Travel Size Sunscreen That’s TSA-Approved (And Actually Works)

By Your Health Magazine Contributor

Your Health Magazine Contributor

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Travel Size Sunscreen That’s TSA-Approved (And Actually Works)

TLDR: You can bring a sunscreen container of 3.4 ounces or less through TSA in your carry-on. Many travel-size mineral sunscreens, including Blue Lizard’s 3 oz option, meet this requirement while providing broad-spectrum protection.

Packing for a trip requires a bit of strategic planning with regards to figuring out what you can take in your carry-on luggage, what needs to go in your checked bag and how to minimize the stress of the security line. Sunscreen is an essential item to include on your packing list, but you need to make sure it’s in a properly sized bottle, allowing you to sail past security without the hassle of being pulled aside. Nobody wants the stress of having to buy an overpriced brand at their destination, which is why picking up a travel size sunscreen in advance is the key to travel success.

The Security Friendly Size

TSA’s rule for carry-on liquids is exactly 3.4 ounces or less per bottle, and all of them have to fit into a single quart-sized bag. A 3 oz bottle comfortably clears the limit, making it one of the most versatile toiletries to pack without having to think twice. 

Rather than decanting your favourite sunscreen into a smaller bottle (which can be messy and time consuming), buying a ready made travel size bottle will keep the mundane part of your trip easy and stress free.

Small Bottle, Big Protection

The tradeoff with a lot of travel size products is that you are often choosing quantity over quality, as many brands do not create travel friendly versions of their bestselling products. Some brands also offer travel-size versions of their full-size formulas. For example, The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is available in a 3 oz bottle using the same mineral-based formula as its full-size version.

Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide are the active ingredients, which means it reflects UV rays by sitting on top of the skin, rather than absorbing into it. This may make it a suitable option for those of you who have sensitive skin, which can often be worsened by the stress of travel fatigue. The expertly crafted formula infused with soothing Aloe Vera is hypoallergenic, free from parabens and fragrances – making it suitable for everyday use, not just the sunny beach days.

Lightweight And Water Resistant

If you plan on spending your vacation lounging by the pool or swimming in the sea, many mineral sunscreens, including Blue Lizard’s formulation, are also water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. It features Smart Cap Technology, which changes colour when UV rays are present – a handy visual cue for unfamiliar climates where you are not sure how strong the sun actually is.

What About Spray Sunscreen?

Sprays offer a more convenient application, but they come with their own packing dilemmas. Aerosol containers are still subject to the 3.4 oz limit when going through security, and some airlines ban aerosols in hold luggage entirely, due to in-flight pressure changes. A travel-size lotion may be a simpler option for travelers concerned about airline restrictions.

Packing Tips For A Smoother Travel Experience

Here are a few top tips for a stress free airport experience:

• Keep your travel size sunscreen in a clear liquids bag along with the rest of your toiletries, so you can easily get to it without having to dig around in your carry-on in a busy security line.
• If you are worried about how long a travel size bottle will last, pack a full size backup lotion in your checked bag where size restrictions don’t apply.
• Apply a generous amount of sunscreen once you land, so your skin is protected for the remaining transit to your final destination.

The Takeaway 

A travel size sunscreen is one of the easiest (and most important) travel essentials to pack correctly, and it means one less thing to worry about at the airport. Choosing a TSA-compliant travel-size sunscreen before your trip can help simplify airport security while ensuring you have sun protection readily available at your destination. Products such as Blue Lizard’s 3 oz mineral sunscreen are one example of a travel-friendly option.