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23 best body sunscreens for daily protection, per experts and our testing

While it’s easy to prioritize putting your face sunscreen on every day, body sunblock doesn’t always get the same amount of daily importance. So, we’re here to remind you just how critical it is to apply sunscreen to your entire body to keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays.

“Some people may apply sunscreen to their face in the morning but forget about other parts of the body that are exposed to the sun, like the neck, shoulders, arms and legs,” NYC dermatologist and president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD told The Post. “It’s imperative to protect the entire body because skin cancer can occur anywhere.”

For other sun-protective recommendations, make sure to check out our roundups on expert-approved face sunscreen, moisturizers with SPF, and the best places to buy sun protective clothing and beach umbrellas.

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What should I look for in sunscreen?

“What’s most important is choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day that suits your skin and activity,” Sarnoff said. “[For example], if you’re spending an extended amount of time outdoors, you need a water-resistant, SPF 30 or higher sunscreen.”

There are two main types of active sunscreen ingredients: chemical and physical. Both are FDA-approved and have been used in the U.S. for many years. It ultimately just depends on your preference.

  • Chemical ingredients, otherwise known as organic sunscreens, such as avobenzone and oxybenzone, work by absorbing and scattering UV rays, reducing their penetration into the skin.
  • Physical ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are naturally occurring inorganic (mineral) ingredients that stay on top of the skin and deflect UV rays.

Keep reading to learn the top sunscreens for your body all year round, according to dermatologists, as well as the NYP commerce team.

For a quick glance at all the best sunscreens, check out the comparison chart at the bottom of the article.

Sarnoff’s Sunscreen Recommendations

Best Overall: Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract
Supergoop!

Pros:

  • Sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes before needing another application
  • Non-sticky
  • Antioxidants from rosemary leaf extracts and sunflower

Cons:

  • The sunscreen doesn’t give a white cast but may leave your face shiny

“This [sunscreen] offers SPF 50 protection, broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant,” said Brendan Camp, an NYC-based dermatologist.

Dr. Shari Sperling, a board-certified dermatologist, also enjoys the Supergoop! PLAY Everyday lotion as a reef-safe choice that will keep our planet clean as well. This sunscreen is made with zinc or titanium, which are known not to affect the reef as opposed to chemical sunscreens.

This Supergoop! sunscreen has more than 6,300 raving reviews on Amazon, has an impressive 4.7-star rating, and is also a favorite of our Commerce Editor Camryn La Sala.

“I’ve gone through my fair share of body sunblock over the years but the Supergoop! Play Everyday Sunscreen is the one I’ve really fallen in love with over the last year,” she said. “It smells amazing, applies easily, and even wears well on my face — no breakouts!”

Activate Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best Dermatologist Recommended: Alastin Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Alastin Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Alastin

Pros:

  • Hypoallergenic
  • Soothing to skin
  • Lightweight and hydrating

Cons:

  • Pricey for the size of the tube

If you’re willing to splurge, Peredo raves about this Alastin pick.

“My favorite sunscreen is Alastin’s Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen because it’s light and moisturizing while also providing broad-spectrum coverage. It’s formulated with cucumber and aloe leaf extract to calm the skin,” said Peredo.

Plus it’s water-resistant!

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide


Best Moisturizing: : Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++

Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++
Sephora

Pros:

  • Paraben, phthalates and mineral oil free
  • Has moisturizing squalene
  • Prolongs the wear of makeup

Cons:

  • If you’re familiar with the original formula, you may find this latest edition not as hydrating as the first

When speaking about reef-friendly sunscreen, Camp mentioned that certain sunscreen ingredients, namely oxybenzone and octinoxate, may contribute to coral reef damage by affecting coral reproduction, contributing to coral bleaching, and damaging coral DNA. To help this cause, consider using mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide and titanium as active ingredients, which are thought to be more eco-friendly when it comes to coral reefs.

Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick recommends the Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen. “This sheer, non-nano zinc formulation offers SPF 30 broad-spectrum coverage while also hydrating the skin. It contains water lily to calm the skin and squalene, which helps moisturize the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth,” Garshick told The Post. “It absorbs quickly and blends easily, making it good for all skin types. Additionally, it is vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free.”

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide


Best Lotion: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
Amazon

Pros:

  • Sweat and water-resistant
  • Fragrance-free, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin
  • Doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate

Cons:

  • Leaves a slight white cast unless rubbed in really well, and the cast may still be visible on darker skin tones

  • Thicker consistency makes it great for outdoor activities but can feel heavy for daily use

When protecting your babies, you likely want the best of the best. This Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is pretty much the holy grail sunscreen for little ones, according to Garshick, Sperling and Camp.

“This is a great sunscreen for babies as it is safe on their delicate skin since it’s fragrance-free and paraben-free. It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block UV damage,” said Garshick.

Plus, the bottle and cap change color when exposed to UV using Smart Bottle Technology — not only making it fun to watch but also helpful to know when you and your kids need to reapply the sunscreen lotion for the body.

According to Camp, it’s also reef-friendly. Our Commerce Editorial Director, Barret Wertz, is a fan of this sunscreen as well.

“If you’re looking for a trustworthy, gentle sunscreen, just about anything from the Australian brand Blue Lizard is a solid choice,” he said. “My favorite part about this sunscreen is the proprietary Blue Bottle Technology, which allows the sunscreen bottle to turn blue in UV rays. This provides an excellent reminder to apply (and reapply).”

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide


Best Sport: EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion

EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon

Pros:

  • Dries clear
  • Can be applied on both wet or dry skin
  • Has skin soothing ingredients, including vitamin B5, cica, and hyaluronic acid

Cons:

  • Not reef-safe

Garshick recommends the EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen lotion if you need a quality water-resistant sunblock. “This sport sunscreen provides great coverage for those who enjoy outdoor and water activities as it provides SPF50 broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.”

“It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a good option for all skin types and won’t rub off when sweating.”

Note: make sure you reapply every two hours (or sooner) if you’re sweating or swimming to ensure adequate protection. It can be used on the face or body and contains vitamin E to help protect against free radical damage. 

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Octisalate


Best Tinted: SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
Skinstore

Pros:

  • Tint adapts to user’s skin tone for a better match
  • Contains artemia salina, a plant extract that increases the skin’s natural defenses to UV-induced stress
  • Non-greasy feel

Cons:

  • Product easily rubs off

While this SkinCeuticals sunscreen will cost you a pretty penny, Garshick and Camp think it’s worth the money. The formula not only works for the face but can be applied to the neck and chest, making it one of the best tinted sunscreens for the body.

“This splurge-worthy mineral sunscreen incorporates both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage while also improving overall skin tone and radiance,” Garshick told The Post.

“It’s a lightweight formulation that absorbs easily while offering a universal tint without leaving behind a greasy or white residue. It can be used by all skin types, including those with sensitive skin, as it is paraben-free and fragrance-free.”

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide 


Best Non-Toxic: Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Supergoop!

Pros:

  • Also filters blue light
  • Doubles as a makeup primer
  • Fragrance and streak-free

Cons:

  • Not reef-safe

When it comes to the body or face, many sunblock users are obsessed with Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen.

“Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is great because it is oil-free and formulated with antioxidants,” said NYC-based certified dermatologist Marina Peredo.

The formula is completely invisible, weightless, and leaves a velvety finish that glides onto your skin while providing broad spectrum SPF 40 protection. It’s excellent as a makeup-gripping primer under foundation when you want a little more coverage or on its own, if you want a more natural look.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best for Everyday Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Thinksport

Pros:

  • Reef-friendly ingredients
  • Non-oily
  • Good for kids and adults

Cons:

  • On the thicker side

Thinksport is your pick if you’re on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen for all ages.

“This sunscreen, safe for the whole family, contains zinc oxide and is a great option for all but especially for those who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors as it is water resistant up to 80 minutes,” Garshick said.

