A body lotion containing SPF is the ideal below-the-neck skincare situation. We’re not talking about justsunscreenper se (though a hydrating formula certainly does the trick), but rather an everydaybody lotionthat also happens to protect from the sun’s damaging rays. “Using a body lotion with SPF hydrates your skin and providessun protectionin one simple step,” explains board-certified dermatologistDr. Marie Hayag, MD. Who doesn’t love two benefits for the price of one?
We conducted hours of research to find the best body lotions with SPF. Then, we took 18 home and incorporated them into our daily routines over four weeks. Wetestedeach formula based on its consistency, sun-blocking capabilities, and how efficiently each hydrated the skin. After considering the many options, we consulted with a dermatologist to landon these pickswe can personally vouch for.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall:
Best Splurge:
Best for Face and Body:
Attitude Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Unscented at Attitudeliving.com
Best for Darker Skin Tones:
Best Glowy Finish :
Best for Everyday:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
What We Like
Lightweight consistency
Instant absorption great for re-application
A little goes a long way
No white cast
TSA-approved bottle size
What to Consider
We wish it came in a bigger size
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This SPF 30 lotion from Bask is impressive for a few reasons: it’s fast-absorbing, has an incredibly lightweight consistency, and is even water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. When we first tried this formula, we were admittedly taken aback by its slightly watery texture. (We were worried it would be a greasy mess.) However, once we rubbed it into the skin and saw that it disappeared almost immediately—sans an oily finish—we were hooked. Because of that lightweight, spreadable consistency, we could apply quickly, efficiently, and (most importantly) evenly—a huge win for those who hate reapplying.
Garrett, a tester who vacationed on a tropical island: “A little bit of this formula went a long way. The bottle lasted the entire trip, even when reapplying every few hours.”
Best Budget
Everyday Humans SPF 50 Body Sunscreen
What We Like
Nongreasy finish
Invisible on all skin tones
Strong protection with SPF 50
Sweat- and water-resistant
What to Consider
Can pill when layered with other products
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For a no-fuss formula that does what it says it will, look to Everyday Humans’ Oh My Bod! SPF 50. The everyday lotion offers UVA and UVB protection with the help of chemical UV filters. It’s a bit thick, however, after a minute or two of rubbing in, it sinks into the skin and looks invisible on all skin tones. The hydrating formula is powered by hyaluronic acid (which helps bind moisture to the skin), providing unparalleled hydration and nourishment while also protecting the skin from UV damage and sunburns.
Alexa, a tester who vacationed in Florida: “I went to Florida while testing this lotion. The lotion protected my skin while walking around town on sunny days.”
What We Like
Water-resistant
Aesthetic-looking packaging
Invigorating scent
Skin looks and feels hydrated and glowy
What to Consider
A lot of product needed for good coverage
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Allow us to introduce you to the Aesop Avail Body Lotion with Sunscreen for a luxurious moisturizer with SPF. If you’re someone who likes everything on their vanity to look clean and stylish (or maybe you’re already an Aesop fanatic), this lotion is right up your alley. Thanks to sleek packaging and a divine minty scent, it’s not lacking in outward appeal. As for the actual formula, it’s what you’d expect from a lotion. It contains vitamin E and jojoba oil but never felt greasy or sticky. The only remnant of the formula was a nice sheen. And with SPF 50, you know you’re getting top-notch sun protection.
Elena, a tester who vacationed on an island for a week: “Although I used the whole bottle during my trip (it takes a bit of product to cover everything properly), I never got sunburned and my skin looked really good. After application and for a few hours after, my skin was absolutely glowing.”
