Houston Heat: Is Shipping Rotting Summer Sunscreen?

By Franklin Everett Shaw

November 2, 2025

It’s a familiar scene: you’re slathering on sunscreen before hitting up Discovery Green, ready to soak up some Houston sunshine. But wait, something feels…off. Is your sunscreen doing its job, or has the relentless Texas heat turned it into a useless lotion? Don’t gamble with your skin; let’s dive into how to keep your sunscreen effective all summer long.

First, let’s talk about identifying heat-damaged sunscreen. This is crucial, because using compromised sunscreen is almost as bad as using none at all. The active ingredients in sunscreen, like avobenzone and octinoxate, are susceptible to degradation when exposed to high temperatures.

Here’s what to look for:

• Texture Changes: Has your usually smooth, creamy sunscreen become grainy, separated, or watery? This is a major red flag. The emulsion has likely broken down due to the heat.
• Smell: A change in odor is another indicator. If your sunscreen smells sour, rancid, or just “off,” it’s probably past its prime. Fresh sunscreen has a relatively neutral or slightly pleasant scent.
• Color: Discoloration can also occur. If your white sunscreen has turned yellow or brown, or if a colored sunscreen has faded unevenly, heat degradation is a likely culprit.
• Separation: Oil separating from the cream is a clear sign of damage. Even if you shake it vigorously, it won’t fully recombine.
• Performance: This is harder to gauge, but if you’re applying sunscreen as usual and still getting sunburned, even on moderately sunny days, the sunscreen may have lost its effectiveness.

Now, where can you buy sunscreen in Houston that’s been properly stored? This is where things get tricky. Big box stores often store sunscreen in hot warehouses or on shelves exposed to direct sunlight.

Here’s a strategy:

• Pharmacies: Start with local pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, but be selective. Look for stores that keep their sunscreen indoors, away from windows, and ideally in a temperature-controlled environment. Check the expiration dates and examine the bottles for any signs of heat damage before purchasing.
• Specialty Stores: Consider smaller, local businesses that specialize in skincare or outdoor gear. These stores often have better storage practices and more knowledgeable staff. For example, Whole Earth Provision Co. on Westheimer is known for its commitment to quality and proper storage of its products.
• Mom-and-Pop Shops: Don’t underestimate the smaller, independent pharmacies and beauty supply stores scattered throughout Houston’s neighborhoods. These businesses often take extra care in storing their products. Look for them in areas like Montrose, the Heights, or even smaller towns surrounding Houston like Tomball or Katy.
• Check the Storage: Before buying, discreetly check how the sunscreen is stored in the store. Is it in direct sunlight? Is the store noticeably hot? If so, consider going elsewhere.
• Ask Questions: Don’t be afraid to ask the staff about their storage practices. A reputable store will be happy to explain how they protect their products from the heat.

Okay, you’ve bought your sunscreen. Now, how do you protect it from the relentless Houston heat? This is where DIY storage hacks come in.

Here are some practical solutions:

• The Cooler Method: If you’re spending the day outdoors, especially at places like Galveston Beach or a water park, store your sunscreen in a small cooler with an ice pack. This will keep it at a stable, cool temperature.
• The Car Console Caveat: Never leave sunscreen in your car, especially during the day. The glove compartment or center console might seem like a good option, but temperatures inside a parked car in Houston can quickly soar to dangerous levels.
• The Bathroom Cabinet: Store your sunscreen in a cool, dark place indoors, like a bathroom cabinet or a drawer in your bedroom. Avoid storing it near heat sources like radiators or sunny windows.
• The Refrigerator (Yes, Really): For long-term storage, consider keeping your sunscreen in the refrigerator. This is especially useful for sunscreen you only use occasionally. Just be sure to take it out a little while before you need it so it can warm up slightly for easier application.
• The Insulated Bag: Invest in a small, insulated bag specifically for storing your sunscreen. These bags are designed to keep contents cool and can be easily carried in your beach bag or backpack.
• The “Travel Size” Strategy: Instead of buying large bottles of sunscreen, opt for smaller, travel-sized versions. This way, you’re less likely to have a large amount of sunscreen sitting around getting heat-damaged.
• The Expiration Date is Your Friend: Pay close attention to the expiration date on your sunscreen. Even if it looks and smells fine, it may not be as effective after the expiration date.
• The “First In, First Out” Rule: If you have multiple bottles of sunscreen, use the oldest one first. This will help prevent sunscreen from sitting around for too long and potentially degrading.
• The Visual Inspection Routine: Before each use, give your sunscreen a quick visual inspection. Look for any signs of separation, discoloration, or changes in texture. If anything seems off, err on the side of caution and discard it.

A common mistake is assuming that sunscreen is invincible. It’s not. The Texas heat is a formidable foe, and it can quickly degrade even the most expensive sunscreens. Another pitfall is neglecting to check the expiration date. Sunscreen has a limited shelf life, and it becomes less effective over time, even if it’s stored properly.

To overcome these challenges, make sunscreen storage a conscious habit. Don’t just toss it in your beach bag or leave it in your car. Take a few extra seconds to store it properly, and you’ll be rewarded with effective sun protection all summer long.

Remember, protecting your skin from the sun is an investment in your long-term health. By taking these steps to identify heat-damaged sunscreen, buying sunscreen from reputable sources, and implementing effective storage hacks, you can ensure that you’re getting the protection you need to enjoy the Houston sunshine safely. Don’t let the heat win; be proactive and protect your skin!