From school uniforms to summer dresses, sun cream stains can feel like an unavoidable part of warmer weather. But with a few simple steps, it’s often possible to remove sunscreen marks and keep your clothes looking their best.
Read on to discover why sun cream can stain fabrics, how to tackle stubborn yellow marks, and our tried-and-tested method for getting sunscreen stains out of white clothes.
Quick answers
- Some UV filters in sun creams can leave stubborn stains on light coloured fabrics
- Act quickly and blot off any excess sunscreen that you can see on the garment
- Pre-treat before you wash with a sprinkle of bicarbonate soda. Leave this to work for 30 minutes and then hand wash the garment and soak overnight, before giving a final wash
- The best way to stop sunscreen stains is by allowing sun cream to fully absorb before white clothing is worn
- Protect your skin each and every day this summer with Green People sun cream – kind to sensitive skin and prickly heat
Read on to discover the detailed guide to removing sun cream stains from white clothes.
Why does sunscreen stain clothes?
All sun creams contain UV filters which help to protect the skin from the sun's rays. These filters can react with fibres in clothing and cause sun cream staining.
To reduce the chances of sunscreen staining school uniform or your white clothes yellow, always allow sun creams to fully soak into the skin before applying clothing.
Applying too much sun lotion may also lead to staining as the excess product may sit on the skin surface and rub off onto clothing. For information on how much sunscreen to use, see our guide on how to apply sun cream.
How do you get sunscreen stains out of clothes?
The best way to remove sunscreen stains from white fabrics is to follow the following sun cream stain removal tips. Always check the label of your clothes prior to washing just in case your clothing needs to be washed at a low temperature.
- Step 1: Remove
Blot off any excess sun cream and cover the stain with a sprinkling of bicarbonate of soda
- Step 2: Pre-wash
Leave the bicarbonate of soda to work for approximately half an hour and then handwash the clothing.
- Step 3: Soak
Leave the clothing to soak overnight before washing it in the washing machine with a washing detergent designed to remove grease and oil.
- Step 4: Repeat
Stubborn stains can be tough to remove. If the staining persists, repeat the steps above.
Discover Green People organic and natural sun creams
Protecting your clothes is one thing, but protecting your skin is essential. With fast-absorbing formulas and skin-kind ingredients, Green People natural and organic sun creams help take the stress out of sun care, so you can focus on enjoying time outdoors.
We offer sunscreens for all the family - all the way from SPF15 through to SPF50, for broad-spectrum protection for all skin types.
Rich in natural, antioxidant-rich ingredients including Aloe Vera, Green Tree Extract and Edelweiss, our sunscreens go beyond protection. They care for your skin while keeping it safe from the sun’s rays.
Our sunscreens are clinically proven to be gentle on sensitive skin and are suitable for those who may be prone to prickly heat or eczema.
We have thousands of reviews from customers who love our natural, effective sun protection - without the sunscreen stains.
If you are new to Green People sun cream, our best-selling Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is the perfect place to start.
Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 200ml
Protect sensitive skin naturally with our best-selling SPF30 sun cream320,00 kr
Shop more Green People sun creams
Best facial SPF
We have a selection of facial sun creams but our best all-rounder is our Scent Free Facial Sun Cream SPF30.
Made with a blend of soothing organic Aloe Vera, nourishing Cocoa Butter and antioxidant-rich Green Tea, it is perfectly suited to normal, dry or sensitive skin.
Scent Free Facial Sun Cream - SPF30 50ml
Shield and hydrate with this facial SPF. Ideal for dry or sensitive skin.287,00 kr
Best SPF50+
If you are looking for very high protection, you’ll want to choose our Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+.
With an ultra-light, quick-absorbing formula, this natural sunscreen sinks right in to leave skin soft and protected.
Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ 150ml
Get invisible protection for face & body with this silky SPF50+ sunscreenBest for the kids
Packed with natural goodness you can trust, our Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 provides peace-of-mind protection for young skin.
Unscented and perfect for sensitive babies, toddlers and children who may be prone to prickly heat (heat rash), we love its eczema-friendly ingredients and its ultra-gentle touch.
Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream - SPF30 150ml
Discover peace-of-mind protection with our best-selling kids’ SPF30 sun cream287,00 kr
Don’t forget the after sun!
Soothe, cool and hydrate with our organic Aloe Vera after sun lotion. It is enhanced with natural tan-boosting Inositol, shown to reduce tan fade by 50%.
Packed with anti-ageing antioxidants and a cool burst of Peppermint, its soothing touch is bliss for sun-warmed skin.
Hydrating After Sun 200ml
Keep your tan for longer with this moisturising natural after sun lotion230,00 kr
Browse full range of sun cream and after sun.
We hope our tips on getting sunscreen stains out of white clothes has been useful. If you’d like to find out more about our natural and organic sunscreens, try our quick and easy sun cream quiz!
We hope our tips on getting sunscreen stains out of white clothes has been useful. If you’d like to find out more about our natural and organic sunscreens, our UK customer care team is happy to help. You can reach us on 01403 740350 or follow us on social @GreenPeopleUK.
REVIEWED BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been reviewed by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.
A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People’s Choice in the 2023 list of Who’s Who in Natural Beauty.
A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible ‘Naturally Gorgeous’. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.
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