I use body sunscreen because I understand the importance of protecting my skin from harmful UV rays. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and premature aging and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Recognizing the significance of this, I curated the best body sunscreens to ensure maximum protection.

Shortlisting the best body sunscreens involved thorough research into various brands, considering factors like SPF levels, broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and user reviews. I looked for products that offer long-lasting protection without feeling greasy or leaving a white residue. Additionally, I considered sunscreen formulations suitable for different skin types, including sensitive or acne-prone skin.

I recommend using these best body sunscreens because they meet stringent criteria for effectiveness and safety. These products not only shield the skin from harmful UV rays but also feel comfortable to wear, encouraging consistent application. By using these top-rated body sunscreens, I can enjoy outdoor activities confidently, knowing my skin is well-protected. Moreover, promoting the use of these sunscreens aligns with my commitment to prioritizing skin health and overall well-being. With these products, I can enjoy the sun responsibly while minimizing the risks associated with sun exposure.

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  Best Non-comedogenic

  EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen

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EltaMD UV Sport Body Sunscreen offers reliable protection for active individuals, with SPF 50 and sweat and water resistance lasting up to 80 minutes. Its zinc oxide formulation ensures broad-spectrum defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays, guarding against sunburn and premature aging. The oil-free formula caters to various skin types, including those prone to acne or sensitivity. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle, it applies smoothly and evenly, ensuring full-body coverage without feeling heavy or greasy. Whether you're hitting the trails, playing sports, or simply enjoying a day under the sun, this sunscreen provides dependable defense against sun damage.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide

Skin type: All

SPF: 50

Size:3 fl oz

Quick Tip:

Apply the sunscreen generously at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating heavily. Regular application ensures continuous protection against harmful UV radiation, safeguarding your skin's health during all your outdoor endeavors.

2

Editor’s Pick

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen Lotion

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This weightless formula provides effective sun protection against UVA and UVB rays while maintaining skin hydration, thanks to its blend of oat extract. Its prebiotic oat formula also helps support the skin's natural barrier, promoting a healthier complexion. Unlike many sunscreens, it offers a refreshing feel upon application, avoiding the greasy or heavy sensation often associated with high-SPF products. Ideal for daily use, this sweat-resistant lotion for up to 80 minutes is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene 

Skin type: Sensitive

SPF: 60

Size: 3.0 fl oz

3

Best Gentle Formula

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen

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Infused with hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it not only defends against sun damage but also hydrates and nourishes the skin. This unique formulation ensures a dual-action approach, keeping your skin protected while maintaining its moisture balance. The inclusion of hyaluronic acid helps to attract and retain moisture, leaving your skin feeling hydrated and supple, while ceramides support the skin's natural barrier function, enhancing its resilience. This hydrating mineral sunscreen is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and its non-comedogenic formula ensures it won't clog pores. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, ceramides

Skin type: All

SPF: 50

Size:5 fl oz

4

Best Travel-friendly

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen

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Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage, shielding your face and body from both UVA and UVB rays. Its oil-free formula is suitable for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin, ensuring a lightweight and comfortable feel upon application. Designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, it is free from potentially irritating ingredients, making it suitable for the whole family. The lotion texture allows for smooth and even coverage, without leaving a white cast. La Roche-Posay, known for its dermatologist-tested skincare products, ensures the efficacy and safety of this sunscreen.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Skin type: Sensitive

SPF: 50

Size: 3.0 fl oz

5

Best Easy-to-apply

Badger Reef Safe Sunscreen

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With 98% organic sunscreen ingredients, including zinc oxide, it provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive sun protection. This unscented sunscreen is gentle on the skin, making it suitable for sensitive individuals. Its water-resistant formula ensures long-lasting protection, even during water activities, making it an ideal choice for sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Badger emphasizes environmental responsibility by creating a reef-safe sunscreen, minimizing harm to marine ecosystems. By using natural and organic ingredients, Badger promotes both skin and environmental health. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, vitamin E

Skin type: All

SPF: 40

Size: 2.9 fl oz

Quick Tip:

Opt for clothing with UPF and seek shade during peak sun hours to complement your sun protection routine.

