No matter where your adventures take you, packing Travel Size Sunblock is a smart move for skin protection against harmful sun rays. For those who prefer to travel light with just a carry-on, adhering to the TSA’s 3.4-ounce liquid limit is crucial. Thankfully, most leading sunscreen brands offer convenient mini versions of their popular sun protection products. We’ve put in the research and rigorously tested 20 TSA-approved travel sunscreens, perfect for your next getaway, especially if it’s a sunny tropical escape. Our list includes a variety of options, from sunblock sticks and sprays to reef-safe and luxurious formulas, all highly recommended by Travel + Leisure editors.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 at Amazon
- Best Budget: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon
- Best for Hydration: Coola Classic Body Sunscreen at Amazon
- Best Splurge: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion at Amazon
- Best Sheer: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen at Amazon
- Best Reef-safe: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme at Amazon
- Best Stick: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 at Amazon
- Best Mousse: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse at Amazon
- Best for Face: Black Girl Sunscreen at Amazon
- Best Spray: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray at Amazon
Best Overall
Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/babo-botanicals-sheer-mineral-sunscreen-lotion-spf-50-99d2fc95bbe54b5c97ef040f4ca4aedd.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Ecosmetics.com
View at Beautifiedyou.com
Why We Love It: Its lotion-like consistency means a little goes a long way.
Things to Consider: A very subtle white cast may appear initially but disappears as you rub it in.
The Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen impressed us with its texture and water resistance during a four-day trip to Hawaii. Unlike typical thick mineral sunscreens, this formula has a liquid consistency, applying smoothly like a moisturizing lotion. Ideal for both face and body application at the beach, it absorbs quickly, has a mild mineral scent, and avoids any greasy feel.
Its lightweight, slightly runny texture is a standout – a small amount provides ample coverage. During ocean swims, it stayed put, neither washing off nor staining clothes or towels. After four days of frequent use, a significant portion of the 3-ounce bottle remained, highlighting its excellent value as a hydrating and protective travel size sunblock.
Product Details: SPF 50 | 3 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Vegan | Cruelty and fragrance-free
Best Budget
Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-banana-boat-sport-performance-sunscreen-lotion-84d8c9dcb2054bc29a991b20563fa45d.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Target
Buy at Walmart
Why We Love It: Great for active use and comes in a pack of two travel-size tubes.
Things to Consider: Not reef-safe.
Banana Boat is a go-to for affordable and reliable sun protection, and their Sport Performance Sunscreen in travel size is no exception. For a very reasonable price, you receive two 3-ounce bottles, perfect for carry-on luggage. Nina Ruggiero, Travel + Leisure’s digital editorial director, tested this sunblock on a trip to Mexico and praised its effective, no-fuss formula. It’s hydrating, provides excellent sun protection, and doesn’t transfer onto clothing or swimwear. The texture is on the thicker side, requiring a bit more rubbing to achieve a sheer finish, but absorption is still quick. “It kept my skin protected during a full day of sun exposure on a boat, giving me a healthy tan without any burns,” she noted. The only drawback is its lack of reef-safe properties, which is worth considering for those planning water activities in coral reef areas.
Product Details: SPF 30 | 3 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Oil and fragrance-free
Best for Hydration
Coola Classic Body Sunscreen
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-coola-organic-classic-body-sunscreen-guava-mango-884bd20885dd4f14a0704f0105c9b521.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
View at Amazon
Buy at Nordstrom
Buy at Walmart
Why We Love It: Infused with nourishing and moisturizing plant-based ingredients.
Things to Consider: Specifically formulated for body use, not facial application.
“I was impressed by how moisturized and non-sticky my skin felt,” shared Taylor Fox, T+L’s outdoor gear editor, after using Coola’s Organic Classic Body Sunscreen daily for two weeks. “It felt more like a high-end body lotion than sunscreen.” This formula features plant-derived ingredients and is compliant with the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act, ensuring it’s free from chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Each application was smooth and even, leaving no white cast or greasiness. It resisted transfer to clothes and towels, and remained effective even after water exposure. After extensive use, nearly half of the 3.4-ounce bottle was still full, suggesting it could easily last for a week or two of travel, depending on usage frequency.
