoos
Our opener for the best sunscreens to protect tattoos is the Neutrogena Sheer SPF 100+, 3 Fl. Oz. This is a highly recommended tattoo sunscreen 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
- Non-greasy lotion
- Fast-absorbing
- Dry-Touch technology
- 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 best drugstore sunscreen 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 of sunscreen.
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 types 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 types
2. Sun Bum Original SPF 30- Natural Sunscreen for Tattoos
What other option would we have at this slot in the list of best drugstore sunscreen rather than the Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 3 oz?
Quick Summary
- SPF 30+, 3oz
- Sun Bum original scent
- Wide Spectrum Moisturizing sunscreen
- Vegan and reef-friendly
- Water proof
- Sun Bum product
- Paraben, PABA and non-petroleum
If you are an outdoor person, then it is probably the best time to grab this sunscreen 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 they 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 Original sunscreen SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion 3 oz. Protection for your tattoo element is well taken care of, ranking it highly among the best moisturizer and sunscreen for the tattoo care.
Moisturizing sun protection for your skin
For those hot summer afternoons, this non-comedogenic sunscreen 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 Original 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 skin products, you get to feel that summer aura with the original Sun Bum scent in this tattoo sunscreen.
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 tattoo sunscreen 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 Sunscreen– Champion Sunscreen for Tattoo Protection
Our list could not have gotten longer without mentioning Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen 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
- Contains SPF 30+ protecting against UVA/UVB
- Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide—No chemical sunscreen active ingredients
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- 40 minutes of maximum water-proof
- UV Photosensitive tube
Wide Spectrum protection with sensitive minerals
This Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral sun exposure 5oz offers the foremost sunscreen for big tattoos in the market. Tried and tested by top dermatologists, this sunscreen 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 Sunscreen 5oz is Paraben-free and fragrance-free, and thus ideal for sensitive skin, ranking highly in our list of the leading sunscreen for my tattoo.
Water-resistance
With this sunscreen, you are guaranteed water resistance of up to a maximum duration of 40 minutes.
UV Photosensitive Plastic Cap
The sunscreen to 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 tattoos sunscreen 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
- Contains Vitamin E and is reef friendly
- 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- Prime Sunscreen for Color Tattoos
The fourth entrant in our list of the best sunscreens for week old tattoo is the Australian Gold sunscreen spf Tattoo Stick 14 gm. If you need something small in size and easy to manage, then this is your pick.
Quick Summary
- Ultimate fade protection
- Contains Vitamin E
- Enhanced hydration and moisturizing
- Pocket-friendly size
- SPF 50+ spectrum
Provides the Ultimate Fade Protection
With the sunscreen spf Tattoo 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 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 sunscreen to protect tattoos sticks and lotions in the uncomparable sunscreens for tattoos, 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 sunscreen to use for tattoo.
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- Sunscreens for Fresh Tattoo
Our pick of supreme sunscreen to wear over tattoo is the CannaSmack Ink Guard Tattoo Sunscreen and Ink Fade Shield 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
- Cruelty-free
- Contains Vitamins A, B, C, D, and E
Infused with premium Hemp Seed Oil
If you need a sunscreen that will not only moisten but also brighten your skin, then the CannaSmack Ink Guard SPF 30 stick 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 sunscreen 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 sunscreen, 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 Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 100+, 3 Fl. Oz.
Firstly, the powerful SPF of 100+ in this broad-spectrum sunscreen 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?