The 9 Best Sunscreens for Runners of 2021

Best Overall: BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral-Based Sunscreen

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If you’re ever unsure about whether you need sunscreen on a cloudy day, Blue Lizard Mineral-Based UPF 30+ Sunscreen takes the guesswork out of it. Its unique, patented UV photo-sensitive bottle turns from white to blue in the presence of harmful UV rays, so you’ll know exactly when to apply.

But it’s not just this unique and helpful feature that puts Blue Lizard at the top of our list. The dermatologist-recommended, hypoallergenic formula contains only high-quality, non-irritating, natural minerals to provide highly effective, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB skin protection.

Free of fragrances and chemicals, it’s safe and effective for even the most sensitive skin types. Unlike some other mineral-based sunscreens, it’s not thick and spreads onto skin easily and effortlessly.

Best Stick: Shiseido WetForce Clear Stick UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen

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If you hate the sticky, shiny residue that some stick sunscreens leave behind, you should give Shiseido Wetforce Clear Stick SPF 50+ Sunscreen a try. Intended for use during outdoor activities and sports, it’s non-greasy, goes on easily, and leaves skin feeling smooth.

The sunscreen’s WetForce technology makes its protective veil even stronger once it comes into contact with water or sweat, staying water-resistant for 80 minutes. It’s also noncomedogenic and turns invisible on any skin tone, so you don’t have to worry about the “white mask” look when you’re running.

Perfect for travel and on-the-go application, you can throw it in your bag without worrying about accidental leaks or spills.

Best Non-Greasy: Supergoop! Everyday Play SPF 50 Lotion

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No one likes the feel of greasy sunscreen on their skin, but avoiding SPF all together isn't the right solution. According to dermatologists, people are often exposed to harmful rays without knowing it, and "even incidental sun exposure for only ten to 15 minutes a day adds up over time," said Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon in New York.

Luckily, this non-greasy option by Supergoop! is fast-absorbing, highly-effective, and won’t leave runners feeling sticky. While it’s thin and easy to spread, it provides excellent SPF 50 broad-spectrum sun protection without feeling greasy or leaving a white residue.

For runners concerned about breakouts, it’s oil-free and noncomedogenic, as well as rich in antioxidants.

Best Budget: Coppertone Sport Clear SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

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If you frequently run outdoors and go through a ton of sunscreen, you'll want an affordable choice. This budget-friendly SPF 30 sunscreen from Coppertone is a clear lotion that feels cool when you apply it, leaving behind no white residue or stickiness.

Despite its reasonable price tag, it’s free of PABA, dyes, and synthetic preservatives, and it's also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Best for Face: La Roche Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Face Sunscreen-SPF 60

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Even if your running gear consists of a hat or visor, your face will still get plenty of sun exposure on the run. Dermatologist-tested and approved, La Roche's Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 60 offers the superior protection you need for the delicate skin on your face, while also keeping the skin hydrated and helping to visibly reduce the appearance of sun damage.

Noncomedogenic and allergy-tested, this sunscreen is perfect for sensitive and breakout-prone skin. It’s ultra-lightweight, non-greasy, and translucent, so it won’t leave your face with a shiny appearance or white residue. While you’ll pay a bit more for it than some other facial sunscreens, you know you’re getting a high-quality, very effective product.

Best for Acne: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen

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The combination of sweat and sunscreen can lead to some bad breakouts, but Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free sunscreen can keep your face protected and clear.

The SPF 55 sunscreen is PABA-free, noncomedogenic, and oil-free, so it’s perfect for sensitive skin and won’t clog your pores, aggravate your skin, or cause acne breakouts.

Formulated with clinically-proven Helioplex, an advanced sunscreen technology, the lotion offers superior broad-spectrum protection from skin-aging UVA rays and skin burning UVB rays. It’s also sweat-proof and water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about it running in your eyes when you’re getting your miles in.

Best Water-Resistant: All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion Water Resistant SPF 30

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If you want a sunscreen that’s ideal for swimming as well as running, this pick is for you. Although it’s zinc-based, it goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin. The SPF 30 sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, after which it should be re-applied.

It's made of all-natural ingredients like organic green tea, aloe, and leaf extract. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, biodegradable and coral reef-friendly, so you can feel good about using it.

Best Spray: COOLA Organic Sunscreen Body Spray SPF 50

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Coola Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 Spray gives you the convenience and effectiveness of a sunscreen spray without all the harsh chemicals. Runners love that the bottle keeps spraying even when it’s upside down, so they can easily cover those tough-to-reach spots.

Rich in antioxidants like aloe and strawberry seed extract, and skin-nourishing ingredients, this sheer formula rubs in quickly without feeling greasy, and is also water- and sweat-resistant.