Did you know that even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays can still damage your skin? Protecting your skin from the sun is super important, but finding the best sunscreen for your body can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and types, and it’s tough to know which ones dermatologists actually recommend. You want a sunscreen that works well, feels good on your skin, and keeps you safe from sunburn and long-term damage, but where do you even start?
If you’re tired of guessing and want to feel confident about the sunscreen you’re using, you’re in the right place. We’ve gathered recommendations from skin doctors to help you choose the perfect body sunscreen. By reading on, you’ll learn what makes a sunscreen a top pick for experts and discover some amazing products that will keep your skin healthy and happy all year round. Get ready to finally find your go-to sunscreen!
Top Sunscreen For Body Recommended By Dermatologists Recommendations
- This travel size sunscreen is non-sealed
- SPF 100 sunscreen for face and body, specifically formulated to help protect skin that burns easily.
- Oxybenzone and Octinoxate-free sunscreen for body & face helps protect sun-sensitive skin and skin prone to burning from UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays with our highest SPF level of 100
- Body & face sunscreen blends easily without leaving a white cast behind. Facial sunscreen is wearable under makeup. Water resistant up to 80 minutes
- This body sunscreen is formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin.
- Multi-award winning body sunscreen with advanced protection in a fast-absorbing, velvety texture that leaves skin hydrated and smooth. Broad Spectrum SPF 60
- Allure 2022 Best of Beauty Award Winner. Water resistant (80 minutes)
- Formulated with Cell-Ox Shield technology: broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants.
- Formulated and rigorously tested for skin tolerance, even on sensitive skin
- Body and facial sunscreen in a non-greasy, fast-absorbing texture leaves skin hydrated and smooth with a velvety texture
- High-Endurance, Sweat & Water Resistent Sport Sunscreen for Body & Face: Specifically formulated for long lasting SPF 50 protection that stays put during physical activity; even when sweating or swimming. Ideal for both body & face application.
- Invisible, Breathable & Non Greasy Daily Sunscreen for All Skin Tones: For a weightless, comfortable feel; Its invisible formula blends seamlessly on all skin tones without a white cast or greasy residue. 97% say it's not visible on skin after sweating*
- Advanced UVB Protection through Cell-OX Shield Technology: Our advanced Cell-OX Shield Technology effectively blocks 98% of UVB rays while providing powerful antioxidant protection with Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E. Oxybenzone Free & Oxtinoxate Free.
- Formulated for No Dripping & No Staining During Exercise: Non-drop formula that won't run into your eyes while sweating. Plus, it won't stain your clothing
- Dermatologist & Pediatrician Tested, Athlete Approved: Fragrance Free body and facial sunscreen that’s dermatologist tested, pediatrician tested and athelete approved. Suitable as a sunscreen for atopic-prone skin or sunscreen for sensitive skin.
- [ FACE SUNSCREEN & BODY SUNSCREEN WITH SPF 30 ] CeraVe sunblock helps protect your skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays while delivering all day hydration with a water resistant formula (up to 80 minutes). UVA rays cause aging. UVB rays cause burning.
- [ ZINC OXIDE SUNSCREEN ] Blend of Zinc Oxide with chemical sun filters provides the benefits of a mineral sunscreen with weightless & non-greasy feel. Lightweight sunscreen lotion goes on white to guide an even application and is absorbed within seconds.
- [ SUNSCREEN FOR SENSITIVE SKIN] this formula is fragrance free, paraben free, noncomedogenic, ophthalmologist tested, and suitable for all skin types including sensitive and acne-prone skin. Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for Active Use.
- [ 3 ESSENTIAL CERAMIDES ] Ceramides are found naturally in the skin and can become damaged with sun exposure. All CeraVe products are formulated with three essential ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) to help restore and maintain the skin’s natural barrier.
- [ DEVELOPED WITH DERMATOLOGISTS ] CeraVe Skincare is developed with dermatologists and has products suitable for dry skin, sensitive skin, oily skin, acne-prone, and more. FSA Eligible & HSA Eligible
- CETAPHIL SHEER MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 50: Nourishes sensitive skin while providing hydrating, chemical free sun protection
- MICROBIOME GENTLE FORMULA: Locks in moisture to hydrate and protect skin's delicate microbiome
- ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION: Vitamin E acts as a soothing antioxidant to help protect skin from surface free radicals and other environmental stressors like harsh or over drying conditions.
- NON-GREASY, LIGHTWEIGHT FORMULA: Blends quickly into the skin without leaving a white cast or greasy residue and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- REEF SAFE SUNSCREEN: This product is a reef friendly sunscreen.
- Sunscreen for body and face: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 60 protects skin from UVA and UVB rays; refreshing, weightless lotion rubs in invisibly and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated all day
- Moisturizing sunscreen with prebiotic oat: Sunscreen for dry skin formulated with prebiotic oat to help leave skin soft and moisturized all day; non-greasy sunscreen that is paraben-free and suitable for daily use
- Gentle formula: Sunscreen for sensitive skin delivers all-day hydration; decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun when used as directed with other sun protection measures
- Broad spectrum sunscreen: Provides powerful broad spectrum SPF 60 protection against sunburn and early skin aging caused by the sun; sweat and water resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes, ideal for outdoor activities and active lifestyles
- Protect + hydrate benefits: The benefits of a body lotion with sunscreen and a moisturizer with SPF 60; powerful sun protection formulated with oat from the dermatologist recommended brand for over 80 years
- DAILY 50 BODY LOTION. Think of your favorite body lotion, but with SPF benefits. Enriched with Vitamin E and Antioxidants, our Daily 50 Body Lotion feels lightweight, provides 24-hour moisture, and protects against UVA/UVB rays. Plus, it kinda makes us wanna wear it on the daily.
