Sunscreen for tattoos is a concept that might sound forced to some but artists can certainly relate to the issues it solves. Plus, the ‘Sun’ is one of the few impactful reasons that can cause tattoos to fade. As a tattoo artist, you wouldn’t want your client to experience the same. This is why you must immediately purchase the best sunscreen for tattoos, irrespective of the design being new or retouched.
Best Sunscreen for Tattoos — Quick Summary
If you are in a hurry, here is our top picks for the best sunscreen for tattoos:
Last update on 2024-12-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Even though there can be many reasons why a tattoo might fade, over-exposure is probably the most common yet largely overlooked one. It requires no tattooing background to realize that a fresh tattoo design needs to stay away from the glaring sun. But, does that mean staying locked indoors?
Not really, as you can still go out and keep your tattoo in great shape if you consider relying on the best sunscreens for tattoos. Still, it isn’t easy to zero in on the best sunscreen for tattoos as you need to take the composition, spectrum, SPF, budget, and other factors into account.
Most artists have trouble finding sunscreens that adhere perfectly to the client’s screen. Plus, another pain point associated with finding the best sunscreen is the diversity of skin types. Also, you need to recommend sunscreens according to the extent of exposure to sun rays as anything stronger or weaker might negatively impact the tattoo.
At Tattoo Machine Guns, we aim to help you find the best sunscreen for tattoos, which fits perfectly as a part of your tattoo-making repertoire. Our in-house experts realize the value of tattoo care and ensure that you can recommend the best products for the tattoo skin surface of your clients.
Top 10 Best Tattoo Sunscreen to Prevent Fading
Not just like a tattoo artist, you also need to protect your skin from sun exposure as a customer. Therefore, it is necessary to get hold of the best sunscreen for tattoos to shield the new or retouched design from the glaring sunlight.
So let us dig deep into the existing set of options that can readily safeguard the tattoos from the UV rays.
1. Aveeno Positively Mineral – Best Overall
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The Aveeno Positively Mineral comes in a small 15-ounce tube but has the potency of a sunscreen behemoth. So the next time you feel like underestimating it for the size, think twice.
What works for this sunscreen is the broad spectrum formula, allowing it to fit into every skincare regime. Plus, it works best if you have sensitive skin as the composition feels like water even on surfaces that are prone to irritants.
A tattoo is nothing but a glorified wound and this is where zinc oxide present in the Aveeno Positively Mineral comes to the rescue of the clients, courtesy of the healing properties. Plus, the oats-based colloidal mix of this product is an excellent emollient to rely on.
Not to mention the travel-friendly pack that allows you to carry the skincare regime despite being on the move. Also, with this tattoo sun-shielding cream, you need not worry about sun exposure as the SPF 50 covers you for every situation.
This is an aroma-free sunscreen with the formula being completely non-sticky. Plus, it is more than capable of reducing the effects of aging by effectively blocking the UVA and even UVB rays.
Therefore, if you are considering a sunscreen lotion or cream for sensitive skin types, the sweat, and water-resistant Aveeno Positively Mineral is to be purchased.
2. SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick – Best with Fragrance
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The SPF 30 from LAUTRE PEAU is one of the best sunscreens in the market, courtesy of the travel-friendly 3-pack setup and the innovative non-streak formula.
What works perfectly for most tattoo artists is the lightweight formula that doesn’t stick to the surface for long. Plus, there are no white residues to deal with. However, it is the SPF 30+ formula that steals the show as it allows tattoo artists to recommend the same to a wide range of clients.
Plus, this sunscreen lotion comes with a light, invigorating smell. While some might not be on board with a scented cream, the aroma isn’t overpowering and works in favor of the product. Also, this is a water-resistant sunscreen that doesn’t inhibit your water-based indulgences, even if you have been recently inked.
Finally, the SPF 30 offers money-back support to users who aren’t convinced with the quality of the same. However, you need to return the product within 30 days of arrival to make use of this functionality.
Overall, if you are into lightly scented sunscreens for tattoos, this is the best product that you can invest in.
3. Neutrogena Wet Skin – Best with Water Resistance
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The Neutrogena Wet Skin is the finest product on the list, provided you are interested in a water-resistant formulation. While the sunscreen stick is extremely pocket-friendly, its non-greasy layout makes it even more appealing.
Coming to the formulation and rating, the SPF 70 standpoint makes it the most potent option on the list if you belong to a terrain where the sun beats down hard. Also, it wouldn’t be wrong to state that this product is actually meant for active kids and even makes sense without a tattoo to save.
