In order to help you enjoy your vacation safely, we’ve reviewed the best sunscreen for Hawaii sun. After hours of testing, we’ve found that those products worked great for keeping you protected from sun damage. We believe these are the best sunscreens to support your beauty.
Hawaii is known for sunny skies and sandy beaches. But how can you protect yourself from the harmful rays?
You need a sunscreen that not only works but works well. Not every product can last long enough against the hot sun.
Especially while you are sweating or enjoying time in the ocean.
Learn more about each of them below.
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Quick Overview: Our Top Picks for the Best Sunscreen for Hawaii Sun
OUR TOP #1 PICK - Our top choice for the best sunscreen for Hawaii sun is Ocean Potion Protect and Nourish SPF 50 Sunscreen. We chose it because it may protect fair skin. It also contains a number of different vitamins to nourish us well.
OUR TOP #2 PICK - Second on our list is Obagi Medical Sun Shield Matte SPF 50 Sunscreen. We like the fragrance- and PABA-free formula. This sunscreen can provide both UVA and UVB protection. It uses zinc oxide and octinoxate.
OUR TOP #3 PICK - Number three on the list is Elta MD UV Shield SPF 45 Sunscreen. Again, we find zinc oxide here very efficient. It can stop the harsh rays from entering our body. And all while not feeling pasty or thick. It was made with people for oily to normal skin.
OUR TOP #4 PICK - Sun Bum SPF 50 Signature Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is number four on our list. It is hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain any parabens or synthetic fragrance. Created for people with sensitive skin, and is even safe for use on small children.
OUR TOP #5 PICK - Last on our list is Alba Botanica SPF 30 Hawaiian Sunscreen. We have only vegetarian and natural ingredients. This includes aloe vera and sunflower oil. We like that it is not composed with parabens, phthalates or artificials.
Advice for Finding a Sunscreen for Hawaii Sun
Hawaii has shown to have 70 percent sunny days of each year. So you are constantly at risk for sunburn.
To prevent, you will need a good sunscreen. And consider it a must especially if you are fair-skinned.
To all of you Island lovers, we recommend getting at least an SPF 30.Even when it is cloudy, you can burn. Those rarely gray days in Hawaii don’t lessen the risk.
Be sure to use a decent SPF every time you are outdoors in Hawaii.
You may notice dozens of different brands on the supermarket shelves.
Let’s take a look at a few tips for selecting a great sunscreen.
First, find something that offers broad spectrum protection. This means it can keep you safe from both UVA and UVB danger.
You want to avoid not only damaging rays but skin aging rays as well. They are just no good for you.
Next, you will want to select a sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 50. Anything above 50 isn’t really giving you an additional coverage.
You may just be paying more for a tiny percentage difference in protection. They may also tempt you to stay out in the sun for too long without reapplying.
Oxybenzone is a common ingredient that can disrupt hormone levels. It is actually a synthetic estrogen.
Once it is absorbed, it can cause problems. Instead, look for zinc oxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX.
We don’t recommend you to buy something that acts as both a bug repellent and a sunscreen. You’d better take them separately and apply the bug spray first.
If you will be out and enjoying activities, you should look for labels such as water- and sweat-resistant.
Otherwise, you may end up losing all the sunscreen due to the moisture washing it off your body.
Tips for Applying Sunscreen
Well, this seems like an easy task. But you will want to make sure that your skin is completely dry when you put it on.
If you are wet, things can go on unevenly. Moreover, it can be hard to rub in.
And so we can look white because of the residue.
We encourage you to apply a generous amount and massage it in completely. Your skin should glisten.
If you can’t reach certain areas, you may ask someone else to help you.
Aerosol sunscreens are safe to use, but they provide a less even coverage. This can put you at risk for getting a sunburn.
We’ve also noticed that they need to be reapplied more often than a traditional cream.
Don’t forget to be protected when you are going to be outdoors. Give your product at least 20 minutes to thoroughly soak in.
Then, you can enjoy being out in the sun. To prevent damage to your skin, apply sunscreen at least once every two hours.
If you are in the water or sweating, you should do it more frequently. Always read the labels and specific terms regarding the hours of reapplying.
Product Reviews: Our Top 5 Best Sunscreens for Hawaii Sun
Quality
Price
Our Rating
As a top product on our list, it can protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. The formula absorbs quickly.
