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The 15 Best SPF Body Lotions for Head-to-Toe Sun Protection

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Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

Sunscreen is neither seasonal nor relegated to just one part of your body. Whether the sun is shining or not, facial sunscreen should be worn daily—and can be found in tinted formulas or even in the drugstore—but sometimes we forget to extend the love to our lower regions, especially in the thick of the warmer months. We get it: Some sunscreens have the goopiest, thickest texture with an unpleasant smell and leave behind a ghostly white cast—but they’re a 100 percent necessary part of ensuring skin health.

“Sunscreen either absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converts it to heat energy or reflects it off the skin surface. By protecting skin from UV radiation, sunscreen prevents damage to cellular structures, namely DNA, that, if altered or damaged, can increase the risk of the development of skin cancer. Protection from UV radiation is also important to protect skin from changes related to photoaging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” says Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

Our picks for the best body lotions with SPF in 2024

  • 1
    Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

    Best Overall

    Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

    $22 at Nordstrom
    Read more
  • 2
    Rio Radiance SPF 50 Mineral Body Lotion Sunscreen with Niacinamide 6.7 oz / 200 mL

    Best Fragrant Sunscreen

    Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Mineral Body Lotion Sunscreen with Niacinamide 6.7 oz / 200 mL

    Read more
  • 3
    Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen

    Best Oat-Infused Sunscreen

    Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen

    Read more
  • 4
    Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

    Best for Deeper Skin Tones

    Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

    Read more
  • 5
    Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream

    Best SPF Hand Cream

    Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream

    Read more

If regular sunscreen formulas don’t prompt you to maintain a consistent sun care routine, allow us to point you to updated versions that couple the nourishment of your favorite lotion with the protection needed to lounge about in the sun for hours without penalty. Thankfully, a slew of body lotions packed with broad-spectrum protection can hydrate, illuminate, and soothe the skin—and we found the 15 best ones. After consulting a dermatologist, perusing our own collections, and scouring the internet to find online shoppers’ top-rated picks, we compiled a list of the 15 best body lotions with SPF for summer and beyond.

1
Best Overall

Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion
1
Best Overall

Bask Sheer Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 Lotion

$22 at Nordstrom
Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Hydrating
Cons
  • Some users dislike the scent

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Key ingredients: Aloe, antioxidants

Rest assured, this sunscreen won’t embarrass you with a pasty white cast. Formulated with aloe and antioxidants, this sunscreen coats your skin in love as it’s protected and stays put through whatever sweat, wind, or water your body (or face) comes in contact with.

Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “As a vacation girlie, I love poolside lounging and sipping while baking under the sun. I hate thick, goopy sunscreens that ruin the beach goddess look I’m going for. This Bask SPF lotion smells like summer and melts into my skin without leaving that purple, Thanos-esque color on my dark skin.”—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor

2
Best Fragrant Sunscreen

Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Mineral Body Lotion Sunscreen with Niacinamide 6.7 oz / 200 mL

Rio Radiance SPF 50 Mineral Body Lotion Sunscreen with Niacinamide 6.7 oz / 200 mL
2
Best Fragrant Sunscreen

Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Mineral Body Lotion Sunscreen with Niacinamide 6.7 oz / 200 mL

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • No white cast
Cons
  • Some users dislike the strong scent

Size: 6.7 fl oz

Key ingredients: Cupuaçu butter, niacinamide

Fans of Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance line will enjoy its expansion of sun protectors that come in a bevy of formulas to match your every mood. Of the three stars in the collection, the MVP is easily this body lotion, which has a blendable, lightweight texture that leaves your skin soft and smelling like the Cheirosa 87 fragrance.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “Summer is creeping up, and nothing gets me more excited for the season than a Sol de Janeiro product. This SPF body lotion puts a fun spin on sun protection, as it blends out easily so no one can tell you are wearing sunscreen and smells like a dream in case you want to layer with the Cheirosa 87 Rio Radiance mist.”—Nerisha Penrose

