How does Olympian-turned-reality TV star Gus Kenworthy apply sunscreen?

Olympian-turned-reality TV star Gus Kenworthy (Image via @guskenworthy/ Instagram)
Olympian-turned-reality TV star Gus Kenworthy (Image via @guskenworthy/ Instagram)

US Olympian turned reality TV star, Gus Kenworthy, is known for his stint as a freestyle skier. He landed overall titles at the AFP World Championships from 2011 to 2013 and also earned a silver medal at the Sochi 2024 Winter Olympics.

He also joined FOX’s Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test reality show, which had the tagline: “16 celebrities. No mercy. Celebrity recruits must survive real military training.” However, Kenworthy was tapped out in episode 8 of the series after suffering anaphylactic shock.

As someone who spends hours outdoors, Gus Kenworthy keeps his skin protected from sun damage and he shares how he does it with CNN Underscored.

Disclaimer: This is purely the writer’s opinion. We may have missed out on a few things; let us know more in the comments.


Exploring Gus Kenworthy's sunscreen choices

Gus Kenworthy uses low SPF sunblock on normal days but applies higher SPF when he’s going outdoors. Kenworthy has different sunscreens for his face and body. He told Allure in 2020 about using SPF 15 sunscreen daily.

“[Honestly] it’s just an SPF 15 every day, and if I know I’m going to be out in the sun with my skin showing, then I’ll put on a higher SPF," Kenworthy mentioned.

Read more: Regular vs sport sunscreen: Benefits and drawbacks


For body sunscreen

In an interview with CNN Underscored in February 2023, Gus Kenworthy dished about his sunscreen regimen, which he called “insane and extensive.” He mentioned specific products he uses for that purpose.

“[For body sunscreen], I’m less picky but I do love the Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30, Hawaiian Tropic Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion SPF 15, and Sun Bum sunscreen,” Kenworthy stated.

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion SPF 15 ($9.99):

A cruelty-free and vegan sunscreen, the Hawaiian Tropic Lotion SPF 15 claims to protect the skin from damage caused by UVA and UVB. As the brand suggests, this product has a skin-nourishing formula with vitamins C and E, shea butter, and mango fruit extract. These ingredients are supposed to enhance the skin’s radiance and are non-greasy as well.

Read more: 7 Best Korean mineral sunscreens

Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 ($18):

Another body sunscreen choice by Gus Kenworthy is Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30. It claims to be “the world’s best-smelling sunscreen” that can protect against harmful rays while resisting water for up to 80 minutes.

According to the brand's description, this lotion has a lightweight formula that is known to give a streak-free finish for all skin types. Moreover, it contains coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, niacinamide, and vitamin E to help nourish the skin.

Read more: 7 Best Korean chemical sunscreens


For face sunscreen

The Olympian-turned-reality TV star has openly advocated protecting skin from sun damage by using sunscreen. He also shared his morning routine with CNN Underscored.

Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Men’s SPF 20 Moisturizer ($24.75):

During his morning routine, Gus Kenworthy applies multi-tasking skincare from Kiehl’s, a moisturizer that has an SPF 20 rating. This product can provide non-greasy hydration and soften the skin with ingredients like caffeine, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

This moisturizer can be used during the night hours as well.

Read more: 7 Best Korean tone-up sunscreens

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 ($48):

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (Image via Supergoop)
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (Image via Supergoop)

While a low SPF sunscreen is his go-to choice for normal days, Gus Kenworthy believes applying a higher SPF will give better sun protection if he’s going to be outside all day. He shared one of his top picks with the media outlet - a sunscreen from a fellow athlete’s brand, Supergoop.

Claiming to be “the original 100% invisible, weightless, and scentless,” Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen gives the skin broad-spectrum protection. As the brand describes, this product boasts effective ingredients like red algae, frankincense, and meadowfoam seed oil. It can also be used as a makeup primer with its natural finish that is water-resistant for 40 minutes.

Read more: 6 Sport sunscreens for athletes

Coola’s Classic Organic Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 ($32):

Coola’s Classic Organic Sunscreen Lotion (Image via Coola)
Coola’s Classic Organic Sunscreen Lotion (Image via Coola)

Another high-SPF option that Gus Kenworthy applies on his face when he is out for extended periods is an organic sunscreen from Coola’s.

This product can be used daily or for active days in the sun and while swimming as well, since the formula claims to be water-resistant for 80 minutes. With prickly pear extract, buriti oil, and raspberry seed oil, this sunscreen is also supposed to nourish the skin and fight the effects of sun damage.

Read more: 7 Reef-safe sunscreens for swimmers


These are Gus Kenworthy's top sunscreen choices. It includes both low SPF for the face and body on regular days and high SPF sunblocks for scorching summers.

Read more: 5 Sport sunscreens with SPF 100

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