Sunscreens to Use in Samoa (That are Also Kind on the Environment)
Samoa is made up of tropical islands in the South Pacific, so we don’t need to tell you that packing sunscreen for your holiday here is absolutely essential. But with more and more research showing the damage that mainstream sunscreens are having on the ocean’s coral reefs, sunscreen choices are more than just about protecting your own skin. Luckily, you don’t have to think too hard about it, as we’ve compiled a list of recommendations for the best sunscreens for Samoa. Whether you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s child-friendly, water-resistant, high SPF, easy to apply or something else, we try to cover all bases in the guide below.
5 Sun Protection Tips for Samoa
Sunscreen is only as good as the method and frequency you apply it. Here are five tips for applying sunscreen effectively, as well as more ways to protect yourself from the sun.
- Lather sunscreen thickly over all exposed skin
- Reapply sunscreen every three hours and as soon as you dry off from being in the water
- Go extra heavy on sun protection for children, especially those under five years old: use sunhats and sunscreen, stay in the shade when possible, and stay out of the midday sun
- Wear a sunhat to protect the top of your head from being burnt
- Use extra protection when out on or in the water, such as Sharkskin‘s UV-protective shirts and rash vests.
What to Do if You Get Sunburnt
If you feel your skin burning or notice skin going red, avoid staying in the sun any longer. Keep drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated and use soothing aloe vera lotion on the affected skin. If you have a strong headache and/or start vomiting, then it’s likely that you have heatstroke. Alternate between drinking electrolytes and water. If symptoms persist, see a doctor.
For more ways to protect yourself from common illnesses or injuries in Samoa, check out our Samoa Safety Tips.
Natural Sunscreens for Samoa
As you’ll see from all of our sunscreen listings, the sunscreens chosen are natural sunscreens containing no oxybenzone. This is because oxybenzone found in standard sunscreens has a toxic effect on young coral, causing endocrine disruption, DNA damage, exacerbated coral bleaching and death.
With Samoa being an amazing place to see coral and marine life, needless to say, we’d rather admire it than harm it. What’s more, natural sunscreen is better for your skin too. So when packing for Samoa, be sure to look out for “reef-safe” sunscreen. If you’re unsure, all of the recommendations in this entire article have been chosen in part because they are reef safe.
The Best Eco-Friendly Sunscreens
- Raw Elements Plastic-Free Sunscreen SPF 30
- All Good Sunscreen Butter SPF 50
- Beauty by Earth Sunscreen SPF 25
- Ethical Zinc Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Reef Repair Sunscreen SPF 30
For more options and details on each sunscreen, see the 10 Best (& Reef-Safe) Sunscreens for Samoa.
Children’s Sunscreens for Samoa
Young skins not only need more protection from the sun, but they are more sensitive to skin products. With that in mind, it’s essential to get your little ones lathered up in sunscreen that has been specially formulated for young sensitive skin. These natural sunscreens, using natural active ingredients, are ideal for sensitive skin. Always read the labels to see the recommended ages to use the sunscreen on.
The Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies
- All Good Kid’s Sunscreen SPF 50
- Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen SPF 30
- Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen for Kids SPF 50
- Totlogic Natural Sunscreen SPF 30
- Thinkbaby Baby & Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
For further details about each of these sunscreens, check out the 5 Best Kids & Babies Sunscreens for Samoa. Plus, you might also be interested in the 25 Tips for Your Family Samoa Vacation with Kids.
Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Samoa
We’re no Sherlock, but we’re betting you’re going to be spending some time in the water in Samoa. Because of the water’s magnifying effect on UV rays, it’s essential to keep yourself protected from the sun while you’re in the water. Although wearing a UV-protection rash vest (we like Sharkskin) is an easy option, you’re going to want to also apply water-resistant sunscreen for any exposed skin.
Note that natural sunscreens typically have water resistance for up to 80 minutes.
The Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens
High SPF Sunscreens for Samoa
You see the SPF ratings on sunscreens but what does it all mean? For Samoa, SPF 30 is recommended as a minimum, which offers around 97% protection from UVB rays if applied correctly. Upping the ante to SPF 45 or 50 (50 is typically the highest you can go with natural sunscreen) and you’ll only add an extra 1% of protection. Because of this minimal difference, we recommend not getting too hung up on getting the highest SPF possible. But if that extra 1% is what you’re looking for, here are some recommendations.
The Best High-Factor Sunscreens
Easy Application and Easy-to-Carry Sunscreens for Samoa
Swap bulky bottles and lotion running all over your hands and staining your clothes with some easy-application sunscreens in travel-friendly containers. From bottles and tins that can fit in your pocket to face sticks where you don’t even need to get the lotion all over your hands, there are quite a few clever designs available.
The Best Easy-to-Apply Sunscreens
More Sunscreen and Health Tips for Samoa
That’s it for our lists of the best sunscreens for Samoa but it’s by no means the end of our travel health tips! Just browse our other guides:
- 10 Best Insect Repellents for Samoa (That Don’t Harm You or the Planet)
- Is the Water Safe to Drink in Samoa?
- What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Samoa
Finally, get more eco-tips in the 31 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in Samoa and more tips for exploring the islands in the 30 Tips for Travelling in Samoa.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Samoa and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Samoa Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Tourism Authority Corporate (Tourism news - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Customs & Revenue (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2024])
- Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Meteorological Division (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Bureau of Statistics (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
- Land Transport Authority (Tourist driver’s license info - Updated [2024])
- SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2024])
- Samoa Hotels Association (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
- Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
- Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Samoa - Updated [2024])
Our editorial standards: At Samoa Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Samoa Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Samoa. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Upolu and Savai’i’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.