The Best Sunscreens That Don’t Stain Clothes, According To An Expert

Keeping a white T-shirt clean is hard enough, but if you’re diligent about applying your daily sunscreen (and you obviously should be), it becomes a herculean task. That’s because certain active ingredients in sunscreen can leave an orange or rust-like stain on clothes once they come into contact with hard water. Because of this, the best sunscreens that don’t stain clothes will be formulas that use mineral filters to protect your skin (and your clothes). “There is a study evaluating the staining of clothes by sunscreen that found that products containing avobenzone, oxybenzone, and/or octocrylene are the most likely to stain clothes,” says dermatologist Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., citing a study conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Take a quick scan through the most popular chemical sunscreens, and you’ll find that at least one of those culprits is always included. Because of this, Dr. Ilyas says it’s best to stick with mineral sunscreens, which will use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the primary active ingredient. “I always recommend mineral-based sunscreen products for their health benefit and reduced environmental impact,” she adds, noting that mineral formulas are sensitive skin-friendly and less damaging to marine life.

The Expert

Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, PA. She specializes in adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer treatment. Dr. Ilyas has worked with the American Academy of Dermatology and has visited Capitol Hill to advocate for restrictions on tanning bed usage for pediatric patients, increased research funding for rare diseases, and increased access to pharmaceuticals at affordable prices. Dr. Ilyas is also the founder of AmberNoon, a line of clothing designed to protect the skin from UV rays.

Shop The Best Sunscreens That Don’t Stain Clothes

In a hurry? Here are the best sunscreens that don’t stain clothes:

1. The Overall Best Body Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
2. Best Moisturizing Body Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes: Thinkbaby SPF 50
3. Best Acne-Friendly Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes: Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
4. Best Sunscreen Spray That Doesn’t Stain Clothes: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
5. Best Sunscreen Stick That Doesn’t Stain Clothes: Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Sport Stick

1. The Overall Best Body Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes

What We Like:

• Inexpensive

What We Didn’t Like:

• Not cruelty-free

This Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen was designed with dermatologists and it’s a beauty award-winner, so you know it’s good. A duo of mineral sun blockers, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, give the formula broad-spectrum 50+ protection that’s water- and sweat-resistant, and it’s completely fragrance-free for those sensitive to synthetic fragrance and essential oils. An Amazon favorite with more than 10,000 five-star ratings, the sunscreen rubs in easily with little to no white cast left behind, according to many reviewers.

Relevant Review: “I burn easy so 50 SPF is my standard to use. This is non greasy as it dries from application. No staining clothing and protects well from the hot Texas sun on my sensitive skin. No sunburn.”

SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

2. Best Moisturizing Body Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes

What We Like:

• Cruelty-free
• Contains multiple moisturizing ingredients

What We Didn’t Like:

• Contains fragrance

Sunscreen paired with sun exposure can leave skin feeling dry, but Thinkbaby SPF 50 created a formula that’s packed with skin care favorites to nourish the skin. Ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid work to draw in moisture, while antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower seed oil, jojoba seed oil, and raspberry seed oil help to leave skin feeling smooth and provide additional protection from the sun. Like the other sunscreens on this list, Thinkbaby boasts a formula that’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and though it does contain the addition of fragrance, the brand notes that it has been pediatrician- and dermatologist-tested.

Relevant Review: “The main reason I purchased this product was because it did not have the ingredients that stain your clothes. The summer has just started, but this product seems to protect my skin perfectly. It does go on with a white hue because of the zinc but soon blends in nicely. I would absolutely buy this product again.”

SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: No | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

3. Best Acne-Friendly Sunscreen That Doesn’t Stain Clothes

What We Like:

• Non-comedogenic
• Cruelty-free
• Fragrance-free

What We Didn’t Like:

• Smaller size

The sunscreen on your face can transfer to your clothes too (think of how many times you’ve gotten makeup all over the collar of a clean shirt). And if you’re looking for a sunscreen option that won’t stain your clothes or cause breakouts, Vanicream’s Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen is a sensitive skin-friendly option that fits the bill. The noncomedogenic formula uses zinc oxide only to block UV rays, and the brand meets the strictest requirements in terms of ingredients to limit the risk of irritation. In addition to being fragrance-free, the water- and sweat-resistant lotion is free from common allergens and irritants like lanolin, gluten, botanical extracts, and essential oils. This sunscreen is also great for the body — especially if you tend to experience body acne — but it is a slightly smaller size than the other body sunscreens on this list, so you’ll need to stock up.

Relevant Review: “No sludge no smudge no marks all over my black or dark clothes. Best SPF ever!”

