12 Best Body Sunscreens to Slather All Over, According to Dermatologists
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The best body sunscreens are just as crucial to your routine as your go-to face sunscreen. Sure, many products out there can technically pull double-duty, but slathering a big area like your back with the luxe option you use on your face is going to cost you in the long-run.
To help you find the best options for your personal preferences, we spent months researching all of the top-rated formulas out there. Our editors polled dermatologists for their favorites, tapped Glamour staffers to find out what they wear year-round, and then we put the top picks to the test, evaluating things like consistency, finish, scent, and—of course—efficacy. Our top overall pick was the Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 because a little goes a long way, and its super- hydrating ingredients don’t leave a white cast behind. We also found options available at the drugstore, the best pick for dark skin tones and user-friendly sticks and sprays.
The best body sunscreens, at a glance
- Best Overall: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion (SPF 50), $36
- Best Drugstore: Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50), $18
- Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen for Body (SPF 50), $13
- Best for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Sport Full-Body Sunscreen (SPF 50), $24
- Best Spray: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (SPF 70), $27
- Best Stick: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar (SPF 50+), $16
- Best Sweat-Proof: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Lotion Sunscreen(SPF 50), $33
How we tested body sunscreens
We tested these products by evaluating their ingredients, consistency, absorbability (to ensure there was no white cast left behind), and efficacy after spending time outside. The best options had moisturizing ingredients and oils to keep all skin types hydrated and smooth, and also dried down with little finesse and rubbing, without leaving behind excess residue. The picks on this list also kept us well protected during a variety of activities—from spending time out on a boat or at the beach, to hot days commuting to and from the office.
Best Overall: Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract
Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, recommends looking for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients because the sun can easily cause the skin to dry out. That’s what put this lotion at the top of our list—it truly kept our skin moisturized all day better than the other options we tested. Most importantly, it was also nongreasy.
What our tester says: “I was extremely impressed with how gentle this chemical sunscreen is,” says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. “I wore it on a recent park day in NYC, and although I was laying out for a couple hours, my skin felt just as smooth when I left as it did when I first applied it. It blended in really easily, wasn’t too thick or thin in consistency, and didn’t leave me with greasy residue or a white cast. This is probably one of the best body sunscreens I’ve ever tried.”
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 5.5 oz.
- What we love: Contains hydrating ingredients
- What could improve: Doesn’t contain zinc or titanium dioxide; blends in quickly
Best Drugstore: Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image of Brigitt Earley testing the Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
This pick is one of Glamour contributor Kristine Thomason’s personal favorites, and it checks a lot of derm-advised boxes: It’s water-resistant and noncomedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores), and contains moisturizing ingredients to keep skin hydrated throughout. It also contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals. What’s more, the brand says the formula is Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant, meaning it doesn’t contain the chemicals oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can damage coral. In all, it’s a fabulous sunscreen.
What our tester says: “It honestly feels like summertime in a bottle, and it’s available at your local drugstore,” says Thomason. She loves lathering it on before a day at the beach or during summertime travels.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Water-resistant; hydrating; moisturizing
- What could improve: Doesn’t contain zinc or titanium dioxide
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Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen for Body (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Body Lotion
This CeraVe lotion is a great mineral sunscreen, according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in NYC. In addition to sun-protecting minerals, the formula contains hyaluronic acid and three different ceramides, which help moisturize and support the skin’s natural barrier. A couple more wins: It’s gentle on sensitive skin and contains reef-safe ingredients.
What our tester says: This is a favorite of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley, who has dry skin. “The consistency is spot on,” she says. “It’s thick but not at all tacky, and it rubs in like a dream, leaving skin soft and supple.” She also notes the brand makes a tinted version that’s great for the face.
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 5 oz.
- What we love: Moisturizing ceramides; gentle
- What could improve: Formula is a bit thick
Best for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Sport Full-Body Sunscreen (SPF 50)
One SPF brand that comes up time and time again from dermatologists is EltaMD. The tinted SPF moisturizer is our favorite face sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin, but we’re also fans of the brand’s body sunscreens.
