Say bye to the tan and hello to nourished and well-protected skin with just one product! The best body lotion with SPF is sure to be your new BFF, thanks to its ability to safeguard your skin from the sun's harmful rays while nourishing it. Whether you are going about your daily activities or strolling along the beach, a body lotion with sun protection caters to two major skin woes with one go! These products are crafted to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays by providing broad-spectrum protection. Our contributor, Dr. Rekha Singh, Dermatologist at Oliva Clinic, suggests the ideal SPF content in a body lotion. According to her, an ideal body lotion should have an SPF of at least 30. However, if you plan to spend a lot of time outdoors, a body lotion with SPF 50 or more is recommended to ensure adequate protection.

These body lotions prioritize not only the nourishment of your skin but also protecting and preventing sun damage. They are enriched with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or glycerin which help quench dry skin but also contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that keeps sun damage at bay. Most of these formulas are oil-free, lightweight, and offer non-greasy protection without clogging pores.

While explaining the importance of applying a body lotion before the application of sunscreen, Dr. Rekha Singh, our contributor, says, “Though sunscreen is crucial in protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, it doesn't provide the same hydrating benefits as a body lotion. Thus, it's not recommended to skip body lotion entirely, especially for those with dry skin.”

“Wearing sunscreen regularly is not only important for skin health but also for improving skin’s appearance thus making it a must-have in your daily skincare routine,” says Dr. Sam Ellis, a dermatologist and a YouTuber based in Danville, California. Through our trial and error, we discovered some of the best products that are reliable and offer sun protection whilst fulfilling your skincare needs. These are not only dermatologist-tested but are also known to reduce the risk of skin irritation and allergies. With various levels of water resistance specified on the labels, you can now pick a body lotion that suits your outdoor adventures.

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  Best Drugstore Product

  Nivea Natural Glow Cell Repair Body Lotion SPF 15

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Providing ample of moisturization, the Natural Glow Cell Repair Body Lotion by Nivea comes with SPF 15. The lightweight, non-greasy formula has a rich consistency that spreads smoothly and leaves your skin feeling thoroughly nourished. It is enriched with vitamin C-rich superfruit extracts of camu camu that provide antioxidant protection against aging UV. While acerola cherry in this formula also contains vitamin C that even tones the skin, boosts the production of collagen, and repairs damaged cells (1). This body lotion with SPF 15 caters to minimizing skin damage and dark spots and improves your skin’s elasticity while preventing from damage. Based on our observations, this body lotion keeps your skin well-nourished throughout the day while providing sun protection.

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No White Cast Formula

Supergoop! PLAY SPF 50 EVERYDAY Lotion

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This PLAY SPF 50 EVERYDAY Lotion by Supergoop! is dermatologically tested and is perfect for days when you are outdoors. Suitable for adults and kids, this is one of the best body lotions with SPF 50 that is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Rich in beta carotene, this formula is enriched with sunflower extract that helps protect skin from external environmental elements. It contains rosemary and rice bran extracts that help in conditioning your skin and leaving a calming effect. While the blend of natural aromatic extracts such as basil, eucalyptus, orange, lemon, and wild geranium provides a refreshing fragrance. With consistent use, the formula prevents skin photoaging and protection against UV and infrared radiation.

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Best Anti-Aging Formula

Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 60+ Lotion

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With Broad Spectrum SPF 60+, the Invisible Daily Defense Lotion by Neutrogena has anti-aging properties while nourishing and protecting your skin. The formula is enriched with Helioplex Technology that aids in preventing sunburn, caused by harmful damages from UVA and UVB rays and boosts skin's natural moisture barrier. It fights against skin aging caused by excessive sun exposure and prevents wrinkles, sagging skin, and fine lines. The antioxidants in this formula also help in shielding your skin from environmental aggressors that can lead to premature skin aging and also skin damage. After trying out this product, we noticed that the formula is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, running, etc.

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Best for 24-hour Moisture

Eucern Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Lotion (Pack of 3)

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With broad spectrum SPF 15, the Eucern body lotion gives you 24 hours of long-lasting moisture that helps keep your dry skin well-nourished while shielding it from sun damage. This everyday body lotion with SPF 15 makes sure that it provides protection from long-term skin damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. Non-greasy and fast-absorbing, this lightweight formula is enriched with sunflower oil and Pro-Vitamin B5 which helps in moisturizing and healing dry skin. The formula is free from fragrance, and dye, and also free from all types of toxins that can cause damaging effects on the skin. Suitable for all skin types, this body lotion works best for those with extremely dry skin.