What We Like
Works head to toe
Gentle mineral formula
Reef-safe with sustainable packaging
Unscented formula perfect for those with allergy-prone skin
What to Consider
Can be sticky upon initial application
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 2.6 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re in the camp of people who prefer using as few products as possible, we got you. This face and body lotion from Attitude covers all your bases—and your skin from head to toe. Because it’s a mineral formula (meaning it contains zinc oxide, an ingredient that sits atop the skin and physically blocks the sun’s rays), it tends to be a safer bet for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s free from added fragrances, making it even more suited for those who are prone to allergies and flare-ups. We also appreciate that the formula has a bunch of nourishing ingredients like avocado oil and jojoba seed oil to soften and hydrate during wear. While we love almost everything about it, we did find it a little sticky upon application. It rubs in easily, but a residue can linger on the skin for a few minutes before absorbing completely.
Jennifer, a tester who spends a lot of time outdoors: “I feel more protected when going outside on sunny days. It worked well with my very sensitive skin; it has no scent and didn’t cause any reaction.”
What We Like
Gentle mineral sunscreen formula
Lightweight and nonsticky
Contains naturally hydrating ingredients to moisturize skin
What to Consider
Super thick consistency
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 oz | SPF: 25 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Lea d’Auriol, founder of the international non-profit Oceanic Global, previously told us that oxybenzone and octinoxate (common chemical ingredients in SPF products) are major contributors to coral bleaching. “Coral bleaching is so harmful that Hawaii and several other regions around the world have banned these ingredients,” she explained.
The good news is that more and more companies, like Beauty by Earth, are taking this seriously.Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, this option doesn’t rely on chemical filters to protect the skin. You’ll also find natural ingredients like aloe vera, coconut oil, and shea butter on the ingredient list (added to hydrate and nourish the skin). During testing, we found it lightweight and not at all sticky, but it did require some elbow grease to get it to blend in evenly. However, since calling a product "reef safe" is often considered marketing jargon by derms, until there are more independent, peer-reviewed studies supporting what makes purportedly reef-safe sunscreens truly reef-safe, we suggest taking the branding with a grain of salt.
Maddy, an eco-conscious tester: “I like the calm, serene smell, which made it feel more elevated than other SPF products. The fact that it’s reef-safe is a benefit for those who might also be concerned about the ocean.”
What We Like
Invisible on all skin tones
Absorbs quickly
Reef-safe chemical formulation
Works on face and body
What to Consider
Temporary hydration
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size 3 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This chemical sunscreen from one of our favorite Black-owned brands, Black Girl Sunscreen, is great for those with darker skin tones. Since it doesn’t contain chalky zinc oxide (and instead relies on reef-safe chemical filters), it won’t leave behind a white cast. The sheer formula absorbs as soon as it’s applied so it’s a great product to have on hand for SPF touch-ups throughout the day. Also nice: It can be used on the face and body without worry of causing breakouts. The only downside is that it’s not as moisturizing as other formulas we tested. Those with super dry skin will find that the formula alone isn’t enough to quench dry patches, however works well as a complement to everyday lotion.
Arnesia, a tester who often experiences a white cast: “This formula absorbed well and didn’t leave any sort of white cast on my skin, which is great because most sunscreens do. It also left my skin feeling soft, smooth, and nourished for several hours after applying.”
Best for Dry Skin
Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
What We Like
Lasting hydration
Boosts radiance during and after wear
Water-resistant formula great for swimming
What to Consider
Small bottle
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 3 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Flaunting a blend of healing extracts of prickly pear, bitter orange, and cucumber, this body lotion promises to quench thirsty skin while safeguarding it from the sun’s harmful rays. While it’s not tinted (a rarity for mineral sunscreen), the citrus-infused formula delivers a subtle glow that lasts both during and after wear. We love that it has a lightweight texture that aids in fast absorption. The fact that it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes is the cherry on top.
Lisa, a tester who often has chapped skin: “My hands chap and peel from cold air very easily, and this helped a ton. It left my skin feeling hydrated and nourished, and my poor hands don’t look like sandpaper anymore.”