Plus, when applied, this sunscreen is the best sunscreen to consider in terms of skin longevity, offering 80 minutes of continued coverage. As a customer, you can use this product to save your tattoos from fading, even if you are always near water.
Also, this tattoo sunscreen acts as a potent moisturizer with a high SPF factor and heavy doses of Vitamin E. Not to mention the inclusion of an innovative Helioplex component, a substance that is effective enough to speed up skin healing whilst preventing sunburns.
Overall, if you are seeking a sunscreen lotion tested by dermatologists, Neutrogena Wet Skin easily cuts.
4. Sun Bum Original – Best Vegan Formulation
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If you are seeking a top-shelf sunscreen moisturizer with decent SPF and an easy-to-apply mechanism, the Sun Bum Original is the perfect product to purchase.
This is one of the best sunscreens for tattoos if you want extended protection from sun exposure. Plus, the Sun Bum Original is also known for the 80-minute safeguard from water, thereby covering you through an extended session at the gym. Also, the natural ingredients present in this tattoo sunscreen lend protection to every type of ink and color.
Much like the Neutrogena wet cream, even the Sun Bum sunscreen lotion can be used for extended water-specific indulgence. Plus, the non-greasy formula makes application easier. Also, this is one of the few non-comedogenic sunscreens on the market, further enriched by skin-healing Vitamin E.
Plus, this is an expert-approved product, free of hypoallergenic components. In conclusion, if you are in the market for a lightweight and non-greasy sunscreen that doesn’t depend on the skin’s surface Sun Bum is the option to choose.
5. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer – Best Tattoo Sunscreen against UV rays
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Finding a cream with such an insanely high SPF factor isn’t easy. However, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer achieves the unthinkable by offering SPF 100+, thereby adding massively to the protective layering.
The long-lasting product takes care of sunburns and even ensures that you are protected from the most harmful UV rays for almost 80 minutes at a stretch. Plus, it dries quicker than most creams on the list, which in turn keeps stains to a minimum.
Coming to the basics, the non-greasy product comes in a travel-friendly pack. Also, this sunscreen absorbs the fastest into the screen, thereby leaving close to zero residues and cakey substrates.
In case you are interested in the composition, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is free of harmful allergens and comedogenic substances. This ensures a lighter finish and minimizes the risks of skin issues.
Overall, if you are looking for a dermatologist-recommended, best sunscreen for tattoos that even offers resistance against water and sweat with high SPF for taking care of exposure, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is the perfect option.
6. Tattoo Care – Best with UVA and UVB protection
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Firstly, this is the best sunscreen for tattoos that are new or have been retouched, extensively. Secondly, the all-natural formulation doesn’t only offer excellent sun protection factors but also speeds up the healing process.
Natural ingredients present in this sunscreen stick are fortified with ample quantities of Vitamin E, an ingredient that adds to the sheen and brightness of the tattoos. Plus, this being the best sunscreen for tattoos also contains beeswax and buckthorn, which are non-greasy and good for newly tattooed skin.
What works best is the waterproof composition, working in tandem with the 30+ sun protection rating. Plus, this sunscreen also has a moisturizing effect on the body and you only need to apply a small quantity.
Finally, if you are looking for the best sunscreen for tattoos that protects the ink from UVA and UVB rays whilst comprising natural ingredients, the Tattoo Care sunscreen is one of the best items to consider.
7. La Roche-Posay – Best Broad-spectrum Tattoo Sunscreen
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This tattoo sunscreen takes innovation to newer heights with the Cell-OX sun protection support added into the mix. Plus, this best sunscreen for every tattoo ink is also loaded with antioxidants, which facilitate overall skincare.
This broad-spectrum, the best sunscreen for tattoos is completely oil-free and even tested for allergens. As tested by experts at TattooLous, this is one of the best sunscreens for tattoos with an SPF 50 rating. Plus, the featured ingredients pair perfectly with every tattoo ink there is.
In addition to these attributes, this product also features a 100 percent mineral-based formula, capable of working perfectly with any given tattoo ink. Plus, the dermatologist-certified composition is great for any kind of tattooed skin and can lend protection to your tattoo, regardless of the sun’s glare.
Lastly, this is a fast-absorbing, best sunscreen for tattoos that can even protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
8. Zinka – Best Sunscreen for Extra Moisturizing
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Zinka has taken the concept of the best sunscreen for tattoos to the pinnacle of innovation with a clear non-greasy formula and the generous presence of zinc oxide. Plus, the water-resistant formula can skillfully protect your tattoos and skin, while avoiding the designs to fade away with time.
