We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."

We've waxed poetic about the fact that body and face sunscreens are essentials in your everyday beauty routine. But that doesn’t mean you want to slather on goopy, greasy formulas that are all but certain to leave you looking ghostly. And, the good news? You don’t have to. Today, there are so many new sunscreens out there that can shield you from the sun’s harmful UV rays and still feel a little more like your favorite skincare products.

With choices like the best spray sunscreen and just plain ole mineral sunscreens, our dermatologist-tested list of the best body sunscreens is full of great options for everyone, as most won't break the bank and many have been tested by both skincare experts, beauty editors, and product testers.

Best Body Sunscreen

What to consider

When you're browsing all of the options out there, medical experts say to keep the following in mind:

Broad-spectrum protection

You want both protection from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays, says cosmetic physician Dr. Vivian Chin, MD. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends an SPF of 30 or higher, and Dr. Chin echoes that, "I highly recommend minimum SPF 30 or higher, because SPF 30 blocks approximately 97 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks about percent."

Type

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral (or physical) and chemical. If you have sensitive skin, Dr. Chin recommends the former, which are powered by zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. "They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, since they work by reflecting UV rays," she says, adding that they're also immediately effective upon application.

Water-resistance

No sunscreen is “waterproof” or “sweatproof,” but some are water-resistant. Check the label for these details, and note that most products are water-resistant for up to 40 minutes or up to 80 minutes.

How we chose

Women’s Health editors, including contributor Brigitt Earley, researched and tested the bestselling, top-rated body sunscreens, evaluating factors like type, ingredients, SPF, and water-resistance. Our team also consulted a wide range of dermatologists and physicians for their top picks as well as a group of anonymous product testers. Read on for our expert-approved list of the best body sunscreen, tested by experts, Women's Health editors, and real people.

Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

Over the years, I've spoken to many dermatologists who recommend La Roche-Posay's sunscreen—including this formula. Dermatologist Dr. Annabelle Garcia, MD, says she likes the brand's products because they are lightweight and fragrance-free, making them suitable for all skin types, including sensitive.

Our editors love this SPF, in particular. "There are two major things that can turn me off from certain sunscreen formulas: the product being too thick or too greasy," says Danielle Jackson, WH senior beauty editor. According to her, this one is neither of those things. "It absorbs super easily and quickly, and it doesn’t make me feel like I’ve just applied a heavy layer of oil to my skin."

Read more: Best Sunscreens For Oily Skin

transparent Mineral Sensitive SPF 50

This company has only been on the scene since 2010, but its products, specifically formulated for dry, sensitive skin, are quickly gaining popularity. "Seaweed Bath Co. has my favorite sun protective body products," says dermatologist Dr. Serena Mraz, MD. "This spray, with sea lettuce and aloe, is great for both easy and hard-to-reach areas and great for quick application," she says, noting it's great for both kids and adults alike. Though one note: some testers say that the nozzle is hard to press, which can make application a bit of a hassle.

UV Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

EltaMD is another derm-favorite across the board, but dermatologist Dr. Thomas Griffin, MD, recommends the brand's UV Active Mineral Sunscreen. "I use it when I’m outside golfing, running, hiking, biking and more, because it’s mineral-based but won’t leave a white cast," he says. We also like that it's non comedogenic, water-resistant, and contains antioxidants to defend your skin against damaging free radicals.

Our testers love that you can use the formula on the face and the body. Plus, it comes in both a lotion and a spray, depending on your preferences.

Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

If you're on the hunt for something that doesn't feel heavy, cakey, or greasy, Griffin says this drugstore pick fits the bill. "It will leave a little bit of a white cast, but it is a really great choice for both kids and adults and will not irritate sensitive skin types," Griffin says.

Testers love the 80-minute water-resistance and the matte finish, particularly when exercising, since it won't make them look extra sweaty. We also love that the product is fragrance-free, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin.

