Planning your next getaway and determined to protect your skin? Bringing Travel Size Suntan Lotion is essential, especially if you’re flying carry-on only. Navigating TSA regulations while ensuring you have top-notch sun protection can be tricky. That’s why we’ve rigorously tested a range of travel-friendly sunscreens to bring you the very best options on the market.
From mineral lotions to convenient sprays and sticks, we’ve explored 20 TSA-approved sunscreens, all under the 3.4-ounce limit, to find the perfect travel size suntan lotion for every type of traveler. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach or exploring a sunny city, our top picks will keep you protected without weighing down your luggage or violating airline regulations.
Our Top Travel Size Suntan Lotion 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
Top Travel Size Suntan Lotions: Detailed Reviews
Best Overall Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Why We Love It: The Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 stands out as our top pick for travel size suntan lotion due to its exceptional lotion-like texture. A small amount goes a surprisingly long way, making this 3-ounce bottle an efficient travel companion. Its performance during a four-day trip to Hawaii impressed us, proving its reliability in sunny conditions.
Things to Consider: While it absorbs well, there’s a very subtle white cast initially, common with mineral sunscreens. However, this disappears quickly as you rub it into the skin.
This mineral sunscreen defies typical expectations with its lightweight, liquid consistency. Applying smoothly like a hydrating lotion, it absorbs rapidly, leaving behind only a faint mineral scent and no greasy feel. We found it incredibly effective for both face and body, providing reliable protection at the beach. Its water resistance held up in the ocean, without transferring to clothes or towels. The efficient formula meant even after multiple daily applications over four days, a significant amount remained in the bottle, highlighting its excellent value for a hydrating and protective travel size suntan lotion.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Yes
- Fragrance-Free: Yes
Best Budget Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Why We Love It: For budget-conscious travelers, Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion is an excellent choice. This affordable option comes in a pack of two travel-size tubes, maximizing value and convenience for active trips. Its reliability and affordability make it a smart pick for travel size suntan lotion needs.
Things to Consider: It’s important to note that this formula is not reef-safe, which is a consideration for environmentally conscious travelers or those visiting destinations with reef protection regulations.
Banana Boat is a trusted name for affordable sun protection, and their Sport Performance Sunscreen in travel size is no exception. For a very reasonable price, you get two 3-ounce bottles, perfect for carry-on luggage. Our digital editorial director praised its performance on a trip to Mexico, highlighting its hydrating, sun-protective, and non-transferring qualities on both clothing and swimwear. The texture is thicker, requiring a bit more rubbing to achieve a sheer finish, but absorption is still quick. It effectively prevented sunburn during a long day on a boat, providing reliable protection. While not reef-safe, this travel size suntan lotion excels in performance and affordability for general sun protection.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 3 ounces (x2)
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Oil & Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Reef-Safe: No
Best Hydrating Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Coola Classic Body Sunscreen
Why We Love It: Coola Organic Classic Body Sunscreen is our top choice for hydration thanks to its plant-based, nourishing, and moisturizing formula. It feels more like a luxurious body lotion than a typical sunscreen, making it a treat to apply while ensuring sun safety, especially in a convenient travel size suntan lotion.
Things to Consider: This sunscreen is specifically designed for body use and not recommended for facial application.
“It felt like a high-quality body lotion, not sunscreen,” is how our outdoor gear editor described Coola’s Organic Classic Body Sunscreen after two weeks of daily use. Infused with plant-based ingredients and compliant with Hawaii’s Reef Compliant Act, it’s both skin and eco-conscious. The formula glides on smoothly and evenly, leaving no white cast or greasy residue, and doesn’t transfer to clothing or towels. Water contact didn’t cause it to run, maintaining its protective barrier. The generous 3.4-ounce travel size bottle lasted nearly half full after prolonged use, making it suitable for extended trips. For travelers prioritizing hydration and reef-safe ingredients in their travel size suntan lotion, Coola is a superb choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3.4 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Splurge Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Why We Love It: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion, despite its higher price point, justifies its “splurge” status by being incredibly effective and long-lasting. Its lightweight formula absorbs fully, and a little goes a long way, making the 1.6-ounce bottle surprisingly economical for travel. This is a premium travel size suntan lotion for those seeking top-tier protection.
