7 Best Sunscreens That Do Not Stain The Clothes – 2023
It is time you try skin care products that do not ruin your favourite dresses.
Expertise: Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, Venereology
Experience: 9 years
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
Shiboli Chakraborti Certified Skin Care Coach
Expertise: Skin Care & Hair Care
Experience: 3 years
Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with three years of experience. As an editor, she ... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
While bathing suits and bikinis are made to resist stains and chemicals, your everyday clothes might get stained from the sunscreen you put on your skin. Finding the best sunscreen that doesn’t stain your clothes is not easy. But there are some great options out there that protect both your clothes and your skin. The reason why you get these stains in the first place is due to the presence of the chemical avobenzone. Avobenzone is an ingredient that absorbs the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. While that is beneficial in the long run, it also leaves you with those pesky stains that don’t go away. That is why you should opt for clothes-friendly sunscreens that are free of avobenzone.
Here is a list of the top sunscreens that don’t stain your clothes and leave your skin looking happy and smooth!
Top Picks
- 1
![]()
Best Quick-Absorbing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Neutrogena $13.97 ON AMAZON Read More › $13.97 ON AMAZON - 2
![]()
- 3
![]()
- 4
![]()
- 5
![]()
- 6
![]()
- 7
![]()
In This Article
7 Best Recommended Non-Staining Sunscreens
Best Quick-Absorbing:Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Image: Neutrogena
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is equipped with Helioplex Technology and SPF45 to offer broad-spectrum protection to your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both ultraviolet A and B rays. UVA is mainly responsible for photoaging, while UVB causes sunburns on the skin.” This oil-free sunscreen is well-trusted by dermatologists . The non-comedogenic sunscreen makes it an ideal choice for those with oily or sensitive skin types. The new and improved quick-absorbing sunscreen is oxybenzone-free and helps in reducing the risk of cancer and sunburns when used as suggested. The Dry Touch Technology ensures that the sunscreen glides easily on the skin without feeling greasy. This matte-finish sunscreen for sensitive skin is lightweight, non-comedogenic, quick-absorbing, and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This video will help guide you about the features of the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen.
Also Recommended By: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen has also made it to the lists by Skinblog.[1]7 Best Sunscreens That Do Not Stain The Clothes. SkinBlog. https://skinblog.net/7-best-sunscreens-that-do-not-stain-the-clothes/
Pros - Comes in spray and stick forms
- For daily use
- Spreads easily
- Lightweight
- Quickly absorbed
- Water-resistant
- Travel-friendly
- Dermatologist-tested
- Oxybenzone-free
- PABA-free
Cons
- Leaves white cast.
- Not sweatproof
Best Water-Resistant:Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen
This Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen from Hawaiian Tropic has broad-spectrum SPF30 to protect the skin from damaging UV rays. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Sun protection factor (SPF) is a measure of the amount of time a sunscreen will protect you from UV rays. Having SPF 30 means that the sunscreen blocks about 97% of UV rays. It is still recommended to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.” The luxurious and non-greasy sunscreen includes shea butter and mango fruit extract to leave your skin moisturized and radiant. This water-resistant sunscreen features a tropical scent derived from a combination of passionflower, mango, guava, coconut, and plumeria that offers a beachy feel. This non-staining sunscreen provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance and is enriched with skin-nourishing antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
Pros - Nourishing formula
- Tropical fragrance
- Water-resistant
- Dermatologically tested
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Oxybenzone-free
- Octinoxate-free
- Oil-free
Cons
- May cause itching.
- Leaves a white residue.
Quick TipBest Mineral-Based Formula:BLUE LIZARD Australian Sunscreen
BLUE LIZARD’s Australian Sunscreen is specially crafted for sensitive skin types. Its mild yet effective formula contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that act like tiny mirrors to reflect harsh UV rays away from the skin and prevent them from entering. Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Philippine Dermatological Society, says, “Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are considered physical sunscreens. These protect the skin by physically blocking or reflecting the sun’s harmful rays.” This broad-spectrum sunscreen is equipped with SPF30, is dermatologically recommended, and offers water resistance for up to 40 minutes. The bottle turns blue to indicate the need to apply sunscreen when you are out in the harsh sun. Check this video for a detailed review of the Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen.
Pros - Mineral-based formula
- Unscented
- Water-resistant
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Reef-safe
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Leaves a white cast.