Product Details: SPF 50 | 3.4 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Reef-safe | Vegan | Cruelty-free
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-coola-organic-classic-body-guava-mango-taylor-fox-02-2bd7b6ed93a5409bb089bcb16d459d14.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox
Best Splurge
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shiseido-ultimate-sun-protector-lotion-spf-50–1cc635c4e1de4e4a99cab1719a29b074.jpg)
PHOTO: Sephora
Why We Love It: Its light formula absorbs thoroughly, and a small amount is effective for extensive coverage, promising lasting value.
Things to Consider: The texture is slightly watery and oily, which might not suit everyone’s preference.
We appreciate how effortlessly the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion blends into the skin, leaving a smooth, hydrated finish with just a tiny amount. Despite the 1.6-ounce bottle size, its watery consistency allows for easy spreading and significant coverage. While it initially feels a bit oily, it absorbs completely within 5 to 10 minutes, leaving a sheer, undetectable layer. Fragrance-sensitive users will appreciate its scent-free nature, lacking any typical sunscreen smell. Water resistance is impressive; when tested under running water, it remained fully absorbed, living up to its 80-minute water resistance claim before reapplication is needed.
Product Details: SPF 50+ | 1.6 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Reef-safe
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-shiseido-ultimate-protector-lotion-spf50-cai-cramer-01-32b83294075b47c5b4a2966865454c19.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Cai Cramer
Best Sheer
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Target
Buy at Walmart
Why We Love It: Absorbs completely into the skin in under a minute.
Things to Consider: Has a mild floral fragrance.
The standout feature of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen is its barely-there feel after application. The smooth, light formula disappears into the skin within a minute, leaving no greasy residue. A subtle floral scent effectively masks typical sunscreen odors, which we found pleasant. The consistency is substantial enough to feel hydrating without causing a white cast. When tested under running water, some runoff occurred, but without the eye-stinging often associated with sunscreens. If you prefer a sunblock that feels weightless, this travel size sunblock is an excellent choice.
Product Details: SPF 55 | 3 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | PABA-free
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-neutrogena-ultra-sheer-dry-touch-elena-garcia-01-bcccc0b548dd4a62825572b84cd4d039.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia
Best Reef-safe
MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/mdsolarsciences-mineral-crme-spf-50-sunscreen-4dd7ad9c02744d1db907b19cc743b584.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
View at Mdsolarsciences.com
Buy at Dermstore
Why We Love It: Mineral formula is reef-friendly and absorbs better than many similar eco-conscious sunblocks.
Things to Consider: May leave a slight white cast if not thoroughly rubbed in.
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is formulated without oxybenzone and octinoxate, known coral reef damaging ingredients. While it’s a mineral sunscreen and thus a bit thicker, thorough application eliminates any initial white cast. Its versatility for use across the entire body is a major plus. Beyond being eco-conscious, it includes ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc, beneficial for sensitive skin types, including acne or rosacea-prone skin. For ingredient-conscious consumers, the brand provides a full ingredient list with explanations for each component’s purpose, promoting transparency.
Product Details: SPF 50 | 1.7 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Reef-safe | Vegan | Cruelty-free
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-mdsolarsciences-mineral-creme-spf50-stella-yu-02-43a792739ea94fee9d32eeafdf4f920e.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Stella Yu
Best Stick
Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/shiseido-clear-sunscreen-stick-spf-50-483c234a595c4ac3a86c62af76a00006.jpg)
PHOTO: Sephora
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Target
Buy at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: Stick applicator allows for mess-free, direct application, keeping hands clean.
Things to Consider: Applying stick sunblock all over the body might be time-consuming.
Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is perfect for on-the-go sun protection, easily fitting into any bag. Despite its compact size, it delivers potent SPF 50+ protection with a formula that applies directly without hand contact. Initial greasiness quickly disappears upon rubbing in, leaving a slight sheen that fades. “As a brown-skinned user, I was thrilled that this clear stick left no white cast,” noted T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker. “It fully absorbed into my skin without any residue, becoming virtually undetectable.” Its performance during a sweaty workout was impressive, resisting running or rubbing off, making it ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and biking as a reliable face sunblock.
