Sunscreen is an essential product for anyone who spends time outdoors, whether it's for work or leisure. It protects the skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. In this article, we'll be focusing on the best body sunscreen.
When it comes to body sunscreen, there are a few critical things to consider. The first is the SPF rating. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well the sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which are the rays that cause sunburn. The higher the SPF rating, the more protection it provides. However, it's essential to note that no sunscreen can block 100% of UVB rays.
Another critical factor to consider is the type of sunscreen. There are two main types: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV rays, while physical sunscreens use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect UV rays. Physical sunscreens are generally considered safer and better for sensitive skin, but they can be thicker and more challenging to apply.
After researching and testing various body sunscreens, we've identified the top products that offer the best protection, ease of application, and overall value.
Best Body Sunscreens
We all know that sun protection is important, especially when it comes to our skin. That's why we've compiled a list of the best body sunscreens to help you stay protected while enjoying the great outdoors. Our team has tested and reviewed a variety of products to bring you this list of top performers. Whether you're headed to the beach or just running errands, these sunscreens will keep you covered. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best body sunscreens on the market.
Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
We highly recommend the Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion for anyone who wants to protect their skin from harmful UV rays while enjoying the outdoors.
Pros
- The sunscreen lotion is moisturizing and doesn't leave a greasy feeling on the skin.
- It's water-resistant and provides long-lasting protection.
- The formula is reef-friendly and free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Cons
- The lotion has a strong scent that may not be appealing to everyone.
- It can leave a white cast on the skin if not applied evenly.
- The bottle is somewhat bulky and may not be convenient for travel.
We love how this sunscreen lotion feels on our skin - it's not heavy or greasy like some other sunscreens we've tried. It also provides reliable protection from the sun, even if we're swimming or sweating. We appreciate that it's reef-friendly and doesn't contain harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the lotion has a strong scent that may not be everyone's cup of tea. Additionally, if it's not applied evenly, it can leave a white cast on the skin. Finally, while the bottle is a good size for everyday use, it may not be convenient for travel due to its bulkiness.
Overall, we think the Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion is a great choice for anyone who wants to protect their skin from the sun while enjoying outdoor activities.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50-18 fl oz
We highly recommend Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50-18 fl oz for anyone who wants a lightweight, hydrating, and broad-spectrum sunscreen that is perfect for active days.
Pros
- This sunscreen absorbs both UVA and UVB rays, so your skin is protected from aging and burning.
- The lotion has a light, refreshing scent and absorbs easily without feeling sticky or leaving a “white cast”.
- The high-performance formula is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for active days.
Cons
- The sunscreen is a bit pricey compared to other brands.
- The lotion may leave a slight residue on clothing.
- It may cause a slight stinging sensation if it gets into the eyes.
We were impressed by the clean, antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower and rosemary leaf extracts that nourish and protect your skin. The formula is oxybenzone- and octinoxate-free, making it safe for sensitive skin.
The sunscreen is easy to apply, and the 18 fl oz bottle lasts a long time. We applied it generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied at least every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming.
Overall, Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50-18 fl oz is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, effective sunscreen that is perfect for active days.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 60
We highly recommend the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion for anyone looking for a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen that provides broad spectrum SPF 60 protection.
Pros
- The lightweight formula absorbs quickly and doesn't leave a greasy residue.
- The prebiotic oat in the sunscreen deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it soft and moisturized all day.
- The sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Cons
- The sunscreen may not be suitable for those with extremely oily skin as it does have a slight sheen.
- The pump bottle may be difficult to use when the product is running low.
- The sunscreen may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones.
Overall, the Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion is a great choice for those who want a moisturizing sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection. The lightweight formula is perfect for everyday use and outdoor activities, and the prebiotic oat helps to deeply hydrate the skin. While it may not be suitable for those with extremely oily skin and may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones, we still highly recommend this sunscreen.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
We highly recommend BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+, Water Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection with Smart Bottle Technology - Fragrance Free, 5 oz SPF 50+ 5 Fl Oz (Pack of 1) for anyone looking for a reliable sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals.
Pros
- Provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
- Water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Contains no fragrances or parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin
Cons
- The formula is thick and can be difficult to spread evenly
- Leaves a white cast on the skin
- The bottle can be difficult to open
We have found that BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a great option for those who are concerned about protecting their skin from the sun's harmful rays. The mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to act like thousands of tiny mirrors that reflect UV rays away before they enter your body. This provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
One of the things we love about this sunscreen is that it is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes. This means you can stay protected longer while swimming, running, or doing any other activity you love. The Smart Bottle Technology is also a great feature, as it reminds you when harmful UV rays are present by turning the bottle blue in sunlight.
