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Whether you’re voyaging to far-flung destinations or simply enjoying the sunshine in your backyard, wearing one of the best body sunscreens is non-negotiable. Why? To protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV light. Differing from your beloved face sunscreen, the market’s sought-after body formulas are designed for comfortable, all-day wear no matter what’s on your agenda.
Best Body Sunscreens
- Best Mineral: Hampton Sun SPF 45 Mineral Sunscreen Crème Body, $48
- Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen Mist, $36
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, $26
- Best Oil: Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil, $22
- Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70, $10
- Best for Daily Use: Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50, $34
- Best for Hands: Tenoverten The Protective Suncream, $39
When to Wear Body Sunscreen
According to Dr. Bradley Glodny, body sunscreen should be worn whenever your skin is exposed to the sun. “This includes direct sunlight when shirtless, but also when exposed to high levels of UV light (like at the beach or hiking in the summer) and wearing lightweight, transparent materials without a significant Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF),” he says. “Body sunscreen should be used on exposed parts of your body like hands, arms, and legs.” To know you’re applying an adequate amount of product, Dr. Shari Sperling recommends filling a shot glass to measure one ounce of sunscreen to be applied to a particular area of the body. “During the summer months, it is important to reapply sunscreen often, every two hours or so,” she instructs.
Both of our experts emphasize that all skin types and tones wear sunscreen. To help you find the right one, we tapped our experts and referenced Vogue editor testimonials to curate this edit of the best body sunscreens of 2023.
Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
- Why We Like It: Supergoop! Play is as reliable as they come. Per Glodny, it is “water and sweat resistant, making it perfect for the summertime.” Infused with sunflower extract, the formula absorbs into skin, similar to your favorite body lotion for comfortable UVA, UVB, and IRA protection.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Non-greasy lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 7.5%)
EltaMD UV Lotion Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus
- Why We Like It: A dual-action sunscreen with chemical and mineral agents, this EltaMD formula is perfect for well-rounded protection. Its transparent zinc oxide works alongside vitamin E and hyaluronic acid for conditioning, comfortable daily wear.
- SPF Level: SPF 30+
- Texture: Moisturizing lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Both (octinoxate 7.5%, zinc oxide 7.0%)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Body Face Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 100
- Why We Like It: Designed for the face and body, La Roche-Posay is the versatile UV protector of dreams—particularly for skin types that burn easily. Skin is protected from UVA and UVB rays through broad spectrum SPF 100, while a blend of thermal spring water, glycerin, dimethicone, vitamins B5 and E come together to maintain skin’s moisture levels.
- SPF Level: SPF 100
- Texture: Lightweight lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Hampton Sun SPF 45 Mineral Sunscreen Crème Body
- Why We Like It: Those in search of a mineral sunscreen will appreciate this formula by Hampton Sun. The soft, whipped cream feels luxe when applied, and conditions skin simultaneously through calendula flower extract, pomegranate extract, and argan oil.
- SPF Level: SPF 45
- Texture: Whipped cream.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 17%)
Vacation Chardonnay Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil
- Why We Like It: Radiantly glowing skin is often achieved by the best body oils, so why not consider Vacation’s sun-protecting option? Rich in botanical oils (chardonnay grape seed, marula, passion fruit seed, jojoba, and shea), bisabolol, and vitamin E, this imparts a hydrating, non-greasy shine. Not to mention, it smells of Delivering a sun-kissed glisten without the greasy residue; this also smells of the brand’s tropical “Grand Cru ‘86” scent.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight oil.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen Mist
- Why We Like It: A spray sunscreen is a must for hands-free application—or necessary reapplication. Soleil Toujours’s earns bonus points for its 70% organic composition, infused with aloe leaf juice, vitamin C, and vitamin E, which leaves a sheer, dewy glow.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Mist
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%)
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum - SPF 30
- Why We Like It: Black Girl Sunscreen is known to expertly protect people of color, imparting sheer moisture to the face and body through a cocktail of SPF 30, avocado, carrot juice, jojoba, cacao, and sunflower oil.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Cream
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical ( Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.75%)
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow - SPF 50
- Why We Like It: What’s more refreshing than a cooling gel on a hot summer day? Reach for Kopari’s formula when you want UV protection too; its gel is rich in restorative oils (macadamia, hibiscus, avocado, and coconut), vitamin E, and gold shimmer mica to improve skin’s hydration and radiance.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lightweight gel.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%)
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
- Why We Like It: The distinguishable coconut scent isn’t the only reason to consider this Sun Bum sunscreen. Infused with vitamin E and SPF 50, the lotion shields against UVA and UVB rays as well as free radical damage.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lotion
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen
- Why We Like It: Planning for an active summer? Powered by its WetForce and HeatForce technology, Shiseido’s ocean-friendly, clear face and body blend manages to become more effective when met with water or warm temps, meaning it’s perfect for workouts or outdoor activities.
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Oily lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 2.3%, homosalate 10%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 5%)
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide
- Why We Like It: Those with sensitive skin should add Blue Lizard’s sunscreen to their beauty bag. Delivering mineral broad-spectrum SPF 50+, this expertly protects from 97% of the sun’s rays sans irritation. If that’s not enough, through a special dye that reacts to UV light, this cream changes colors to remind you to reapply sunscreen.
- SPF Level: SPF 50+
- Texture: Lightweight lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 10%, titanium dioxide 8%)
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40
- Why We Like It: Looking for an invisible SPF? Look no further than Supergoop!’s new Unseen Body formula. This delivers the same silky, gel formula as the coveted face sunscreen, and is even enriched with fluid elastomers, a plant-derived emollient, olive leaf, and fruit extracts to keep skin soft and moisturized.
- SPF Level: SPF 40
- Texture: Silky primer.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 9%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70
- Why We Like It: “I recommend Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch sunscreen because it goes on easily and absorbs quickly,” says Glodny. This is a reliable drugstore pickup that won’t soon go out of style.
- SPF Level: SPF 70
- Texture: Lightweight lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%)
Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50
- Why We Like It: Hate that greasy sunscreen feeling? Paula’s Choice face and body SPF leaves a natural, soft matte finish that will make you forget you’re even wearing sunscreen. What’s more, skin is kept moisturized and balanced through its blend of kaolin, aloe, and vitamins A, C, and E.
- SPF Level: SPF 50
- Texture: Lotion.
- Chemical or Mineral: Chemical (homosalate 10%, oxybenzone 6%, octisalate 5%, avobenzone 3%, octocrylene 2%)
Tenoverten The Protective Suncream
- Why We Like It: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your hands! Tenoverten’s elixir utilizes a blend of non-nano zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, grapeseed oil, and an antioxidant complex of rice, rosemary, and sunflower extracts to promote youthful-looking (and protected!) hands.
- SPF Level: SPF 30
- Texture: Lightweight cream.
- Chemical or Mineral: Mineral (zinc oxide 25%)
What to Look for in a Body Sunscreen
While you can use face sunscreen for your body, this edit of formulas is crafted to be especially gentle on skin without any greasy or sticky residue that might impact your wear. Comfort is key, especially in body care.
SPF Level: “Sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30 and should be applied often, every two hours or so,” says Sperling. Though any sunscreen is better than none at all!