Body sunscreen has come a long way from whatever melty stuff we all used to have hanging around in our beach bags. Whether you’re into oils, lotions, sprays, or creams, these days you have options. Like, a lot of options—which is why we’ve put hundreds to the test to present you with the best of the best body sunscreens.
These are formulas enriched with nourishing ingredients—like antioxidants, natural oils, and hydrating actives—to provide ultimate protection from environmental factors (like pollution) and soften your skin. They go on with ease and perform just the way you need them to. But before we dive into the good stuff, there are a few sunscreen basics you should know.
The difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen
Mineral SPF: Otherwise known as “physical” sunscreen, mineral formulas reflect (aka physically block) visible light from penetrating the skin and causing damage. These types of blockers show up on labels as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, and they sit on top of your skin to bounce UV rays off its surface. By nature, mineral formulas are more likely to leave a white cast because their active ingredients are inherently white (so while all of the products on this list work for all skin tones, some may appear ashy on deeper complexions). Sensitive skin generally tolerates mineral sunscreen better than alternatives.
Chemical SPF: “Chemical sunscreens are made up of chemicals that are absorbed into the skin, where they can absorb the UV rays and create a chemical reaction that changes the UV rays into heat, and the heat is then released from the skin,” says New York City board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD. You’ll know you have a chemical blocker if the active ingredients are some combination of avobenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or homosalate. These formulas are your best bet for avoiding a white cast, but may be irritating on sensitive skin.
How much body sunscreen to apply
To cover your body, you need to apply about one ounce of sunscreen, or enough to fill a standard shot glass.
How to properly apply body sunscreen
- Apply the recommended amount (one ounce) to your neck and down.
- If using a spray, dermatologists recommend holding down the nozzle until your skin glistens.
- Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure.
- When exposed to sunlight, reapply according to the directions on the bottle (typically every two hours).
Shop award-winning body sunscreens
EltaMD, UV AOX Mist — $45
Best mineral SPF body spray
Although this formula uses zinc oxide, a mineral sun blocker that is naturally white, to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, it rubs in clear. It’s also made with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E to reduce skin discoloration and visible signs of aging while fighting free radicals and protecting the skin from environmental aggressors. Additionally, it’s got a blend of coconut extract and glycerin to hydrate the skin.
What dermatologists say:
What testers say
“When you spray this SPF on, it disperses white, but once you rub it in, it turns totally clear—it’s honestly shocking to watch it disappear into my brown skin before my eyes. Plus, it’s super moisturizing.” —Kara Jillian Brown, beauty writer
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 40
- Creamy mist texture
- Water reistant up to 40 minutes
Cons
- Potential white cast (as is the case for all mineral formulas)
Banana Boat, Protection + Vitamins Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray SPF 50—$13
Best chemical SPF body spray
What dermatologists say
What testers say
“I’ve never met a spray sunscreen that didn’t leave behind either greasy or sticky residue, and was blown away by how this one feels on my skin. It has a finish that looks shiny (in a really great, “dipped in body oil” kind of way) but doesn’t feel like much of anything at all.” — Zoë Weiner, senior beauty editor
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosolate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Niacinamide, Vitamin C
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 50
- Dry-oil texture
- Water resistant up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Slight alcohol scent that dissipates after application
Vacation, Baby Oil SPF 30—$22
Best SPF Body Oil
This formula is a far cry from its baby-oil predecessors that effectively fried our skin. (In fairness, we didn’t know any better!) It’s made from natural oils, including softening jojoba and calming calendula and chamomile, plus vitamin E and bisabolol, both of which work to minimize irritation and replenish sun-drenched skin. Most crucially, it’s also got SPF 30, and comes with a rose-and-jasmine scent that will make you feel nostalgic for the baby oils of yore and grateful that you can now use one that’s sun safe.
What dermatologists say
“While it comes in an oil base, this product does not leave the skin feeling oily or greasy. It can be used across all skin types and leaves the skin with a transparent, silky appearance while providing high quality UV protection.” —Dr. Zeichner
What testers say
“I love that this oil makes my skin look perfectly shiny without feeling greasy.” —Weiner
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 30
- Oil texture
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Smells like baby oil
Versed, Total Package Replenishing Body Lotion Mineral SPF 50 — $20
Best mineral SPF body lotion
Even if you’re diligent about applying daily SPF to your face, many forget to give their body the same treatment. But this formula makes keeping your skin protected during shorts-and-tank-tops season as easy as humanly possible, because it’s basically a body lotion that happens to have SPF in it. Simply apply it after your a.m. shower (the way you would any skin hydration product) and let it protect you all day.
