11 Best Body Sunscreens in 2024 for Head-to-Toe Sun Protection
Kopari's glowy body mist is my holy grail, FYI.
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After years of neglecting my skin and shrugging off wearing SPF every single day, I finally came to my senses as a beauty editor when I repeatedly heard from dermatologists about how essential sunscreen really is. Besides the fact that SPF prevents premature aging, wrinkles, discoloration, and sun spots, more seriously, it protects against skin cancer. And while there are a plethora of dedicated face sunscreens—s/o tinted sunscreens, sunscreens for oily skin, and SPF lip balms—your body needs just as much protection, which is why it's important to invest in a good body sunscreen that offers head-to-toe coverage.
Today's SPF options are endless, with choices like nostalgia-inducing scents, golden shimmer finishes, and clear, gel-like consistencies, so you basically have no excuse not to slather one on. Many body sunscreens also contain powerful antioxidants, skin-soothing ingredients, and super moisturizing emollients, so not only are they protecting your skin from the harsh sun rays, but they're also giving you some added skin benefits. To help you find the ones worth buying, I rounded up the best body sunscreens for every skin type, tone, and preference, according to my own testing and glowing online reviews.
Our top picks for the best body sunscreens in 2024:
Now, keep reading for the body sunscreens that are good enough to make this list—i.e., include SPF 30 and higher, offer a range of skin benefits, and protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
Pros
- Has powerful antioxidant vitamin E
Cons
- It is labeled as "mineral-based," which is misleading because it has chemical SPF ingredients
If Hailey Bieber loves EltaMD, I love EltaMD. Jokes aside, this body sunscreen uses UVA- and UVB-blocking ingredients alongside the powerful and soothing antioxidant Vitamin E to protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays and environmental aggressors. It also has a full 80 minutes of water resistance, meaning that it's an awesome option for swimmers and athletes—just don't forget to reapply after those 80 minutes are up.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate, octisalate (SPFs); vitamin E
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Both
Glowing Customer Review: "What I love most about this sunscreen is its creamy, lightweight feel. I use it every day and it gives great protection without any greasy feeling. And best of all it stays put while sweating outdoors."
Pros
- Feels weightless and non-greasy
- Leaves the most beautiful sheen that's not glittery
Cons
- Testers note that they run through the bottle rather quickly
Looking for an SPF that gives you the glowiest, dewiest, prettiest skin like...ever? Try Kopari's Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen, which not only gives the healthiest-looking glow but is also jam-packed with superstar ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid, brightening vitamin C, soothing vitamin E, and ofc, protecting UV-blocking ingredients.
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, vitamin C & E, hyaluronic acid
- SPF: 42
- Chemical or mineral? Chemical
Glowing Customer Review: "This is such an incredibly lightweight sunscreen. You can carry it and put it on anytime anywhere—I’m obsessed with the delivery system. It has such a fine mist. It covers your entire body; this was brilliant. As a skin cancer survivor, I use sunscreen every single day and this is one of my go-to. It is so easy to apply, it absorbs into your skin, and it leaves a dewy glow on your skin."
Pros
- Made with protective ingredients and antioxidants
Cons
- The fragrance may not work for those with sensitive skin
I'm willing to bet you've seen the super retro packaging or heard about the nostalgic scent of cult-favorite SPF brand, Vacation. If not, allow me to introduce you to the company that takes aesthetic very seriously. Whether it's the evocative memories of summer and sunscreen brought on from the scent (s/o to its notes of coconut, banana, pool water, pool toys, and swimsuits) or the vintage-inspired pics and packaging, this is a sunscreen you'll actually get excited to apply.
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, aloe vera, coconut oil, niacinamide, vitamins A & E
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Chemical
Glowing Customer Review: "Growing up, we used sunscreen that had that classic sunscreen scent that wasn't so inviting or fun to smell. Whenever I use Vacation sunscreen it truly enhances my leisure experience and it's just an excessively good sunscreen for your skin. This sunscreen is even water resistant for 80 minutes which, lets you have fun in the water without worrying about reapplying it every hour. Vacation Sunscreen is truly the scent of summer and of the best vacation ever. I get so nostalgic thinking back to all of my favorite vacations I've ever been on."
