As an athlete, your skin is constantly exposed to the sun’s harmful UV rays, whether you're running, cycling, swimming, or playing outdoor sports. Sun protection is crucial not only to prevent sunburn but also to reduce the risk of long-term skin damage and cancer. However, not all sunscreens are created equal—athletes need sweat-proof, water-resistant, and non-greasy formulas that won’t interfere with performance.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best sunscreen products for athletes in 2025, considering factors like durability, sweat resistance, and skin-friendly ingredients.
Why Athletes Need Specialized Sunscreen
Regular sunscreens may not hold up under intense physical activity. Athletes need sunscreens that:
✔ Are sweat-proof and water-resistant – Stays on during workouts.
✔ Offer broad-spectrum protection – Shields against UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
✔ Have a lightweight, non-greasy feel – Won’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
✔ Are easy to apply and reapply – Convenient for training and competitions.
✔ Free from harmful chemicals – Avoid oxybenzone and parabens if possible.
Now, let’s dive into the top sunscreens for athletes in 2024.
Best Sunscreens for Athletes in 2025
1. Neutrogena Sport Face Oil-Free Lotion SPF 70
Best for: High-intensity outdoor sports
Key Features:
Oil-free, non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores)
Sweat-proof and water-resistant (80 minutes)
Lightweight, matte finish
Broad-spectrum SPF 70
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
Neutrogena’s Sport Face sunscreen is designed for athletes who need strong sun protection without the greasy feel. It stays put even during sweaty workouts and is ideal for runners, cyclists, and hikers.
2. EltaMD UV Sport Broad-Spectrum SPF 50
Best for: Endurance athletes & sensitive skin
Key Features:
Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Fragrance-free and paraben-free
Lightweight, fast-absorbing formula
Contains antioxidants for skin protection
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
EltaMD is a favorite among triathletes and marathon runners because it doesn’t sting the eyes and provides long-lasting coverage. It’s also great for those with sensitive skin.
3. Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Best for: Budget-friendly, heavy sweating
Key Features:
Ultra sweat-resistant
Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Affordable and widely available
Non-greasy formula
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
Banana Boat’s Sport Performance is a go-to for athletes who need reliable, sweat-proof protection without breaking the bank. It’s great for team sports like soccer, football, and beach volleyball.
4. Blue Lizard Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best for: Extreme outdoor conditions
Key Features:
Mineral-based (zinc oxide & titanium dioxide)
Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Paraben-free and fragrance-free
Smart bottle technology (turns pink in harmful UV light)
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
Blue Lizard is perfect for athletes who prefer a physical (mineral) sunscreen that’s gentle on the skin. It’s ideal for ultra-marathoners, surfers, and mountain bikers.
5. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Best for: Everyday training & eco-conscious athletes
Key Features:
Reef-safe (oxybenzone & octinoxate-free)
Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Hydrating with antioxidants
Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
Supergoop! PLAY is a clean, reef-safe sunscreen that’s perfect for athletes who train daily. It’s also great for swimmers and surfers concerned about ocean-friendly ingredients.
6. Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50
Best for: Sensitive skin & outdoor sports
Key Features:
100% mineral-based
Sweat and water-resistant (80 minutes)
Hypoallergenic and oil-free
Non-whitening formula
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
Coppertone’s mineral version is excellent for athletes with sensitive skin or those who prefer a chemical-free option. It’s great for long training sessions in the sun.
7. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60
Best for: High-performance athletes
Key Features:
Ultra-lightweight, fast-absorbing
Water-resistant (80 minutes)
Contains Cell-Ox Shield® (antioxidant protection)
Non-greasy, non-sticky
Why It’s Great for Athletes:
La Roche-Posay is trusted by professional athletes for its high protection and elegant texture. It’s ideal for triathletes, cyclists, and runners who need a premium sunscreen.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Sport
Not all sports have the same sun protection needs. Here’s a quick guide:
| Sport | Best Sunscreen Type |
|---|---|
| Running/Cycling | Sweat-proof, lightweight (Neutrogena, EltaMD) |
| Swimming/Surfing | Water-resistant, reef-safe (Supergoop!, Blue Lizard) |
| Team Sports (Soccer, Football) | Affordable, sweat-resistant (Banana Boat, Coppertone) |
| Endurance (Triathlon, Marathon) | Long-lasting, non-irritating (La Roche-Posay, EltaMD) |
Sunscreen Application Tips for Athletes
Even the best sunscreen won’t work if applied incorrectly. Follow these tips:
Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure – Gives time to bind to skin.
Use enough product – About a shot glass worth for full body coverage.
Reapply every 2 hours – More often if sweating or swimming.
Don’t forget key areas – Ears, neck, back of knees, and lips.
Pair with other protection – Wear a hat, sunglasses, and UV-protective clothing.
Final Verdict: Best Sunscreen for Athletes in 2025
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50
Best Budget: Banana Boat Sport Performance SPF 50
Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sport SPF 50+
Best for Endurance Athletes: La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60
Best Mineral Option: Coppertone Sport Mineral SPF 50
No matter your sport, protecting your skin from UV damage should be a non-negotiable part of your training routine. Choose a sunscreen that fits your activity level, skin type, and environmental conditions to stay safe under the sun.
Stay Protected, Perform Better!
At Athlix, we’re committed to helping athletes optimize performance—and that includes skin protection. Have a favorite sunscreen we missed? Let us know in the comments!
Got a big race or outdoor event coming up? Stock up on the best sunscreens and train smarter, not harder.