Vacation reviews and discussion

4.5

93% of reviewers would recommend to a friend

Reviews mention

  • Nostalgic, transportive signature scent
  • Lightweight, non-greasy formulas
  • Clever, conversation-starting packaging
  • Consistently effective sun protection
  • Overpowering fragrance for some
  • Small sizes deplete quickly
  • Inconsistent spray/nozzle mechanics
  • Leaky oil and packaging issues

Vacation earns strong reviews for making sunscreen genuinely enjoyable and effective, with lightweight formulas that blend cleanly, prevent burns, and deliver a nostalgic coconut-banana “summer” scent. Reviews also flag weaknesses: potent fragrance, small sizes that run out quickly, occasional packaging issues (leaky oil, finicky spray/whip mechanics), mixed experiences with mineral options and oil protection, and some users finding performance comparable to drugstore formulas.

AI summary based on Thingtesting reviews

624 reviews and posts

  • Big fan of the vacation sunscreen oils! I’ve tried both the baby oil and the Chardonnay, I think I prefer the baby oil but it’s not water resistant. They are more expensive but worth it on vacation or when you want a special treat

  • Smells terrific and is a very thick lotion a bit of a white cast, but once it’s rubbed in a lot, it works. Sun wise like I’ve still gotten a sunburn while using this product and reapplied, but I’m not 100% sure if that’s the case. Thick enough to feel like you’ve had a decent amount on and can get in the water, but I feel like it comes off fairly quickly in the water and that’s how I burnt.

  • Vacation Classic SPF 50 is the sunscreen that actually makes you excited to apply SPF. The scent is everything — that iconic tropical, coconut-y fragrance that smells like a luxury resort and instantly puts you in vacation mode. The texture is creamy and smooth, not thick or greasy like so many SPFs, and it gives your skin this gorgeous luminous finish that works as a light coverage on its own. No white cast, no heavy residue — just glowy, protected skin that smells incredible all day. Sunscreen has never been this fun.

    Received a free product from Vacation
  • The Vacation x Pepsi Wild Cherry Lip Gel SPF 30 is such a fun and nostalgic lip product! It keeps my lips feeling soft, hydrated, and protected while adding a subtle glossy tint. The Wild Cherry Pepsi-inspired flavor is unique and playful without being overwhelming, and the SPF 30 protection is a huge bonus for everyday wear. I love tossing it in my bag for quick touch-ups, especially during sunny days when my lips need extra moisture and sun protection.

  • Smells delicious, efficacious, and absorbs well into skin. Does not leave any streaks with a lotion-like texture. Zero burns and leaves a great looking tan.

  • I love everything about Vacation Sunscreen. It goes on without a white cast, it smells both unique and nostalgic at the same time, and its branding is so fun! Clean ingredients make this an spf staple in my house.

  • You have got to smell this oil. Not only does it give you some kind of higher SPF (for an oil) it's great to use and smell. It's the classic suntan scent. I recent went on a cruise and I kept this and their sunblock tucked in my sarong. I was so proud to show that S off lol I love the vacation Brand.

  • I’ve been loving the Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 sunscreen lately! The whipped mousse texture is so unique and fun to apply, making sunscreen feel less like a chore. It feels lightweight, blends in easily without leaving a white cast, and gives my skin a hydrated, smooth finish. The nostalgic coconut-banana scent smells like summer in a can, and I appreciate that it’s water-resistant for beach and pool days. Overall, it’s a sunscreen that makes me actually look forward to reapplying throughout the day.

  • I have to say - I was skeptical of this scent at first, but it quickly turned into one of my go-to fragrances that I continuously reach for. I can't even explain it - will you smell like sunscreen? Yes, kinda, but in the best possible way. The scent is intoxicating and I'm obsessed.

  • I thought this was a fun concept and purchased this. It's a little oily feeling when I put it on and takes a while for it to really get into your skin. It left a white cast on me for a little bit till I felt like it worked itself into my skin.

  • I’m obsessed with everything I have tried from Vacation! I stocked up for a trip to Cancun and it kept me protected, not sticky, and smelling nice. I loved using the Shimmer Whip for attending the beach wedding, and the oil for by the pool! You really can’t go wrong with the whole brand experience 😍

    Verified purchase

  • I'm a sunscreen fanatic. I love trying different brands, trying to find "the one". I have 3-4 sunscreens I rotate between depending on the day. For Vacation, I tried two products: their mineral body sunscreen (Mineral Lotion SPF 30) and their mineral milk (for face). I am trying to use more sunscreen products that are Zinc based, therefore mineral based. Neither mineral formula smells like coconut, banana, which I personally like. I don't really like strongly scented sunscreens. The body sunscreen blends well, and goes on nicely on the skin. The mineral milk is fantastic- a perfect facial sunscreen for the days you want something minimal, un-tinted and light feeling on the skin.

  • I think Vacation is on of the most fun brands out there right now. Their branding is so well done and every touchpoint is always perfectly aligned with the overall vibe of the brand. I've tried their sunscreen and aloe and I like both. The spray on sunscreen applied well, and smelled quite nice The aloe was nice and cooling after a few days in the sun. I can't say there is anything wildly standout about either of the products but what I honestly like best about both is their aesthetic appeal!

  • Ive tried a couple of Vacation products over the last year or so and while I can't say these are my official go to sunscreens (mainly because I live in the desert and I go through a LOT of sunscreen and I live in canada) but ive purchased the Classic Lotion, Chardonnay Oil & Orange Gelee on vacation (hehe) and what sticks with me is really the feeling and smell. No other suncreen Ive found will leave you feeling and smelling so glamorous and glowy. I'm saving the orange gelee for special occasions because it gives me such a beautiful shimmery glow. And the classic lotion has an intoxicatingly summertime smell.

  • I love the Broad Spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen! I love the smell of it as it smells sort of tropical, and I also really like how it lathers onto my skin and how it doesn’t leave any white cast. I always make sure to apply it on my arms before I go to school as I am walking under the sun a lot as I go from class to class. I’ve used up quite a bit of it too, and it works great for avoiding sunburns!

  • Vacation has nailed both the product and the branding, their body oil and sunscreen are genuinely enjoyable to use and actually work, but the whole retro nostalgic aesthetic makes the experience feel elevated and fun. The formula feels great, smells good, and looks cool on your counter, which matters more than we admit.

  • I loved the packaging, creativity, and vintage nostalgia of this sunscreen. Vacation always knocks it out of the park with their marketing and fun factor. However, as a sunscreen I just didn’t love the whipped texture and didn’t find myself reaching for it often.

  • As a Jersey girl who practically lives at the shore all summer, finding the right sunscreen is non-negotiable — and Vacation’s Whipped Sunscreen is so close to perfect. First off, the texture is unreal. It really does feel like whipped cream and melts into the skin like butter. No chalky cast, no greasy mess — just soft, hydrated skin with a subtle glow.

  • I'm biased because I am their creative producer but I love the scents and quality of vacation so much. My favorite SPF, my favorite summertime host gift. I'll always admire their nostalgic summer scents.

    Works for Vacation
  • First the branding is genius! I literally could not remember if it was a brand from my childhood. I got the facial spray. It is gentle on my skin which often reacts from sunscreen. It has a scent but it fades super fast. I love having it in my purse to reapply.