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The 10 Best Body Lotions with SPF You'll Actually Look Forward to Wearing
Keep your skin happy and protected with just one product
Let me guess: You're trying to be better about wearing sunscreen (snaps for you!), but you're looking for a formula that isn't, well, a pain to wear every day. It's true: Sunscreen can be tacky, or leave a white cast, or smell like, well, sunscreen. But that's where a body lotion with SPF may be your new skincare best friend. Brands have gotten hip to the fact that sunscreen is a daily essential and have started pumping up body lotion formulas with sun protection.
The Best Body Lotions with SPF
Best for Face and Body
Ultra Violette Vibrant Screen SPF 50 Water Resistant Face and Body Sunscreen
Read more
Not only are they more pleasant to use, "These products are often lighter in texture than typical sunscreens," says dermatologist J. Scott Kennedy. Adds dermatologist Dendy Engelman, they're "ideal for people who are running quick errands and will not be exposed to prolonged sun exposure."
Looking for the best body lotion with SPF? The derms—along with Bazaar beauty editors—share their recommendations for the best body lotions with SPF, below.
Pros
- Doesn't have a sunscreen-y scent
Cons
- Some reviewers said they experienced pilling
Kennedy recommends this water-gel formula from Neutrogena's fan-fave Hydro Boost line, which boasts SPF 50, praising it as "moisturizing and light in texture." It can also be used as your beach SPF, as it's water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
Size: 3.0 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin
Customer Review:
"I have horrible eczema and have been trying to find a sunscreen that will moisturize so I can apply it at the beach and not have to bring so much skin stuff. This worked well and protected from the sun."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Water Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Comes in SPF 30 and SPF 60 varieties
Cons
- Some reviewers said it burns eyes, so would keep use to body
Another surprisingly lightweight option recommended by Kennedy is this lotion from La Roche-Posay, which blends in seamlessly in just seconds and features thermal spring water to soothe the skin.
Size: 3.0 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield antioxidant technology, thermal spring water
Customer Review:
"We have been using this sunscreen for years. My and my kids' favorite sunscreen. Easy to apply because of its watery consistency. Dries fast and doesn't leave a greasy feeling." —CA451
Ultra Violette Vibrant Screen SPF 50 Water Resistant Face and Body Sunscreen
Pros
- Has a hydrated, glowy finish
Cons
- If you sensitive skin, you may only want to use on body
Bazaar beauty director Jenna Rosenstein acknowledges that, officially, it's not a body lotion, "but it is super hydrating! I love this formula for my dry skin, and the fact that it can be used on both the face and body. One bottle for everything!"
Size: 3.38 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Aloe vera, vitamin E
Customer Review:
"This sunscreen has no white cast, does NOT smell like sunscreen, and does not feel like sunscreen. It felt smooth on my skin!! Half the sunscreens that say 'it’s for face, no white cast, makeup looks nice over it' don’t live up to that at all, but this one ACTUALLY does." —IrinaOwen
Toty Solaria Body SPF 50
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
Cons
- Has a slight tint which may not work for all skin tones
Engelman recommends this "weightless" lotion from Sofia Vergara's line. "The product is non-greasy, fast-absorbing, and suitable for sensitive skin. It also boosts skin protection and health with green tea," she explains.
Size: 5.07 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical-mineral hybrid
Key Ingredients: PLE Fernboost sun-aging defense technology, green tea, vegan plankton extracts
Customer Review:
"This is one of the best SPF I have ever smelled! It's super moisturizing and doesn't have a greasy feeling. It absorbs quickly into the skin. The best part, there's no white cast. I love it!"
Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
Pros
- TSA-approved size
Cons
- May not work for sensitive skin
"I am always drawn to Vacation’s sunscreen products when looking to protect my skin from the sun because of its tropical, sunny scents and barely-there feel," says Bazaar beauty market and commerce editor Katie Intner, who says the Classic Lotion "glides on like a regular lotion with the added benefit of SPF—what’s not to love about that?"
Size: 3.4 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, vitamin E, niacinamide, aloe vera
Customer Review:
"Great everyday sunscreen! Smells amazing and is not heavy or greasy feeling! Highly recommend!" —Michelle
Sun Bum Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion
Pros
- Moisturizes up to 24 hours
Cons
- It has a more traditional "sunscreen" scent some may not want for every day
If Sun Bum is your trusted brand at the beach, you'll be happy to know they make a daily body lotion with a whopping SPF 50. It's hydrating, lightweight, and the only bottle I keep on my counter for dog walks, coffee runs, and other "oops, I need sunscreen" moments.
