We all know Aruba has warm weather, one thing you can’t forget about when traveling to the island is sunscreen. But what are the best sunscreens for Aruba you should look for?
In this article I’ll suggest the best sunscreens for Aruba after the recent ban of sunscreens containing harmful chemicals.
The Best Sunscreen in Aruba
Besides broad spectrum protection, high sun protection factor (SPF) and water resistance, you should look at other important factors when considering a sunscreen.
The best sunscreen for Aruba should be all of the above, including reef safe (no harmful chemicals), and safe for your own skin.
Sunscreen Ban in Aruba
The government in Aruba announced the transition for a ban on sunscreens containing harmful ingredients as of January 1, 2019 and in full effect in 2020.
The harmful chemical that is banned is called Oxybenzone.
Oxybenzone is used in many traditional sunscreens as the main ingredient to block the suns dangerous rays from your skin.
However, oxybenzone is not the best choice when it comes to protection. Because it’s harmful to the corals and marine life. And it’s not healthy for your body.
Aruba Reef Safe Sunscreen
Consider buying reef safe sunscreens for Aruba.
Avoid sunscreens that include Oxybenzone, or other harmful chemicals. Instead look for sunscreens that use Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredient to block sun rays.
If you’re looking for the best sunscreen for Aruba, you should pick one that doesn’t include the ingredient Oxybenzone.
Local Sunscreens in Aruba
Most sunscreens suggested in this article are available for sale on Amazon.
However, if you want to buy local sunscreens on the island and support local business in Aruba, here’s a few suggestions.
I Love Aruba Sunscreen
There’s I Love Aruba shops on the island that sell souvenirs from Aruba, including sunscreens.
Not only do they sell sunscreens, I love Aruba also has with this logo on it has now started a line of sunscreen products, including aloe and after sun skin cream.
They are for sale at local supermarkets and gift shops near the hotel area.
Different i love Aruba sunscreens.
Aruba Aloe Sunscreen
Aruba Aloe sunscreen is formulated pure Aloe grown on the island and different vitamins. They also have after sun lotions you can use to stay hydrated for prolonged sun exposure.
Aruba Aloe has a production facility on the island with a store next to it. All aloe sunscreens are available for sale at local supermarkets or gift shops in the hotel area.
Let’s start with the brand name sunscreens you can find at your local store or online at Amazon that are reef safe. No oxybenzone, which is banned in Aruba. And you can safely use it without harming the ocean. marine life and your own skin.
- Sunscreen For Active Travelers
Think sport sunscreen is perfect for active travelers who plan to spend a lot of time in the sun doing activities at the beach.
It does not contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, paraben, avobenzone or any other dangerous UV chemical absorbers.
Think sport is water resistant for 80 minutes, reef friendly and biodegradable. It has a SPF 50+ and it provides broad spectrum coverage.
Think sport is available for sale on Amazon.
- Sunscreen That Smells Delicious
Hint Sunscreen has a subtle fruit scent for those who love their sunscreen with a fragrance.
Scents are available in: pineapple, grapefruit or pear.
No paraben or oxybenzone are included in Hint Sunscreen.
It’s a spray on sunscreen that works with a compressed-air system with no propellant chemicals, this provides a natural feeling when applied to your skin. It dries fast and no greasy residue.
Hint Sunscreen has broad spectrum protection and SPF 30. It’s also water resistant.
I found Hint Sunscreen for sale online at Amazon.
- Sunscreen For Water Sport Enthusiast Lotion
Rocky Mountain Sunscreen is perfect for travelers who plan to do water sports activities while on vacation in Aruba.
It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
This sunscreen is reef friendly and is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate or paraben. It’s has aloe to help protect and moisturize your skin.
It also has a handy clip to make it easier to carry around no matter where you go.
Rocky Mountain sunscreen is available for sale on Amazon.
- Sunscreen To Protect Kids
Banana Boat is among one of the best known brands when it comes to sunscreen.
It’s reef safe, water resistant and made without oxybenzone or octinoxate.
The spray on sunscreen applies quick and easy. It stays on your skin in 7 different conditions including: sun, pool water, ocean water, wind, sweat, sand and even 100-degree heat.
It has an SPF 50+ and broad spectrum protection.
Banana Boat Simply protect kids is available sale online at Amazon.
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
Coral Isle is a sunscreen that is reef friendly.
It’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, paraben fragrance and gluten.
The active ingredients to block the suns rays are: Avobenzone and Octocrylene. It’s not made with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide, like other mineral sunscreens.
Coral Isle is water resistant for up to 80 minutes and has an SPF 50. It’s dermatologist-tested and fortified with aloe to help protect and moisturize skin.
You can find Coral Isle sunscreen for sale online at Amazon.
- Unscented Sunscreen
Badger sunscreen uses zinc oxide, a safe mineral as active ingredient to block sun rays.
It’s free of oxybenzone, octinoxate and other chemical active sun screening agents.
The sunscreen has an SPF 15, broad spectrum protection, water resistant for 40 minutes and biodegradable.
Badger sunscreen is also unscented.
You can buy Badger Sunscreen online at Amazon.
- Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin –
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen contains no chemical ingredients or fragrances that irritate your skin. This makes it ideal for travelers with sensitive skin.
It has an SPF 30+, broad spectrum protection and water resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Besides skin sensitive, it’s also reef safe – there’s no oxybenzone or octinoxate.
Zinc oxide is the mineral that provides protection against the sun.
Blue Lizard Sunscreen is available on Amazon.
How Much Sunscreen Should You use?
Sunscreen should be used as directed by the product manufacturer.
The general rule of thumb is to apply 15 minutes before you go in the sun. And you should re-apply sunscreen every 60-80 minutes, or each time you come out of the water.
Other Ways To Protect Against The Sun
UV swim rash guards are one of the best alternatives against sunburns in the water.
Price For Brand Name Sunblocks in Aruba
If you decide not to pack sunblock what can you expect to pay for sun block in Aruba?
Prices will be $15 or more for average sized sunscreens.
Keep in mind that items purchased in a resort store have a higher price tag.
Final Thoughts
The sun in Aruba is strong. Even if it’s cloudy or you’re under a palapa, if you don’t wear sunblock you can get slightly sunburned, depending on how sensitive your skin is.
Avoid any sunscreens with oxybenzone, look for reef safe alternatives.
The best sunscreens use Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the main ingredients to block harmful sun rays from your skin.
