The Best Body Sunscreens for Daily Use, Recommended by Dermatologists
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Think sunscreen is only for beach days or poolside lounging? Think again. Dermatologists emphasize that daily activities like walking the dog, sitting near a sunny window, or running errands can all expose your skin to harmful UV rays. “Even when you’re not sunbathing, your skin is constantly exposed to UV rays during routine activities. This can contribute to premature aging, dark spots, and increase your risk of skin cancer,” explains cosmetic chemist Shuting Hu.
While facial skin is often protected by makeup or SPF-infused moisturizers, areas like your arms, legs, and shoulders are frequently overlooked. “The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use,” says Raina Bembry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fairfax, Va. To help you find one that fits your routine, our editors tested 37 body sunscreens, evaluating texture, finish, and ease of reapplication. With input from top dermatologists, every pick is backed by science and suited for everyday use.
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What Dermatologists Want You to Know About Body Sunscreen
- Go broad (spectrum): Always choose a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- SPF 30 or higher: SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF 50 bumps that up to about 98%. “That 1% may not sound like much, but it can make a difference if you’re outdoors for long periods or have very sensitive skin,” says Dr. Bembry.
- Water resistance matters: Look for labels that specify 40 or 80 minutes of water resistance. However, remember that water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Reapply after sweating or swimming.
- Match it to your skin type: Mineral formulas (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are often gentler on sensitive or acne-prone skin, while chemical options tend to be more blendable and less likely to leave a white cast.
- Read the fine print: If you have sensitive skin or allergies, look for formulas that are fragrance-free and non-comedogenic. Avoid ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate if you’re concerned about irritation or environmental impact.
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How We Selected and Tested
To find out which body sunscreens actually deliver reliable protection and feel good enough to use every day, we consulted with board-certified dermatologist Elizabeth Hale, MD.
Based on her guidance, we selected 37 sunscreens that provide broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher and come in a range of formats, including sprays, lotions, and sticks. Each sunscreen was tested over 18 days in real-world conditions by Health editors with more than 5,000 collective hours of wear logged. Testers applied each product multiple times a week, following standard SPF recommendations, and evaluated the following:
- Effectiveness: We assessed how well each formula prevented sunburn or skin discoloration when reapplied every two hours.
- Absorption & Finish: Testers looked for products that rubbed in easily, absorbed well, and didn’t leave behind an unpleasant residue.
- White cast: We documented whether the formula left a visible cast on various skin tones and how long it took to fade.
- Feel on skin: We paid close attention to texture, greasiness, and overall comfort, especially during movement, heat, and humidity.
- Ease of use: We evaluated how quick and intuitive the application process was, and whether the product worked well with moisturizers or during physical activity.
- Skin reactions: Any redness, stinging, or irritation was noted. Only gentle, well-tolerated sunscreens made our final list.
- Value: We compared each sunscreen’s performance to its price, highlighting picks that deliver high-quality protection without breaking the bank.
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Our Expertise
Lauren Paige Richeson is an editor at Health with over a decade of experience covering skincare, sun protection, and wellness. With a background in biology and a science-first approach, she helped test several of these top sunscreen picks herself and worked closely with Health’s testing team to evaluate products in real-world settings.
For this article, she consulted the following experts:
- Elizabeth Hale, MD, board-certified dermatologist, Senior Vice President of The Skin Cancer Foundation, and Chief Medical Advisor for Vacation®
- Raina Bembry, MD, Board Certified Dermatologist in Fairfax, VA
- Shuting Hu, MD, Cosmetic Chemist, Skin Biologist & Founder of Acaderma
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I’ve used Aveeno’s moisturizers for years, so I was curious to see how their sunscreen would stack up, and it quickly became my favorite from this testing round. This formula truly feels like a body lotion with SPF benefits. It’s lightweight, hydrating, and absorbs quickly without any greasiness or white cast, which is especially rare for a high-SPF product. I have medium-dark, sensitive skin that’s prone to dryness after sun exposure, and this sunscreen delivered the perfect balance of protection and comfort.
