The Best Body Sunscreens for a Sunburn-Free Summer

Best Overall

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

$19 at Amazon View on Westmarine.com View on Tillys.com

The best body sunscreens shield from both UVA and UVB rays. Those that pull this important double-duty protection against sunburn and premature aging are known as broad-spectrum sunscreens, and Sun Bum’s water-resistant formula is the one that tops our list.

Approved by dermatologists as an oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts, this Sun Bum sunscreen is as good for everyday sun protection as it is for long days having fun in the sun. It’s water-resistant up to 80 minutes—that counts for sweating during a run or a game, not just swimming!—and it has an SPF of 50, which is one of the higher SPFs on our list. It also contains soothing vitamin E that leaves skin feeling moisturized as it protects.

Even though it’s working hard to shield your skin from damaging sun rays, it’s also good for the environment. That’s because it’s Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant, meaning it’s free of oxybenzone and octinoxate—two ingredients often found in sunscreens which have now been banned in Hawaii due to their impact on coral reefs. Not going anywhere on vacation anytime soon? Live vicariously through the pleasant scent that gives major summer vacation vibes. Plus, the Sun Bum Original comes as a good value for the excellent protection it provides.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin E | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 and 8 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Drugstore

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

$10 at Amazon $11 at Walmart View on Instacart.com

Some sunscreens make your skin feel like an oil slick, while some cast your complexion in a ghostly white sheen. Neutrogena manages to do its job without resulting in either.

The Ultra Sheer formula uses the brand's proprietary Helioplex formulation for broad-spectrum SPF 55 protection, but it is indeed light enough to absorb quickly. It also applies smoothly, leaving your skin soft and dry to the touch. Because it’s not heavy, it’s perfect for wearing every day, but it’s strong enough for when you’re on the beach, at the pool, or enjoying other outdoor activities.

This lightweight formula, which you can use it on both your face and your body, doesn’t clog pores either. On top of all this, it’s a budget-friendly option that can be found at most drugstores.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 55 | Size: 3 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Editor’s Pick

Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen SPF 42

View on Koparibeauty.com $39 at Revolve

The rose-gold spray bottle certainly makes Kopari Sunglaze the most beautiful body sunscreen on our list, but it has far more going for it than good looks. It offers broad-spectrum protection from UVA/B rays, and it makes your skin look and feel amazing.

“Sunscreen is so important, but dare I say: Body formulas can get a little boring,” says Real Simple beauty director Heather Muir Maffei. “This shimmery mist with vitamins C and E plus hyaluronic acid delivers such a stunning sheen, I actually look forward to applying it. Shake, mist, and massage into skin (and reapply every two hours) for a sophisticated (non-glittery) glow that smells like coconuts.” 

Real Simple beauty editor Hana Hong is also a huge fan of Kopari Sunglaze. “I could wax poetic about this body SPF, but I’ll try to sum it up in three major points—it’s fun, easy, and effective,” she says. “I’m a spray girl all the way when it comes to body SPF, and this nozzle lets the formula soak into the skin quickly and spread around evenly. The tropical scent will whisk you away on a sensorial vacation (even when you’re not on vacation). And don’t be intimidated by the rose-gold sheen—the shimmer is just subtle enough to be glowy without looking like a disco ball.”

Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid | SPF: 42 | Size: 4.7 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

Best Reef Safe

Badger Sunscreen Cream

$16 at Amazon $16 at Walmart $16 at Target

We normally discuss sunscreen in terms of protecting our skin, but what about the environment? There are some chemical ingredients used in sunscreen that are banned in certain regions of the world for the damage they cause to coral reefs when they dissolve into the water as you swim. If you’re heading out on a tropical vacation, be sure to pack a tube or two of this mineral-based sunscreen from Badger (look for the image of the colorful fish as your reminder!). 

