Blue Lizard is a mineral sunscreen brand with Australian roots, and its Sensitive SPF 50 lotion has over 22,000 ratings on Amazon. Surfers on Reddit are split: some call it the best value, and others say it washes off too fast.
This review covers how Blue Lizard holds up in the water and who it suits best.
What It Is: A Mineral Lotion for Sensitive Skin
The Sensitive SPF 50 uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two minerals that block the sun from the surface of your skin. Blue Lizard made it for sensitive skin, so it is fragrance-free and paraben-free and adds organic aloe vera.
It is a water-resistant lotion, not a face stick, so most surfers use it on their body.
In the Water: Easy on the Eyes
Fans say it doesn't burn their eyes. One surfer called Blue Lizard the best bang for the buck and said it doesn't burn their eyes, which is normally their biggest problem. Another uses Blue Lizard and has never been burned, with no stinging eyes.
Some surfers love the whole brand. One said every product from Blue Lizard is excellent, and another who hates sunscreen said they love Blue Lizard.
Where It Excels
Blue Lizard shines for body coverage on a budget. One surfer uses Blue Lizard zinc SPF 50 on their body and adds a wax top coat to their board so they don't slip. Another agreed it is a good body pick.
It also suits sensitive skin. One surfer listed Blue Lizard with other cheap, easy to find mineral sunscreens that work great for them.
Where It Falls Short
Staying power is the main complaint. One surfer said Blue Lizard doesn't seem to hold up in water at all. Another who has tried many mineral brands said it starts to melt and run after about an hour.
One surfer noted that the Australian Blue Lizard may use a different formula than the US version, and that the US version tested poorly in a test someone shared on Reddit. That is secondhand, so treat it with care.
The cap gets a complaint too. One surfer said Blue Lizard is good, except for the cap, which they called garbage.
The "Does It Hold Up in the Water?" Question
You'll find this question in threads about water resistant sunscreen. Fans say Blue Lizard works and is gentle. Critics say it washes off faster than surf brand sticks.
Here's the take from owners: Blue Lizard is a good, cheap body sunscreen, especially if other sunscreens sting your eyes. For your face on long sessions, use a tougher face stick.
Pro tip: Sunscreen lotion on your arms and chest can make your board slick. One surfer adds a wax top coat to their board to keep their grip.
Who Should Buy It
Buy Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 if you want a cheap, gentle mineral lotion for your body that won't sting your eyes.
Look elsewhere if you need one sunscreen that lasts for hours on your face.
Alternatives
The Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 is a zinc lotion that owners say stays on better in the water. Read our full Badger Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40 review.
The Vertra Ehukai Beige SPF 38 Face Stick costs more but lasts much longer on your face. Read our full Vertra Ehukai Beige SPF 38 Face Stick review.
Verdict
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 is a cheap, gentle mineral lotion that many surfers trust because it won't sting their eyes. Some owners say it washes off too quickly. Use it for your body and pair it with a face stick for long sessions.