“It offers broad-spectrum coverage, is BPA-free and biodegradable, and is free of oxybenzone. I love that it is available in a 6 oz tube, ensuring enough for application and reapplication if you are out for the day.”

Activate Ingredients: Zinc Oxide


Best Non-Greasy: Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70

Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70
Amazon

Pros:

  • Sprays clear, and absorbs fast
  • Easy to apply, and can feel less messy than lotion-based sunscreens

Cons:

  • Not designed for face
  • Advertised as “unscented” but does have fragrance

When it comes to sunscreen spray for the body, Dr. Amy Newburger, likes this non-greasy sunscreen for the body pick made by Neutrogena. It’s also a go-to of Decider Commerce Writer, Angela Tricarico, as well as Senior SEO Commerce Manager, Meaghan Roche.

“As someone who is weird about texture, it’s been a lifelong journey to try and find a sunscreen that doesn’t feel sticky or oily for hours after applying it,” Tricarico explained. “Neutrogena’s Beach Defense spray is oil-free, so it’s perfect to apply on dry skin and then reapply wet after you’ve [left] the pool. It absorbs quickly and — [this is crucial for me] — doesn’t leave your skin feeling kind of gross afterward, the way some sunscreen sprays or lotions do.”

Similarly, Roche likes the formula of the product and considers the sunscreen “a long-standing Subscribe and Save item from Amazon” item.

“For a product that you could use every single day, not to mention at the beach, it’s a great value with 30% more than average,” she said. “While no sunscreen is 100% water or sweat-proof, I love that this option is water resistant for up to 80 minutes, allowing me to get more out of the product with fewer re-applications during a day at the beach, pool or lake. Most importantly for those high-ray days, the Beach Defense spray has both UVA and UVB protection.”

Roche also mentioned liking the “fresh without being overpowering” scent, as well as the “lightweight” feel of the spray.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best Reef-Safe: Native Body Sunscreen

A body of Native unscented sunscreen.
Amazon

Pros:

  • Moisturizes dry skin
  • Doesn’t leave a white cast
  • Unscented

Cons:

  • Sunscreen can become goopy if left in the sun for too long

You’ve probably tried its deodorant but did you know that Native also makes sunscreen? It’s mineral-based, not too heavy and a great option for those with sensitive skin. It’s also reef-friendly, so you can feel good about slathering it on before hitting the beach. Victoria Giardina, our Content Strategist and Commerce Writer, regularly uses it to protect her from the sun.

“The Native Unscented Sunscreen is a dream for my sensitive skin,” she said. “It doesn’t leave a white cast, I don’t burn whenever I use it and it absorbs seamlessly into my skin.”

Giardina also mentioned that she loves that this best mineral body sunscreen is not only “ultra-lightweight” but moisturizing. “If you’re looking for a beach bag staple, this is for sure that ‘it’ product,” she said.

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide


Best for Kids: Banana Boat Kid Sports Spray SPF 50

Banana Boat Kid Sports Spray SPF 50
Target

Pros:

  • Doesn’t contain oxybenzone or octinoxate
  • Formulated to not irritate eyes
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • It’s easy to go through a can fast, especially if using for multiple kids

When it comes to kids’ sunblock, Newburger recommends this best sunscreen spray for the body and face.

“The Banana Boat Kid Sports Spray SPF 50 is [great] for athletics. It has a lot of silicones in it, which do not sweat off easily. The silicones (dimethicone) are water resistant and bind well to the skin, so they are much less likely to sweat off,” Newburger said.

“However, because the active SPF chemicals benefits wear off after 2 hours or even less, fresh product should be reapplied every 80 minutes in order to make certain that they will perform.”

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best Budget: Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50

Pros:

  • Contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate and protect the skin barrier
  • Fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and water-resistant

Cons:

  • Some who reviewed this sunscreen on Amazon found it sticky

Almost all of the experts we interviewed mentioned the Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen — whether they categorized it as their favorite overall, top pick for mineral sunblock, sensitive skin or budget-buy.