Read more: Best Drugstore Sunscreens

Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40

You'd be hard-pressed to visit a beach and not spot a Supergoop! user amongst the crowd. Our testers love the whole line, but we're particularly big fans of this 2023 Women’s Health Skincare Award-winner. "Unseen is one of my favorite sunscreens ever, and the newer body version is just as good the original face formula," says Jackson. "It’s still invisible, it still goes on so smoothly, and it doesn’t make your hands or body feel sticky and messy after applying."

Protection + Vitamins Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

Another Beauty Award Winner in 2023, Banana Boat's vitamin-packed spray is a fantastic upgrade to the brand's OG spray. The sunscreen is enriched with Vitamins C and B3 to provide up to 12 hours of hydration.

Our testers like the spray, which is exceptionally easy to apply, plus the fact that this pick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. A nice bonus? The light citrus scent. But like a lot of the drugstore brands that we tested, this spray leaves a slight residue after application.

Classic Whip SPF 30

How adorable is the packaging on this SPF? There's more to love than aesthetics, though. This delicate mousse also won a 2023 Beauty Award because it applies like a dream. Plus, it contains nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, banana extract, shea oil, and nourishing vitamin E to keep your skin glistening in the sun. Plus, it has a nostalgic aroma that's hard to resist.

In short, it’s sun protection you’ll actually want to put on, our tester tells us. They love that it's kind of like a cross between a spray and a cream. It also makes application easy (like a spray), but you get better coverage, like a lotion.

transparent Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body

Cetaphil is another popular brand among dermatologists, particularly when it comes to sensitive skin. "I love that this sunscreen provides long-lasting sun protection with 80 minutes of water resistance and nourishes the skin with Vitamin E," dermatologist Rahi Sarbaziha, MD, tells WH.

Our also testers love it, too. They say the all-mineral formula glides on smooth ("like butter"), but is entirely non-comedogenic. One of our testers has had a hard time finding SPF that's gentle enough for their sensitive, acne-prone skin, but she says she's finally found her unicorn with this one.

Ultra transparent Dry-Touch SPF 70

When high SPF is your primary concern, you can't go wrong with this beloved drugstore pick, available in both a lotion or a spray. The broad-spectrum formula has an impressive SPF 70, yet dries 100 percent clear and feels weightless on skin. "This sunscreen has been clinically shown to provide better sunburn protection compared to products with a lower SPF," says dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD. "It dries fully on the skin without leaving a greasy feeling on the face."

Our testers say the product stood out in a sea of others, largely because it was easy to rub in and didn't feel at all greasy or oily after application.

Is SPF 100 really better than SPF 50?

"Many people think that an SPF of 100 is significantly more than an SPF 30, however, this is not the case," says dermatologist Sonia Batra, MD. "An SPF of 30 gives a 97 percent block of UVB radiation, while an SPF 50 is 97 percent and SPF 100 is 99 percent," she explains, noting the difference in the degree of protection is small. SPF 100 may even give a false sense of security, she says. For example, those who choose SPF 100 may feel its okay to stay in the sun twice as long, may not reapply as often, and may still develop damage from UVA radiation.

Meet the experts

• Dr. Vivian Chin, MD is a board-certified cosmetic physician and founder of Koru Wellness & Aesthetics NYC

• Dr. Annabelle Garcia, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Sonterra Dermatology in San Antonio

• Dr. Serena Mraz, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, California

• Dr. Thomas Griffin, MD is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates of Plymouth Meeting in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

• Dr. Rahi Sarbaziha, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Integrative Aesthetics in Beverly Hills, California

• Joshua Zeichner, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY

• Dr. Sonia Batra, MD is a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Monica, CA

Read more about the best sunscreens

Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens | Best Mineral Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin | Best Moisturizers With SPF | Best Korean Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Tattoos | Best Powder Sunscreens | Best Sunscreens For Acne

You Might Also Like

• Jennifer Garner Swears By This Retinol Eye Cream

• These New Kicks Will Help You Smash Your Cross-Training Goals