Our experts were most impressed with the easy-to-apply composition. Also, the SPF 50 rating is good enough to cover you across a wide range of demographics. This product works well regardless of the tattoo ink you choose to use as a professional artist.
Overall, if you are seeking the best sunscreen for tattoos that can keep the tattoos from fading, the Zinka cream is the one to purchase.
9. CannaSmack Ink Guard – Best with Hemp Seed Oil
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As a tattoo artist, you should be using the CannaSmack Ink Guard if you want to keep the tattoo from fading. Plus, if you apply this sunscreen diligently enough on your tattoo, you might just be able to make the designs look brighter in time.
Coming to the most impactful specifications, the tattoo sunscreen from CannaSmack comes forth as a water-resistant, tattoo-protection formula. Plus, the gluten and sulfate-free ingredients keep the irritation to a minimum.
Plus, this isn’t simply the best sunscreen for tattoos that promises the world. Instead, it also delivers, courtesy of the zero fragrance and ability to work with every type of skin surface.
10. Australian Gold – Best with a Pleasing Scent
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The Australian gold is the best sunscreen for a tattoo, provided you have a penchant for elusive ingredients like Eucalyptus, Kakadu palm, and red eucalyptus. Also, this sunscreen imparts a pleasing yet impactful aroma, making it one of a kind.
Moreover, you can use this item on every skin type. Also, the SPF 50 sun protection rating helps further the credibility of this tattoo sunscreen.
Our only gripe with this cream is the light formula, which makes you apply it in larger quantities. Therefore, the price-to-value ratio isn’t the best one around. However, the excellent sun protection qualities make us ignore this minor loophole.
Overall, this best sunscreen for tattoos isn’t your regular item but a product fortified with high-end, natural ingredients, which even facilitates a faster healing process.
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Tattoos
Finding the best sunscreen for a tattoo feels easier if you know where and what to look for. In the subsequent sections, we have enlisted the best parameters that you need to identify for zeroing in on the perfect sunscreen.
Sun Protection
The sun protection rating should be your primary concern while selecting the best sunscreen for tattoos. Our advice would be to invest in a product with a minimum SPF 30 rating. Also, if you belong to a locale where the sun literally beats down on the tattoo, a long-lasting cream with a higher SPF rating is the one to look for.
Texture
You can have the best tattoo for sunscreen at your disposal but if the texture doesn’t respond well to the skin surface, you might end up disappointing the customers. Different users prefer diverse textures and choices should be made accordingly. You can either select a basic sunscreen spray, thick sunscreen cream, or a lighter sunscreen lotion based on the aligned skin-protecting capabilities.
Ingredient List
Selecting the best sunscreen for tattoos might not be as straightforward as getting a good tattoo aftercare product. As sunscreen aims to achieve a different purpose, it is necessary to check for the ingredients. If you are only starting out, select options loaded with aloe vera, Vitamin E, hemp seed oil, and zinc oxide. You can also opt for other components that have been cleared by the American Academy of Dermatology.
Best Tattoo Sunscreen FAQs
What is the best sunscreen to use on tattoos?
While there are quite a few best sunscreens for tattoos to choose from, we are most impressed by the Aveeno Positively cream, owing to its broad spectrum composition and anti-aging properties.
What sunscreen can I use on a new tattoo?
Our suggestion would be to choose a sunscreen with aloe vera if you have been inked recently. Still, if you prefer going with the generic options, the SPF 30 stick is a pretty good option, provided you have a thing for fragrant sunscreens.
Is Neutrogena Sunscreen good for tattoos?
Yes, the Ultra Sheer sunscreen is probably the best product in the market, provided you are primarily looking for sun protection for the skin. The SPF 100+ rating is perfect for customers who have a thing for getting tanned.
Is SPF 30 enough for tattoos?
It can be if you can restrict exposure to sun rays. SPF 30 is a pretty good rating for basic sunscreens but if you are looking to purchase the best sunscreen for tattoos, this formula and SPF factor might fall short for direct contact with the sun. However, you need to see if the same is compatible with diverse skin types and contains natural ingredients or not.
Top Rated Sunscreen for Tattoos
Last update on 2024-12-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Conclusion
Finding the best sunscreen for tattoos can be overwhelming as there are diverse options to consider. As an artist, you need to check the reviews, the effect of the cream on the body art, and the level of protection it offers. Plus, certain sunscreens also speed up the healing processes and make way for a natural tan, without affecting the color and design.
If your judgment still happens to be clouded, put your faith in the Aveeno Positively Mineral as it saves the tattoos from fading while being one of the products that can minimize skin aging, even when you rest inside the home.
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