An Honest Review of Vacation Sunscreen, Tested and Approved by Our Beauty Editor
Just imagine- you’re on your dream beach vacation, Aperol Spritz in hand at an all-inclusive resort wearing a high-cut swimsuit getting ready to lay in the sun for a lazy afternoon while Jimmy Buffet plays in the background. And all you need to grab is your leisure-enhancing sunscreen to ensure you are protected from the strong sun rays while you can enjoy your day. This is where my favorite sunscreen brand Vacation® comes into play.
I love to incorporate that sense of nostalgia and sunshine into my everyday SPF routine as it’s not only a vibe (as the cool kids say), but truly a state of mind. While my official title in the Vacation® community is “Vice Chairman of the Bottomless Mimosa Testing Community,” I am excited to share my Vacation® sunscreen review of best sellers and new launches from the brand that can take you from the seaside to poolside cocktails- no 80’s shoulder pads required.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Ashley Magovern - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
Editor Beauty Profile
- Skin Type: Oily, Combination
- Skin Tone: Olive
- Skin Concern(s): Acne-prone
About Vacation Sunscreen:
The world of Vacation truly transports you to paradise with a full sensory experience from the scents to the textures of the sunscreen products.
When it comes to Vacation® formulations, the brand is on a “mission to make sunscreen fun” with our CleanClassic™ approach. This means that we marry the classic, tried-and-true ingredients from the sunscreens we all grew up with (things like coconut, banana, aloe vera, Vitamin E), with the very best of modern skincare and suncare science (ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, and best-in-class broad spectrum protection). Additionally, all of our products are formulated under the guidance of our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Elizabeth Hale, who’s a Board Certified Dermatologist and an SVP of the Skin Cancer Foundation.
Key Ingredients in Vacation® Sunscreen
To better understand why these key ingredients in Vacation® formulas are best for your skin, we asked dermatologist Dr. Ashley Magovern for her expertise on the matter. "Vacation’s sunscreens are popular for their fun branding and unique scent profile—but they also contain some skin-friendly ingredients worth highlighting. Here’s a look at what’s inside and how these ingredients can benefit your skin:
Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV exposure. It also supports skin healing, reduces inflammation, and improves moisture retention. When paired with sunscreen, it adds another layer of protection against environmental damage.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This is one of my favorite skincare ingredients. It helps calm inflammation, strengthen the skin barrier, and minimize the appearance of pores. In sunscreen, it can help balance the skin and reduce potential irritation—especially great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is known for its soothing and cooling properties, making it a go-to for after-sun care. It can also be helpful in sunscreens to calm and hydrate the skin during sun exposure. I love seeing aloe in formulas meant for sensitive or sun-stressed skin.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil offers natural moisturization and antimicrobial benefits thanks to its rich fatty acid content. It’s especially nourishing in body sunscreens, although it may not be the best fit for acne-prone facial skin. In Vacation® formulas, it adds a creamy texture and soft, hydrating feel.
Banana Extract: This one was new to me! Banana extract is rich in antioxidants and potassium, and it may help condition and soften the skin. There’s limited clinical data so far, but I love learning about new botanical ingredients—and this one adds a fun, tropical twist."
Best Vacation® Sunscreens for Body
Classic Whip
1 reviews
$22.00
This sunscreen mousse has a lighter-than-air consistency with an authentic "tilt valve" actuator that produces perfect, star-shaped mountains of foam inspired by everyone's favorite after-dinner indulgence.
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Aloe Vera, Banana extract, Niacinamide, Vitamin E
SPF: 30
Personal Review: This is the iconic Whip formula that Vacation® is famous for creating. This unique packaging of the product is as much a conversation starter as the formula that comes out of the can- it seriously looks just like Whipped Cream! This innovative formula is the definition of “looking like a snack” as I spray on my skin in the Maui sunshine. Plus, it smells just as delicious as a Hawaiian dessert or Pina Colada with the coconut and banana scent profile. Vacation® is known as “The World’s Best Smelling Sunscreen” and Classic Whip lives up to that reputation.
Shimmer Oil
$38.00
This rich body oil features a little shimmer mixed in with SPF 30 protection to elevate any poolside moment. The luxurious blend of naturally derived oils delivers a silky, moisturized feel on skin.
Key Ingredients: Pearlescent Gold Mica, Peptides, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Bisabolol, Argan Oil, Marula Oil, Coconut Oil, Jojoba Oil
SPF: 30
Personal Review: Nicknamed the “Black Tie” of sunscreen, this is the most gorgeous shimmer oil to give your skin that perfect glisten and glimmer. As a sparkle aficionado, I am really impressed that there are two different types of shimmer in the formula - both a pearlescent glaze and gold flecks for a beautiful glow. The formula looks like liquid gold coming out of the bottle and rubs easily into your skin, leaving behind a silky-smooth feel. This is my go-to SPF to be both protective & reflective for my skin during festival season, pool party, or daytime disco. As a pro-tip- I also use the Shimmer Oil on a glam night out on my arms, legs, and decolletage for extra twinkle.
Orange Gelée Spray Oil
$25.00
Lightweight spray oil with non-aerosol, “Continuous Spray” technology that provides SPF 30 coverage conveniently from any angle.
Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, Shea & Coconut Oil, Jojoba & Maracuja, Saffron & Bergamot
SPF: 30
Personal Review: Orange you glad I didn’t say sunburned? This Orange Gelée Spray Oil is one of Vacation’s newest product launches that I was eager to test out, as I am a big fan of their classic Orange Gelée. The formula sprays on as a clear and transparent so there is no white cast that needs to be rubbed into skin. This format is so convenient to apply to my back and hard-to-reach places solo, especially if you are the early bird in your travel crew and the first to hit the hotel pool in the morning. The scent is a sexy fragrance with notes of bergamot, saffron, bergamot, patchouli, and sandalwood that makes me want to have an afternoon Aperol Spritz (or 2) in the French Riviera. J'adore!
Best Vacation® Sunscreens for Face
Super Stick
1 reviews
$20.00
Face stick sunscreen designed for convenient daily use or leisure with innovative WaterGlide™ technology for a non-waxy, tug-free glide that goes on smooth and clear on all skin tones.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Ceramides, Banana, Coconut & Aloe Vera
SPF: 45
Personal Review: This is the easiest SPF product to throw into your tiny straw bag for a picnic in the park or backyard BBQ for reapplication on-the-go. This has been a game changer for me- as the formula is noncomedogenic so doesn’t make my skin break out. This means I can wear it safely under a full face of makeup and reapply with ease as the sun shines on all day long. innovative I also appreciate the teardrop shape of the stick for application on those less obvious spots to protect from the sun- like on your scalp where your hair parts or the tip of your ears.
Chardonnay Lip Oil
$16.00
Multi-purpose lip oil that nourishes, shines, plumps, and protects - all while providing broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.
Key Ingredients: Chardonnay Grape Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Shea Butter, Peptides
SPF: 30
Personal Review: As “The Champagne of Lip Sunscreen”, the Chardonnay Lip Oil brings new meaning to being sun-kissed. The formula is non-sticky and has buildable coverage with a serum-like consistency to plump lips. I wear it both alone for a glossy shine or layered on top of my signature red lipstick. Unlike other lip sunscreens, it has a delicious gourmand flavor like a caramel and vanilla swirl. This is also a great hostess gift to pair with a bottle of Chardonnay for a dinner party, bachelorette brunch, or girl’s night in.
Crystal Invisible Face Gel
$26.00
An invisible face sunscreen designed for all skin types. This weightless and scentless sunscreen gel delivers water-resistant SPF 50 protection while doubling as a primer for long-lasting makeup wear and velvety smooth skin.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalene, Peptides, Ceramides, Cactus Flower, Aloe Vera, Bisabolol
SPF: 50
Personal Review: It’s crystal clear why this is a must-have product in everyone’s beauty cabinet! The truth of the matter is that we should be wearing SPF EVERY SINGLE DAY- not just on those summer days or on a tropical vacation. The sun’s UV radiation doesn’t take a vacation from harming our skin, even on a cloudy day. Crystal Invisible Face Gel makes it easy to incorporate into your daily skincare ritual, doubling as the last step to your morning skincare routine and first step in your makeup routine. Exactly as it sounds- this invisible SPF formula is an undetectable layer that leaves no white cast to rub in or lingering scent. I love that it double as a makeup primer too for a flawless base that blurs pores.
Shake Shake Mineral Milk
1 reviews
$27.00
Designed specifically for the face, this mineral sunscreen provides a streak-free application and a lightweight feel.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Ceramides, Polypeptide
SPF: 50
Personal Review: For those of you looking for a mineral sunscreen in particular, Shake Shake Mineral Milk is a breakthrough formula. The unique "shakerball" packaging makes it fun to shake up all the good-for-you ingredients in the bottle with every use. The texture is a light, milky consistency that blends right into skin smooth without any greasy residue. Alexa- please play KC and the Sunshine Brand’s “Shake Shake Shake” while I apply this across my face.
Studio Tone Bronzing Drops for Face
$28.00
Multifunctional 3-in-1 to bronze, nourish, and protect for perfectly sunkissed skin. Natural pigments in the formula instantly deliver a hydrated glow.
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Ceramides, Polypeptide
SPF: 50
Personal Review: You know that sunset before dinner on a girl’s trip when you have a golden hour photoshoot? These bronzing drops are the best kept secret to ensure that everyone is camera-ready for those Instagrammable memories. There is buildable coverage for this universal shade to complement all skin tones to achieve your desired look. During these long winter months where I am simply daydreaming of my next Vacation, these drops give natural luminosity back to my pale skin. I also recommend mixing a few bronzing drops into your daily moisturizer for a dewy glow.
The Bottom Line
Vacation® has got you covered with the best vacation sunscreens for all your sunny days ahead! Discover more Vacation® essentials available on Dermstore here.
Taylor Gross is a NYC based “buy-ologist” and founder of ReTaylor Therapy, a leading retail consultancy for beauty and wellness. She has held the position of Head Beauty Buyer and led brand curation at iconic retailers from Space NK to Barneys New York. She has also optimized sales strategies and led partnerships for international beauty brands tailored to the US market. As she is a buying and merchandising product expert, Taylor is known for her extensive knowledge of the beauty industry and the best-in-class product essentials. She is excited to share beauty’s best kept secrets with fellow beauty lovers here at Dermstore.
