13 Best Body Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists
Even if you already have a go-to face sunscreen or tinted moisturizer with SPF, any dermatologist will tell you, you also need to tap the best body 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.
In general, body sunscreens are larger and contain more product, so you can cover your body without depleting the product. And like 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), that 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.
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, non-comedogenic, and non-inflammatory.”
To help you find the best body sunscreen for your personal preferences and needs, we've 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.
The best body sunscreens, at a glance
- Best Body Sunscreen for Everyday Use: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Body (SPF 40), $42
- Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50), $18
- Best Body Sunscreen for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion (SPF 50), $13
- Best Body Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Sport (SPF 50), $24
- Best Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50), $20
- Best Non-Greasy Body Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50), $26
- Best Spray Body Sunscreen: Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, $32
Your body sunscreen questions, answered
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best Body Sunscreen for Everyday Use: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Body (SPF 40)
Courtesy of brand1/15Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Body
As a longtime wellness editor, Glamour contributor Kristine Thomason has tested countless sunscreens, and this is one of her personal favorites. “It rubs on smooth without a greasy look or feel, which makes it the perfect sunscreen for everyday use,” she says. It’s also bursting with hydrating ingredients, such as olive leaf and fruit extracts, which Nava Greenfield, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City, calls important, since sun exposure can cause the skin to dry out.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 40 / Size: 3.4 oz.
- What we love: Contains hydrating ingredients
- What could improve: Doesn’t contain zinc or titanium dioxide
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Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand2/15Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Another one of my Thomason's personal favorites, this SPF checks a lot of derm-advised boxes: It’s water-resistant, noncomedogenic (which means it won’t clog your pores), and contains moisturizing ingredients to keep dry 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. In all, it’s a fabulous sunscreen (“It honestly feels like summertime in a bottle,” says Thomason) to lather 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 Body Sunscreen for Dry Skin: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand3/15CeraVe 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 also 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.
This is a favorite of Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley, too. “The consistency is spot on,” she says. “It's thick, but not at all tacky and 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 Body Sunscreen for Oily Skin: EltaMD UV Sport (SPF 50)
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Courtesy of brand4/15EltaMD UV Sport SPF 50
“It’s hard to find a sunscreen that doesn't leave your body a greasy mess, but EltaMd’s UV Sport has proved 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 have slight white case
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Best Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand5/15Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
This sunscreen 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.”
Active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 5 oz.
- What we like: Good for sensitive skin; rubs in clear
- What could improve: May leave a white cast
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Best Non-Greasy Body Sunscreen: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion Broad Spectrum (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand6/15La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen Gentle Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This French brand has a stunning reputation for a reason—its mineral sunscreen lotion truly delivers on all fronts. It rubs in smooth, with a silky finish, and leaves no unpleasant residue. As Dr. King explains, mineral sunscreens “sit on top of the skin to scatter and deflect UV rays, physically blocking them from penetrating the skin,” and they also tend to be more gentle on sensitive skin types. La Roche-Posay’s lotion is perfect for both face and body since it contains SPF 50 and skin-supporting ingredients like vitamin E and Lipo-Hydroxy Acid (LHA), which has exfoliating and renewing properties.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Mineral sunscreen, water-resistant
- What could improve: Thicker than some other sunscreens
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Best Body Sunscreen Spray: Coola Mineral Spray (SPF 30)
- Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley
- Original image by Glamour tester Brigitt Earley
- Courtesy of brand
7/15Coola Mineral Spray
In addition to 14.5% zinc oxide, this mostly organic mineral-based broad-spectrum protection contains other skin care ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and glycerin, says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in NYC. “It’s moisturizing and won’t dry your skin like some sprays tend to," she says.
Our testers were impressed, too. “Mineral sunscreens don’t always spray well, because they tend to be thicker,” says Earley. “This one sprayed very evenly and was easy to rub in.” It did, however, leave somewhat of a white cast.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide / SPF: 30 / Size: 5 ounces
What we like: Sprays evenly; easy to rub in; contains skin-soothing ingredients
What could improve: Tends to leave a slight white castBest Body Sunscreen Stick: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick for Face & Body (SPF 50+)
Courtesy of brand8/15Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ for Face & Body
Our testers, particularly those with kids, love the convenience of stick sunscreens, and Jeremy Brauer, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Spectrum Skin and Laser in Purchase, New York says this is one of his go-tos. It glides effortlessly over skin, he says, noting the product is also ideal for people who spend a lot of time outside. It has an SPF of 50+ and is water-resistant for 80 minutes. It doesn't leave a white cast either, says Dr. Brauer.