Size: 8 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants, vitamin E
Customer Review:
"I LOVE the smell of Sunbum sunscreen, so I was stoked to find the daily lotion. It smells exactly like the sunscreen, is lightweight, and doesn't leave my skin feeling greasy. I also like that it offers some sun protection as I'm in and out of the sun quite often." —Jess
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Can be used on the face and body
Cons
- The tube is on the smaller side
Even as sunscreen tech has grown, finding a formula that is truly transparent on all skin tones isn't an easy task. But this dual moisturizer and SPF from Black Girl Sunscreen keeps those with deeper skin tones protected—sans white cast (the thousands of happy reviewers can attest).
Size: 2 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Jojoba oil, avocado oil
Customer Review:
"Black Girl Sunscreen is hands down one of the best products I’ve added to my skincare routine! Finally—a sunscreen that protects my skin without leaving a white cast. It melts in effortlessly and leaves me with a natural, dewy glow instead of that dry, chalky finish most sunscreens give. It’s also super lightweight, moisturizing, and doesn’t clog my pores or cause breakouts, and it keeps me feeling confident and protected all day long." —Gabby
Vaseline Healthy Bright Sun Protection Body Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Great value for the size
Cons
- Some reviewers didn't like the scent
For skin that's parched—from the sun or otherwise—this creamy lotion from Vaseline is a godsend: It contains micro-droplets of Vaseline petroleum jelly, plus vitamins C, E, and B3 to help leave skin looking glowy and even-toned.
Size: 13.5 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Provitamin C, vitamin E, Vitamin B3
Customer Review:
"This lotion is amazing. I got it because I liked to take walks over the summer but would not want to feel greasy from sunscreen. This SPF lotion was the perfect solution. It smelled nice, it didn’t leave me with sticky sunscreen feel, and it did the job. I would absolutely recommend and buy again." —Kate
Supergoop! Glowscreen Body Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
Pros
- Water-resistant up to 40 minutes
Cons
- It's very shimmery, so mix it with a regular lotion if it's too much
Fans of Glowscreen will be thrilled to know there's a body lotion formula, with the same warm shimmer and a whipped texture you'll love to apply. And while it's definitely on the glowy side, the lotion itself isn't tinted, so it won't transfer onto your clothes.
Size: 3.4 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Coconut, glycerin
Customer Review:
"Love the glow of this sunscreen. The protection is amazing and the glow gives a little confidence boost. The texture when applying is smooth and comfortable on the skin. Not too heavy!"
Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Body Cream Sunscreen
Pros
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Some reviewers said it can stain clothes
We've always been able to count on Clinique for gentle skincare formulas, and that's still the case with this body cream. It's fragrance-free, oil-free, and has broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection—so basically checks off every box.
Size: 5 oz
Type of Sunscreen: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Antioxidants
Customer Review:
"This is a gentle but effective sunscreen that doesn't leave your skin dry. You can use daily and feel protected. You don't even feel like you're wearing a sunscreen. No odor or greasy feeling." —Cyndisuper
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a body lotion with SPF and a regular sunscreen?
There's a lot of crossover, but body lotions with SPF are just that: lotions first, and SPF second.
"While both body lotion with SPF and body sunscreen offer sun protection, they’re formulated with different priorities in mind," explains Engelman. On the other hand, she explains, "Body sunscreen is specifically formulated to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays." Plus, "It typically has higher SPF levels, more water resistance, and stronger broad-spectrum coverage, which is perfect for someone who spends a lot of time outdoors."
What SPF should you wear for daily use?
Kennedy recommends using a minimum SPF of 30 and looking for broad-spectrum protection. "SPF only applies to UVB radiation; it is necessary to have a broad spectrum to cover UVA radiation," the derm adds.
Quick refresher: SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures the amount of protection it offers compared to unprotected skin. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburns, while UVA rays can contribute to photoaging.
When should you use a body lotion with SPF?
Every day (but you already knew that, right?). "Daily use can not only reduce the risk of skin cancer over time, but can also help prevent the photoaging effects of UV radiation," says Kennedy.
Using a body lotion with sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin without feeling like you're wearing sunscreen. "Using a body lotion with SPF daily is a smart and practical way to protect your skin from everyday sun exposure, while keeping your skin moisturized," says Engelman, who notes that "Oftentimes, we are exposed to UV rays without even realizing it. Whether it’s walking to the subway or sitting by a window, this can contribute to cumulative skin damage over time."
Meet the Experts
- Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Shafer Clinic in New York City.
- J. Scott Kennedy, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with U.S. Dermatology Partners in Midlothian, Virginia.
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