What We Like
Imparts a natural glow
Smooth and nonsticky
Multiuse product offers sun protection and a dewy finish
Reef-safe chemical formulation
What to Consider
Not the most efficient packaging
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | SPF: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Founded by model and influencer Winnie Harlow after getting a severe sunburn and sun damage that permanently changed her vitiligo, Cay Skin products are where it’s at. Not only is this one silicone-free, vegan, cruelty-free, reef-friendly, and dermatologist-tested, its also chock-full of skin-loving ingredients like sea moss (a nutrient-rich seaweed that hydrates and protects skin), nectar (the brand’s proprietary plant-based moisture-replenishing ingredient), and cocoa seed butter (a powerful antioxidant that restores moisture). During testing, it left a slight beige tint that doesn’t quite change the color of your skin but helps create the illusion of a warm glow.
Shannon, a tester with very fair skin: “I’m very fair, so I appreciated that this product added a slight tint that prevented me from looking like a ghost.”
What We Like
SPF 50 sun protection
Gentle on sensitive skin
Spreadable and sheer
What to Consider
Slight fragrance despite being labeled fragrance-free
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Made with 70% certified organic ingredients, COOLA’s coveted Classic Body Sunscreen is designed for long, active days spent in the sun. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection from UVA and UVB rays with the help of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Despite being chock-full of mineral ingredients (which tend to be goopy and white cast-inducing), this creamy, spreadable formula goes on sheer, moisturizing the skin as it protects. It absorbed into our skin in less than five minutes without any residue and actually made the skin feel soft and smooth. The only con is that this fragrance-free formula has a slight sunscreen-esque scent. It’s probably due to the ingredients and their natural odor, but it’s something to keep in mind if you detest the quintessential SPF smell.
Stephanie, a tester with combination skin that can get very dry: “I'd recommend this product to people like me who don’t (but should be) wearing SPF every day. Given that the test took place in the colder months when my skin tends to dry out, I was impressed to find that my skin was hydrated for hours without needing more.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
EltaMD UV Active Sunscreen Lotion
What We Like
Gentle on skin
SPF 50 sun protection
Sweat- and water-resistant up to 80 mins
What to Consider
Consistency is tacky and thick
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 3 oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: No
Historically, mineral formulas tend to be better tolerated by those with skin conditions and concerns like eczema, body acne, psoriasis, and otherwise highly reactive skin. Mineral SPF, like in this formula, works by reflecting the sun’s rays away from the skin topically (rather than chemically, as is the case with chemical formulas). We also like that it has SPF 50, so you know it’s doing the utmost to protect the skin from the sun’s rays (and it’s sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes). When we tested this one,we found that it does have a tacky, thick consistency, however, once it’s warmed up in the palms, it’s easier to distribute. After 10-15 minutes, it absorbed almost completely and left comfortable, healthy skin in its wake.
Katie, a tester with sensitive skin that burns easily: “I have very light skin that tends to burn in the sun, so I like that this hydrating lotion protects my skin no matter the season or activity.
What We Like
Doesn’t transfer onto clothing or towels
Hydrating ingredients
Golden tint
What to Consider
Golden tint might not be ideal for super fair skin
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 4 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This mineral sunscreen from Kinlo does a lot of things: it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, filters blue light and imparts a gold tint that counteracts a white cast. The whipped, airy formula is blendable, and, thanks to an ingredient list filled with skin-smoothing antioxidants (like green tea extract, for one), it leaves skin soft, shiny, and, obviously, golden. When we tried it, we loved the consistency (it feels more like a fluffy lotion than a stiff, hard-to-work-with sunscreen) and that it doesn’t transfer—so you can put it on and not worry about staining your robe, towels, clothes, and sheets.
Mackenzie, a tester with dry, sensitive skin: “I recommend this to someone who wants to wear sunscreen every day but hates typical SPFs. This is so versatile: It works just as well for vacation as it does for general walking around.”