6

Best Unscented

Vanicream Sunscreen

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Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ provides high-level sun protection for sensitive skin. With its gentle, dermatologist-tested formula, it offers broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn and skin damage. This fragrance-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen is suitable for all skin types, including those prone to irritation and breakouts. Its lightweight texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy or sticky residue behind. This sunscreen is formulated without common irritants such as dyes, fragrances, parabens, and formaldehyde, making it suitable for individuals with sensitive skin conditions like eczema or rosacea. The SPF 50+ rating ensures extra protection against harmful sun exposure, making it suitable for prolonged outdoor activities. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide

Skin type: Sensitive

SPF: 50+

Size: 3 fl oz

7

Best Fast Absorbing

Bondi Sands Fragrance Free Sunscreen

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This hydrating sunscreen lotion with 72 hours of hydration provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, safeguarding your skin from sunburn and premature aging. Its fragrance-free formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin, ensuring a gentle and non-irritating experience. The sheer texture of the lotion allows for smooth and easy application, without leaving behind any sticky or greasy residue. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 80 minutes, making it suitable for water activities and ensuring long-lasting protection.

Key ingredients: Aloe vera and vitamin E

Skin type: Sensitive

SPF: 50

Size:5.07 fl oz.

8

Best Packaging

Thrive Natural Care Body Mineral Sunscreen

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Formulated with broad-spectrum clear zinc oxide, it offers effective defense against harmful UVA and UVB rays without leaving a white residue. Its water-resistant formula ensures long-lasting protection, even during water activities, while its reef-safe composition respects marine ecosystems. Thrive Natural Care prioritizes clean ingredients and sustainable practices, making this sunscreen a responsible choice for conscientious consumers. With its high SPF and reef-safe formulation, it's the perfect sunscreen for those who prioritize both skin health and environmental sustainability.

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide

Skin type: All

SPF: 50

Size: 5.8 fl oz

9

Best Lightweight

Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow

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This SPF 50 sheer sunscreen is infused with gold shimmer mica, offering both UV protection and a radiant glow. Its sweat and water-resistant formula ensure long-lasting coverage during outdoor activities. Enriched with antioxidant vitamin E, it helps to neutralize free radicals and protect the skin from environmental damage. Additionally, the blend of nourishing oils including macadamia, hibiscus, avocado, and coconut provides hydration and replenishment, leaving the skin feeling soft and moisturized. Whether lounging by the pool or hitting the beach, this sunscreen offers luxurious sun protection with a hint of shimmer, enhancing your natural beauty while keeping your skin safe. With its rich antioxidant properties and hydrating oils, it's a must-have for those who desire both effective sun care and a radiant, luminous complexion.

Key ingredients: Hibiscus and macadamia oil, avocado, coconut oil and vitamin E 

Skin type: All

SPF: 50

Size: 5.8 fl oz

10

Best Oil-free

Neutrogena Clear Body Breakout-Free Liquid Sunscreen Lotion

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With an oil-free formula, this sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, shielding the skin from both UVA and UVB rays while helping to prevent breakouts. Its lightweight, liquid consistency absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue, ensuring a comfortable and non-comedogenic experience. Designed specifically for the body, it is suitable for daily use, making it an essential addition to your skincare routine, especially for those with acne concerns. 

Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate and octocrylene

Skin type: Acne-prone

SPF: 30

Size: 5 fl oz.

11

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

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Designed to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage to prevent sunburn and skin damage. Its sheer lotion consistency makes it easy to apply evenly, leaving no white residue behind. Formulated with quality ingredients, it offers reliable protection without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin. The SPF 50 rating ensures high-level defense against sunburn, ideal for prolonged outdoor activities. Blue Lizard's Australian heritage underscores its commitment to effective sun care, with a reputation for trusted formulations. 