Things to Consider: The consistency is slightly watery and initially feels a bit oily, which might not be preferred by everyone. However, this texture contributes to its spreadability and sheer finish.
A small amount of Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion effortlessly blends into the skin, leaving a smooth, moisturizing finish. Although the bottle is compact at 1.6 ounces, its watery consistency ensures extensive coverage with minimal product. While initially feeling slightly oily, it absorbs completely within minutes, setting to a sheer, fragrance-free finish. We detected no typical sunscreen scent, which is a bonus for fragrance-sensitive users. Water resistance is excellent, as the sunscreen remained fully absorbed even under running water, confirming its 80-minute water resistance claim. For travelers seeking a high-end, effective, and travel-friendly sunscreen, Shiseido is worth the investment.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 1.6 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Reef-Safe: Yes
Best Sheer Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Why We Love It: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is unmatched for its sheer finish. This travel size suntan lotion absorbs completely into the skin in under a minute, making it ideal for those who dislike the feel of sunscreen. You’ll barely notice it’s there, yet you’re fully protected.
Things to Consider: It does have a noticeable, albeit subtle, floral scent which may not appeal to everyone, especially those preferring fragrance-free products.
The standout feature of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen is its incredibly lightweight feel. The smooth formula absorbs into the skin within a minute, leaving no greasy residue behind. A subtle floral scent effectively masks typical sunscreen odors, which we found pleasant. The consistency is hydrating without being heavy, and it avoids any white cast. While some product runoff occurred under running water, it didn’t cause eye stinging, a common issue with some sunscreens. For travelers prioritizing a barely-there feel in their travel size suntan lotion, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is an excellent choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 55
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- PABA-free: Yes
Best Reef-Safe Travel Size Suntan Lotion: MDSolarSciences Mineral Creme
Why We Love It: MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is our top choice for reef-safe travel size suntan lotion. Its mineral formula is free of reef-damaging chemicals and absorbs surprisingly well for an eco-friendly product, outperforming many similar options.
Things to Consider: Like many mineral sunscreens, it can leave a slight white cast if not rubbed in thoroughly. However, with proper application, this is easily minimized.
For environmentally conscious travelers, MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is ideal. It avoids oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals known to harm coral reefs. While typical of mineral sunscreens with a thicker texture, it blends well with thorough rubbing, minimizing any white cast. Its versatility for face and body use is a major plus. The formula includes zinc and titanium dioxide, beneficial for sensitive skin types like acne or rosacea-prone skin. The brand’s commitment to transparency is evident in their detailed ingredient list with explanations for each component available on their website. This travel size suntan lotion is perfect for eco-aware travelers seeking reliable, reef-safe sun protection.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 1.7 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Reef-Safe: Yes
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Stick Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50
Why We Love It: Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50 is the ultimate in convenient application. The stick format makes applying sunscreen effortless and mess-free, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups without getting product on your hands. This travel size suntan lotion stick is incredibly practical for travel.
Things to Consider: Applying a stick sunscreen to the entire body can be more time-consuming compared to lotions or sprays. This is best suited for face and targeted area application.
Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is designed for portability and easy application. Its compact size is ideal for everyday carry and quick sun protection touch-ups. Despite its small size, it offers a potent SPF 50+ formula that applies directly from the stick, keeping hands clean. While it initially feels slightly greasy, the sheen quickly disappears with rubbing. Our associate director, who has brown skin, praised its clear application, noting “no white cast whatsoever.” It fully absorbed into the skin without residue, even holding up well during a sweaty workout. This stick is an excellent travel size suntan lotion for face protection during outdoor activities.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50+
- Size: 0.7 ounces
- Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
Best Mousse Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse
Why We Love It: Supergoop! PLAY Body Sunscreen Mousse is loved for its unique foamy texture. This travel size suntan lotion is incredibly easy to apply, deeply hydrating, and dries faster than traditional lotions. The mousse format makes sun protection feel fun and luxurious.