Pros
- Leaves absolutely no white cast on all skin types
- Super lightweight and not goopy
Cons
- Testers run through their bottle quickly
Want lightweight, sheer, quick-drying UV protection? Gel SPFs are the answer, and this one by Dune—with the most heavenly sea salt scent—is my absolute favorite. When I apply The Bod Guard, I feel like I'm wearing no product at all, but suddenly my skin is super hydrated, glowy (s/o hibiscus fruit extract), and protected from the sun. Plus, there's absolutely no trace of a white cast, which is great for every skin tone.
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene (SPFs); glycerin
- SPF: 30
- Chemical or mineral? Chemical
Glowing Customer Review: "I found Dune last year after being frustrated when I couldn’t find quick-drying gel SPF. Dune’s sunscreen is lovely, light, and dries down quickly to provide effective SPF protection. Highly recommend for anyone sick of greasy, gloopy SPF."
Pros
- Gentle enough to use on your face as well as your body
- Available at a majority of drugstores
Cons
- You'll have to rub it in for a while to truly eliminate the white cast
Ah, the SPF brand editors and dermatologists alike absolutely love for its cult-favorite formula. Not only can you get it in almost every drugstore possible, but it is also an amazing option for those with sensitive skin thanks to its gentle mineral formula and soothing vitamin E. Oh, and it's also safe to use on your face and body for a two-in-one sun-protecting benefit.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide (SPFs); vitamin E
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Mineral
Glowing Customer Review: "I have pale PNW skin. I also have sensitive skin. AND, I dislike the sun in general because it makes me hot, cranky, sweaty, and almost always burnt. But I digress...it worked like a charm on MY 55-year-old sensitive dry skin, AND it worked on my 16-year-old's sensitive acne-prone skin as well. No breakouts. Stayed on while sweating in miserable humidity. Worked while layered with DEET to keep an army of bugs off as well. Was able to swim with it and be protected, too."
Pros
- Blends into skin easily with no white cast
- Leaves subtle glow on skin
Cons
- Some reviewers say the color transfers to white clothing
Think of all your favorite body moisturizers that leave your skin looking healthy and moisturized. If you want a summer ~glow~ combined with SPF benefits and moisturizing oils, pop this Kinlo Always Golden Body Lotion in your cart ASAP. I love the formula because it disappears on all skin tones (s/o to my friends who rave about it!), blends like a dream, and leaves the most gorgeous, natural, non-sticky glow.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide (SPF); green tea extract, safflower seed oil, jojoba oil
- SPF: 30
- Chemical or mineral? Mineral
Glowing Customer Review: "I was so impressed with this product. It is tinted sunscreen with a protection of SPF 30 for THE BODY! This is amazing and it’s the first one I’ve seen of its kind. As a biracial woman with Nigerian roots we always had to either skip the sunscreen or suffer with a weird white cast that was glaringly obvious. I tear up, honestly. Sounds silly but sometimes you don’t realize how these 'small' things affect you. This leaves no white. Just moisturized skin that’s protected. Absorbs easily and quickly. Leaving skin feeling soft and nourished. No shrinking in the shade this summer! I am coming out!! "
Pros
- Super hydrating formula
- Easy application
Cons
- You have to be thorough in spraying on to make sure you cover all areas
There are very few spray sunscreens that I am a fan of—I find that most are greasy, sticky, and stain any piece of clothing they come in contact with. That is until I discovered the CAY Skin Isle Nourishing Body Mist. CAY combines the convenience of spray sunscreen with the benefits of a lightweight application and hydrating ingredients. It's basically the best of all worlds, and it protects you from the sun's harsh rays.
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate (SPFs); hyaluronic acid
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Chemical
Glowing Customer Review: "This is the best spray-on sunscreen I’ve used in a while. It feels so hydrating and is not greasy. Also blends right in! The hyaluronic acid is an added plus for all dry hydration💦"
Pros
- Most other SPF oils don't offer adequate sun protection like this one does
Cons
- It can become a bit sticky if you sweat, notes some testers
When you hear of body oils that are meant for use in the sun, typically, they're those not-so-good-for-your-skin tanning oils that barely offer any protection. Supergoop flips that narrative on its head with this body oil sunscreen that actually offers high SPF 50 coverage. Argan oil, grapeseed oil, and meadowfoam oil are the MVP combo and leave your skin oh-so-smooth (and with protection!).
