The best body sunscreen is the one you actually want to wear regularly—not just something you pull out for beach days. You may have already made applying a daily face sunscreen a key step in your skincare routine, but protecting the rest of your body—including your neck, chest, and hands—from the sun’s harmful rays is just as important. Many sunscreens can leave your skin feeling greasy, oily, or irritated, but there are plenty of great SPF options on the market that are lightweight, hydrating, and gentle enough to wear everyday, whether you’re running, hiking, swimming, or headed on a cross-country road trip (yes, harmful rays can get through your car window).
Our editors put dozens of top-selling body sunscreens to the test to see which ones are actually worth packing this summer. We wore these contenders to the beach, the hotel pool, the park, to work, and everywhere in between, all while keeping texture, dry time, blend, sweat- and water-resistance, packaging, and overall performance in mind. To help guide our search for the best body sunscreens, we asked Dr. Tomassian, a board-certified dermatologist, for his input on what to look for to stay protected from the sun. With his recommendations in mind, our editors have narrowed it down to the 10 best body sunscreens to wear on your next summer day outdoors.
FAQ:
What level of SPF should I wear?
When shopping for you new go-to sunblock, Dr. Tomassian recommends paying attention to the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in your sunscreen. “This tells you how much sun exposure you can get before your skin will start to burn,” he says. “The American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 for daily use, and I would agree. But, of course you should consider a higher SPF like 50 if you are going to be in constant sun.”
Dr. Tomassian also suggests ensuring your sunscreen has broad-spectrum coverage, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. “UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging and hyperpigmentation, while UVB rays tend to cause burns,” he says.
Are sunscreen lotions better than sprays?
Beach days are often synonymous with a good ol’ sunscreen spray that smells like summer, but if you’re not careful when applying these, they can lead to some streaky burns or tan lines. “Lotion sunscreens give you more control over how much you are applying to your body,” Dr. Tomassian says, “whereas aerosol sprays may not be as accurate. It’s often hard to determine if the product has gone elsewhere when spraying, especially if outdoors and it’s windy.” But that’s no reason to swear off sprays altogether if you prefer them—they do offer certain perks, like being easier to apply to your back and shoulders. “If using aerosols, try to apply in a non-windy area and apply six inches away from the skin,” says Dr. Tomassian.
How much sunscreen should I be wearing?
We asked the expert how often we should be wearing sunscreen. “You should be applying (and reapplying) sunscreen daily,” Dr. Tomassian says. “Re-application every two hours is standard, but if you are participating in activities like swimming or sweating, the more often, the better.” As far as how much we should be wearing: “For the whole body, one ounce is usually sufficient and for the face and neck I recommend the two finger-length method,” he says.
This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.