What our tester says: “It’s hard to find a sunscreen that doesn’t leave your body a greasy mess, but EltaMd’s UV Sport has proven time and time again to be the perfect companion for all kinds of summer activities,” says Vogue senior commerce editor Talia Abbas about this reliable fragrance-free SPF. “It’s lightweight, dries within minutes, and doesn’t clog your pores, which I’m always worried will inflame my keratosis pilaris and the little breakouts that come with it.”
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Water-resistant; lightweight
- What could improve: May leave slight white cast
Best Spray: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (SPF 45)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This sheer SPF is a great spray option—and one you can find at any drugstore. It’s both affordable and effective, says Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, a director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, noting you can even use it to protect the scalp, since it’s 100% clear and lightweight.
What our tester says: “I can vouch for the fact that this formulation is 100% clear,” says Earley. “It dries almost instantly too. I’m talking 10 seconds or less.”
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone | SPF: 45 | Size: 5 oz.
- What we love: Nongreasy; dries quickly; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- What could improve: Not quite as foolproof as powders
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Best Stick: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar (SPF 50+)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Sarah Y. Wu testing Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar
A sunscreen stick makes it easy to reapply SPF on weird areas (think behind the ears or on your neck). Abib’s is a top-rated K-beauty sunscreen beloved by editors, including Glamour contributor Sarah Y. Wu, who says it’s one of the best she’s ever tried.
What our tester says: “The slightly curved shape isn’t just a gimmick; it truly makes it easier to reapply when I’m on the go,” she says. “And the radiant finish is so flattering on bare skin or over makeup.”
Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, avobenzone, octisalate | SPF: 50+ | Size: 0.81 oz.
- What we love: Unique shape makes reapplication quick; easy to incorporate into a skin care routine
- What could improve: Not ideal for large areas
Best Sweat-Proof: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Sunscreen (SPF 50)
If you’re looking for a sport sunscreen that can withstand a lot of sweat (whether you’re going on your daily run or hanging out at the beach), we love this lotion. It contains glycerin to keep your skin hydrated but nongreasy, and potent UVA/UVB filters, which will block UV rays even if you’re sweating.
What our tester says: “I wore this all over my face, arms, and legs while on a run recently and was pleasantly surprised by the application. It went on smoothly and immediately absorbed into my skin without any harsh white cast. I normally use spray sunscreens for my body, but this lotion will be my go-to especially for hot, sweaty outdoor workouts,” says Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate | SPF: 50 | Size: 7.8 oz.
- What we love: Large bottle goes a long way; available at the drugstore and on Amazon; totally sweat-resistant
- What could improve: May leave a cast if too much is applied
Best for Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen for Face & Body (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Nykia Spradley testing Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen for Face and Body
This hydrating sunscreen is a favorite among Glamour contributors and editors because it leaves no white cast and has moisturizing jojoba and avocado oils.
What our tester says: Glamour contributor Nykia Spradley likes this sunscreen because it feels like a moisturizer. “The cream comes out white but turns clear without a lot of rubbing needed,” she says.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 2 oz.
- What we love: No white cast; lightweight texture
- What could improve: Has a thick consistency that some find oily
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Best Powder: Ciele Filter & Protect Powder Sunscreen (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Ciele filter & Protect SPF 30+ blurring finishing and setting powder
A powder sunscreen is a great option for reapplying on the face, neck, hands, and ears. We love this blurring formula with SPF 30 and antioxidants to get the job done.
What our tester says: “It’s really finely milled, and it reminds me of other setting powders (without SPF) in my collection that I love. I wore it out to a rooftop barbecue and noticed that I barely had to touch up—my skin was fresh and shine-free even hours later. This pick will definitely become a staple in my summer routine, without a doubt,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Active ingredients: Iron oxides, niacinamide, vitamin E | SPF: 30 | Size: 0.35 oz.
- What we love: Comes in multiple shades; finely milled and lightweight
- What could improve: Hard to use on large areas
Best SPF Oil: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Oil Shimmering Sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Shimmering Body Oil
Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC, is a huge fan of this shimmering SPF oil. “This formula is lightweight yet truly effective. It absorbs quickly, leaving a smooth finish, while delivering high SPF 50 protection that’s perfect for daily use,” she says.