3
Best Oat-Infused Sunscreen

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen

On Sale
Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen
3
Best Oat-Infused Sunscreen

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen

Now 30% Off
Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Calming and nourishing formula
Cons
  • Some users dislike the strong scent

Size: 12 fl oz

Key ingredient: Prebiotic oat complex

To know Aveeno’s products is to love them—and the calming oat packed in its formulas. As part of its Protect + Hydrate line, this body sunscreen contains SPF 60 to shield the skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays. On the hydrating side, this formula features a trifecta of oat forms, from oat oil to oat extract to oat flour, all working to nourish and restore balance to the skin.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said, “Excellent as both an SPF sunscreen and a light moisturizer. I had been using a high-end “rose” UV Defense, and this one has now replaced it at a fraction of the cost. Silky-feeling skin with adequate protection.”

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4
Best for Deeper Skin Tones

Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen
4
Best for Deeper Skin Tones

Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • No white cast
Cons
  • Pricey for the size

Size: 3.4 fl oz

Key ingredients: Cucumber, green tea, hyaluronic acid

For most sunscreen users, the smell and white cast are usually the most off-putting. Where most sunscreens don’t typically lean earthy and fresh, this one does with no white cast in sight and doesn’t require an arm workout to rub in.

Revolve rating: 5/5 stars

A Revolve reviewer said: “It was love at first application! It was like applying a lightly scented body lotion that soaked right in. Not sticky. This is a winner.”

5
Best SPF Hand Cream

Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream

Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream
5
Best SPF Hand Cream

Fenty Beauty Hydra Vizor Broad Spectrum Mineral SPF 15 Sunscreen Hand Cream

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • No white cast
Cons
  • Pricey for the size

Size: 1.35 fl oz

Key ingredients: Murumuru and mango butters, moringa Oils

Our faces and bodies reap all the benefits of our most treasured skin care products, but we seldom remember our hands. Signs of aging can crop up anywhere, and the hands are no exception, which is why you should consider this moisturizing SPF hand cream. The creamy texture is packed with oils and butters to condition the skin to slow premature aging.

Fenty Beauty rating: 4.6/5 stars

A Fenty Beauty reviewer said: “Such an amazing products, Nonsticky and long-lasting. I’m obsessed with it 10/10 highly recommend.”

6
Best SPF for Dry Skin

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 60+ Sunscreen

Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 60+ Sunscreen
6
Best SPF for Dry Skin

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF 60+ Sunscreen

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Formulated with antioxidants for added nourishment
Cons
  • May not be suitable for oily or acne-prone skin

Size: 5.07 fl oz

Key ingredients: Algae, licorice root

Shiseido took its OG SynchroShield sunscreen and supersized it in more ways than one. Not only does this sunscreen come in a jumbo size, but it also contains SPF 60 for more protection and extra nourishment (maybe that’s why our digital beauty director wears it daily?). Algae and licorice root extract work in tandem to soothe, hydrate, and enrich stressed skin. Plus, the HeatForce and WetForce technology strengthens the formula when in contact with heat and water.

Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This is far more moisturizing and buttery than I expected, and usually, sunscreens take a great deal of effort to rub in. I adore this one by Shiseido for its high protection and easily blendable formula that goes on clear and dries down sheer.”—Nerisha Penrose

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7
Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60
7
Best for Sensitive Skin

La Roche-Posay Melt-In Sunscreen Milk SPF 60

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Easily blends into the skin
Cons
  • May not be suited for darker skin

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Antioxidants, thermal spring water

If long beach days are on the docket this summer, here’s a reliable companion to take with you, whether on land or by the sea. La Roche-Posay’s Melt-In Sunscreen glides on smoothly and has a non-greasy dry-down that makes re-application a pleasant experience instead of a dreaded one.

Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars

An ELLE editor says: “I love this multi-use sunscreen because I can put it on my face and my body. I recently was at the Miami Open and this was my sunscreen of choice. It leaves your skin moisturized, not oily, and quickly absorbs into your skin. It easily blends in and leaves no white cast, which is an automatic win for me and my melanated skin.” Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director

8
Best for Daily Use

Supergoop!® Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen at Nordstrom

Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen at Nordstrom
8
Best for Daily Use

Supergoop!® Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen at Nordstrom

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • High sun protection
Cons

Size: 5.5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Sunflower, rosemary and rice bran extract

Sunscreen has to hit many marks to be considered good, and absorbability is high on that list. This Supergoop bestseller effortlessly melts into the skin without feeling overly greasy and imparts soothing and hydrating properties via botanical extracts.

Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars

An ELLE Editor says: “This sunscreen has accompanied me on a lot of vacations because it’s reliable, doesn’t leave a white cast, and feels more like a daily lotion than a sunscreen. I love re-applying it because it has a comforting, almost nostalgic scent that reminds you of better days no matter where you are.”—Nerisha Penrose

9
Best Tanning SPF

Vacation Instant Vacation Browning Lotion SPF 30 at Nordstrom

Instant Vacation Browning Lotion SPF 30 at Nordstrom
9
Best Tanning SPF

Vacation Instant Vacation Browning Lotion SPF 30 at Nordstrom

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Delivers instant color
Cons
  • Can be streaky

Size: 5 fl oz

Key ingredients: Shea, cocoa seed oils, self-tanning technology

Whether you’re OOO or simply in need of a little color, this tanning lotion from Vacation is the pick-me-up you need. This lotion gives an instant tan that you won’t need to lounge around in the sun for long hours, and keeps the color on your skin even after you’ve washed off.

Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer says: “I used this product yesterday after purchasing it at Nordstrom. It glides on nicely and washes off your palms without leaving a stain. A wonderful product for instantly taking lily white legs and giving them a sunkissed glow! I only applied one coat, but if you want more color, then let the first coat dry and then apply the second. It showered off this morning and leaves behind a soft tan with no hint of orange. I highly recommend this product for someone who wants a quick kiss of gentle color, or to even out tan lines. Does contain a small amount of self tanner so will leave a beautiful glow!”

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10
Best Luxurious SPF

Aesop Avail Body Lotion with Sunscreen

Avail Body Lotion with Sunscreen
10
Best Luxurious SPF

Aesop Avail Body Lotion with Sunscreen

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Skin-loving ingredients
Cons
  • Pricey

Size: 5.4 fl oz

Key ingredient: Provitamin B, vitamin E

Aesop’s iteration of a body sunscreen smells as heavenly and invigorating as its other offerings. Not only does it smell great, but it also has a host of other benefits. “Formulated with spearmint leaf, panthenol (provitamin B5), and tocopherol (vitamin E), this moisturizing body lotion offers SPF 50 protection from UV rays.

Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Nordstrom reviewer said: “This is the second time I purchase this and I love it. Super lightweight and I love the scent.”

11
Best for Beginners

Versed Total Package Body Lotion

Total Package Body Lotion
11
Best for Beginners

Versed Total Package Body Lotion

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Moisturizing formula
Cons
  • Can leave a white cast for darker skin tones

Size: 6 fl oz

Key ingredients: cupuaçu butter, grapeseed oil, non-nano zinc oxide

How can a sunscreen be a “total package,” you ask? Well, Versed has the answer: loads of nourishment (cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil) and sun protection. Rich antioxidants and butters enrich the skin with hydration and moisture that makes you forget what you’re wearing is actually SPF. “As a mineral sunscreen, this product contains zinc to provide SPF 30 protection, as well as moisturizing cupuaçu butter and soothing antioxidants from grapeseed oil,” says Dr. Brendan Camp.

