Body sunscreen is a skincare product aimed at protecting the skin by blocking or absorbing the ultraviolet rays of the sun. It helps to avert sunburn, slow down the aging of the skin, and decrease the risk of skin cancer. Body sunscreen is seen in a variety of forms: lotions, sprays, gels, and sticks, in addition to being available in different SPF factors.
Reasons why sunscreen is important for the body include to protect the skin from the aggressions of the sun’s harmful UV (ultraviolet) rays causing sunburn, skin aging, and increased risk for skin cancer.
How to Choose the Right Body Sunscreen:
Broad-spectrum sunscreen, covering UVA & UVB, SPF 30 or higher, and water-resistant, if swimming or sweating, should be the choice for body use.Full thick cream or moisturizer is workable for skin on the drier spectrum, while oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas are suggested for oily skin or prone to acne.
Mineral-based sunscreens are generally gentler on sensitive skin. Always check to ensure it is fragrance-free, if applicable, and reef safe.
It is necessary to protect the skin from harmful rays to protect the skin from aging prematurely. Here are 11 highly-rated body sunscreens for 2025:
1. Bondi Sands hydra UV protect SPF50+
A lightweight, moisture-laden sunscreen provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection. To be used while providing moisturization and protection from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.
Pros:
Deeply moisturizing with the addition of skin-loving ingredients.
Lightweight and non-greasy.
Water-resistant for four hours.
Fragrance-free: this is appropriate for sensitive skin.
Cons:
May leave a little white cast on darker skin tones.
Slightly sticky before absorption.
2. Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF50
A body spray inspired by the beachy scent of Sol de Janeiro, it offers SPF 50 sun protection and scents your skin lightly while protecting you from the sun.
Pros:
High SPF 50 sunscreen.
Tropical fragrance.
Non-greasy and lightweight texture.
Reapplication on the go is a breeze.
Cons:
Might not be suitable for very sensitive skin for that tropical scent.
Probably not as waterproof as conventional sunscreens are.
A bit more expensive than old-school SPF sprays.
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray SPF50
A dermatologist helmet recommended broad-spectrum SPF 50 sunscreen spray for sensitive skin. An ultra-light formulation that finishes with a non-greasy feeling.
Pros:
Dermatologist-tested for sensitivity.
Absorbs rapidly, non-greasy and invisible to the naked eye.
It is water-resistant and long-lasting.
It is also antioxidant-based, so it has benefits for the skin.
Cons:
A smidge pricey compared with drugstore brands.
Aerosol sprays can run out quite quickly.
4. Sun Bum Original SPF50 Sunscreen Spray
A vegan sunscreen spray with an SPF of 50, perfect for outdoor activities. Broad-spectrum protection that is lightweight and non-greasy.
Pros:
Easy to spray on.
Water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Absolutely vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-friendly.
Tropical in scent.
Cons:
The scent may not be for everyone.
Could feel oily on the skin.
The spray nozzle may clog over time.
5.Hawaiian Tropic hydrating protection sunscreen lotion SPF50
A lightweight coconut-scented sunscreen lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection that moisturizes the skin.
Pros:
Infused with tropical botanicals for hydration.
Lightweight, no greasy formula.
Reef-friendly and free of oxybenzone.
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Cons:
The fragrance might be unsuitable for sensitive skin.
Very slight residue might remain if not properly rubbed in.
6. Ultrasun Extreme SPF 50
A high-performance sunscreen against the sun, fine for outdoor sports and travel.
Pros:
Long-lasting, water-resistant formula.
Non-greasy and absorbs really fast.
Free of perfumes, emulsifiers, and preservatives (good for sensitive skin).
Provides very good protection against UVA and UVB.
Cons:
More expensive than most over-the-counter sunscreens.
Somewhat heavy on oily skin.
7. Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist Body SPF 30
A lightweight misting sun lotion that makes application easy with a dewy finish.
Pros:
Very fine mist spray, ensuring an even application.
Dry and thus hydrating.
Gives a natural glow without being sticky.
Travel-friendly and easy to implement on the go.
Cons:
SPF level lower than other options (30).
Requires reapplication frequently if one is out long enough.
8. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray SPF 50
(Already covered above, but here’s a quick summation)
Dermatologist-approved, weightless spray sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection.
Pros:
Absorbs quickly and is non-greasy.
Resistant to water and fragrance.
For sensitive skin.
Cons:
Might be a bit pricey, if one admits.
Spray bottle does not last long at all.
9. Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50
A mineral-based sunscreen, rich in antioxidants, protecting high up against UVA and UVB rays.
Pros:
Reef safe and eco-friendly ingredients
Contains antioxidants to protect the skin.
A lightweight and non-greasy formula.
Suitable for sensitive skin.
Cons:
It can leave a white cast on darker skin tones.
Its big, thick consistency takes a while to absorb.
10.Equate Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Value Size SPF 50
A budget-friendly sunscreen is a high-protection lotion, which is enhanced and designed for outdoor active people. Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection in a water-resistant formula.
Pros
Affordable–Great price for a big bottle
Water-resistant for 80 minutes–Ideal for outdoors.
Absorbs really fast and not greasy-in daily use.
Broad-spectrum SPF 50-protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
Cons
Contains oxybenzone; isn’t reef safe. That can be sensitive to eco-friendly users.
A bit thick-must be rubbed in well to prevent it from leaving a white mark.
Fragrance free; might be unsuitable for sensitive skin.
11. Thrive Bodyshield SPF 50
A natural and eco-safe sunscreen containing antioxidant-laden botanicals to protect and nourish skin from sun damage.
Pron
Eco-safe; reef-safe; free from all toxic chemicals, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Packed with all-natural; super powerful Costa Rican vegetables antioxidant-rich formulas.
Lightweight and not greasy; a fast absorption, with no stickiness.
Fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin; perfect for users with skin complaints.
Cons :
May leave a white cast: especially on those with darker skin tones.
Thick; tends to take longer to rub in as opposed to chemical sunscreens.
Reputedly high-priced: pricier than standard drugstore sunscreens.
FAQs
Is sunscreen good for the body?
UV rays cause sunburns, premature skin aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Always use broad-spectrum sunscreen on all areas of the skin that will be exposed to sunlight.
Can I use SPF 50 everyday?
SPF 50 can be used daily providing great protection against UVB rays; it is especially useful for fair-skinned, quick easy to sunburn or sunburn-prone people, those living in very sunny areas.
What SPF is best?
Your needs will determine which is best;
SPF 30: Suitable for everyday use, offers 97% protection against UVB rays.
SPF 50: Recommended for prolonged sun exposure, gives 98% protection.
SPF 15: Bare minimum protection for quick outdoor exposure.
Why do I have to wait 15 minutes after applying sunscreen before going outside?
To allow adequate time for sunscreen to be absorbed into the skin and to develop the barrier that protects from the sun’s rays. It would not be as efficient if you went outside right after putting it on; chemical sunscreens are especially prone to this.
Does sunscreen remove tan?
No, sunscreen will not remove tan, but will prevent further tanning and darkening of the skin by blocking UV rays. You can use exfoliation, brightening agents such as vitamin C, and sometimes a good moisturizer to fade an existing tan.
Can I apply sunscreen without moisturizer?
Yes, but it depends on your skin type. If your skin is on the dry side, a moisturizer underneath the sunscreen will help keep your skin hydrated. If you have oily skin, a hydrating sunscreen might do the trick. Some sunscreens are infused with moisturizing properties, which means that adding a moisturizer may be unnecessary.