This water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) sunscreen is the first one to earn Protect Land + Sea certification by the Heretics Environmental Laboratory. This credit confirms that none of its ingredients will pose harm to coral reefs or sea turtles and other creatures that swim and float among them. Aside from being friendly to ocean dwellers, it’s good for humans, too. It’s made from 98 percent organic ingredients like zinc oxide, beeswax, sunflower oil, and nourishing vitamin E. These ingredients safely combine to provide outstanding broad-spectrum protection. But though this Badger sunscreen works hard, it’s gentle on all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, vitamin E | SPF: 40 | Size: 2.9 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Mineral

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

$18 at Amazon $19 at Walgreens $18 at Ulta

 If you’d prefer to avoid chemical-based products, this 100 percent mineral sunscreen from CeraVe more than earns its spot on our best body sunscreens list. It’s made from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, along with the three major ceramides—1, 3, and 6-II—that are used to create all CeraVe products. What does that mean for your skin? Every time you use it, not only are you protecting your skin from sun damage, but you’re also sustaining your skin’s natural barrier. Need further convincing? It’s been recommended by the National Eczema Association and the Skin Cancer Foundation for its excellent broad-spectrum protection. 

This dermatologist-developed sunscreen will leave a white cast on your skin if you coat it on too thickly, but don’t let that stop you from using it. Instead, apply it using thin, even layers and rub it in well. It’s free of any oils and fragrances, plus it won’t clog pores or irritate sensitive skin.

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ceramides | SPF: 30 | Size: 5 ounces | Water-Resistant: No

Best for Sensitive Skin

Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen

$11 at Amazon $12 at Walmart $12 at Target

Coppertone is a brand that’s synonymous with sun protection, and its mineral-based Pure & Simple formula lives up to its name. It’s made from zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s pure and simple because it leaves out all the stuff that gives sunscreen a bad name, like oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, dyes, and phthalates. It’s even fragrance-free, so it won’t irritate those who are sensitive to fragrance. Plus, it's water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

This sunscreen absorbs easily and can be used on both your body and face. It has a tear-free formulation, so you won’t have to worry about it irritating your eyes. Coppertone makes it easy to protect yourself from the sun with just one product, though this formula does come in a version just for the face, as well as a convenient spray option, which is great for reapplying your sunscreen on the go.

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, tea leaf extract, sea kelp extract, lotus extract | SPF: 50 | Size: 6 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best for Acne

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen

$38 at Amazon $38 at Walgreens $38 at skinstore.com

Some sunscreens are too heavy and leave skin feeling greasy, which is bad news if you’ve got acne-prone skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk has been tested by dermatologists and found to be good for all skin types. The paraben-free formula won’t trigger allergies or skin sensitivity, and it’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores and cause breakouts. 

The “Melt-In” name is apt; it’s formulated to absorb quickly, leaving skin feeling smooth. But just because you can’t feel it on your skin doesn’t mean it’s not hard at work. It has a high SPF to shield against damaging UVA and UVB rays, and contains antioxidants to nourish your skin. And if you’re all about convenience (or maybe you’re still working to establish better habits with applying sunscreen), it helps to have a convenient product that’s good for both your face and your body, like this one.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone | SPF: 60 | Size: 3 and 5 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best for Dry Skin

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion

$28 at Amazon $28 at Walmart $11 at Walgreens

Aveeno is a go-to skincare brand, so it’s no surprise its sunscreen is just as nourishing and hydrating for the skin as its famous lotions. This is the largest-size bottle you’ll find on our list, but we love the pump that dispenses the sunscreen much like regular lotion. You’ll want to slather on this lightweight formula every day to keep skin hydrated, but you’ll also get broad-spectrum protection with SPF 60 to combat skin-aging free radicals. 

This hypoallergenic sunscreen is made with prebiotic oats that make your skin feel soft and nourished. It’s free of dyes, parabens, phthalates, and oxybenzone. It’s also oil-free, so it won’t feel greasy or heavy on your skin no matter how much you reapply (and you should, at least every two hours). It’s also water- and sweat-resistant so you can apply before any outdoor activity and have up to 80 minutes of protection before reapplying.