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Best Oxybenzone-free Formula

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60 Body Lotion

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Give your skin all-day hydration along with protection from the harshness of UVA and UVB rays with the Protect + Hydrate body lotion by Aveeno. Infused with the goodness of nourishing prebiotic oil blend of oat oil that helps nourish dry skin and replenish skin moisture barrier. The oat extract in this formula has a soothing effect on your skin, while oat flour helps in moisturizing your skin and combats sun-induced free radicals that accelerate skin aging. This weightless Aveeno body lotion with 60 is free from all types of toxins and is perfect for outdoor activities as it is sweat and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Our findings show that this formula is dermatologist-recommended and is perfect for everyday use even for sensitive skin.

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Best for All Skin Types

EltaMD UV Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Full Body Sunscreen

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The EltaMD UV Lotion is a toxin-free formula that provides head-to-toe hydration and sun protection that makes it one of the best body lotions with SPF. This formula is enriched with zinc oxide which is a natural mineral compound that acts as a sunscreen agent. It works by reflecting and scattering UVA and UVB rays from your skin. While the sodium hyaluronate (hyaluronic acid) in the formula aims in retaining the moisture and improving the skin’s texture by replenishing and restoring suppleness. Tocopheryl acetate (a form of vitamin A) is an antioxidant that diminishes free radicals to eradicate the visible signs of aging. This non-comedogenic formula is perfect to use every day as it is lightweight and non-greasy.

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Best Plant-based Formula

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion SPF 15

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Developed for normal to dry or sensitive skin, the Very Emollient Body Lotion by Alba Botanica is a hypoallergenic formula with SPF 15. Formulated with plant-based and 100% vegetarian ingredients, this body lotion provides all-day hydration and is gentle on the skin. It gets instantly absorbed in your skin while providing rich hydration and leaving your skin supple. The formula is packed with a unique botanical potent blend of green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile extracts. It has a hearty dose of antioxidants that nourishes your skin without leaving any white cast or greasy residue. This body lotion with SPF 15 is a pH-balancing formula and is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

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Best for Even Toning Skin

Blue Nectar NIRAA SHEA BUTTER SPF 30 Face & Body Lotion

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Blue Nectar’s NIRAA Shea Butter Face & Body Lotion is loaded with the goodness of shielding your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays. This ultra hydration best body lotion with SPF is formulated with broad spectrum SPF 30 that limits the sun damage on the skin. Enriched with Aloe Vera, the formula moisturizes, soothes, and brightens the skin, while diminishing tan. The shea butter in this lotion adds the vitamin A and E benefits that soothe sunburns and dry patches while reinforcing skin’s elasticity. Cocoa butter replenishes the skin's moisture and creates a barrier to protect the skin from moisture loss. While turmeric acts as an effective natural cleanser to fade skin blemishes and promote naturally glowing skin.

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Best Sweat-resistant Formula

EVERYDAY HUMANS Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

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The Oh My Bod! Sunscreen lotion comes with a broad spectrum of SPF 50 that instantly absorbs into your skin and shields it from UVA and UVB rays. This lightweight formula is powered by hyaluronic acid which optimizes hydration levels in your skin and makes it appear plump. It is further enriched with cucumber juice to calm, moisturize, and detoxify your skin as a part of after-sun recovery. Green tea in this formula has antioxidants that protect against environmental aggressors and boosts skin immunity to prevent damage. The formula is infused with sunscreen actives such as 10% homosalate, 8% octocrylene, 5% octisalate, and 3% avobenzone, but does not have a white cast or greasy finish.

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Best for Tropical Fragrance

Vacation Classic Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen (Pack of 3)

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Take a stroll in the sun, smelling amazing and not having to worry about sun damage with the Vacation Classic Lotion with SPF 30. With a tropical and refreshing fragrance, this best body lotion with SPF can instantly transport you to an island. It is enriched with highly nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera extract, banana extract, niacinamide, and vitamin E. The lightweight texture of this lotion spreads seamlessly on your skin without feeling greasy or sticky. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes which makes it perfect for outdoor activities too. After putting it to the test we noticed that this body lotion does not leave a white cast, rubs in instantly, and is gentle for sensitive skin.