Product Details: SPF 50+ | 0.7 ounces | Up to 80 minutes water resistance
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-shiseido-clear-stick-spf50-morgan-ashley-parker-02-ece709b0545246fd9849e459e0a327a9.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Best Mousse
Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Supergoop-PLAY-Body-Sunscreen-Mousse-SPF-50-8ce1c41c680a4355b21f4f37686c28c3.jpg)
PHOTO: Dermstore
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Dermstore
View at Supergoop.com
Why We Love It: Unique foamy texture is easy to apply, deeply hydrating, and dries quicker than traditional lotions.
Things to Consider: It’s difficult to gauge how much product remains in the bottle.
Parker also highly recommends Supergoop sunscreens, particularly the Blue Sea Kale Body Mousse. Its top-press applicator dispenses a light, foamy sunblock ideal for both face and body. It has a faint, pleasant sunscreen scent and doubles as a hydrating lotion, perfect for tropical travel. “It’s moisturizing enough to replace a separate body lotion, which is great for travel,” she mentioned. “Even in hot, humid climates or during workouts, it remains non-sticky and undetectable on the skin.” Its formula leaves no white cast or greasiness. Parker often suggests it for families with children due to its fun, whipped texture that kids enjoy applying.
Product Details: SPF 50 | 3 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Cruelty-free | Vegan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-supergoop-body-mousse-spf50-blue-sea-kale-morgan-ashley-parker-01-fa139cf0fcaf4fd9858192917929407b.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker
Best for Face
Black Girl Sunscreen
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/black-girl-sunscreen-spf-30-d576cc80751a49ddb67c544503458771.jpg)
PHOTO: Ulta
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Target
Buy at Walmart
Why We Love It: Sheer formula provides a radiant finish without any white cast, perfect for facial application.
Things to Consider: It offers a glowy finish, which may not be preferred by everyone.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is specially formulated for melanated skin, using ingredients like jojoba and avocado to hydrate and protect without leaving a white cast. It layers smoothly over other skincare products, even acne treatments, and resists transfer or runoff upon water contact. Plus, it’s fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. If you desire a facial sunblock that imparts a healthy glow (not greasiness), this is an excellent choice.
Product Details: SPF 30 | 3 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Cruelty and fragrance-free | Vegan
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/suncreen-test-black-girl-spf-30-jthompson-0149.jpg-2a5a9adf033f42aa836cefac89e30321.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson
Best Spray
Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/amazon-coola-organic-classic-sunscreen–sunblock-spray-1178b00ead154c1fb6a04ff3025548a4.jpg)
PHOTO: Amazon
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Target
Buy at Nordstrom
Why We Love It: Spray application is incredibly convenient, and it absorbs without any greasy feel.
Things to Consider: Features a noticeably strong tropical fragrance.
Opting for a spray sunblock like Coola’s makes reaching tricky spots like your back much easier. We are impressed by this SPF 30 spray’s light, transparent formula, which leaves no pasty residue or greasiness. The delightful coconut scent, while present, isn’t overpowering and evokes a perfect tropical vibe. This spray sunblock dries rapidly after a quick rub-in, and we appreciate its gentle, nourishing, vegan, and paraben-free formula. Using it daily on the face for two weeks left about half the bottle, suggesting the 2-ounce size is best for shorter trips if used for full-body coverage. However, for quick getaways, this lightweight spray is ideal.
Product Details: SPF 30 | 2 ounces | 80 minutes water resistance | Vegan | Cruelty-free
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-coola-organics-classic-sunblock-spray-alessandra-amodio-03-26fa4d0c788d497d8b9090ac6f78d4cd.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio
Best Lightweight
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
Buy at Amazon
Buy at Sephora
View at Innisfree.com
Why We Love It: Consistency is similar to a sheer lotion, making it incredibly lightweight.
Things to Consider: Has a slightly shimmery finish.
