Thinksport SPF 50: An Honest Review of the Mineral Sunscreen for Surfing

Thinksport is one of the mineral brands that shows up most on water-sports sunscreen lists, and for good reason: the zinc-oxide formula holds up well to sweat and submersion. But not all of its versions are for the same thing. This review breaks down which one is best for surfing, which for your face and which for kids.

How it performs in salt water and tropical sun

What makes it work for surfing is the water resistance (a formula built for 80 minutes of submersion) and that the filter is 100% zinc oxide, with no oxybenzone or octinoxate. In Pacific sun it delivers: it doesn't run with sweat and doesn't sting your eyes, which is the classic problem with chemical sunscreens when you're paddling. The honest downside: the classic version does leave a white cast. If that bothers you, the clear-zinc version solves almost all of it.

The Thinksport versions and what each one is for

How we use it in El Paredón

For a surf session: apply 20 minutes ahead, a generous layer on your face, ears and the back of your neck. It holds up well through two hours in the water, but reapply when you get out. The spray is handy for your back and legs but covers less per application; the clear-zinc face version is the one to reach for if you're doing photos or heading into town afterward. For kids, the stick is the most practical: it goes on fast and doesn't get into their eyes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Thinksport reef safe?

Yes. Its active filter is zinc oxide, with no oxybenzone or octinoxate, which are the ingredients banned by Hawaii-style regulations.

How long does Thinksport last in the water?

Its formula is rated water-resistant for about 80 minutes. In practice, for surfing it's best to reapply when you get out of the water, especially if you towel off.

Does Thinksport leave your skin white?

The classic version does leave a noticeable white cast. The clear-zinc and face variants greatly reduce the effect without changing the type of filter.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, and there's the Thinkkids line with an SPF 30 stick, which is more practical for applying to a child's face without getting into their eyes.

Compare: the Stream2Sea review and no-white-cast options.

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