Travel Size Sunscreen

According to the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), travel-sized sunscreen containers are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) in size. If you bring larger sunscreen for travel, you’ll need to pack it in your checked baggage, not your carry-on item.

If your travel sunscreen comes in a liquid, aerosol, or cream formula, the product must be no bigger than 3.4 oz to go in a carry-on and through airport security. Larger containers must go in a checked suitcase, no matter how empty or full the contents may be.

For longer vacations that require ample sun protection, it’s best to pour your SPF product into multiple travel-sized sunscreen bottles to ensure your item isn’t confiscated at the TSA security checkpoint.

To facilitate the screening process, passengers are asked to place their liquid items into one clear, tamper-evident, quart-sized bag separate from their carry-on bag, which must be screened and cleared before boarding. This is often referred to as the 3-1-1 liquids rule: 3 (approximate ounces per container) in 1 (quart-sized bag) per 1 (passenger).

Note: As of June 30, 2018, the revised TSA policy states that passengers traveling to the U.S. from an international last-point-of-departure with powder-based substances greater than 12 oz (350mL) in a carry-on may require additional screening. For your convenience, it’s encouraged to pack powder substances, such as travel sunscreen, in your checked luggage regardless of their size.

Although it’s possible for a prohibited item to make it past TSA screening without triggering an alarm, the situation is very rare. Also, according to TSA guidelines, even if an item is generally permitted, it may be subject to additional screening or not allowed through the checkpoint if it signals an alarm.

If your item(s) set off an alarm, a TSA officer will first ask you to confirm ownership of the luggage, then request you to remove the object in question for further inspection. Any item that’s deemed prohibited or cannot be screened will not be permitted past security. Federal law and operational considerations restrict the return of prohibited items that are left at the security checkpoint.

Ultimately, the final decision rests with the TSA officer on whether an item is allowed through the checkpoint.

*Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.

In some locations, such as Hawaii and the Virgin Islands, your travel sunscreen may be prohibited depending on the UV filter contained in the product’s ingredient label. These states and countries ban sunscreens that use certain chemicals known to kill coral reef* and harm ecosystems.

According to EPA.gov, some sunscreen works using chemical active ingredients to absorb UV radiation and convert the energy into heat, which is then released back out through the body before DNA damage occurs. These products are applied onto skin, then absorb past the skill cell barrier and into the bloodstream, where the chemical reaction occurs and filters UV light.

These products contain harsh chemicals — such as oxybenzone — and cause hazardous pollution that can damage the environment when washed off into water systems. Since these chemicals can enter the bloodstream after application, they often leave behind toxins that continue to circulate throughout the body. Many people also experience uncomfortable irritation to the heat reaction caused by the UV filters.

Mineral sunscreen, sometimes called physical sunscreen, works differently because it contains all-natural active ingredients that rest on top of the outer layer of skin. The minerals have reflective properties and scatter light away from the body to protect against radiation.

These products are considered reef-safe* sunscreen as they do not harm ocean wildlife, so they’re permissible for swimming in tropical locations. Since the ingredients do not transcend past the skin cell barrier into the bloodstream, they’re much gentler and less likely to trigger a heat rash, redness, irritation, or allergic reaction.

Generally speaking, mineral powder sunscreen is best for travel because there are fewer restrictions on how much you can bring and where you can use it. It’s also very easy to reapply on-the-go, and less likely to make a mess in your luggage caused by changes in air pressure at increased altitudes.

However, the TSA has determined that liquids, aerosols, creams, and powders are safe to bring aboard aircraft cabins in limited quantities. This means that you have the choice to choose which type of formula best aligns with your preferences.

At Colorescience, you can shop travel-sized sunscreen that comes in the form of powder, liquid, or stick application, so you have no shortage of options.

Whenever you’re shopping for skincare products, it’s important to be mindful of your skin type and its unique needs, but all Colorescience UV protectors are non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin. Most products in our line-up are slightly tinted, so be sure to choose the shade suited to your skin tone.

Here are some of our top-selling travel-sized sunscreen products you can fly with on your next vacation:

• Best Powder Sunscreen for Travel - SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ BRUSH-ON SHIELD SPF 50
• Best Liquid Sunscreen for Travel - SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ FACE SHIELD SPF 50
• Best Tinted Sunscreen for Travel - SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ GLOW or BRONZE
• Best Sweat-Resistant Sunscreen for Travel - SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ SPORT STICK SPF 50
• Best Acne-Prone Sunscreen for Travel - SUNFORGETTABLE® TOTAL PROTECTION™ SHEER MATTE SPF 30 SUNSCREEN BRUSH

Yes, the gentle ingredients in our selection of travel sunscreen is safe for use on children as well as adults. Consult your doctor for sun protection for infants less than six months old. Otherwise, the gentle ingredients in our selection of travel sunscreen is safe for use on children as well as adults.

With Colorescience, you can worry less about the TSA checkpoint, banned sunscreens, harmful toxins, allergic reactions, messy applications, and acne flare-ups — so you can focus on having safe fun in the sun throughout your travels.

*Reef safe as defined by Hawaii’s legislation related to the ban of SPF sunscreen products that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate.

**Sunblock is not a term approved by the FDA. Colorescience refers to our products as sun protection.