The Best Travel-size Sunscreens, Tested and Reviewed

From texture to water resistance, Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen won us over when we used it on a four-day trip to Hawaii. While we were expecting the formula to feel thick like typical mineral sunscreens, we were big fans of the liquid-type texture that applies like a nourishing lotion. After putting sunscreen all over the body and face at the beach, we loved that the formula absorbs quickly, only has a faint mineral smell, and doesn’t feel greasy.

Best of all, we discovered that a little goes a long way thanks to the lightweight and slightly runny texture of the sunscreen. When we went into the ocean, the sunscreen remained on the skin and didn’t come off or transfer onto any clothes or towels. We used the sunscreen several times per day for four days, and there was still about one-third of the product left over, so we think the value is exceptional for a hydrating and protective 3-ounce bottle.

The Details: SPF: 50 | Weight: 3 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: Yes | Additional Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free

Banana Boat is one of the best and most affordable brands on the market, so we recommend its travel-size Sport Performance Sunscreen. For a competitive price, you get two 3-ounce bottles that can easily fit in your carry-on. T+L’s digital editorial director Nina Ruggiero used the sunblock on a trip to Mexico and raved about the no-frills formula that is hydrating, protective from the sun, and doesn’t transfer onto clothes or swimsuits.

The texture is fairly thick, so it takes a bit of rubbing in to get a sheer finish, but it doesn’t take too long to absorb. “It protected my skin on a long day out on a boat in the sun, and I got a nice glow but did not burn at all,” she shared. The only downside is that the sunblock isn’t safe for reefs, which is something to consider for snorkeling or swimming in tropical waters.

The Details: SPF: 30 | Weight: 3 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: No | Additional Features: Oil-free, fragrance-free

The best part of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen is that you’ll barely feel it on your skin after applying the smooth and lightweight formula. Within one minute of applying the sunscreen, it absorbs seamlessly without leaving a greasy trace. The subtle floral scent masks any hints of typical sunscreen odors, so we didn’t mind the smell.

We think the sunscreen consistency is thick enough that it feels hydrating without leaving a pesky white cast. When we wore the sunscreen under running water, it did run off the skin a little bit, but it didn’t cause the stinging in the eyes that can often happen with sunscreen. If you’re looking for sunblock that feels barely-there, this one should be on your packing list. 

The Details: SPF: 55 | Weight: 3 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: Yes | Additional Features: PABA-free

The MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are two ingredients that can cause coral reef bleaching. As expected with a mineral sunscreen, it was a bit thick, but once we rubbed it in thoroughly, the slight white cast went away.

However, the best aspect of this silky sunblock is that it can be used all over the body. Besides the eco-conscious formula, we love that the brand also uses ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc, that are designed for sensitivities like acne- or rosacea-prone skin. If you’re curious about the formula, the brand lists every ingredient with the option to click on the name for an explainer of the purpose of the component.

The Details: SPF: 50 | Weight: 1.7 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: Yes | Additional Features: Vegan, cruelty-free

Parker also swears by Supergoop sunscreen, especially the Blue Sea Kale Body Mousse. Whether you’re applying sunscreen to your face or body, it’s super easy to use the top-press applicator to release the lightweight foam sunscreen. It has a very slight sunscreen scent that isn’t overpowering, and Parker often uses it as a hydrating lotion when traveling to tropical destinations. “My skin is prone to dryness and this product feels moisturizing enough that it can replace a separate body lotion for me as well,” she said. “Even when I’m in a hot climate or sweating, there’s no stickiness or evidence that something is on my skin.” We love that the formula doesn’t leave any type of white cast or greasiness after application. Parker always recommends it to her friends with kids, as the whipped texture makes it extra fun to apply.

The Details: SPF: 50 | Weight: 3 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: No | Additional Features: Vegan, cruelty-free

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is designed for melanated skin and made with a nourising ingredients including jojoba and avocado, which protect and moisturize the skin without leaving a white cast. We wore the sunscreen over medicated acne creams and loved that it layers smoothly over the other skin care products without transferring or rubbing off when it comes into contact with water. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free, which is better for sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a facial sunscreen with a glowy (not greasy) finish, this sunscreen is a great option.

The Details: SPF: 30 | Weight: 3 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: Yes | Additional Features: Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free

Using a spray sunscreen like this option from Coola makes it easier to reach more difficult parts of the body, like the back. We’re big fans of the lightweight and transparent formula of this SPF 30 spray that didn’t leave any type of pasty color or greasy finish behind. And best of all, we couldn’t get enough of the coconut scent that wasn’t too overpowering and transported us to a sunny tropical island.

The spray sunscreen dries quickly after being lightly rubbed into the skin, and we appreciated the gentle and nourishing feel of the vegan and paraben-free formula. After using sunscreen on the face every day for two weeks, there was about half left, so we think the 2-ounce bottle would only last for a weekend trip if you’re using it for all-over coverage. However, for quicker trips, this lightweight spray is a great option.

The Details: SPF: 30 | Weight: 2 ounces | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Reef Safe: No | Additional Features: Vegan, cruelty-free