The pump makes it super convenient to dispense and apply. Considering this is the largest bottle on our list, the price is rather reasonable. This formula does come in a smaller squeeze bottle for portability, but we love that the larger size can stay in your bathroom or on a dresser for easy access.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, prebiotic oat | SPF: 60 | Size: 12 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best for Dark Skin

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

$16 at Target $16 at Walgreens View on Blackgirlsunscreen.com

It’s a common sunscreen myth that individuals with darker skin don’t need to worry as much about sun damage. Black Girl Sunscreen is “made by women of color for people of color” to provide nourishing protection against the sun. It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and you can apply it to both your face and body, so it’s a convenient all-in-one product. This SPF 30 broad-spectrum sunscreen is lightweight and goes on ultra sheer without leaving a white cast on dark skin, as some sunscreens can. 

Black Girl Sunscreen is made from several natural ingredients that nourish the skin. It has avocado with vitamin E and antioxidants to moisturize, soothe sunburns, and reduce signs of aging. A jolt of jojoba hydrates and moisturizes the skin without causing breakouts, while cacao works to even out your skin for a smooth complexion. It’s also got vitamin C-loaded carrot juice to soothe and heal acne-prone skin, and it can even elevate melanin levels. Then there’s sunflower oil, which relieves skin from itchiness and irritation, plus reduces inflammation. Despite all this good stuff, this body sunscreen feels lightweight and is fragrance-free, so you’ll really won’t know you have it on—so be sure to remember when it’s time to reapply.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, avocado, jojoba, cacao, carrot juice, sunflower oil | SPF: 30 | Size: 3 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Tinted

Supergoop! Glowscreen Body SPF 40

$42 at Nordstrom $42 at Sephora $42 at modaoperandi.com

We love it when products do double duty. This vegan and cruelty-free body sunscreen from Supergoop! gives your skin a subtle shimmer as you smooth it on. But it isn’t just about looks (although who doesn’t love glowing skin?)—it’s about sun protection, of course. This SPF 40 sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection comes in a light cream formulation that’s good for all types of skin, and it will revive dry and dull complexions, too. 

Glowscreen from Supergoop! is made with minerals that reflect the light for that hint of shimmer, plus it’s got loads of rich emollients to nourish and brighten the skin. The main ingredients are white stargrass, which brightens the skin and guards against oxidative stress, and coconut alkanes, which smooth and hydrate. This body sunscreen absorbs fast and stands up to water and sweat, so it’s perfect to use every day.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, white stargrass, coconut alkanes | SPF: 40 | Size: 3.4 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Sport

Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

$14 at Amazon View on Thinksun.com $12 at Target

This unscented cream is hydrating but it also absorbs fast, so it’s easy to apply (and reapply) without making your skin feel slick or sticky. It’s made with a zinc oxide formula that leaves out BPA, parabens, phthalates, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, and more. The formula is also cruelty-free, biodegradable, and coral reef-friendly, too. 

You can apply it all over your body, including your face, so it’s even easier to keep your skin protected from the sun. If you’re hitting the water, you’ll want to pack this with your towel because it provides the highest level of water resistance (up to 80 minutes).

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 0.64, 3, and 6 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Spray

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

$18 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $19 at Macy's

Spray sunscreen makes it super easy to protect your skin when you’re on the go without having to worry about rubbing in thick, heavy creams that take a long time to absorb. That doesn’t mean this Sun Bum spray sunscreen is drying, though. This dermatologist-approved formula has plenty of vitamin E to keep your skin moisturized. But it’s also oil-free, so it won’t clog up your pores, so you can prevent dull skin and breakouts as you prevent sun damage.

