We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (2024)

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (1)

Women's Health may earn commission from the links on this page, but we only feature products we believe in. Why Trust Us?

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.

Best Body Sunscreen Overall

La Roche-Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (8)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (9)Lightweight
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (10)Fragrance-free
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (11)Absorbs quickly
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (12)Small bottle for the price

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

SPF60
TypeChemical
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes
Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (15)Suitable for sensitive skin
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (16)Goes on clear
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (17)Some say the nozzle is hard to press

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.

SPF50
TypeMineral
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best Mineral Body Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (18)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (19)Non-comedogenic
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (20)Comes in spray or lotion
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (21)Suitable for body and face
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (22)Some testers say it leaves a white cast

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.

SPF50+
TypeMineral
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen

Sun Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (23)

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (24)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (25)Matte finish
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (26)Water-resistant for 80 minutes
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (27)Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (28)It does leave a slight white cast

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

SPF50
TypeMineral
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best Chemical Body Sunscreen

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (30)No greasy or sticky residue
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (31)Lightweight
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (32)Fragrance-free
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (33)Expensive, given the ingredients used

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."

SPF40
TypeChemical
Water resistant?No

Best Water-Resistant Body Sunscreen

Banana Boat Protection + Vitamins Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (34)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (35)Great smell
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (36)Skin-nourishing formula
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (37)Easy to apply
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (38)Some users wish it came as a lotion too

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.

SPF50
TypeChemical
Water-resistantYes, up to 80 minutes

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best Scented Body Sunscreen

Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (39)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (40)Great scent
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (41)Fun packaging
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (42)Best of both a spray and a lotion
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (43)Runs out quickly

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.

SPF30
TypeChemical
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

Best Body Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Face & Body

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (44)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (45)Suitable for all skin types
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (46)Lightweight
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (47)Water-resistant for 80 minutes
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (48)May leave a slight white cast

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.

SPF30
TypeMineral
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

Best Body Sunscreen With High SPF

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (49)

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (50)

Pros
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (51)Comes in a lotion or spray
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (52)Lightweight
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (53)Goes on clear
Cons
  • We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (54)Testers say it feels a bit heavy

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.

SPF70
`TypeChemical
Water resistant?Yes, up to 80 minutes

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (55)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (56)

Meet the experts

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (57)

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

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (58)

Brigitt Earley

Contributing Writer

Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.

We Tested 20 Body Sunscreens To Find The Best Head-to-Toe Sun Protection (2024)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Stevie Stamm

Last Updated:

Views: 5841

Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Stevie Stamm

Birthday: 1996-06-22

Address: Apt. 419 4200 Sipes Estate, East Delmerview, WY 05617

Phone: +342332224300

Job: Future Advertising Analyst

Hobby: Leather crafting, Puzzles, Leather crafting, scrapbook, Urban exploration, Cabaret, Skateboarding

Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.