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Vaseline Healthy Bright SUN + POLLUTION PROTECTION SPF 30

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Perfect for everyday use, this body lotion with SPF 30 by Vaseline provides sun and pollution protection while hydrating your skin. This pollution protection formula shields your skin from environmental aggressors with its potent antioxidant properties from provitamin B3, C, and E. It helps in neutralizing skin damage and enhancing the skin’s natural radiance. To protect and heal your skin from sun damage, the formula also contains microdroplets of Vaseline petroleum jelly which also makes this lotion ideal for everyday use.  It is a fast-absorbing and non-greasy formula that nourishes your skin for deep moisturization. We determined through our tests that this body lotion adds a subtle natural glow to your skin with consistent use.

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b.tan spf is your bff SPF 30

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This sunscreen body lotion with SPF 30 from b.tan is a weightless formula that instantly absorbs into your skin with a matte finish. Infused with the goodness of jojoba oil, argan oil, and vitamin C, this formula instantly hydrates your skin, protects it from UV rays, and enhances its texture. The formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and feels sheer - almost skin-like. It is free from all types of toxins, and alcohol, and is also reef-friendly.

These were some of the best body lotions with SPF that you can pick for that instant boost of hydration along with sun protection. However, there are a few key factors that you must first consider. These allow you to pick nothing but the best!

When it comes to picking the best body lotion with SPF, you must consider a few things that help you to make your investment worthwhile.

Ingredients And Skin Type

When selecting a body lotion with sunscreen properties, considering your skin type is highly important. There are certain ingredients that work best with specific skin types and cater to them perfectly. For those with dry skin, opt for a body lotion with hydrating ingredients. Look for shea butter, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera extract, white tea extracts, or glycerin in your formula. If you have combination skin or oily skin, pick a body lotion with sunscreen benefits that are labeled as non-comedogenic, and look for an oil-free and weightless formula that will not clog your pores. For sensitive skin, opt for a physical, or mineral body lotion with SPF as they will not cause your skin any stinging sensation.

While focusing on sun protection, it is best to pick a product that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they provide sun protection. Steer clear from any formulation that contains oxybenzone or other harmful toxins like parabens or SLS.

Sun Protection

While body lotion’s key role is it nourishes, but when it comes with broad spectrum SPF, it is important to also consider how much sun protection it actually provides. Remember that the higher the broad spectrum, the better! Dermatologists recommend a formula that provides at least SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Anything beyond SPF 30 is something you can blindly trust!

Formula

Make sure the best body lotion with SPF, you pick, works for you! Opt for a formula that is oil-free, does not feel greasy, and does not clog pores. The lotion should be gentle enough for everyday use and must be hypoallergenic. It is best to avoid products that contain oxybenzone or PABA. These tend to cause a lot of skin irritation and rashes. If you are planning on indulging in any outdoor sports or physical activities that will leave you either wet or sweating, then it is best to pick a sweat and water-resistant formula. Moreover, it should have at least 40 to 80 minutes of longevity.

Fragrance And Allergies

For those with sensitive skin or who are prone to allergies, it is best to pick a fragrance-free, unscented, natural, or hypoallergenic formula. This will eliminate all kinds of risks of causing irritation, rashes, or acne breakouts.

Other Factors

Apart from hydration and sun protection, look for a body lotion with SPF that comes with additional benefits. Such as anti-aging properties, skin-soothing abilities, skin cell turnover, or de-tanning properties. These are some added bonuses that can help you eliminate multiple skincare steps and reach out to just one product that caters to all your needs. 

There is a simple rule when it comes to body lotion and sunscreen - use it every day! But when you get the goodness of both in one, then it’s the cherry on the cake! These 12 best body lotion with SPF strike the perfect balance between hydrating your skin and protecting it. They leave your skin thoroughly nourished while shielding them from the harsh effects of the UVA and UVB rays. These UV rays have non-reversible effects on your skin. Some effects are faster skin aging, skin darkening, deeper fine lines, and even an increased risk of skin cancer! However, through our trial and error, we discovered that we shortlisted this above-mentioned list which will come in handy for you. These products are not only some of the best body lotions with SPF protection but also provide your parched skin with a boost of hydration. We hope that the factors mentioned above also help you in picking nothing but the best to make your everyday routine one step lesser but equally effective.

Contributor: Dr. Rekha Singh, MBBS, MD - Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy - Oliva Clinic