Just be careful when you apply to ensure that you are providing full coverage for your skin. Dr. Griffin does note that spray sunscreens are a better choice for easy reapplication rather than initial application. Good news: The Sun Bum bottle is designed with continuous spray action for easier application. It comes in SPF 15, 30, 50, and 70, so you can easily choose your preferred level of SPF protection. This broad-spectrum formula provides a strong defense against both UVA and UVB rays, and is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This formula is hypoallergenic and also free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, and parabens. It’s also cruelty-free and reef-friendly.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin E | SPF: 15, 30, 50, and 70 | Size: 6 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Stick

Neutrogena Beach Defense Water + Sun Protection Sunscreen Stick

$10 at Amazon $10 at Walmart View on Herbspro.com

Neutrogena is an affordable skin care brand often recommended by dermatologists, so it makes sense it would also have a line of go-to sun protection products. Neutrogena Beach Defense comes in stick form (it also comes in spray and lotion) and can be used on both your body and your face, so you don’t have to worry about applying two separate products before heading outdoors. 

The stick formulation makes it easy to glide over your skin, so you don’t have to worry about getting sunscreen in your eye—there’s nothing to rub in. Sure, it might feel like you’re slicking on deodorant at times, but at least you’ll never need to worry about it exploding in your bag and making a mess. 

While this stick sunscreen does feel lightweight when you apply it, it’s formulated with the brand's Helioplex formula, a heavy-duty sun protection technology that offers strong broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can hit the water or a sweaty outdoor HIIT session and your sun protection will stay in place.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 50+ | Size: 1.5 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes

Best Natural

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

$19 at Amazon $19 at ecosmetics.com View on Beautifiedyou.com

Broad-spectrum protection shouldn’t come at the risk of using harmful chemicals and ingredients on your skin. This mineral sunscreen from Babo Botanicals is proof that you can protect your skin without any of the bad stuff. The non-greasy, water-resistant formula is good for all skin types, but those with allergies and sensitive skin will love that it’s fragrance-free. It contains zinc oxide as well as two dozen nourishing, plant-based ingredients that moisturize and hydrate skin while also providing a shield against the sun and UV rays.

This sunscreen is touted by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), an organization that raises manufacturing standards so that more products are made without harmful ingredients and chemicals. Babo Botanicals’ EWG Verified mark means that it has met or surpassed EWG’s health standards, so you can feel good about applying it to yourself and your kids.

Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 3 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

Best for Scalp

COOLA Scalp & Hair Mist Organic Sunscreen

$27 at Amazon $28 at Nordstrom $28 at Sephora

If you’ve ever forgotten to cover up your head for a day outdoors, then you probably still remember the pain of running a comb or brush over your sunburnt scalp. While this ocean-scented spray from COOLA won’t remind you to pack a hat for the beach or pool, it will make it much easier to apply broad-spectrum protection to your delicate hair and scalp.

This lightweight spray has a vegan-free, 70+% organic formula that protects your scalp and hair with powerful, natural ingredients. It’s got gotu kola extract, an herb that encourages healthy skin and hair growth, while monoi oil moisturizes without leaving your scalp and hair feeling greasy. The water-resistant mist also prevents your hair color from fading when exposed to UV rays. 

Key Ingredients: Gotu kola extract, monoi oil, avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | SPF: 30 | Size: 2 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes

Best Jumbo Size

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion

$36 at Amazon $24 at Nordstrom $24 at Sephora

If you apply the proper amount of sunscreen regularly, you’ll likely finish up bottles fairly quickly. That’s why it’s awesome that Supergoop! Play has a mammoth 18-ounce bottle with a pump for easy, frequent application.

The lightweight formula goes on smoothly, leaving skin feeling healthy and hydrated, thanks to ingredients like sunflower extract, rosemary and rice bran extract, and other nourishing natural elements. It won’t clog pores, so it’s good for all skin types, including acne-prone. This everyday sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

The 18-ounce bottle is obviously better for keeping at home, but Play comes in a variety of sizes, including the more portable (and TSA-friendly) 1- and 2.4-ounce bottles.

Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, sunflower extract, rosemary and rice bran extracts, and natural aromatic extracts | SPF: 50 | Size: 18 ounces | Water Resistant: Yes