What our tester says: “This formula is super silky and smooth to the touch, and doesn’t feel greasy after application. It makes the skin feel and look smooth like butter, and it’s also not too sparkly either—the shimmer is subtle yet noticeable, but doesn’t read ‘glitter.’ I love slathering this on before a day out in the sun thanks to its SPF of 50,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Active ingredients: Iron oxides, pongamia seed extract | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Shimmering; lightweight; nongreasy
- What could improve: Has a fragrance, which might be irritating to sensitive skin
Best Trending Body Sunscreen: Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse (SPF 30)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse
Yes, this whipped-cream-looking container is actually sunscreen. Vacation’s Classic Whip sold out multiple times since going viral on TikTok after beauty influencer Meredith Duxbury posted about it. It also won best body sunscreen in our 2023 Glamour Beauty Awards.
What our tester says: Glamour’s Kilkeary is also a massive fan. “When we head out on a boat on vacation or head to the pool, you will always catch me with this quirky-looking sunscreen. It’s super foamy and fun to apply, and blends down to an invisible shield. I love the scent too—it screams ‘nostalgic beach days,’ and it makes sunscreen application so much more fun.”
Active ingredient: Homosalate | SPF: 30 | Size: 4 oz.
- What we love: Lightweight; unique whipped texture; no white cast
- What could improve: Can leave skin a little tacky
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Best Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
This broad-spectrum SPF comes highly recommended by so many derms. Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, likes that it “rubs in clear and contains aloe vera, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and vitamin E to nourish the skin.” She also notes that “it’s noncomedogenic and does not contain parabens or fragrances—making it an ideal sunscreen for sensitive skin.”
What our tester says: “This one comes out thick and super white at first, but with a little rubbing, it blends in surprisingly well and ends up looking almost invisible on my skin. I also love that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes—a must for pool days or chasing kids around outside. I’ve definitely forgotten that detail with other sunscreens before, and my whole family paid the price with painful sunburns,” says Earley.
- What we like: Good for sensitive skin; minimal white cast
- What could improve: Super-thick formula requires rubbing in
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Frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between body sunscreen and face sunscreen?
In general, body sunscreens come in larger containers and contain more product, so you can cover your body without using up a whole tube every week. And as with facial sunscreen, there are all different types of body SPFs: sprays, lotions, powders, and sticks. Some are mineral body sunscreens (also referred to as physical sunscreens), which sit on top of the skin like an invisible shield; others are chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, which soak into your skin and absorb the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, convert them into heat, and release them from the body.
Which type you choose is largely a matter of personal preference, but dermatologists are quick to recommend mineral formulas for anyone with sensitive or acne-prone skin. “They are generally less irritating to the skin,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “They also tend to be fragrance-free, noncomedogenic, and non-inflammatory.”
What is the best sunscreen for the whole body?
Unlike a face-specific counterpart, a body sunscreen needs to spread easily and evenly over a large surface area—places like hands, arms, legs, shoulders, and feet, says Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City. “The best sun protection for you is the one you will wear regularly,” says Dr. King. But in general, derms say lotions offer more reliable coverage.
What is the most effective sunscreen?
Ideally, you’re reaching for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s at least SPF 30 or higher, as outlined by the American Academy of Dermatology Association. If you plan to swim or sweat, Hadley King, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, recommends looking especially for “a formulation that is water-resistant, and that includes moisturizing ingredients to support the skin barrier.”
How much sunscreen should you be applying all over the body?
According to Dr. Engelman, about an ounce—or shot glass full of sunscreen—should be applied to the full body. “That’s what it takes to get the level of protection listed on the label. And don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.”
How to get the most out of your body sunscreen
To get the most out of your body sunscreen, it’s key to be generous. “Apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure so it can properly bind to the skin. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like the tops of your feet, backs of your hands, ears, and behind the knees,” says Dr. Engelman. And she notes to reapply every two hours, or right after swimming or heavy sweating, even if your sunscreen is water-resistant. “Consistency and thoroughness are key,” she says.
Meet the experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist in NYC
- Nava Greenfield, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City
- Hadley King, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist based in NYC
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