- Key ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene (SPFs); argan oil, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam oil
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Chemical
Glowing Customer Review: "This glow oil is amazing! It glides onto the skin and leaves a glow that looks so natural and not glittery which I love. I love that it doesn’t feel sticky or tacky either when I wear clothes on top! Obsessed!"
Pros
- All natural formula
- Great for sensitive skin
Cons
- Pretty thick, so can take a bit to rub in
If you're looking for a reef-safe sunscreen for your body, listen to the people who probably know best: Surfers love this all-natural SPF because it is organic, non-GMO, and biodegradable, made with five ingredients, and has water-resistance for up to 80 mins. 'Nuff said.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide (SPF); sunflower oil, beeswax, vitamin E
- SPF: 40
- Chemical or mineral? Mineral
Glowing Customer Review: "Sunburn in Maui? NOPE! Love Badger products...their suncreams DO NOT kill coral reefs, like so many other suncreams/blocks. Their best yet!"
Pros
- Even the most sensitive of skin types can typically handle this SPF
- Free of fragrance, essential oil, and any of potentially irritating ingredients
Cons
- White cast is definitely evident when first applied
So, here's the deal—those with sensitive skin should stick to mineral SPF formulas, as chemical filters may cause irritation. That's why this body sunscreen, free of fragrance, essential oil, and any potentially irritating ingredients, is probably one of the best options for reactive skin. Soothing allantoin is also one of the key ingredients, as well as moisturizing squalane, so while your skin is protected, it'll also get some other benefits as well.
- Key ingredients: Zinc oxide (SPF); squalane, allantoin
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Mineral
Glowing Customer Review: "As someone with an extreme allergy to sunblocks, I've been on a lifelong quest to find a product that could shield my sensitive skin without causing unbearable hives and blisters. Enter Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ – a true game-changer that has become an indispensable part of my daily routine."
Pros
- Uses stronger UV-blocking ingredients
Cons
- The sunscreen is not water resistant
While this is a story for another day, here's the TL;DR: The United States is way slower to approve UV-blocking ingredients than countries like France, the UK, Australia, etc.—the last approval was almost two and a half decades ago. And while that may sound good on paper, it also means that we are a lil behind in the SPF department. This brings me to French beauty, aka my favorite category of sunscreens, because of their great consistency and UV protection. Case in point: The Typology Body Sunscreen that is super lightweight, totally sheer, and uses stronger UV-blocking ingredients.
- Key ingredients: Uvinul A Plus, titanium dioxide, Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S (SPFs* some are not yet approved by the FDA in the US); aloe vera
- SPF: 50
- Chemical or mineral? Both
Glowing Customer Review: "I really like the formula. it's neither too thick nor too thin. It looks like a moisturizer—I typically have allergic reactions to many creams but not this one."
How to choose the best body sunscreen:
Decide between mineral or chemical
Before we begin, it is important to note that there are no clinical studies proving that one type of sunscreen is better than the other, and as much as chemical gets a bad rep, dermatologists agree that the safest and best type of sunscreen you will wear is one that you apply consistently. Now, for the TL;DR version: The difference between a mineral and chemical sunscreen comes down to whether the UV-blocking ingredients absorb UV rays (hi, chemical) or reflect UV rays (hi, mineral).
There's much more that goes into it, so read our full explainer above, but as a rule of thumb, mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, tend to be gentler on sensitive skin, and are best for melasma and hyperpigmentation. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and homosalate, tend to be sheerer and clearer, and come in a variety of options (i.e., sprays, oils, serums). Whichever way you go, the minimum SPF protection that will provide adequate coverage is SPF 30—anything less won't cut it.
Why trust Cosmo?
Siena Gagliano is the associate editor at Cosmopolitan and has four years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and the best clear sunscreens, and feels especially knowledgeable in sunscreens thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore an advocate for SPF. She regularly tests and analyzes body sunscreens on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.
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