So, you’ve *finally* booked that holiday, congrats! The next step? Other than remembering to pack your passport (vital, according to airport security), making sure to pack enough sun cream so you’re not turning lobster red on day one. Trust us, a holiday without the right SPF won’t be fun.
Speak to any skin expert or beauty editor and they will tell you the same thing: wearing SPF every day is essential, whether you’re on holiday or not. With most of us now applying sunscreen as part of our daily skincare routine formulas have improved massively, far from being the thick and gloopy lotions of old.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light SPF50+ Sun Protection Spray
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Today, modern sun creams feel just a hydrating as your fave body lotion (featuring ingredients like vitamin E and hyaluronic acid), they don’t take serious elbow grease to rub in and won’t leave your skin feeling oily enough for every grain of sand to stick to.
But no matter how advanced formulas get, experts agree that sun cream should be applied every few hours to maintain maximum protection – especially after swimming – and that a minimum of factor 30 should be used on the body.
Whether you prefer lotions, creams, sprays or oils, we’ve got you covered to keep sun damage to a minimum. So you can still get that well-deserved vitamin D and bronze your limbs, without the worry.
We’ve tried and tested the best sun creams out there. Below are the ones we don’t mind sacrificing our stingy luggage allowance for (which says a lot).
Best body sun creams to protect your skin this summer...
Sol de Janeiro, Rio Radiance Body Lotion
Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF 50
If you know Sol de Janeiro, you’ll know just how yummy-smelling all its body lotions and sprays are – and nothing changes when it comes to the brand’s sun care. Of course, it smells absolutely heavenly – tropical, creamy and slightly floral – but its high-factor SPF50 protection is equally as impressive. I took this on a week-long trip to Santorini, and I emerged without looking like a Drumstick sweet. Winning.
Supergoop!, Play Everyday Lotion
If you love an exploring holiday, rather than a lounging-by-the-pool kinda one, Supergoop!’s Play Everyday Lotion is your perfect pairing. Hinted within the name, this silky fluid is designed to offer long-lasting, water- and sweat-resistant protection so you can focus on the mountain you’re climbing, and not topping up your sun cream. It sinks instantly into the skin without leaving thick streaks, so whenever you do need to re-apply, it won’t require any elbow grease.
Hawaiian Tropic, Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion
It makes so much sense why Hawaiian Tropic has a perfume iteration of its nostalgic scent, and trust me, the sunscreen lotion smells just as yummy. It reminds me of a banana split, with notes of coconut and shea butter mixed in, so the lotion is *actually* inviting to use – I know, how revolutionary! But besides its delicious aroma, this SPF30 bottle also offers UVA and UVB protection, so you know it’ll keep your skin safe as you sit in the sun. You can’t beat the price tag, either.
Nivea Sun Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+
We can’t mention sun cream without talking about Nivea. Not only has the iconic scent of their sun care range become the signature smell of summer, but their hydrating high-protection formulas never fail us. This promises to provide you with 48 hours’ worth of hydration and be 100% water-resistant whilst doing so. The formula itself is free from all the chemicals that cause the ocean to suffer (octocrylene, oxybenzone, microplastics – you get the gist), so you know no Nemo’s are being harmed whilst enjoying your afternoon swim.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Body Mist SPF50+
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light SPF50+ Sun Protection Spray
Find sun creams spark sensitivity? This is your guy. Despite its spray format, the product itself coats skin in its nourishing balmy texture that protects against UVA and UVB rays. It’s also got the brand's signature calming Thermal Spring Water in the mix to help soothe any irritation.
Sun Bum Original Moisturizing Sun Cream Spray SPF50
Sun Bum Original Moisturising Sun Cream Spray SPF 50
With this dreamy vegan mist applying SPF has never been so easy. The sheer formula leaves a moisturising veil over the skin but dries down a few seconds later, so you don’t end up coating your clothes in grease. Not only does it leave you with a yummy coconut-ty scent, but it also claims to be water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Clarins Sun Care Body Cream SPF30
This soft cream melts like butter onto limbs and leaves skin hydrated well after that post-beach shower. For an SPF30 it’s surprisingly lightweight and avoids skin feeling sticky or greasy – vital if you’re chucking on clothes straight after. The packaging itself has been created in partnership with Plastic Odyssey and features recycled materials.
Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF 50+
Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Sun Water SPF 50+
If you're a fan of an oil, this nourishing vegan water is going to be right up your street. Not only does it leave you smelling of expensive holidays (we swear it’s a Tom Ford fragrance dupe), but this also provides you with a high UV protection of SPF50+, while still feeling almost undetectable on skin. Just shake and spritz.
Vichy Capital Soleil Hydrating Sun Protection Water Spray SPF50 with Hyaluronic Acid
Vichy Capital Soleil Solar Protective Water Hydrating SPF50
As someone with chronically dry skin, I need a little help in the moisture department when I’m on holiday, so I don't resemble a dehydrated SpongeBob SquarePants. This features our fave hydrating ingredient, hyaluronic acid, as well as Vichy’s go-to volcanic water (I know, fancy, right?) to keep limbs looking glossy. Just give this guy a little shake and spritz until your heart’s content. If the SPF50 sun protection wasn’t enough, I am pleased to report this doesn’t leave your clothes with any yellowish stains either.
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body and Hand Skinscreen
Fed up of packing multiple sun cream bottles in your suitcase? This offering from Ultra Violette comes in a mammoth 500ml bottle to keep you going for a while; whether it’s a family holiday or a group vacay with your mates. It’s lightweight in texture (nope, this doesn’t require vigorous rubbing to get rid of that signature SPF white cast) and offers up to four hours’ worth of water resistance. It features a subtle shimmery sheen too, so you’ll be *literally* glowing.
Coola Classic SPF50 Body Sun Cream Spray
Coola Classic SPF 50 Body Sun Cream Spray
Fancy a cool down? This cruelty-free SPF50 spray instantly cools and soothes heated skin and includes a 70% organic formula. This one also aims to stay water-resistant for 80 mins and is certified as Hawaii Reef Compliant. Plus, the guava and mango scent option just smells like it deserves to be in your beachside cocktail.
Piz Buin Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF50+
Aiming to be both fast-absorbing and non-sticky, this silky-soft lotion quenches thirsty skin in a jiffy and stays put whilst you’re busy swimming and sweating in that glorious sun. It protects against both UVA and UVB and includes hydrating glycerin and protective vitamin E, so your skin will thank you long after you’ve stepped out of the sun.
Garnier, Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF50+
Garnier Ambre Solaire Ultra-Hydrating Shea Butter Sun Protection Cream SPF50
Enriched with sustainably sourced shea butter, this formula will help to prevent any cracked dry skin, while offering protection from UVA and UVB rays. It features Garnier’s signature SPF scent, plus it’s water-resistant and absorbs into skin quicker than you can say “Margarita, por favour”.
E45 Sun Body Cream Spray for Sensitive Skin. Hydrating Sun Spray with very high UVA and UVB protection and SPF 50
Eczema and sun cream often don’t mix (hello, sweat-induced rash). This E45 number is specifically designed with sensitive troublesome skin in mind and is totally fragrance-free and is also lightweight and fast-absorbing, to prevent skin from getting hot and bothered. No clamminess to see here.
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Charlotte Bitmead (she/her) is the Senior Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. She has over six years experience writing about beauty and has previously written for ELLE and The Sunday Times Style, covering everything from politics to sustainability to inclusivity within the beauty industry. When she’s not writing in-depth features, testing out the newest skincare fad or trying to decide what nail art to get, you can find her overspending in bookshops or shouting at Arsenal matches. Find her on LinkedIn
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
