Traveling by plane is a joy and privilege, but it comes with its own set of challenges–including that dreaded rulebook that tells you which liquids you can and cannot take in your carry-on luggage. Sunscreen, turns out, is a liquid no matter what the bottle says: water-gel, milk, lotion, cream, it’s all a liquid, and so it’s all subject to the 100ml (or 3.4 ounces) limit. Fortunately, it’s possible to find really high quality travel size sunscreens that fit all the sun protection you need in a very small package–talk about efficient!
Below, you’ll find some of our favorite carry-on-approved sunscreens, ready to take on your next vacation:
Spray
One type of sunscreen that we get asked for a lot here at Care to Beauty is travel size sunscreen in a spray format. You’d think these would be easier to find, but if you think about it, they’re actually a combination of two features that are in and of themselves a little unpopular: travel-size sunscreen (much easier to find either tiny facial sunscreens or big bottles for the whole family!), and spray sunscreen (much more difficult to apply the proper amount of sunscreen using a spray).
Despite the difficulty, there are options. We like the Australian Gold Instant Bronzer Spray Gel Sunscreen SPF30, a sunscreen that offers high sun protection with SPF30, along with water resistance up to 80 minutes. The quick-dry formula is enriched with a slight pigment, which leaves skin with a sun-kissed glow immediately upon application.
Multi-purpose solutions for travel are ideal to keep your packing light. With Covermark Rayblock Body Plus Spray 2-In-1 Sunscreen Deep Tan SPF30 you get the sun protection you need, as well as the after-sun your skin craves after a day in the sun. This is a very compact, very practical sunscreen that fits in any bag and is ideal for those looking for a deep tan.
For Everyone, Every Day
If what you’re looking for is a practical and effective sunscreen, no bells and whistles, that everyone can apply and reapply with ease, we bring you two recommendations that are hard to beat:
The Altruist Sunscreen SPF50, available in a travel-friendly 100ml or in the biggest bottle you’ve ever seen (1 liter, baby!), is a super versatile sunscreen that can be used by the whole family, including children from 2 years old. The cream formula is easy to apply and does not leave a sticky residue, which makes it ideal for reapplication.
Another travel-sized sunscreen we love is the Collistar Active Protection Sun Cream SPF50+. With a milky lotion formula, fluid and easy to spread, this sunscreen is ideal for days by the pool or on the beach, when you just want to take one sunscreen for the entire family. Suitable for the face and body, this waterproof formula all skin types—including hyper sensitive skin—is the shield that everyone needs.
For Sports
If going on holiday means spending a lot of time outdoors, you need a sunscreen that’s up to the task:
ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Gel Sport Wet Skin SPF50+ is already a well-known sunscreen, due to its gel texture that offers a refreshing effect and can be applied even to wet skin. In addition to sun filters, this very water-resistant formula also contains antioxidants, providing extra protection to the skin. The non-greasy texture is ideal for application to the scalp (don’t burn your hair part!) or to hairy areas, such as the arms and legs.
You can also try the Avène Sun Very High Protection Sport Fluid SPF50+, which this writer has been known to use as a daily sunscreen! With a fluid texture that does not leave the skin feeling sticky or greasy, this sunscreen is also very water-resistant, easily resisting sweat during sports. Like the previous option, it’s also enriched with antioxidants, for global sun protection.
For Kids
Children aren’t always excited to apply sunscreen—or to have it applied to them—so it might help to have a sunscreen they can call their own:
A good sunscreen option for children is the Babé Pediatric Sunscreen Lotion FPS50+, a sunscreen specially developed for the delicate skin of babies and children. The formula is very water-resistant and suitable for both the face and body.
We also love the Bioderma Photoderm Pediatrics Milk SPF50+, a sunscreen suitable for children that can even be applied to atopic or eczema-prone skin. The formula is water, sand, heat, and friction resistant, which makes it perfect to withstand all the adventures a kid might get into during a day out in the sun.
Mineral
Fans of mineral sun protection can and should also have a travel-size option that they can take with them everywhere. We recommend two in particular:
The Uriage Bariésun Mineral Cream SPF50+ is a 100% mineral sunscreen enriched with the exclusive hydrating complex Aquaspongines. Along with Uriage Thermal Water, this complex guarantees deep hydration to the skin, leaving it comfortable during and after application. If you tend to find mineral sunscreens a bit drying, this could be a good option!
We also like the Suntribe Natural Mineral Sunscreen SPF50, a 100% mineral sunscreen with some tricks up its sleeve. As you know, mineral sunscreens frequently leave a white cast on the skin, but this one reduces it through the addition of Pongamia glabra seed oil. The formula also contains soothing aloe vera and chamomile, for a super gentle combination for the skin. And here’s a fun fact: this sunscreen is packaged in an eco-friendly sugar cane tube!
Stick
When talking about compact presentations of sunscreen, sticks take the gold home. We love this two, with different formats for different needs:
As compact as it gets, Caudalie Vinosun Protect Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50 is the sunscreen stick that you want to take with you overseas. Practical to carry as well as to apply, it is suitable for the face, lips, and sensitive areas. Fragrance-free stick is suitable from age 3, it is the answer to apply and reapply sun protection.
You can also give a go to the Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF50+, a stick with a semi-matte finish that gives you the protection without the extra shine. Its curved designed maskes it perfect for daily use and also ideal for on-the-go sun protection.
Now that you’ve chosen your travel size sunscreen, you’ve solved part of the dilemma of carrying your skincare routine in a carry-on bag. Make sure to explore our full selection of mini beauty products in the shop, for even more space-saving solutions!