The finish is soft and lightly moisturizing, with a subtle scent that’s more reminiscent of clean skincare than traditional sunscreen. I loved using it during my daily routine, whether I was running errands or spending time outside, and it layered beautifully over my body lotion without feeling heavy or tacky. It’s also sweat- and water-resistant, so I didn’t have to worry about it breaking down mid-morning. I haven’t tested this sunscreen on my face, so I can’t speak to its performance there. But for body use, I didn’t experience any irritation or sensitivity, even with daily wear.
There is a slight tackiness during the dry-down phase, but it fades quickly and doesn’t interfere with layering other products.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 60 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octis |
| Size | 12 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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This mineral sunscreen offers serious sun protection without the heavy, greasy feel often associated with zinc-based formulas. Although the texture is thick, it spreads evenly, absorbs surprisingly well, and leaves no white cast—an impressive feat for a mineral formula. It stayed in place even during sweaty walks and humid weather, making it a great option for long days outdoors or on the trail.
Our tester, who has light to fair, rosacea-prone skin, found it gentle and non-irritating, describing the finish as smooth and moisturizing with no residue or transfer. “It blended in so well I actually forgot I was wearing it,” they said. The fragrance-free formula is also a plus for sensitive skin, and a little goes a long way, so the small tube stretches further than you’d expect.
The thicker texture means you’ll need to spend a bit more time rubbing it in compared to lighter lotions. But once it’s fully absorbed, it wears comfortably and doesn’t leave a cast.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mineral |
| SPF | 50+ |
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide 10% and Titanium Dioxide 8% |
| Size | 3 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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If you usually skip sunscreen because it feels heavy or greasy, this one will change your mind. Banana Boat’s Light As Air Lotion SPF 50+ lives up to its name. It’s virtually weightless and absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind no residue, white cast, or slickness. Our tester with fair, freckle-prone skin praised how quickly it sank in and how comfortable it felt throughout the day, especially on areas prone to breakouts like the chest and back.
The finish is clean and dry to the touch, making it ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types and daily wear in warm, humid environments. It also wears beautifully under clothes, won’t transfer, and held up well on long city walks without causing any irritation. “I forgot I was even wearing sunscreen,” our tester said. “It made my skin feel fresh and protected, not clogged or sticky.”
This sunscreen only comes in a lotion format, and the small bottle size means you might go through it quickly if using it all over your body. Our tester also wished it came in a spray version for even easier application, but still felt the product itself was worth recommending and repurchasing.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 50+ |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 6% |
| Size | 6 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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Bali Body’s Hydrating Body Sunscreen stands out for its skin-nourishing finish that feels more like a luxe body oil than a chalky SPF. Our tester, who deals with dry skin and lives in a cooler, drier climate, found that it applied like a lightweight body lotion and left her skin feeling soft and moisturized all day long. The formula absorbs quickly without stickiness or greasiness, and the hydrating finish made it easy to apply straight out of the shower.
It also provides reliable SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection ideal for everyday wear. Even after hours outside, our tester experienced no sunburn or irritation, and the product held up well with regular reapplication. “It felt protective but pampering,” she said. “My skin looked and felt better after applying it.”
While this sunscreen worked beautifully for dry skin, it did leave a faint white cast that required some effort to fully blend in—something to keep in mind for deeper skin tones. It also isn’t water-resistant, so it’s not the best option for pool days or heavy sweat. Our tester noted it left an “oil slick” in the pool, so save this one for dry days and lounge-worthy plans.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 50+ |
| Active Ingredients | Homosalate 10%, Octocrylene 8%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 3% |
| Size | 3.4 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | No |
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Hu, a cosmetic chemist, says this is one of her go-to recommendations: “For chemical sunscreens, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 is one I often recommend. It’s a well-formulated product that offers high broad-spectrum protection, and it includes stabilizers that help maintain the performance of UV filters like avobenzone.”
This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen lives up to its “melt-in” name—it blends easily, layers well, and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated rather than sticky or dry. Our tester, who has fair, dry, and sensitive skin, praised its high SPF protection and smooth reapplication throughout the day. It didn’t cause any irritation, didn’t clog pores, and held up well to light sun exposure during everyday activities like running errands or relaxing on the patio. Despite its rich feel, it never felt greasy or heavy.
