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Updated Oct 14, 2024We Found the Best Travel-Size Sunscreen Products That Are Perfect for Your Honeymoon Carry-On
Impress your TSA agent with these travel-size sunscreen picks.
Photo: Black Girl Sunscreen/Supergoop!/Naked Sundays/Getty,Design: Tiana Crispino
Hey bestie, is travel-size sunscreen on your honeymoon packing list? If not, it definitely needs to be, like ASAP. Daily sun protection is important (traveling or not.) However, with carry-on luggage restrictions, it can be challenging to find the perfect sunscreen for travel that meets TSA guidelines and takes care of your gorgeous skin. But don't worry, there's no gatekeeping here at The Knot. Whether you're planning an island getaway in Cozmul or looking for a bit of adventure in Europe, we've curated the perfect list of travel-size sunscreens. Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the best travel-size face sunscreen products to pack on your upcoming trip.
In this article:
- Your TSA Guide to Traveling with Sunscreen
- The Best Travel-Size Sunscreens Perfect for Your Carry-On
- How to Choose Travel Sunscreen by Destination
The TL;DR on TSA Liquid Limits
Traveling with sunscreen and other liquids can be confusing. Luckily, we consulted with our besties at TSA, so you don't have to.
Can you travel with full-size sunscreen?
Yes, you can travel with full-size sunscreen. However, due to unforch TSA rules, it will need to be added to checked baggage if it contains over 3.4 fluid ounces of liquid, aerosol or gel.
What size sunscreen can you carry on a plane?
You can carry liquids, gel and aerosol sunscreen in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces Per TSA regulations, each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of these items. For more information regarding traveling with liquids, you can view TSA's liquid packing guide here or contact your booked airline directly.
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Can you travel with spray sunscreen?
Yes, you can travel with spray sunscreen on a plane. A cap must cover travel sunscreen sprays with an aerosol nozzle to prevent accidental release.
Take note: travel-sized sunscreen spray for the face is pretty easy to find at your local Target, Sephora or Ulta. However, most spray sunscreen for the body comes in full size, which is above TSA's carry-on regulations. So this may have to be an item that needs to be packed in your checked luggage or purchased at your destination.
Does stick sunscreen count as liquid?
Stick sunscreen does not count as a liquid and is allowed in your carry-on bag with no size limitation; it also does not need to be packed in your quart-sized liquid bag (love that for us.)
The Best Travel-Size Sunscreens Perfect for Your Carry-On
So now that you know the rules, it's time to play by them. We don't gatekeep at The Knot, so here's a round-up of some of the best travel-size sunscreens for your upcoming honeymoon, bachelorette weekend or destination wedding.
1. Best Overall: Supergoop! Mini Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
Supergoop's infamous Unseen Sunscreen has over 2,000 five-star reviews on Sephora for a reason. This travel-size sunscreen has a gel-like formulation that dries completely clear and pairs perfectly with all complexions and skin types. So wherever your honeymoon plans take you to Aspen or Key Largo, this travel sunscreen has glycerin to keep you hydrated for winter weather and soothing aloe lotion for warmer temps.
SPF: 40 | Size: 0.68 fl oz | Form: Liquid | Type: Chemical | Scent: No
Highlights: Oil-Free Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Reef-Safe, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic, Free of Synthetic Colors
2. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD is considered one of the G.O.A.T.s of sunscreen thanks to its ability to calm and protect acne-prone skin. Infused with key ingredients like niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and lactic acid, this travel-size face sunscreen has a lightweight and silky formula that can be worn with makeup or alone. One reviewer even said, "This is my favorite sunscreen for my face. It's not heavy or sticky, and it actually gives you a nice glow under or over makeup." (P.S. You can also opt for the tinted version if you prefer.)
SPF: 46 | Size: 1.7 fl oz | Form: Lotion | Type: Chemical | Scent: No
Highlights: Vegan, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Non-comedogenic
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Beekman1802 Mini Milk Primer SPF 35 3-in-1 Daily Defense Sunscreen & Makeup Perfecter
If you're new to Beekman 1802, they are an LGBTQ+-owned skincare company that nourishes skin with goat milk skincare products that are game-changing, and their milk primer is no exception. This travel-size mineral face sunscreen has a 3-in-1 formula that also acts as a moisturizer and makeup primer. And it gets better. This milk primer is made for everyone; it's pregnancy safe, completely oxybenzone-free, won't damage coral reefs, won't irritate sensitive skin and is made with recyclable packaging. It's an immediate add-to-cart for me.