Best Non-Oily:Thinksport SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Thinksport SPF 50+ is an avobenzone-free sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It uses a non-nano zinc oxide formulation with an average particle size of >100microns to provide the desired protection from the sun. Its non-greasy formula is absorbed instantly without leaving any obtrusive smell and provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance. This video will inform you about the ingredients, usage, merits, or demerits of the Thinksport Safe Sunscreen.
Pros - Non-oily
- No chemical absorbers
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- PABA-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- 1,4 dioxane-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Leaves a white cast.
- Not easy to apply.
RememberBest Reef-Friendly:Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion
TheUltra Sport Sunscreen Lotion from Banana Boat has a clinically proven formula with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ to provide adequate UVA and UVB protection. It is a sunscreen for outdoor activities and is ideal for sports enthusiasts. It has a breathable formula that provides up to 80 minutes of water resistance. This sunscreen is for all skin types won’t run into your eyes, never feels greasy, and keeps you active and protected. It is an effective sunscreen that leaves no white cast.
Pros - Lightweight
- Sweat-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Non-greasy
- Breathable
- Reef-friendly
- Suitable for kids
- Pleasant scent
- No burning sensation
Cons
- Difficult to spread
Best Hypoallergenic:Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen
Aveeno’s Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen is non-irritating and zinc oxide-based. This hypoallergenic, invisible sunscreen is gentle on sensitive skin and is equipped with broad-spectrum SPF 50 and oats to nourish and protect the skin. This non-comedogenic formula has an ultralight texture that provides a sheer, matte finish. This residue-free sunscreen gets absorbed quickly and offers up to 80 minutes of sweat and water resistance.
Pros - Lightweight
- Sweat-resistant
- Water-resistant
- Transparent sunscreen
- Oil-free
- Non-irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- For daily use
- Dermatologically approved
- Fragrance-free
- Paraben-free
- Phthalate-free
- Dye-free
Cons
- May cause a burning sensation.
- Does not spread easily.
Best For Sensitive Skin:Raw Elements Certified Natural Sunscreen
The Certified Natural Sunscreen from Raw Elements is suitable for both the face and body. It has non-nano zinc oxide and broad-spectrum SPF30 to protect the skin against harsh and damaging UVA and UVB rays. The potent long-lasting sunscreen is ideal for all age groups as it is gentle on the skin due to being 95% organic. This sunscreen is ideal for daily use, moisturizes the skin, and doesn’t sting the eyes. This chemical-free sunscreen is enriched with certified natural ingredients like antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that offer up to 80 minutes of water resistance.
Pros - Suits sensitive skin
- Reef-friendly
- Gluten-free
- Soy-free
- Nut-free
- Synthetic chemicals-free
- GMO-free
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Unpleasant smell
- Leaves residue
- Sticky
Quick TipInfographic: Things To Consider Before Buying Sunscreens That Do Not Stain Clothes
Check out the infographic given below which lists some pointers to keep in mind while buying a sunscreen that does not stain your clothes. It also helps you select a sunscreen based on factors other than just SPF value. This infographic will also assist you in selecting a formulation that works for your skin type. Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Save the high-quality PDF version on your device now.
Download Infographic 
Non-staining sunscreens are always a better choice as they not only protect your skin from sun damage but also prevent your clothes from staining. These sunscreens glide easily on your skin without feeling greasy. They are lightweight and get absorbed quickly, reducing the risk of staining your clothes. Also, these stain-free sunscreens are devoid of any harsh chemicals and free of avobenzone. They are great options to protect your clothes and skin and say no to staining without hassle.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author, Shiboli Chakraborti, is a certified skin care coach who knows what your skin needs to look and feel its best as per your age and skin type. Whether it’s dry skin, blemishes, or dark spots, she has in-depth knowledge of the products that can help you deal with these! She has done her research and reviewed several customer testimonials before shortlisting these sunscreens that do not stain the clothes. They not only help you get that even-toned sun-protected skin all over your face and body but also keep your clothes neat and stain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does sunscreen stain clothes? What is the ingredient in sunscreen that stains clothes?
Yes, some versions of sunscreens can stain clothes due to the presence of avobenzone.
Should you wear sunscreen under your clothes?
Wearing sunscreen under clothes depends upon the material. If it is light cotton with a UPF of around 5, you might need to apply sunscreen.
Areoxybenzone and avobenzone the same?
No, oxybenzone and avobenzone are not the same. While oxybenzone filters both UVA and UVB rays, avobenzone blocks UVA rays.
- 11 Best Drugstore Sunscreens To Protect Your Skin From UV Rays
- 17 Best Recommended Sunscreens For Every Skin Type
- Say Hello To Summer With The 15 Best Sunscreens For Kids
