Top Sunscreen Brands to Protect Your Tattoos Brilliantly

Finding the right sunscreen to protect your tattoos is essential, as it helps prevent fading and damage from UV exposure. With countless options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best sunscreen that offers both protection and care for your ink. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or enjoying a sunny day out, having a reliable sunscreen can ensure the longevity of your tattoos. Below, we've compiled a list of the best brands specifically formulated to shield your artwork from the sun’s harmful rays.

Illustration of sunscreen for tattoos

Best brands of sunscreen for tattoos in 2025

Mad Rabbit

Mad Rabbit is renowned as one of the best producers of sunscreen for tattoos, offering a 100% mineral SPF 30 sunscreen that provides robust protection against UVA and UVB rays. This product, packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and moisturizing botanicals, ensures skin and tattoos remain soothed, nourished, and shielded from environmental stressors. The sunscreen contains 14% Zinc Oxide as its active ingredient and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin. It is recommended to apply the sunscreen at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 80 minutes to two hours for maximum protection. With its greaseless and non-irritating formula, Mad Rabbit's sunscreen is a favorite among tattoo enthusiasts.

Inked Ritual

Inked Ritual stands out as a premier brand for sunscreen and care products specifically designed for tattoos, offering a Tattoo Care Serum that outperforms everyday moisturizers and sunscreens. This serum is packed with seven anti-aging peptides and antioxidants, ensuring comprehensive protection and rejuvenation for tattooed skin. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, Inked Ritual addresses the unique needs of tattoo care, providing a superior alternative to standard skincare products. The brand's commitment to innovation aligns with the growing demand for specialized sun protection products, which is expected to rise at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2031 in the U.S. market. For more details, you can explore the comparison of Inked Ritual vs. moisturizers and sunscreen products.

Tattoo Care

Tattoo care brands, such as those highlighted in the global tattoo aftercare products market, are esteemed for their high-quality sunscreens designed to protect tattoos. For instance, mineral sunscreens with SPF 30 or SPF 50, like those recommended, offer 96.7% to 98% protection against UVB rays, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity and color of tattoos. These products, often featuring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are preferred for their safety and effectiveness, as they do not penetrate the skin and are FDA-approved as Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE). The market for these products is expected to grow significantly, with a projected CAGR of 9.6% from 2024 to 2031, reaching a market size of US$ 368.2 million by 2031.

Avene

Avene is a highly recommended brand for sunscreens suitable for tattoos, offering products like the Avene Intense Protect SPF50+ sunscreen, which is free from fragrance, does not sting the eyes, and is adapted for use on tattoos, pregnant skin, and light skin. This sunscreen provides a high level of protection with SPF 50+ and is water-resistant, making it ideal for outdoor use. It is designed to absorb quickly and leave no white cast, although it has a rich, shiny finish. This product is particularly beneficial for preventing sun damage and skin cancer, aligning with the importance of using adequate sunscreen as emphasized by dermatologists. The Avene Intense Protect SPF50+ is a sensitive-skin friendly option that ensures strong UV protection.

La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay is highly regarded as one of the best producers of sunscreen for tattoos, particularly with their Anthelios range. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen SPF 60 is a top recommendation, offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and a lightweight, non-greasy texture. This sunscreen is suitable for daily use and helps prevent tattoo fading and skin damage from sun exposure. It is advised to use a minimum of SPF 50 for newly healed tattoos, and La Roche-Posay's Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen Fluid is another excellent option, providing 40 minutes of water resistance and a matte finish. These products ensure your tattoos remain vibrant and protected from the sun's harsh rays.

Sun Bum

Sun Bum is a highly regarded brand for sunscreen, particularly for those with tattoos, known for its fun, laid-back "beach hippie" personality and commitment to environmental and animal welfare. Founded in 2010 by Tom Rinks, Sun Bum offers sunscreens that are free from harmful ingredients, eco-friendly, and effective, with products like their mineral sunscreens providing broad-spectrum protection with SPF 30 or higher. Their products are designed to be non-greasy and gentle on the skin, making them ideal for tattooed areas. Sun Bum's success is evident in its recent acquisition by SC Johnson for $400 million, highlighting its strong market presence. The brand's unique approach to branding and product quality has made it a favorite among consumers.

CeraVe

CeraVe is highly regarded as one of the best producers of sunscreen for tattoos due to its moisturizing and protective properties. Their sunscreens, such as the Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Face Lotion with SPF 50, are formulated with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to keep the skin hydrated and protected from UVA and UVB rays without irritating sensitive skin. Developed in collaboration with dermatologists since its founding in 2005, CeraVe's products are designed to restore the skin's natural barrier, making them ideal for tattoo aftercare. The brand's mineral sunscreens are 100% mineral-based, oil-free, and non-comedogenic, ensuring they are safe for all skin types, including those with fresh tattoos. This makes CeraVe a top choice for maintaining the health and vibrancy of tattooed skin.

Coppertone Tattoo Guard

Coppertone, while not specifically marketed as a "Tattoo Guard" brand, is a renowned and somewhat reliable producer of sunscreens, though their effectiveness can vary. For example, Coppertone Ultra Guard Lotion SPF 70+ received a Very Good score for variation from SPF in Consumer Reports tests, testing within 70 to 84 percent of the labeled SPF. However, other Coppertone products, like the Coppertone Sport High Performance Spray SPF 30, have received poorer ratings for not meeting their labeled SPF. Coppertone has a significant brand awareness of 68% among male cosmetics users in the U.S., with 13% of these users actually using the brand. Despite this, the brand's loyalty rate is around 9% among male users.

Neutrogena

Neutrogena is highly regarded as one of the best producers of sunscreen for tattoos, with their Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen standing out for its broad-spectrum protection and lightweight, matte finish. This sunscreen offers SPF 70, making it an excellent choice for protecting tattoos from UV radiation. Recommended by skincare experts and dermatologists, it is advised to apply this sunscreen after the tattoo has fully healed, typically 4-6 weeks post-tattooing. Neutrogena's product is praised for its non-greasy texture and effectiveness in preventing sun damage and fading of tattoo pigments. It is also an affordable option, making it a popular choice among tattooed individuals. For more information on the best sunscreen options for tattoos, visit this comprehensive guide on sunscreens for tattoos.

Eucerin

Eucerin is highly regarded as one of the best producers of sunscreen for tattoos due to its effective UV protection and gentle, skin-friendly formulas. Their sunscreens from the Eucerin Sun Protection range offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and are often water-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor activities and swimming. These products are dermatologically-tested and suitable for all skin types, minimizing the risk of skin irritation and allergies. By using Eucerin sunscreen, you can protect your tattoo from sun damage, maintaining its vibrancy and integrity over time. This is particularly important as sun damage can cause tattoos to become blurry and dull.