How to choose the right sunscreen for Gold Coast conditions

Skincare & beauty ·Published 10 October 2026 ·Reviewed 10 October 2026

Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.

General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.

The best sunscreen for the Gold Coast is one labelled SPF50 or SPF50+, broad spectrum and water resistant, in a texture you’ll actually wear every day. Get those three label checks right, then choose a formula that suits your skin and your plans. The rest comes down to using enough and reapplying.

Use this buyer’s checklist next time you’re standing in front of the shelf. If you’d like a second opinion, our beauty advisors can help you compare options from our skincare and sun care range.

Checklist step 1: read the label

SPF50 or SPF50+

SPF stands for sun protection factor, and it mainly measures protection against UVB, the main cause of sunburn. Cancer Council recommends SPF50 or SPF50+ for time outdoors. SPF50+ is the highest label allowed in Australia, and the TGA says an SPF50+ product must test at SPF 60 or higher under the Australian standard.

The step up from 30 to 50 is smaller than it sounds. The TGA notes the difference in protection between SPF30 and SPF50 is minimal. Using enough sunscreen matters more than chasing a bigger number.

Broad spectrum

Broad-spectrum sunscreens filter both UVA and UVB. Cancer Council explains that UVA reaches deeper into the skin and contributes to wrinkles, blotchiness and skin cancer, so broad spectrum is a must-have, not a bonus.

Water resistant

On the Gold Coast you’ll sweat even if you never go near the surf, so look for “water resistant” on the label. A label may say a sunscreen is water resistant for up to four hours, but Cancer Council points out that this is tested in a lab. In real life, towels, sand and sweat rub it off. You still need to reapply every two hours.

An AUST L number, or a cosmetic sunscreen

In Australia, primary sunscreens (products mainly for sun protection) are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and carry an AUST L number on the label. Some secondary sunscreens, such as tinted foundations and some moisturisers with a lower SPF, are regulated as cosmetics instead. They still have to meet the Australian sunscreen standard for testing and labelling. For a day outdoors, choose a primary sunscreen.

The expiry date

Cancer Council notes that most sunscreens last around two to three years. An out-of-date bottle is unlikely to protect you properly, so check the date before a big beach day.

Checklist step 2: match the texture to the weather

The sunscreen you enjoy wearing is the one you’ll reapply. In our humid summers, texture makes a big difference.

• Lotions and milks spread easily over large areas like arms, legs and backs, and suit most skin types.
• Gels and fluid textures tend to feel lighter on the face and in hairy areas, and many people prefer them on sticky days.
• Dry-touch formulas absorb quickly with less shine. Cancer Council suggests sweat-resistant or dry-touch formulas if you expect to sweat.
• Sticks are handy for noses, ears and the backs of hands, and easy to carry for top-ups.
• Aerosol sprays are quick, but Cancer Council warns that wind at the beach can blow a lot of the product away before it reaches your skin. Spray into your hand and rub it in on a breezy day, and use enough to leave an even layer.

Checklist step 3: match the formula to your skin

Oily or breakout-prone skin

Look for a light, oil-free or non-comedogenic face sunscreen, often labelled for oily or combination skin. A gel or dry-touch fluid is less likely to feel heavy by lunchtime.

Sensitive skin

Cancer Council suggests people with sensitive skin look for fragrance-free and paraben-free products. The TGA says local skin reactions are the most common side effect reported with sunscreens, so patch test a new product on a small area of skin before using it all over. Some people with sensitive skin find mineral-based sunscreens more comfortable. Ask our team if you’re unsure what to try.

Dry skin

A creamier lotion can double as your morning moisturiser. Air-con and salt water can leave skin feeling tight, so a hydrating formula may feel more comfortable.

Kids

Choose a sunscreen made for children’s skin, and patch test it first. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sun instead. The TGA and Cancer Council both say sunscreen use should be minimised at this age, and you should speak with a healthcare professional if it can’t be avoided. For older babies and children, Cancer Council describes sunscreen as the last line of defence, after shade, clothing and a hat.

Under makeup

Apply sunscreen first, on clean, dry skin, and let it settle before your makeup. Cancer Council says a cosmetic with SPF30 is fine if you’re indoors most of the day with only incidental sun, but for time outdoors you need a dedicated SPF50 or SPF50+ sunscreen. SPFs don’t add up. If your moisturiser and foundation both contain SPF, you’re only protected to the level of the highest one. Our beauty advisors can help you find makeup and cosmetics that sit comfortably over sunscreen.

Checklist step 4: use enough and reapply

The TGA says most people don’t use enough sunscreen, which means they get less protection than the label promises. Cancer Council’s guide:

• About 35 mL, or around seven teaspoons, for a full-body application on an adult.
• At least one teaspoon each for your face, neck and ears, each arm, each leg, your front and your back.
• Apply 20 minutes before you go outside.
• Reapply every two hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towelling off.

Sunscreen works best with the other sun safety steps: protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade and sunglasses.

Checklist step 5: store it properly

Cancer Council recommends storing sunscreen below 30°C in a cool, dark place, which rules out the glovebox on a Gold Coast summer day. Heat can make the oil and water separate, leaving a lumpy texture that may not protect as well. Keep a bottle in your beach bag in the shade, and another at home or at work.

When to see a pharmacist or GP

• Talk to your pharmacist if a sunscreen causes stinging, redness or a rash. Stop using it and bring the product in so we can help you find an alternative.
• Ask your pharmacist before using sunscreen on a baby under six months, or if your child has eczema or very sensitive skin.
• See your GP about any spot or mole that is new, changing or looks different from your others.
• See a doctor for sunburn with large areas of blistering, severe pain or signs of infection, and call 000 in an emergency.

Shop sun care your way

Our beauty advisors can help you compare textures, finishes and sizes in store. If you’ve run out, pop in on your way to or from the beach. We’re open 7 days.

This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.