5 Athlete-recommended sunscreens for broad-spectrum sun protection

For those seeking effective sun protection that can withstand intense training in the sun, athlete-recommended sunscreens are a reliable choice. Athletes, accustomed to prolonged exposure to sunlight during training sessions, often have valuable insights into products that offer optimal protection against UV rays and can endure sweat and an active lifestyle.

Fortunately, renowned athletes such as tennis stars Serena Williams and Emma Raducanu, along with newly drafted WNBA player Cameron Brink, have shared their go-to sunscreens for a well-protected complexion. Interviews conducted by Vogue, Vanity Fair, and GQ Sports have revealed five athlete-recommended sunscreens that can protect the skin from both UVA and UVB damage.

Disclaimer: This list is curated by the writer. We may have missed out on a few products; let us know more in the comments.

5 Athlete-recommended sunscreens

Team Sportskeeda has curated the 5 best athlete-recommended sunscreens, which include a non-greasy sunscreen spray and a skin tint and sunscreen hybrid for a protected, flawless complexion.

Wyn Beauty SPF-Enhanced Skin Tint by Serena Williams
Supergoop! Play SPF Spray by Emma Raducanu
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick by Aryna Sabalenka
Supergoop! Glow Screen by Cameron Brink
Elta MD SPF 40 Sunscreen by Ashley Sanchez

1) Wyn Beauty SPF-Enhanced Skin Tint by Serena Williams ($29)

In a recent 2024 interview with Vogue, Serena Williams revealed one of her beauty essentials, including her go-to sunscreen, which is a skin tint with SPF from her own brand, Wyn Beauty. Williams mentioned that her routine begins with SPF-Enhanced Skin Tint. Discussing the product, she highlighted:

"The shade range goes from darkest to lightest."

Described as a hydrating skin-enhancing tint, this athlete-recommended sunscreen claims to offer SPF 30 protection along with non-greasy hydration lasting up to 72 hours. With a lightweight formula and buildable coverage, it can be used as a sunscreen and makeup hybrid for a quick morning routine. It is available in 36 different shades, from light to dark.

2) Supergoop! SPF 50 Spray by Emma Raducanu ($18)

In a 2022 interview with Vanity Fair, British tennis star Emma Raducanu shared her essential items, including her court-tested sunscreen spray from Mia Sharapova’s Supergoop. When discussing her go-to product for sun protection while on the court, she mentioned:

"On my body, I use Supergoop! SPF spray—I don’t want the grease on my hands because it’s tough to hold the racket."

Described as an antioxidant body mist, this spray sunscreen is a weightless, non-aerosol type claiming to provide SPF 50 sun protection along with sweat and water resistance for 80 minutes. Infused with vitamin C, it’s also supposed to give the skin a natural, radiant finish.

3) Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick by Aryna Sabalenka ($32)

In a 2023 interview with New York Mag, pro tennis player Aryna Sabalenka shared her eight favorite things, including her preferred sunscreen, the classic Japanese brand Shiseido sunscreen stick.

Discussing her sunscreen choice, which she noted doesn’t affect her grip, Sabalenka said:

"I use other Shiseido sunscreen products, but I especially love this stick. It’s clear and I can keep reapplying it throughout the day without getting it all over my hands."

Described as a portable sunscreen stick, this athlete-recommended sunscreen is rated with SPF 50+ and can be used anytime, on all skin types, and over or under makeup.

With ingredients like soy lecithin and licorice root extract, it is supposed to target skin dullness, dark spots, breakouts, and wrinkles. Its water-resistant formula is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, providing an invisible and weightless finish.

4) Supergoop! Glow Screen by Cameron Brink ($38)

Supergoop Glowscreen (Image via Supergoop)

Another athlete-recommended sunscreen is Supergoop Glow Screen, which is the WNBA’s Cameron Brink’s go-to for broad-spectrum sun protection. In a conversation with Nylon in March 2024, where she shared her daily beauty routine, she mentioned:

"When I wake up, I usually have early practice, so I always go wearing sunscreen. I love [Supergoop] Glow Screen."

A tinted sunscreen with a glowy finish, this athlete-recommended sunscreen is supposed to hydrate and prime the skin while providing sun protection with its SPF rating against both UVA and UVB damage. With its daily moisturizing formula, it can be used as a standalone sunscreen or as makeup and sunscreen combined. Additionally, it claims to shield the skin from blue light.

The product is available in four shades:

Dawn (pink pearl glow)
Sunrise (champagne glow)
Golden Hour (bronze glow)
Sunset (deep bronze glow)

5) Elta MD UV Daily SPF 40 Sunscreen by Ashley Sanchez ($39)

Elta MD’s SPF 40 Sunscreen is an athlete-recommended sunscreen by USWNT midfielder Ashley Sanchez. She mentioned it in the 10 Things I Can’t Live Without feature by GQ Sports in 2023, where she said:

"When you’re in the sun all day and you put sunscreen on, you don’t want to be like white."

This lightweight moisturizing sunscreen claims to provide broad spectrum SPF 40 sun protection without leaving a white cast. This athlete-recommended sunscreen has hyaluronic acid to help reduce the look of fine lines while keeping the skin hydrated. The formula is noncomedogenic and hypoallergenic and doesn’t contain any traces of dye, fragrance, or parabens.

These five athlete-recommended sunscreens have earned their spots on the beauty essentials list of professional athletes. Anyone who’s looking for court-tested sun protection can get these sunscreens at the mentioned prices on the official website of the brand and online stores like Sephora, Ulta, and Amazon.

Edited by Shubham Soni