Of all the travel size sunscreens tested, Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen most closely resembles a sheer facial moisturizer in texture and feel. This light formula includes natural ingredients like green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, and has a more watery consistency compared to others tested. It’s ideal for workouts or outdoor activities where sweat is likely, as it resisted running upon contact with water and absorbs quickly without any clumping or greasiness. Instead, it provides a dewy finish, leaving skin looking refreshed and hydrated. A very subtle fragrance is present but not overpowering, and it leaves no white cast after application.
Product Details: SPF 36 | 1.69 ounces
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-innisfree-daily-uv-defense-shana-stahl-02-58764e47421b42f0973ee0cc41d3d2f7.jpg)
PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Shana Stahl
Other Travel-size Sunscreens We Liked
Our testing was thorough, and many sunscreens received positive feedback. However, the following five fell slightly short due to minor issues like scent or white cast.
Our Testing Process
Over a two-week period, T+L evaluated 20 travel size sunblocks in liquid, stick, and spray forms. All were selected to meet standard carry-on liquid limits of 3.4 fluid ounces.
Whether tested at the beach, poolside, or during outdoor activities, we assessed each formula on texture, opacity, water resistance, and transfer resistance. Each sunscreen was applied at least seven times across the body to ensure accurate usage impressions and gauge longevity for vacation use.
Top-performing sunscreens were easy to apply, rubbed in smoothly without leaving a white cast, and didn’t transfer onto clothing. The best formulas withstood sweat and water exposure without immediate runoff, didn’t irritate skin, and left no greasy residue. After testing, we revealed prices to assess overall value, comparing performance to cost.
Tips for Buying Travel-size Sunscreen
Check SPF and UV Protection
Aim for SPF 30 or higher as a general guideline. Reapplication is key, especially after water activities; reapply every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Keep after-sun lotion handy to soothe skin if sunscreen wears off prematurely.
Choose Between Stick, Liquid, or Spray
Sunscreens come in liquid, stick, and aerosol spray formats. Sticks are particularly travel-friendly, minimizing spill risks and easily meeting carry-on liquid rules. Regardless of type, prioritize broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30+.
Understand Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier on the skin using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to reflect sun rays, often better for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and are typically thinner and more sheer. Consider these differences based on your skin type and desired application.
Select Reef-Safe Sunscreen for Beach Destinations
Many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs. Avoid formulas with oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or homosalate if you’re concerned about reef safety. Resources like the Coral Reef Alliance provide comprehensive lists of harmful ingredients.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tal-travel-size-sunscreen-test-mdsolarsciences-mineral-creme-spf50-stella-yu-02-43a792739ea94fee9d32eeafdf4f920e.jpg)
Travel + Leisure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring travel-size sunscreen on an airplane?
Yes. Most airlines permit liquids in carry-on bags in containers up to 3.4 ounces. A quart-sized bag can typically hold multiple liquid items. For larger quantities, consider checking your luggage.
Can I carry on aerosol sunscreen?
Yes, aerosol sunscreens are generally allowed in carry-ons. However, the 3.4-ounce limit still applies. Larger aerosol containers should be placed in checked baggage to avoid confiscation at TSA checkpoints.
You May Also Need
Enhance your beach experience with these recommended accessories for optimal sun enjoyment.
BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella: This beach umbrella stood out in our tests for portability, sturdiness, and useful features, providing excellent sun shade.
Columbia Sun Trek T-shirt: This comfortable tee offers UPF 50 protection and moisture-wicking fabric, ideal for hot and humid conditions.
L.L.Bean Tropicwear Comfort Shorts: Essential beach shorts with five pockets, water-repellent finish, and UPF 50+ sun protection.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Anna Popp, associate editor at Travel + Leisure, specializes in travel product reviews. With travel writing experience since 2018 and product testing since 2021, Anna personally tested travel size sunblock and collaborated with travel editors for comprehensive testing and result analysis.
Updated by Anne Taylor, updates writer at Travel + Leisure, ensures article freshness. An avid traveler to 23 countries, Anne continually tests travel products to enhance travel experiences. She brings over seven years of writing and editing expertise and holds a bachelor’s degree in news media.
Learn more about Travel + Leisure
Enjoy great deals? Sign up for the T+L Recommends newsletter for weekly travel product favorites.