“One of the biggest draws of Shiseido sunscreens is the light citrus scent,” says Earley, a fan of all of the brand's SPF offerings. “And yes, I can attest this stick really does glide on like butter but, thankfully, doesn’t leave any greasiness behind.”
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 50+ / Size: 0.7 oz.
- What we love: Clear formula; goes on smooth; high SPF; nice citrus scent
- What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin, since it contains fragrances
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Best Body Sunscreen for Families: Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand9/15Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Dr. Brauer calls this fragrance-free mineral sunscreen a great “family” pick, since it's suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Notably, even those with skin conditions like rosacea report no irritation from this SPF.
Babo Botanicals is also a good choice for individuals with darker skin tones, he says. The formula "blends seamlessly into the face,” says Dr. Brauer. Our testers love the scent, too—rather than a traditional sunscreen smell, it has a very light citrus scent.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Lightweight; nongreasy; fragrance-free; suitable for all skin types; water-resistant for 80 minutes
- What could improve: Some users say it’s thick and hard to spread.
Best Clear Body Sunscreen: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray (SPF 45)
Photo courtesy of Glamour Tester, Brigitt Earley10/15Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 45
This sheer SPF is another 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 University of Maryland Medical Center, noting you can even use it to protect the scalp, since it's 100% clear and lightweight.
“I can vouch for the fact that this formulation is 100% clear,” says Earley. “It dries almost instantly, too," she says. "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
Best Body Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen for Face & Body (SPF 30)
Courtesy of brand11/15Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen for Face and Body
“For darker skin types, it can be difficult to find mineral sunscreens that don't leave a white cast,” says Dr. King. Fortunately, this lightweight face and body sunscreen from Black Girl Sunscreen is specifically formulated for medium to dark skin tones. It includes an array of naturally soothing and hydrating ingredients, including avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, and sunflower oil. The strategically selected components of this sunscreen not only moisturize and protect the skin but also minimize white residue. Not to mention it has thousands of five-star reviews across multiple retail sites.
Active ingredient: Homosalate / SPF: 30 / Size: 3 oz.
- What we love: Moisturizing, nourishing
- What could improve: May cause issues for sensitive skin
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Best Trending Body Sunscreen: Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse (SPF 30)
Courtesy of brand12/15Vacation Classic Whip Sunscreen Mousse
Yes, this whipped cream-looking bottle is actually sunscreen. Vacation's Classic Whip has 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.
The mousse-like formula absorbs quickly, blends seamlessly into all skin tones, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Glamour commerce writer, Andrea Navarro, is a huge fan of the scent as well. “The notes in this are so interesting! It smells like banana, coconut, pool water, pool toys, and even swimsuit lycra—I've never smelled anything like it before,” she says.
Active ingredient: Homosalate / SPF: 30 / Size: 4 oz.
- What we love: Lightweight, unique whipped texture, no whitecast
- What could improve: Can leave skin a little tacky
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Best Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen: Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Courtesy of brand13/15Thinksport Mineral Sunscreen
This sport-ready sunscreen “works well and doesn’t leave a sticky residue,” says Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC. She also loves that it has a solid 80 minutes water resistance, so the protection is sufficient for swimming or other outdoor activities. Users like the coverage they get from this product, noting it holds up well even while swimming and snorkeling. It does, however, come out very thick and white—expect to spend time rubbing this SPF in. And despite your best efforts, it may still leave a slight white cast.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 50 / Size: 6 oz.
- What we love: Reef-friendly, water resistant
- What could improve: May leave white cast
14/15What 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 Dr. Greenfield.
“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. “Sprays can be used for reapplication when absolutely necessary, but they should not be used as your first application of sunscreen,” says Dr. Castilla. And if you do opt for a spray, be sure to rub it in, she says.
15/15What 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, Dr. King recommends looking especially for “a formulation that is water-resistant, and that includes moisturizing ingredients to support the skin barrier.”
