It used to be that applying full-body sunscreen was the worst part of beach days. There weren’t many options other than the bland, greasy, band-aid-like formulas that you had to apply (and reapply) every two hours, regardless of your skin type or skin tone. Luckily, those days are over and the body sunscreen category is honestly better than ever.
During our testing process, the Well+Good team used sunscreen lotions that moisturize as well as your favorite body cream, along with radiance-enhancing SPF serums that leave you radiant and glowing. In short, if your body is exposed to the sun, there is no excuse for it not use sunscreen this summer.
Our team tested the most popular body sunscreens on the market and crowned seven winners, perfect for everyday use and sun-drenched special occasions. From oils that make you feel airbrushed to mists that smell like luxurious perfume, protecting your skin has never felt so good.
Meet the 2024 winners for the best sunscreens for the body
Banana Boat Sport Ultra Lotion SPF 65 – $13
Best Water Resistant Sunscreen for Body
“I’ll be honest: I hate waterproof sunscreen. Most formulas are thick, sticky, and leave a residue that you can feel on your skin all day. So I was honestly surprised when this Banana Boat formula felt like…lotion? Lightweight, not too shiny lotion. It’s a little sticky when you first massage it, but by the time you’re done rubbing it in, it dries to a hydrated shine that lingers until you reapply – which should be at least every two hours, by the way. . Real.” – Chloe Metzger, deputy editor
Chemical or mineral:
Chemical
Sunscreen filters:
Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
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Oars & Alps Face + Scalp Mist with SPF 35 – $16
Best sunscreen for scalp
“I once made the mistake of not protecting my scalp from the sun while wearing box braids. Spoiler: my poor scalp paid a red, painful price that ended up in flakes in my braids for weeks. That day I learned the hard way that you can’t skimp on sun protection for your scalp. If my scalp is showing now, you won’t catch me without this SPF mist. It’s formulated with aloe and cucumber to soothe and protect your scalp at the same time, along with a light coconut scent that I like to use as a substitute for hair perfume on vacation. My bald fiance and I are going to the beach this summer, and it will be the first thing I take out of my bag to help him avoid sunburn.” — Aimee Simeon, senior beauty editor
Chemical or mineral:
Chemical
Sunscreen filters:
Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
CeraVe Moisturizing Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 for Body – $18
Best mineral sunscreen for the body
“I only wear mineral sunscreens, and this is one of the best I’ve tried for long days in the sun. I have fair skin and burn easily so I appreciate that it has an SPF 50 rating. The formula goes on a bit thick at first, so you have to rub it in well, but it really stays put, even after a dip in the ocean or pool. And unlike some mineral sunscreens that dry out my sensitive skin or leave it irritated after a day of reapplication, this one is fragrance-free and formulated with hydrating hyaluronic acid and moisturizing ceramides, so my skin still feels happy at the end of the day. day.” – Kaitlin Ahern, editor-in-chief of health
Chemical or mineral:
Mineral
Sunscreen filters:
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30 – $19
Best sunscreen spray
“This spray sunscreen is one of the few SPF products I like to apply. The formula spreads evenly and melts into my skin like butter – no white cast or weird sunscreens to redistribute – and despite the SPF 30 rating, it managed to keep my pale, sensitive skin from burning for the entire week that I spent the past week in Greece in the summer. But my favorite is the scent: a magical blend of coconut, banana and pool water that always takes me back to paradise.” — Betty Gold, former senior food editor
Chemical or mineral:
Chemical
Sunscreen filters:
Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Hybrid SPF 50 Sunscreen – $17
Best completely transparent
“Black Girl Sunscreen is my favorite SPF, thanks to its effective protection and lightweight feel. It’s not too thick or too runny, it dries quickly and my skin feels hydrated but not greasy. And because it’s formulated with darker skin tones like mine in mind, I never have to worry about looking like Casper. I recommend this one to all my friends, and I find myself reaching for it more than any other formula I’ve tried. — Alexis Reliford, Director of Social Media
Chemical or mineral:
Hybrid
Sunscreen filters:
Homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, zinc oxide
Kopari Sun Shield Body Glow Sunscreen SPF 45 – $42
Best chemical sunscreen for body
“I fell in love with this sunscreen during my babymoon, and I can’t say enough good things about it. The iridescent formula illuminated my stomach and made me feel like the sexiest disco ball, without being too glittery or shiny. The gel-serum formula also has a light tint in three shades (gold, rose gold or amber) to subtly improve your skin tone. I especially like that it’s non-greasy and non-sticky, so it won’t ruin your clothes or sheets. It is definitely a must-have when you go on holiday.” —IF
Chemical or mineral:
Chemical
Sunscreen filters:
Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Ultra Radiance Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 – $10
Best drugstore body sunscreen
“Look, if I’m going to apply sunscreen all over my body every time I go outside (which I always do, because I’m a rule follower), then I want a sunscreen that does more than just ‘protect.’ Give me something extra, you know? Enter: This cult-favorite sunscreen from Hawaiian Tropic will leave your skin looking healthier the more you use it, thanks to its stacked ingredient list. The formula is filled with vitamin C to brighten, vitamin E to soothe, shea butter to moisturize, and just a tiny bit of glow to even out your skin tone like an IRL photo filter. The finish is so beautiful that applying full-body sunscreen almost becomes a chore.” — CM
Chemical or mineral:
Chemical
Sunscreen filters:
Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