- MOISTURIZING SUN PROTECTION. Our Daily Sunscreen line features ultra-lightweight, moisturizing formulas with built-in SPF to make it easy to stay protected from the sun, every day.
- HOW TO USE. Dispense Daily 50 Body Lotion into hands and apply liberally all over body 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 80 minutes and more frequently after swimming/sweating, or towel drying.
- PROTECT YOUR SKIN. For All Skin Types, Broad Spectrum Protection, Dermatologist Tested, Paraben Free, Vegan, Cruelty Free, Hawaii 104 Act Compliant.
- TRUST THE BUM. What does that mean? It means trust us, the ones who live on the beach and need products that work on the most intense days in the sun. The simple truth is, when you make products to protect the ones you love, you make ‘em better.
- Sunscreen for body and face: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 60 protects skin from UVA and UVB rays; refreshing, weightless lotion rubs in invisibly and leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated all day
- Moisturizing sunscreen with prebiotic oat: Sunscreen for dry skin formulated with prebiotic oat to help leave skin soft and moisturized all day; non-greasy sunscreen that is paraben-free and suitable for daily use
- Gentle formula: Sunscreen for sensitive skin delivers all-day hydration; decreases the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging caused by the sun when used as directed with other sun protection measures
- Broad spectrum sunscreen: Provides powerful broad spectrum SPF 60 protection against sunburn and early skin aging caused by the sun; sweat and water resistant sunscreen for up to 80 minutes, ideal for outdoor activities and active lifestyles
- Protect + hydrate benefits: The benefits of a body lotion with sunscreen and a moisturizer with SPF 60; powerful sun protection formulated with oat from the dermatologist recommended brand for over 80 years
Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Your Body: A Dermatologist’s Picks
Sunscreen is your skin’s best friend, especially when you’re spending time outdoors. It protects you from the sun’s harmful rays, which can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one? We’ve put together a guide to help you choose a body sunscreen that dermatologists recommend.
Key Features to Look For
- Broad Spectrum Protection: This is super important. It means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging, and UVB rays cause sunburn. You want protection from both!
- SPF 30 or Higher: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. An SPF of 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs block a little more, but the difference is small. SPF 30 is a great starting point.
- Water Resistance: If you’re swimming or sweating, you need a water-resistant sunscreen. It will stay on your skin for a certain amount of time while wet, usually 40 or 80 minutes.
- Non-Comedogenic: This means the sunscreen won’t clog your pores. This is good for everyone, especially if you’re prone to acne.
- Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic: These are good choices for sensitive skin. They are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Important Ingredients
Mineral Sunscreens
These sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of your skin and block the sun’s rays. They are generally good for sensitive skin.
Chemical Sunscreens
These sunscreens absorb into your skin and convert UV rays into heat. Common ingredients include avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. They often feel lighter on the skin.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What Makes a Sunscreen Great
- Texture and Feel: A good body sunscreen should spread easily and not feel greasy or sticky. It should absorb into your skin without leaving a white cast, especially if you have darker skin.
- Ingredients: Look for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. These can help keep your skin hydrated.
- Packaging: Easy-to-use packaging, like a pump bottle or spray, makes applying sunscreen to your body much simpler.
What to Avoid
- Heavy Fragrances: These can irritate sensitive skin.
- Alcohol: Some alcohol can be drying to the skin.
- Old Formulas: Sunscreen technology improves. Newer formulas are often better at protecting your skin and feeling good.
User Experience and Use Cases
When you use sunscreen, you want it to be a pleasant experience. Dermatologists often suggest sunscreens that are easy to apply all over your body. Think about how you’ll use it. Are you going to the beach? Hiking? Just running errands? You’ll need different types of protection.
For everyday use, a lightweight lotion or spray works well. If you’re going to be in the sun for a long time, like at the pool or park, a more robust, water-resistant sunscreen is a better choice. Remember to reapply it every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Body Sunscreen
Q: What SPF level do dermatologists recommend for body sunscreen?
A: Dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30 for body sunscreen. Higher SPFs offer slightly more protection.
Q: What does “broad spectrum” mean on a sunscreen label?
A: “Broad spectrum” means the sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Q: Should I use mineral or chemical sunscreen for my body?
A: Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective. Mineral sunscreens are often recommended for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to be lighter and absorb more easily.
Q: How often should I reapply body sunscreen?
A: You should reapply body sunscreen at least every two hours. Reapply more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Q: Can I use face sunscreen on my body?
A: Yes, you can. However, body sunscreens are often made in larger quantities and are more cost-effective for covering your whole body.
Q: What is the best way to apply sunscreen to my body?
A: Apply a generous amount to all exposed skin. Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet.
Q: How long does sunscreen last once opened?
A: Most sunscreens are good for about three years after opening, but check the expiration date on the packaging.
Q: Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
A: Yes, you do. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, so your skin still needs protection.
Q: Are spray sunscreens as effective as lotions?
A: Spray sunscreens can be effective if applied correctly. Make sure to spray them evenly and rub them in to ensure full coverage. Avoid inhaling them.
Q: What are some common ingredients dermatologists look for in body sunscreens?
A: Dermatologists often look for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, avobenzone, and octinoxate, along with moisturizing ingredients to keep skin healthy.