Things to Consider: The opaque bottle makes it difficult to gauge how much product remains, which can be inconvenient for longer trips if you’re trying to ration your travel size suntan lotion.
Supergoop sunscreen, especially the Blue Sea Kale Body Mousse, is a favorite for its innovative texture. The top-press applicator dispenses a lightweight foam that’s easy to apply to both face and body. It has a subtle, pleasant sunscreen scent and doubles as a hydrating lotion, ideal for tropical travel. “It’s moisturizing enough to replace a separate body lotion,” noted our tester, adding that it feels non-sticky even in hot, humid climates. It absorbs without white cast or greasiness, and its fun, whipped texture makes it appealing even to kids. For a unique and enjoyable sunscreen experience in a travel size, Supergoop! PLAY Body Mousse is a top pick.
Product Details:
- SPF: 50
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan: Yes
Best Travel Size Suntan Lotion for Face: Black Girl Sunscreen
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Why We Love It: Black Girl Sunscreen is specifically formulated for melanated skin, making it our top pick for facial sunscreen. Its sheer formula delivers a healthy glow without any white cast, a common issue with many sunscreens on darker skin tones. This travel size suntan lotion is designed to enhance, not hinder, your natural radiance.
Things to Consider: The “glowy finish” might not be preferred by those seeking a matte look. If you prefer a matte sunscreen, this might not be the ideal choice.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is expertly formulated for melanated skin, enriched with ingredients like jojoba and avocado. It moisturizes and protects without leaving any white cast. It layers seamlessly over other skincare, including acne treatments, and resists transfer and runoff even with water exposure. Fragrance-free and gentle, it’s excellent for sensitive skin. It provides a glowy, healthy finish rather than a greasy shine. For a facial travel size suntan lotion that caters specifically to darker skin tones and delivers a radiant finish, Black Girl Sunscreen is highly recommended.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 3 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Cruelty-Free & Fragrance-Free: Yes
- Vegan: Yes
Best Spray Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray
Why We Love It: Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray is our top spray pick due to its ease of application and lightweight formula. The spray format makes reaching tricky spots like the back simple, and it absorbs quickly without greasiness. This travel size suntan lotion spray is perfect for quick and even coverage.
Things to Consider: It has a fairly strong tropical coconut scent, which, while pleasant for many, might be overpowering for those sensitive to fragrances or preferring unscented products.
Coola Clear Sunscreen Spray excels in application convenience, especially for hard-to-reach areas. This SPF 30 spray is lightweight, transparent, and leaves no white cast or greasy residue. The coconut scent is a major highlight – transporting you to a tropical island with each use. It dries rapidly after a light rub, and the vegan, paraben-free formula feels gentle and nourishing. While the 2-ounce travel size might be better suited for shorter trips with full-body application, it’s an excellent, lightweight spray option for quick getaways. For those who value ease of use and a pleasant scent in their travel size suntan lotion, Coola spray is ideal.
Product Details:
- SPF: 30
- Size: 2 ounces
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Vegan & Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Lightweight Travel Size Suntan Lotion: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
Why We Love It: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen stands out for its incredibly lightweight texture, resembling a sheer lotion more than a typical sunscreen. This travel size suntan lotion feels weightless on the skin, making it perfect for daily use and hot climates.
Things to Consider: It leaves a slightly shimmery finish, which may not be desirable for those preferring a completely matte look. However, it adds a dewy, healthy appearance to the skin.
Among all tested travel size sunscreens, Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen most closely mimics a sheer facial moisturizer in texture and feel. The light formula, enriched with green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, has a watery consistency. It’s ideal for workouts or outdoor activities as it resists water runoff and absorbs quickly without greasiness or clumping. It provides a dewy, refreshed finish and a subtle, non-overpowering fragrance without any white cast. For those seeking an ultra-lightweight travel size suntan lotion that feels like skincare, Innisfree is an excellent choice.