SPF Level: 50 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4. Best Sunscreen Spray That Doesn’t Stain Clothes

What We Like:

• Mess-free application
• Cruelty-free
• Fragrance-free

What We Didn’t Like:

• The spray can make it harder to ensure you’ve covered the whole body

Dr. Ilyas notes that if your sunscreen has a thicker consistency, it’s more likely to leave residue behind. That’s why a spray like Sun Bum’s Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is a convenient option, whether you’re in a hurry to get out the door or you simply prefer a sunscreen you can spray directly onto your skin. This Sun Bum formula uses zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, and it’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It also includes several moisturizing ingredients, including sunflower seed oil, aloe vera, and glycerin to help keep skin feeling smooth. Though it’s free from synthetic fragrance, several Amazon reviewers noted that it has a pleasant coconut scent.

Relevant Review: “It provides great protection and very easy to apply. I recommend applying before you put clothes on as it will show on dark clothes if you spray while dressed. Smells amazing!”

SPF Level: 30 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

5. Best Sunscreen Stick That Doesn’t Stain Clothes

What We Like:

• Mess-free application
• Travel-friendly
• Cruelty-free
• Fragrance-free

What We Didn’t Like:

• Small size

For touch-ups and reapplying, this Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Mineral Sunscreen Sport Stick is ideal when you’re on the go. Water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, the twist-up stick formulation uses zinc oxide to protect your skin from UV rays with broad-spectrum 30 coverage. Ingredients like cocoa seed butter, shea butter, avocado oil, and jojoba seed oil help keep skin moisturized, and Babo Botanicals is also PETA-certified cruelty-free and B Corp-certified for its commitment to adopting the highest standards when it comes to social and environmental practices.

Relevant Review: “Cannot say enough good things about this product. I use it on my super fair-skinned toddler […] and she has never once gotten burned. It spreads easily and the stick is so convenient for when the kids are thrashing and pulling away. Washes out of clothes too.”

SPF Level: 30 | Fragrance-Free: Yes | Size: 0.6 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

FAQs

What’s The Difference Between Chemical & Mineral Sunscreen?

You’ve likely heard about chemical and mineral sunscreens before, but if you’re not familiar, the key difference lies in how these filters protect your skin. Chemical sunscreens, which typically include a combination of oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, and/or homosalate, protect your skin by absorbing the sun’s rays. Because of this, chemical sunscreens are typically less visible on the skin (aka no white cast), but they can stain your clothes. They also have a tendency to be more irritating to sensitive skin types, and they are considered harmful to the coral reef and marine life (sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate are actually banned in Hawaii). Mineral sunscreens, also referred to as physical sunscreens, only consist of zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, and they work by sitting on top of the skin like a shield to reflect UV rays. Though they’ve come a long way in terms of formulation, many mineral sunscreens on the market still leave a white cast behind, which is why some people struggle to adjust to them. That said, dermatologists and scientists agree that mineral filters are gentler on the skin and on the planet.

What’s The Difference Between A Sunscreen Stain & Residue?

Because chemical sunscreen ingredients contribute to staining while mineral ingredients contribute to the residue left behind on clothes, Dr. Ilyas explains that it’s worth noting how the two differ. “Stains leave the fabrics discolored and are typically concentrated in a certain area,” she says. “Think of staining as something coming into contact with your clothes that deposits itself into the fibers and can leave your fabrics discolored,” she adds, citing grass stains and spilled food as common examples. “Residues can build up on textiles over time from particulate or oily matter that gets into the fabric,” Dr. Ilyas says of how mineral sunscreens (and even things like detergent and oils from our skin) interact with clothing. Though Dr. Ilyas says that residue can change the way a fabric feels over time and cause odor to linger on clothes, she says that residues are easier to remove from clothes than stains. Obviously, neither is ideal, which is why how you apply your sunscreen also matters.

How Can I Avoid Sunscreen Stains On Clothes?

Even when using a mineral sunscreen, it can be difficult to completely avoid getting white residue on your clothing (though it will still be easier to remove than a chemical sunscreen when washing). That’s why Dr. Ilyas recommends putting your sunscreen on before you get dressed and making sure to thoroughly rub it into your skin. “If you apply sunscreen after you are dressed, the area most likely to have product transference to clothing is along the areas where clothing is adjacent to the skin,” she says.

“Also, remember to consider the role of sun-protective clothing overall,” says Dr. Ilyas. Though all clothing shields you from the sun to some extent, look for options from brands that include a UPF label. Short for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, this measures the amount of UV radiation that reaches your skin through the fabric. Just remember that you’ll still need to apply sunscreen to those areas of skin that are exposed to the sun.

Expert:

Dr. Erum Ilyas, M.D., board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology Group in King of Prussia, PA.