Top Tattoo-Safe Sunscreens to Prevent Fading

How We Chose the 5 Best Tattoo Sunscreens

Our list was curated with input from tattoo artists, dermatologists, and skin formulation experts, focusing exclusively on sunscreens that are either specifically marketed for tattoo care or clinically appropriate for tattooed skin.

Tattoos are lifelong investments—and the sun is their worst enemy

Without proper protection, UV rays can cause your ink to fade, blur, or discolor, especially during the healing phase and the first few years.

Not all sunscreens are created equal

Especially when it comes to preserving color, minimizing irritation, and maintaining vibrancy over time. That's why using a sunscreen specifically designed for tattooed skin is one of the best things you can do to preserve the vibrancy, clarity, and detail of your body art.

Using high-quality sunscreen specifically made for tattooed skin

Is essential for protecting both your ink and your skin’s health. They should contain Tattoo-preserving ingredients (botanicals, antioxidants, vitamins).

While many sunscreens protect skin in general, very few are formulated to care for inked skin. We've narrowed it down to the top 5 tattoo-specific sunscreens—designed with the right ingredients, SPF strength, and skin-soothing benefits that work best for tattoo protection.

  • Price: $ 18
  • Official Site: Buy Now
  • Guarantee: 100% Money Back
Overall Rating 98%
Effectiveness 99%
Speed of Results 98%
Ingredient Quality 98%
Long-Term Results 99%

Pros

  • 100% mineral-based with non-nano zinc oxide
  • Designed specifically for tattooed and sensitive skin
  • Prevents fading and discoloration from sun exposure
  • Packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant botanicals
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and reef-safe
  • Ideal for daily, year-round tattoo protection

Cons

  • Not water-resistant (reapply after swimming or sweating)

Product Description:

Protect your ink. Nourish your skin. Etaderm Tattoo Sunscreen is a premium, dermatologist-formulated mineral sunscreen designed specifically to defend tattooed skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Whether your ink is freshly healed or years old, this SPF 30 sunscreen helps prevent fading, blurring, and discoloration caused by UVA and UVB rays.

Crafted with 15% non-nano Zinc Oxide, this physical sunscreen creates a visible protective barrier that reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it—making it far gentler on sensitive or inked skin than chemical sunscreens. While it may leave a slight white cast, this is the natural result of real, high-performance mineral protection. Etaderm is not water-resistant, which allows us to avoid film-forming ingredients that can clog pores or irritate healing skin—especially on tattooed areas.

What sets Etaderm apart? It’s not just sun protection—it’s advanced skincare designed for inked skin. Etaderm is powered by a blend of high-performance botanicals and antioxidants that help soothe, hydrate, and revitalize your skin while preserving the detail and vibrancy of your tattoos.

The formula includes Aloe Vera, known for its cooling and calming effects on sun-exposed skin, and Rosehip Oil, rich in vitamins A and C, which supports skin regeneration and color clarity. Chamomile and Calendula Extracts reduce irritation and redness, while Argan Oil provides essential fatty acids to nourish dry or flaky areas. Carrot and Cucumber Extracts offer antioxidant protection and refreshing hydration. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) helps neutralize free radicals and boosts overall skin brightness. To support skin texture and resilience, Hydrolyzed Collagen works to firm and smooth tattooed areas, while Sunflower Oil and Glycerin help maintain moisture and a healthy barrier function. These ingredients are carefully selected to protect both your skin and the story your tattoos tell.

Etaderm Tattoo Sunscreen is fragrance-free, reef-safe, cruelty-free, and non-comedogenic. It contains no parabens, synthetic dyes, or harsh fillers—making it ideal for daily use on all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Made proudly in the USA, Etaderm is backed by our 30-day money-back guarantee and a dedicated, responsive customer service team ready to support you every step of the way. Whether you're freshly inked or preserving decades of body art, Etaderm Tattoo Sunscreen offers the clean, effective protection your skin—and your ink—deserve.