What We Like
Water- and sweat-resistant
No white cast
Suitable for face and body
Comes in value size with pump bottle
What to Consider
Can feel sticky immediately after application
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 1, 2.4, 5.5, 18 oz | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Supergoop!’s Play deserves all the praise; between its sheer finish, noncomedogenic formula, and suitability for both the face and the body, it ticks off a lot of boxes. Plus, it comes in several sizes—1 ounce, 2.4 ounces, 5.5 ounces, and 18 ounces. The smaller options are more popular for face application, but when it comes to whole-body care, don’t hesitate to get the biggest bottle, which is essentially a jug with a pump top. The milky lotion goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and moisturizes skin without making it feel greasy—it’s even water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Our only complaint is that for the first 15 or so minutes, it can feel sticky.
Sarita, a tester with young children: “I use this every day on my skin as well as my kids. My son loved using it because he could pump it out of the bottle himself and spread it around really easily.”
What We Like
Absorbs quickly
Water-resistant
Hydrating but not heavy
Nostalgic packaging
What to Consider
Smell can be a bit strong for some
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 oz | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes
As its name suggests, Vacation Classic Lotion is ideal for trips away from home. Not only is the 3.4-ounce tube TSA-compliant for carry-on luggage, but this moisturizing cream absorbs super quickly, offers 80 minutes of water resistance, and smells like paradise. (Just keep in mind that the scent is strong, so if you have an aversion to or simply don’t enjoy scented products, you may want to skip this one.) The consistency of this lotion feels like a luxe facial moisturizer—whipped and lightweight but also creamy—so it’s no surprise that it spreads across the skin easily and sinks in nicely.
Emily, a tester with normal to dry skin: “I enjoyed this as an SPF, but I wouldn’t reach for it after a shower. It has a banana and coconut scent that is nice and reminds me of being on vacation, but I can see it being overpowering for everyday life. As a sunscreen, though, it works well and feels luxurious.”
What to Look for in a Body Lotion With SPF
- SPF Strength: If you’re planning on using an SPF body lotion as your sunscreen, Dr. Hayag recommends looking for a sunscreen product that offers at least SPF 30 protection. The formula you’re using should also have broad-spectrum protection, which prevents harmful UVA rays from damaging your skin.
- SPF Type: There are two types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical. Mineral sunscreens (aka the type of sunscreens that physically deflect the rays away from the skin) contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a physical barrier between the skin and UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays with the help of chemical filters like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate. The choice is yours, but mineral sunscreens are better suited for those with sensitive skin but can be thicker (and can potentially leave a white cast on deeper skin tones.) Chemical sunscreens are usually lighter, more sheer, and more enjoyable to use, but the Key Ingredients can be irritating to those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
- Size: To get the most out of this one-and-done product, you need a substantial amount to cover your entire body (roughly a shot glass full). We suggest a product that comes in a generously-sized container so you’re not running out after a few uses.
FAQ
How can you tell if a sunscreen is mineral or chemical?
Read into its ingredient list. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, previously told us that mineral sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, while chemical sunscreens use chemical filters like avobenzone and octinoxate.
Are body lotions with SPF effective?
Body lotions with SPF are effective, as they contain mineral or chemical sunscreen ingredients that deflect the sun’s rays from the skin. Make sure you use enough to fully cover the skin (about the size of a full shot glass).
What SPF number is the best for the body?
Choosing an SPF of 30 or higher will provide significant protection from the sun and prevent sunburns.
Should you use body sunscreen every day?
If you’re exposed to the sun every day, our experts stress you should use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher daily. If you wear clothing that covers your body, you don’t necessarily need to wear sunscreen on your body. Always wear it on your face, though.
Why Trust Byrdie
Caitlyn Martyn is a commerce writer on staff at Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty products. She’s obsessed with sunscreen, and because she has sensitive skin prone to acne and dry patches, she knows a thing or two about finding the right sunscreen that’ll suit you best.
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. She interviewed one expert for this story:
- Dr. Marie Hayag, MD, a board-certified dermatologist who practices on New York City’s Upper East Side. She specializes in cosmetic and medical dermatology.