SPF: 35 | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Form: Lotion | Type: Mineral | Scent: No
Highlights: Oxybenzone-Free, Reef-Safe, Pregnancy Safe, Cruelty-Free, Sustainable Packaging, Oil-Free
4. Best SPF Foundation: Dior Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion
Even if you're not spending your honeymoon on the beach, you 100% still need to wear sunscreen. So why not make packing lighter with this Dior foundation-SPF hybrid? Not only does their luxurious Dreamskin Fresh & Perfect Cushion offer sun protection and hydration, but it also blurs pores, reduces minor redness, and reduces shine for a flawless "it girl" finish.
SPF: 50 | Size: 0.5 fl oz | Form: Lightweight Serum | Type: Chemical | Scent: Yes
Highlights: Refillable Packaging, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free
5. Best for Oily Skin: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield Powder SPF 50
Not a fan of putting liquid or stick travel sunscreens over makeup? Say hello to the iconic Colorescience award-winning mineral sunscreen brush, which allows you to easily stay protected all day long. Embrace the convenience of a powder that will easily pass through TSA and be applied over makeup for a quick touchup while you take a romantic stroll through the French Riviera with your new spouse.
SPF: 50 | Size: 6 g | Form: Powder | Type: Mineral | Scent: No
Highlights: Chemical-Free, Reef-Safe, Cruelty-Free, Water Resistant
6. Best for Dark Skin: Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
The TikTok viral Black Girl Sunscreen is a multitasking beauty that can be applied to both the face and the body. It has thousands of five-star ratings across multiple sites, with one reviewer saying, "I adore everything about this sunscreen—it nourishes my skin, feels silky smooth after application, leaves no white cast, is reef-friendly, and is from a beautiful business owned by women of color!"
Tip: This product currently comes in a size that would have to go into a checked bag; if you are only bringing your carry-on, simply snag this travel bottle set from Target that includes eight TSA-approved small containers to store your sunscreen for travel.
SPF: 30 | Size: 3 fl oz | Form: Liquid | Type: Mineral | Scent: No
Highlights: Paraben-Free, Oxybenzone-Free, Octinoxate-Free, Silicone-Free, Aluminum-Free, Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Water Resistant
7. Best for Dry Skin: Supergoop! Mini Glowscreen Sunscreen SPF 40 with Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide
Get your glow on with Supergoop! Glowscreen that protects skin with a subtle illuminating effect (Psst: It's my personal favorite sunscreen for travel as The Knot's resident beauty editor.) Enjoy the effortless application that blends seamlessly into the skin before hitting the pool. Bonus: You can wear it on its own or as a hydrating, makeup-gripping primer.
SPF: 40 | Size: 0.68 fl oz | Form: Lotion | Type: Chemical | Scent: Yes
Highlights: Cruelty-Free and Gluten-Free
8. Best SPF for the Beach: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
If you're ready for your hot newlywed summer on the beach, then this Shiseido sunscreen stick needs to be added to your tote ASAP. Thanks to its no-fuss stick application, the greasy-free formula just simply needs to be swiped on for instant protection (with no white cast, might I add.) Not to mention it's totally water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can totally hit the waves without worry.
SPF: 50 | Size: 0.7 fl oz | Form: Stick | Type: Mineral | Scent: Yes
Highlights:: Vegan, Cruelty-Free, Gluten-Free, Recyclable Packaging, Paraben-Free, Phthalate-Free, Oxybenzone-Free, Sulfate-Free.
9. Best Travel-Size Sunscreen Spray: COOLA Travel-Size Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
If you love a quick sunscreen application like me, then this travel sunscreen spray from COOLA is a must-pack for your honeymoon or beachside bachelorette party. The lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-aerosol spray is made with over 70% certified organic ingredients and has 80-minute water resistance. Oh, and the mango-guava scent is like paradise.
SPF: 50 | Size: 2 fl oz | Form: Spray | Type: Chemical | Scent: Yes
Highlights: Vegan, Gluten Free, Cruelty-Free, Hawaii Reef Compliant (Act 104)
10. Best Affordable Travel Sunscreen: Sun Bum Sunscreen Face Stick SPF 30
Are you ready for a travel-size sunblock that's under $15? Look no further than Sun Bum, who's coming in clutch with their budget-friendly SPF 30 sunscreen stick. The stick formula is made with Vitamin E to neutralize free radicals and aloe lotion to help calm and soothe the skin. Plus, the rollerball application makes it quick and easy when you just need a quick swipe of sunscreen across your face.