Key Ingredients:

  • Zinc Oxide (15%)
  • Aloe Vera
  • Rosehip Oil
  • Chamomile Extract
  • Calendula
  • Cucumber Extract
  • Argan Oil
  • Carrot Extract
  • Sunflower Oil
  • Hydrolyzed Collagen
  • Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
  • Glycerin
  • Price: $ 25 for 3.38 oz
  • Official Site: Buy Now
  • Guarantee: 100% Money Back
Overall Rating 95%
Effectiveness 97%
Speed of Results 98%
Ingredient Quality 97%
Long-Term Results 98%

Pros

  • Clean, vegan formula
  • Specifically formulated for tattooed skin
  • Lightweight, non-greasy finish
  • Available in travel-friendly formats

Cons

  • Not water-resistant
  • Slight fragrance may not suit very sensitive skin

Product Description:

Mad Rabbit is a popular name in the tattoo care industry, and their Defend Tattoo Sunscreen is a go-to for people seeking an ink-friendly product that’s clean, effective, and portable. It combines mineral and chemical UV filters and is lightweight enough for daily use.

Key Ingredients:

  • Zinc Oxide
  • Carrot Seed Oil
  • Shea Butter
  • Aloe Vera
  • Price: $ 19 for 6oz
  • Official Site: Buy Now
  • Guarantee: 100% Money Back
Overall Rating 95%
Effectiveness 94%
Speed of Results 93%
Ingredient Quality 92%
Long-Term Results 93%

Pros

  • Spray format for full-body or hard-to-reach areas
  • SPF 50 for strong sun protection
  • Fast-drying and non-greasy
  • Tattoo-industry trusted brand

Cons

  • Slightly drying for sensitive skin
  • Not ideal for very fresh tattoos

Product Description:

INK-EEZE is a tattoo-focused skincare brand, and their Ink Shield SPF 50 Spray is a great choice for those with large tattoos or full-body ink. The spray format makes reapplication quick and easy, especially when you’re out and about.

Key Ingredients:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Green Tea Extract
  • Coconut Oil
  • Licorice Root Extract
  • Price: $ 15 for 2oz
  • Official Site: Buy Now
  • Guarantee: 100% Money Back
Overall Rating 92%
Effectiveness 92%
Speed of Results 93%
Ingredient Quality 94%
Long-Term Results 91%

Pros

  • Tattoo-specific brand
  • Lotion format—easy to apply
  • No petroleum or lanolin
  • Moisturizes while protecting

Cons

  • Not water-resistant
  • Slightly thick texture

Product Description:

Tattoo Goo has long been known for its aftercare balms, and their Renew SPF 30 lotion extends that legacy into sun protection. It’s designed for use after your tattoo is healed and helps maintain the brilliance of colors and blacks.

Key Ingredients:

  • Olive Oil
  • Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
  • Green Tea Extract
  • Aloe Vera
  • Price: $ 15 for 0.49 oz
  • Official Site: Buy Now
  • Guarantee: 100% Money Back
Overall Rating 90%
Effectiveness 91%
Speed of Results 90%
Ingredient Quality 91%
Long-Term Results 89%

Pros

  • Convenient stick format
  • High SPF 50
  • Affordable and easy to find
  • Great for touch-ups

Cons

  • Waxier feel than lotions
  • Not ideal for full-body use

Product Description:

This Tattoo Stick from Australian Gold is a compact, affordable solution for reapplying sunscreen to tattooed areas—especially small designs or areas like hands, wrists, and ankles. It's highly portable and offers a mess-free application.

Key Ingredients:

  • Shea Butter
  • Cocoa Seed Butter
  • Aloe Vera
  • Carrot Seed Oil

5 Best Sunscreens for Tattoo Protection (Derm-Approved)

Overall Value: 97 /100 97%

If you're looking for a sunscreen that goes beyond basic sun protection to preserve your tattoo’s vibrancy and protect your skin, these five products are your best bets. While all options are tailored to tattooed skin, Etaderm Tattoo Sunscreen stands out for its clean mineral formulation, targeted botanical support, and its focus on sensitive and healing skin

If you're looking for a sunscreen that goes beyond basic sun protection to preserve your tattoo’s vibrancy and protect your skin, these five products are your best bets. While all options are tailored to tattooed skin, Etaderm Tattoo Sunscreen stands out for its clean mineral formulation, targeted botanical support, and its focus on sensitive and healing skin