What dermatologists say
“Total Package is great because it’s a moisturizer that contains SPF (and actually feels like a moisturizer), instead of a sunscreen that treats moisturizing as an afterthought.”—Dr. Zeichner
What testers say
“As a moisturizer, it’s great. It has an incredibly lightweight consistency that’s actually easy to rub all over your body. Plus, thanks to cupuaçu butter (which is twice as hydrating than shea butter) and grapeseed oil, the formula leaves my skin feeling smooth without being greasy or slimy. This product saves me so much time (less time spent slathering products all over my body is a total win in my book), money, and the annoyance of feeling slippery all day long. It’s a phenomenal SPF.” —Caitlyn Martyn, freelance writer
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Cupuaçu butter, Grapeseed oil
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 30
- Lotion-y texture
- Water Resistant up to 80 minutes
Dune, The Bod Guard — $25
Best chemical SPF body lotion
The Bod Guard is sunscreen for people who hate sunscreen. Its texture and consistency is so light, it’s the closest you’ll get to feeling like you’ve got nothing on you. While protecting your skin from UV rays, it leaves skin feeling hydrated and dewy.
What dermatologists say
“This light gel-lotion gives broad spectrum protection in an easy to spread formula. A combination of hibiscus and neem extract brightens and hydrates the skin, while vitamin E provides antioxidant benefits.”—Dr. Zeichner
What testers say
“I tested The Bod Guard on my vacation in Mexico, where I was spending all day long on the beach in 95°F (beautiful, but HOT) weather. This stuff soaks right in and feels like a body lotion; it protected me from getting burned while providing much-needed hydration for my skin.” — Gina Vaynshteyn, commerce director
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 30
- Gel texture
- Water resistant up to 40 minutes
- Hydrates skin
Oars + Alps, Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35, $16
Best Scalp SPF
Protect your face and your scalp with just one spray using this lightweight formula that provides protection without weighing down your hair or making it feel greasy. It’s pumped up with aloe and cucumber to hydrate and soothe while antioxidant-rich safflower oil, sunflower oil, and Alpine caribou moss protect from environmental damage.
What dermatologists say
What testers say
“Considering this sunscreen has a sticky texture directly out of the bottle, applying it to my scalp felt so, so wrong. But once it dried, my roots felt like they’d been sprayed with dry shampoo. While my scalp didn’t feel sticky or greasy, I could definitely feel something was covering my skin. I can tell that during a day at the beach, after swimming in salt water, this texture will blend right in with my natural waves. —Amelia McBride, editorial assistant
Active ingredients
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Aloe, Cucumber
Pros
- Chemical formula
- SPF 35
- Lightweight spray
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Scent might be strong for some
Mustela, Mineral Sunscreen—$18
Best sunscreen for workouts
Although designed with kids and babies in mind, this SPF can be used for everyone in the family. Slather the fragrance-free formula on your face and body for protection. It goes on thick and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for sweaty workouts.
What dermatologists say
“Nice sunscreen that absorbs well and formulated with just essential ingredients you need.” —Dr. Bhanusali
What testers say
“I love and trust Mustela for all things skin care for my 11-month-old daughter, but I use the SPF on myself for sweaty summer runs because it’s water resistant, so it doesn’t run into my eyes. Because of the zinc oxide in the formula, it’s that traditional white filmy texture you have to rub in to make disappear. It takes some time to blend, but once you do, it’s in there and you won’t spend all day looking like a ghost. It stays on the skin for quite some time—I can feel it on my skin when I shower hours later—and I like it as a mineral sunscreen that won’t sweat off.” —Jenny Heimlich, senior fitness and health editor
Active ingredients
Zinc oxide, Hyaluronic acid
Pros
- Mineral formula
- SPF 50
- Thick and creamy texture
- Water resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons
- Difficult to rub in
- Potential white cast