SPF: 30 | Size: 0.53 oz | Form: Stick | Type: Chemical | Scent: No
Highlights: Dye-Free, Phthalate-Free, Vegan, Sulfate-Free, Aluminum-Free, Gluten-Free, Oxybenzone-Free, Paraben-Free, Propylparaben-Free, Oil-Free, Cruelty-Free, Water-Resistant, Non-Comedogenic, Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant
11. Best Sunscreen Skin Tint: ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 Foundation
Sometimes you may need a little extra boost of coverage with your SPF for that I-just-woke-up-like-this glow. Enter ILIA skin tint. This clean beauty formula, available in 30 diverse shades, does so much more than just protect your skin from harmful rays with mineral SPF 40; it is also packed with skin-loving ingredients like squalane, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to hydrate, protect and improve the appearance of pores, blemishes, redness, and wrinkles.
SPF: 40 | Size: 1 fl oz | Form: Liquid | Type: Mineral | Scent: No
Highlights: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Cruelty-Free, Recyclable Packaging, Non-comedogenic, Silicone-Free
12. Best SPF Lip Product: Naked Sundays SPF 50 Glow and Go Lip Oil
We know that SPF is important for our face and body, but did you know that you need it on the lips too? Pucker up with Naked Sundays, which has your pout covered (literally) with SPF 50. With its hydrating formula, three gorgeous shades, and TSA-approved size, just throw it in your honeymoon carry-on, and you'll be good to go.
SPF: 50 | Size: 6 g | Form: Oil | Type: Mineral | Scent: Yes
Highlights: Cruelty-Free, Vegan, Reef-Safe, Sulfate-Free, Paraben-Free Non-Comedogenic, Free of synthetic colors
How to Choose Travel Sunscreen by Destination
Ok, we just gave you a list of awesome shoppable options, and while all of these SPF choices are sun-worthy, your honeymoon destination can help you narrow down your decision. Like, what is the best sunscreen for the beach? What about colder climates? Let's quickly chat about the UV index, altitude and destination regulations you may want to consider when choosing your travel-size sunscreen.
SPF Levels: UV Index and Altitude
Just because your honeymoon is in the Swiss Alps doesn't mean you are exempt from needing sunscreen. In fact, elevation levels can drastically affect the amount of UV you are exposed to. In fact, according to Reuters, for every 1,000 feet of altitude, you gain around 10% more UV exposure. That means you have more exposure in the mountains than on the beach!
There's also the UV Index, which provides a daily forecast of the expected risk of overexposure to the sun. The index predicts UV intensity levels on a scale of 1 to 11+, where 1 indicates a minimal risk of overexposure and 11+ means a very high risk. You can use your weather app or simply Google the city name and UV index today.
Regardless of where you spend your honeymoon days, it's recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology that everyone apply a broad-spectrum protection of SPF 30 or higher around 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should be reapplied to the face and body approximately every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Beach Benefits: Waterproof & Reef-Safe
Waterproof Sunscreen. If you plan on going for a dip in the pool or a morning run on the beach, your travel sunscreen must be sweat- and water-resistant. This means that it's designed to stay on your skin for anywhere from 40 to 80 minutes, even when you're sweating or swimming. Be sure to reapply water-resistant sunscreen after this time period or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen. Reef-safe sunscreens are products that do not use UV-blocking oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are known to cause coral bleaching. When coral turns white, it causes severe stress and makes it susceptible to disease or death. The terms "reef-friendly" and "reef-safe are not currently regulated as of 2023, so be sure to check the ingredient label on the back of your travel-size sunscreen.
In the United States, Hawaii and the city of Key West, Florida, have banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate. There has been a ban on sunscreens containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene in the U.S. Virgin Islands as of March 2020. Then there's Australia, which has some of the strictest sunscreen regulations in the world, where products must undergo extensive testing before being placed on shelves.
Mineral vs. Chemical. The key difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens is that mineral sunscreen sits on top of the skin and blocks rays at the surface using ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens absorb rays like a sponge using ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, or octinoxate.
Mineral sunscreens tend to be better suited for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin and are better trusted when it comes to concerns about reef safety. However, the formulas can be thick and potentially leave a white cast on those with darker skin tones. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, are lighter and less likely to leave an annoying white cast, but they can have ingredients that can irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Sunscreen Stick vs. Spray vs. Lotion: Does It Matter?
All sunscreen forms can provide great protection and coverage. It's all about personal preference and proper application. Spray sunscreen is easy to apply, but it can also easily end up being picked up by the wind as opposed to landing on your skin. Lotions and sticks, on the other hand, provide direct contact and are more likely to provide a thick layer of protection and stay on through a long day of sweating in the sun. So, if you're looking for a quickie, the spray is the way to go, but for maximal protection, a sunscreen stick or lotion is your best bet.