We selected this one due to the fact that it uses avobenzone. Combined with Solaplex, it is more reliable.
This means it may last longer than it could on its own.
One reason we like this sunscreen so much is that it contains vitamins that may nourish our skin.
We have A, C, D, and E, that may hydrate and protect from free radicals. Nobody wants to assist the aging effect.
By far, the most important part of a sunscreen is protection from cancer-causing rays. But we all want to prevent the signs of aging, too.
With SPF 50, this product can keep out 98 percent of UV rays. Finally, a relief!
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Second on our list is a fragrance-free formula. It is gentle on skin while preventing sunburn with an SPF 50.
When we were testing it out, we liked the matte finish. It didn’t leave us shiny and greasy.
It didn’t leave behind anything. Once it soaks in, we consider it light and unnoticeable.
We like zinc oxide and octinoxate. Especially when it comes to their ability to keep 98 percent of damaging UV rays out.
It is also PABA-free and suitable for all skin types.
One thing we didn’t like is that it uses both chemical and physical sunscreens.
Apart from this, we find Citric Acid and Glycerin very potent.
This could cause a reaction for those with sensitive skin.
We were also disappointed that it isn’t water- and sweat-resistant. You should be alarmed and watch out while swimming for example.
Consider it often needs reapplication.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Quality
Price
Our Rating
We chose this product due to its ability keep skin hydrated without feeling heavy or pasty.
This zinc oxide sunscreen can protect us against both UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF of 45, it may block 98 percent of them.
We like that it doesn’t contain any oils. This makes it perfect for oily to normal skin.
Anyway, it is not suitable for dry types. It may not be able to keep skin hydrated.
This sunscreen can be ideal for both the face and the body. Beware of eventual burning or stinging the eyes.
All you have to do is to be very careful when applying it in that area.
As we mentioned above, you should better avoid it if you have extremely dry or sensitive skin.It may cause irritation or excessive dryness, accordingly.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Quality
Price
Our Rating
We really appreciate the hypoallergenic formula in this one. It is paraben-, PABA-, oxybenzone-, fragrance- and retinyl palmitate-free.
Furthermore, it doesn’t contain any oil. So we don’t have to be afraid of clogging our pores or making skin greasy.
We like that this product is both water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This makes it great for those who like sports, swimming or outdoor exercise.
It also stays where you put it on the skin. The SPF 50 protection is something that you cannot possibly afford to skip when being in Hawaii.
At least as a base for the first crucial days.
With Aloe barbadensis leaf extract and beeswax, we can enjoy a calmed and soothed skin.
Unfortunately, this sunscreen is hard to get rubbed in. You need to let the product soak into the skin for a couple of minutes.
It may also reappear on the body after you get wet. A white residue may make it undesirable for some.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
Quality
Price
Our Rating
Last on our list is a product, designed with only natural and vegetarian ingredients. There are no harsh chemicals that could soak into your skin.
Using aloe vera, sunflower oil, and fruit extracts, you can be protected from the sun, as well as hydrated and nourished.
This sunscreen contains no synthetic fragrances. There are no parabens or phthalates, and it is never tested on animals.
We like its rich content of five different active ingredients.
With homosalate, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Titanium dioxide and Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, your skin may be thoroughly protected from the harsh rays.
Unfortunately, it isn’t oil-free and may leave you feeling greasy after application. It is also very challenging to get even coverage.
You will need to be diligent to make sure that you get your entire body covered with this lotion.
What We Like
What We Don't Like
The Bottom Line
Our number one pick for the Best Sunscreen for Hawaii Sun is Ocean Potion Protect and Nourish SPF 50 Sunscreen. We like that it can protect skin against 98 percent of UVA and UVB damage.
It may also nourish deeply with a rich vitamin compound.
While we love all the products on this list, this was our favorite. We were fascinated by the quick absorption.
Its ability to stay on even in water for at least 80 minutes also impressed us.
However, all the listed cosmetics we have gathered for you can provide an appropriate level of protection against the intense Hawaiian sun.
We recommend them for any reason, but especially if you are heading to embrace the island vibes. We wish you a fantastic vacation!
You can help other people too, by letting us know your favorites in the comments section.