The texture can feel a little tacky right after applying, and full absorption takes about 30 minutes. That said, the finish is comfortable once it settles in, and it didn’t transfer to clothing or furniture. It’s not water-resistant, so you’ll want to swap to something else for swim days.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 60 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 7% |
| Size | 3 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | No |
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As a Black woman with medium-dark skin, I’m used to sunscreens either leaving a grayish cast or requiring way too much rubbing to blend in. “Mineral sunscreens with ingredients like iron oxide and titanium dioxide tend to leave a white cast,” explains Bembry, “To avoid a white cast, people with darker skin tones can use chemical sunscreens which apply clear. This one sprays on crystal clear—no blending, no streaks, no chalky finish. It’s made specifically for melanin-rich skin, and it shows. I loved how quick it was to apply, especially when I was heading out the door for a walk or running errands. I didn’t have to second-guess whether I looked ghostly or shiny, it gave a smooth, glowy finish.
The texture is reminiscent of hairspray and leaves a slightly sticky, tight film. My skin felt dry after a day, especially on my arms and shoulders, so it’s not as moisturizing as I expected. It’s suitable for short outings and easy reapplication, but if your skin is dry like mine, be ready to layer it with lotion.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 30 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.75% |
| Size | 3.4 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | No |
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This family-friendly formula delivers serious sun protection with an ultra-high SPF 70 and broad-spectrum coverage. Our tester said it held up beautifully during long hours at the park with kids, no sunburn, no greasy feel, and easy to reapply without fuss. It rubbed in well despite the initial white cast and didn’t irritate even sensitive skin. Its creamy texture and solid staying power make it a great choice for extended time outdoors.
Expect a visible white cast upon first application, particularly noticeable on fair skin. While it can be rubbed in fairly easily, it’s likely to be more pronounced on deeper skin tones.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 70 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octocrylene 10.00% |
| Size | 8 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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The creamy formula creates a true physical barrier that doesn’t easily sweat off, making it a solid choice for long days in full sun. Formulated with ultra-sensitive skin in mind, this mineral sunscreen provides serious protection without triggering common skin issues.
Our tester, who manages psoriasis and acne-prone skin, found it reliable and gentle, even when applied over plaques or dry patches. The large bottle is ideal for family or group use, especially when packing for the beach or a camping trip.
This one takes patience. The thick formula takes time to rub in and dry down, and it can leave a light white film, especially on deeper skin tones. It also feels slightly sticky until it fully sets and may pill slightly with repeated reapplications. While not greasy, it’s not exactly a “barely-there” formula either, you’ll definitely feel it on your skin.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mineral |
| SPF | 50+ |
| Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide 22.75% |
| Size | 16.9 fl oz |
| Water Resistance | 240 minutes |
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Our experts agreed that sunscreen sprays are safe to use and convenient. However, they mention that rubbing in the sunscreen after spraying is a key step. This affordable spray-on sunscreen goes on clear, absorbs quickly, and offers reliable SPF 50 protection. Our tester appreciated how convenient it was to apply and noted that it performed well in short bursts of sun exposure, with no signs of sunburn or tanning. It’s a solid option to keep in your bag for quick outdoor plans or as a backup on the go.
Despite the “non-greasy” label, our tester found it left a slick residue that transferred easily and felt greasy even after drying. While the clear finish is a plus for appearance, the texture may not be ideal for acne-prone or oily skin, especially in hot or humid conditions.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 50 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 2.8% |
| Size | 5 oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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This budget-friendly spray earned high marks for outdoor workouts, bike rides, and sweaty summer days. It goes on clear, dries quickly without needing to be rubbed in, and offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection that held up through movement and sweat. Our tester used it while cycling and said it was easy to reapply mid-ride and he felt protected the entire time. The lightweight texture and absence of a white cast made it a go-to for active days.
The strong coconut scent was a bit polarizing, great for beach vibes, not ideal for brunch or errands. It also leaves a slightly oily sheen, which may bother those who prefer a matte finish. While it didn’t cause major irritation, our tester did notice a small breakout on the neck after a few uses.
| Product Details | |
|---|---|
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF | 50 |
| Active Ingredients | Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 10%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 6% |
| Size | 6 oz |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes |
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