Target rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Target reviewer said: “I love this sunscreen! It is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide which has shown to be the least harmful to marine life as far as sunscreen ingredients go. So many sunscreens claim to be "reef safe" but all they really mean is "oxybenzone free" which is great and all, but misleading. Especially since almost all common sunscreen ingredients are not reef-safe (including most zinc if it is in nano form). All of the people leaving negative reviews dislike the feel and the white cast of this sunscreen, but it is AMAZING as far as nan-nano zinc sunscreens go. The white cast goes away if you give it time to soak in a little (I am white, so this is most likely a bigger problem for darker skin folks), and it is not as greasy or gross as many over-the-counter chemical or physical sunscreens go. Give this a try if you’re concerned for how sunscreen ingredients affect marine life!”

12
Best for Exfoliating

Glytone Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15

Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15
12
Best for Exfoliating

Glytone Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Glycolic acid gently exfoliates
Cons
  • Not high enough sun protection

Size: 12 fl oz

Key ingredients: Glycolic acid

Sun protection is required to get the best results from exfoliation. “This SPF body lotion provides SPF 15 protection and includes glycolic acid to gently exfoliate rough skin, shea butter to moisturize, and vitamin E for antioxidant protection,” Dr. Camp adds. Glytone’s Daily Body Lotion contains 6.2 percent glycolic acid, to be exact, used to treat hyperpigmentation and keratosis pilaris.

Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars

A Dermstore reviewer said: “I can’t live without my Glytone Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15. I use it every morning. It’s extra moisturizing while exfoliating dead skin throughout the day and gives my skin an SPF 15 from the sun’s harmful rays. Love-Love my Glytone and would recommend to anyone!”

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13
Best Illuminating SPF Lotion

Cay Skin Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45

Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45
13
Best Illuminating SPF Lotion

Cay Skin Isle Glow Body Lotion SPF 45

Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Leaves a subtle glow
Cons
  • Some users note it can be streaky

Size: 3.4 oz

Key ingredients: Sea moss, cocoa seed butter

If you want to glow like a supermodel, Cay Skin’s Isle Glow Body Lotion will have you ready for your close-up in a few swipes. Formulated with SPF 45, this lotion uses cocoa butter, and nectar to deliver moisture and radiance; sea moss is the MVP of the formula that protects the skin’s barrier.

Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars

A Sephora reviewer said: “This is a beautiful lotion with sunscreen. My skin feels nice and soft and looks healthy and glowy, but not shimmery. It’s easily reapplied and doesn’t feel heavy on my skin. I’ve repurchased this multiple times and will continue to do so. I’ve been really impressed with the Cay Skin products I’ve tried so far.”

14
Best Drugstore Option

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face and Body

On Sale
Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face and Body
14
Best Drugstore Option

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30 for Face and Body

Now 22% Off
Credit: courtesy of brands
Pros
  • Barrier-strengthening ingredients
Cons
  • Runny consistency

Size: 3 fl oz

Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides

A lightweight, easy-to-use, hydrating sunscreen is waiting for you right in the aisle of your favorite drugstore. Ceramides and niacinamide strengthen the skin’s barrier and restore moisture.

Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars

An Amazon reviewer said: “Fragrance free sunscreens are hard to find at my local store. This is a great one!. It goes on smoothly and does not feel greasy. SPF 30 protects me when I’m out in the south Texas sun.”

15

Why is SPF on the body just as important as the face?

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Just as the sun can damage your face, it can also wreak havoc on your skin without you even knowing. “Sunscreen on the body protects all of your skin from UV radiation. Because you can get skin cancer anywhere you have skin, it is important to protect it from the sun using sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and sun avoidance, as well as to get regular skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Camp explains.

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16

Since the two-finger rule applies to the face, what's the appropriate amount for the body?

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“The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using one ounce of sunscreen to cover the body, which is about the amount in a shot glass.”

17

Meet The Experts

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Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.

18

Why Trust ELLE Beauty?

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As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com’s beauty commerce editor. Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist to find the best body lotions with SPF on the market.

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