Key ingredients: Zinc oxide

Skin type: All

SPF: 50+

Size: 3 fl oz

12

The Bod Guard - Award-Winning Gel Body Sunscreen

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Offering clear, invisible broad-spectrum SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection, it ensures comprehensive defense against harmful rays without leaving behind any white residue. This sheer sun lotion is water-resistant, making it suitable for active lifestyles and water activities. Its reef-friendly formula respects marine ecosystems while safeguarding your skin. Unlike traditional sunscreens, it is non-greasy, providing a comfortable and lightweight feel upon application. Infused with a subtle sea salt scent, it offers a refreshing aroma reminiscent of beach days and ocean breezes. This sunscreen combines effective sun protection with sensory pleasure, making it a must-have for anyone who values both skincare and environmental responsibility. 

Key ingredients: Neem leaf and vitamin E extracts

Skin type: All

SPF: 30

Size: 8.4 fl oz

13

EVERYDAY HUMANS Sun Glazed Sunscreen

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Formulated with gold shimmer mica, it imparts a subtle glow, perfect for those seeking a radiant sun-kissed look. This sunscreen is not only sweat and water-resistant but also non-greasy, ensuring comfortable wear even during active moments. Enriched with moisturizing ingredients like squalane and jojoba oil, it nourishes the skin while providing protection against harmful UV rays. The addition of a refreshing citrus scent enhances the overall sensory experience, making sunscreen application a delightful ritual. Suitable for daily use, this sunscreen offers a blend of sun protection, hydration, and aesthetic enhancement, catering to those who prioritize both skincare and style. 

Key ingredients: Mica, plant squalane, jojoba oil and bergamot oil

Skin type: All

SPF:30

Size: 5.07 fl oz

Now that you have seen my product recommendations for the best body sunscreen, glance through my buying guide to make an informed purchase.

Choosing the best body sunscreen involves considering several factors to ensure you select one that provides adequate protection while also meeting your personal preferences. Here are some tips to help you choose the right body sunscreen:

Broad Spectrum Protection: Look for sunscreens labeled as "broad spectrum," which means they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age the skin, while UVB rays can cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer.

SPF Level: Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while higher SPFs offer slightly more protection. However, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, so reapplication is essential.

Water Resistance: If you are going to be swimming or sweating, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen. Keep in mind that water-resistant does not mean waterproof, so you'll still need to reapply after swimming or sweating heavily.

Ingredients: Consider your skin type and any sensitivities you may have to certain ingredients. Look for sunscreens that are hypoallergenic and free from fragrances, parabens, and oxybenzone if you have sensitive skin.

Application: Choose a sunscreen that is easy to apply and doesn't leave a heavy or greasy feeling on your skin. Some people prefer lotions, while others prefer spray sunscreens or sticks for convenience.

Skin Type: Consider your skin type when choosing a sunscreen. If you have oily skin or acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or non-comedogenic formulas. If you have dry skin, choose a sunscreen with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.

Special Considerations: If you have specific needs such as being eco-conscious, look for reef-safe sunscreens that do not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can harm coral reefs.

Cost: While cost shouldn't be the sole determining factor, it's essential to find a sunscreen that fits your budget. Remember that you should apply sunscreen generously and frequently, so you may go through it quickly.

By considering these factors, you can select a body sunscreen that provides effective protection against the sun's harmful rays while also suiting your skin type and preferences.

• Most people don't apply enough sunscreen. Use at least one ounce (about a shot glass full) to cover your entire body. Apply it 15 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to fully absorb into your skin.
• Sunscreen wears off over time, especially if you're swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Remember to apply sunscreen to often-missed areas, such as the tops of your feet, ears, back of the neck, and scalp (if not covered by hair).
• If you'll be swimming or sweating, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. However, remember that even these formulations need to be reapplied regularly.