Product Details:
- SPF: 36
- Size: 1.69 ounces
Other Travel-size Sunscreens We Liked
While the above were our top selections, many sunscreens performed well in our tests. However, some had minor drawbacks like scent or slight white cast that placed them just outside our top recommendations. These are still solid options depending on your personal preferences.
Our Travel Size Suntan Lotion Testing Process
For over two weeks, Travel + Leisure rigorously tested 20 different travel size suntan lotions, encompassing liquids, sticks, and sprays. Each product was chosen to comply with standard carry-on liquid restrictions (3.4 fluid ounces).
Testing took place in various settings, from beaches and pools to general outdoor activities. We assessed each sunscreen on texture, opacity, water and transfer resistance, and overall user experience. Each sunscreen was applied at least seven times across the body to simulate vacation usage and gauge longevity.
The highest-rated sunscreens were easy to apply, blended smoothly without leaving a white cast, and didn’t transfer onto clothing. They maintained their efficacy when exposed to sweat or water, didn’t irritate skin, and left no greasy residue. Value was assessed post-testing, comparing performance against price to determine overall worth.
Tips for Buying Travel Size Suntan Lotion
SPF and UV Protection are Key
Always choose a travel size suntan lotion with SPF 30 or higher. Reapplication is crucial, especially after swimming or every two hours of sun exposure. Consider packing after-sun lotion as well, to soothe skin in case of unexpected sunburn.
Choose Your Format: Stick, Liquid, or Spray
Travel size suntan lotions come in various formats. Sticks are exceptionally travel-friendly, minimizing spill risks and easily meeting carry-on liquid rules. Liquids are the most common, while sprays offer quick, broad coverage. Regardless of type, ensure your travel size suntan lotion offers broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30+.
Mineral vs. Chemical Suntan Lotion: Know the Difference
Mineral (physical) sunscreens create a barrier on the skin’s surface to reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb rays. Mineral options, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are often better for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreens are typically thinner and sheerer. Consider your skin type and desired application when choosing between mineral and chemical travel size suntan lotion.
Reef-Safe is Essential for Beach Destinations
Many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to coral reefs and marine life. If visiting beaches, opt for reef-safe travel size suntan lotion. Avoid formulas with oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, and homosalate – these ingredients are considered damaging to reefs. Check ingredient lists carefully and refer to resources like the Coral Reef Alliance for more information on harmful sunscreen components.
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel Size Suntan Lotion
Can I bring travel size suntan lotion on an airplane?
Yes, generally. Carry-on liquid limits are typically 3.4 ounces (100ml). Travel size suntan lotion is designed to meet these restrictions. A quart-sized bag for liquids is usually permitted in carry-ons. For larger sizes, you’ll need to pack your suntan lotion in checked baggage.
Can I carry on aerosol suntan lotion?
Yes, aerosol travel size suntan lotion is allowed in carry-ons by most airlines. The 3.4-ounce limit still applies. If your aerosol spray exceeds this, it must be checked to avoid confiscation at TSA security.
You May Also Need These Beach Accessories
Enhance your sun protection and beach experience with these recommended accessories:
BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella: Our tested favorite for beach umbrellas, offering portability, sturdiness, and valuable features for sun shade.
Columbia Sun Trek T-shirt: UPF 50 protection and moisture-wicking fabric make this tee ideal for hot, sunny days.
L.L.Bean Tropicwear Comfort Shorts: These shorts offer UPF 50+ sun protection, water-repellent finish, and five pockets – perfect for beach outings.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure for Suntan Lotion Recommendations?
Anna Popp, Associate Editor at Travel + Leisure, leads our product review efforts. With travel writing experience since 2018 and product testing since 2021, Anna personally tested travel size suntan lotion and collaborated with travel editors on this guide. Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and expert evaluation to provide you with the most reliable advice for your travel needs.
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Updated by Anne Taylor, Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure. Anne, a seasoned traveler to 23 countries, ensures our articles remain current and accurate, continually testing products to enhance travel experiences. With a journalism background and over seven years in writing and editing, Anne brings expertise and a traveler’s perspective to our recommendations.