While the formula is thick and can be difficult to spread evenly, we have found that applying it in dots rather than lines can help. It does leave a white cast on the skin, but we have found that this is a small price to pay for the protection it provides. The only real downside is that the bottle can be difficult to open at times.
Overall, we think BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen is a great choice for anyone looking for a reliable sunscreen that does not contain harmful chemicals. It provides excellent protection against UVA and UVB rays, is water and sweat resistant, and is ideal for those with sensitive skin.
Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Face & Body SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion
Protect your skin from the harsh outdoor elements with Neutrogena Beach Defense Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 70. We highly recommend this product for anyone who loves outdoor activities and wants superior sun protection.
Pros
- Superior broad spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays
- Oxybenzone-free formula with Helioplex Technology
- Fast-absorbing, lightweight, oil-free, and PABA-free
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on the skin
- Can be a bit sticky and greasy
- May need to reapply after swimming or sweating
We have been using this sunscreen for a while now, and it has become our go-to product for outdoor activities. The sunscreen lotion is easy to apply and absorbs quickly without leaving any residue on the skin. We love that it is oil-free, PABA-free, and oxybenzone-free, making it safe for our skin and the environment.
The formula with Helioplex Technology provides superior broad spectrum protection from aging UVA rays and burning UVB rays. We have been using this sunscreen during our beach trips and have not experienced any sunburn or skin damage.
One thing to note is that the sunscreen may leave a slight white cast on the skin, especially if you apply too much. It can also be a bit sticky and greasy, but it is nothing that a quick wipe with a towel cannot fix.
Overall, we highly recommend Neutrogena Beach Defense Water-Resistant Face & Body SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion to anyone who wants superior sun protection during their outdoor activities.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best body sunscreen, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:
SPF Rating
The SPF rating of a sunscreen is perhaps the most important factor to consider. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Look for a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 30, which will block 97% of UVB rays.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
In addition to protecting against UVB rays, it's important to choose a sunscreen that also provides broad-spectrum protection. This means that it will protect against UVA rays as well, which can cause skin damage and premature aging.
Water Resistance
If you plan on swimming or sweating while wearing sunscreen, it's important to choose a product that is water-resistant. Look for a sunscreen with a water-resistant rating of at least 80 minutes.
Application
Consider how easy the sunscreen is to apply and how it feels on your skin. Some sunscreens can be thick and greasy, while others are lightweight and absorb quickly. Choose a product that feels comfortable on your skin and is easy to apply.
Other Considerations
Other factors to consider when choosing a body sunscreen include the scent, the ingredients, and any potential allergens. If you have sensitive skin, look for a product that is hypoallergenic and free of irritating ingredients.
By considering these factors, you can choose a body sunscreen that will provide effective protection against the sun's harmful rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated body sunscreens for acne-prone skin?
For acne-prone skin, we recommend looking for a body sunscreen that is oil-free and non-comedogenic. Some of the top-rated options include La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen, Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen, and EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen.
Which spray body sunscreen is most effective for outdoor activities?
When it comes to spray body sunscreens, we recommend looking for options that are water-resistant and offer broad-spectrum protection. Some of the most effective options for outdoor activities include Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray Sunscreen, Banana Boat Ultra Sport Performance Spray Sunscreen, and Sun Bum Original Spray Sunscreen.
What are the best Korean body sunscreens for daily use?
Korean skincare is known for its high-quality ingredients and innovative formulations. Some of the best Korean body sunscreens for daily use include Missha All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel, Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk, and Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence.
What is the highest SPF available for body sunscreen?
The highest SPF available for body sunscreen is SPF 100+. However, it's important to note that SPF only measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. It's also important to look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection to protect against UVA rays, which can cause skin aging and cancer.
Which drugstore body sunscreen do dermatologists recommend?
Dermatologists often recommend drugstore body sunscreens that are affordable, effective, and easy to find. Some of the most highly recommended options include CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+, and Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70.
What is the dermatologist-recommended body sunscreen for face and body?
When it comes to body sunscreens that are safe and effective for both the face and body, dermatologists often recommend options that are fragrance-free and non-irritating. Some of the top dermatologist-recommended options include EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen Fluid, and Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive.