“This mineral SPF50+ sunscreen contains zinc oxide and protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It is fragrance-free, dye-free, lanolin-free, paraben-free, formaldehyde-free and gluten-free, making it a great option, especially for those with sensitive skin,” said Garshick. It’s easy to apply without leaving the skin feeling greasy and is non-comedogenic, making it good for those with breakout-prone skin, too.”

What is mineral sunscreen, you ask? “Mineral sunscreen includes titanium or zinc as the active ingredients,” Camp explained. “These minerals sit on the skin surface and reflect off UV radiation, as opposed to chemical or organic sunscreens that use chemicals that are absorbed into the skin and convert UV radiation into heat that is then released from the skin.”

Although it’s not always easy to find, this best drugstore sunscreen for the body and face can be purchased at Walgreens for less than $20.

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide


Abraham’s Sunscreen Recommendations

Best Silicone-Free: Soleil Toujours Mineral Ally Daily Defense Sunscreen

A bottle of tan liquid sunscreen
Amazon

Pros:

  • Applies white but dries clear
  • Lightweight and moisturizing

Cons:

  • The bottle is small, especially for the price

For a few more expert-backed picks, The Post spoke with master aesthetician, Caroline Abraham.

“This is one of my go-to sunscreens especially when looking for a mineral physical sunscreen rather than a chemical SPF,” shared Abraham. “The product is clean and is advertised as vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, and uses recycled packaging!”

Abraham explained that when using a physical sunscreen, some people find that the Zinc can leave a white film that is challenging to work into the skin.

“I have found this sunscreen to be very blendable and nourishing. The three key ingredients of Shea butter, Vitamin E, and Aloe Leaf Juice, combined with the 18.9% zinc, make it much easier to work into the skin.”

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone 


Best Smelling: Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Sunscreen

A white bottle with a red lid next to a red package
Amazon

Pros:

  • Delicious smell
  • Softening ingredients like coconut oil, vitamin E, and aloe vera

Cons:

  • Sunscreen can leave skin feeling slightly greasy

“We have all seen this sunscreen hit the trends of TikTok, the whipped cream can packaging is a fun and clever way to show the light formula,” Abraham explained.

She admitted that she is usually hesitant to jump on top of skincare trends on social media. But after testing this sunscreen herself, she found it was worth the hype: “I understand the obsession beyond the fun packaging.”

“This product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and is a reef-friendly option making it perfect for the beach! With inactive ingredients of Aloe Leaf Juice, coconut oil, and Vitamin B3 this sunscreen will leave your skin feeling dewy and protected.”

Active Ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone 


Best for Oily Skin: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion

Blue bottle of sun protection lotion
Amazon

Pros:

  • Goes on clear
  • Self-repairs if product thins from rubbing or movement

Cons:

  • Contains avobenzone

Abraham’s final pick is an ultra-strong, SPF 60 formula by a Japanese-based skincare line. It’s recommended to reapply this sunscreen every two hours.

“Winning 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award, this sunscreen is lightweight, blendable, and hydrating,” said Abraham, who always looks for ingredients that work on land and water.

“The use of negative and positive ions within the formula acts as a bond to perform well to protect against the sun even in water and perspiration. This sunscreen is a good pick for a chemical SPF, as long as reapplication is thorough and recurrent.”

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


More Sunscreens We Recommend

Best for Dark Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch

A bottle of sunscreen from Neutrogena with a SPF 70.
Amazon

Pros:

  • Non-comedogenic
  • Water-resistant
  • Matte finish, making it a good option for those with oily or combination skin

Cons:

  • The formula becomes melty if carried in a purse or left in the heat too long

This budget-friendly sunscreen is our favorite pick for POCs, as well as anyone else seeking sun protection, sans white cast. It’s a chemical sunscreen with a high SPF, making it great for days the sun is feeling particularly savage. Will you still need to reapply every two hours? Yes! But this lightweight formula is non-greasy enough that we doubt you’ll mind.

Activate Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone


Best High SPF: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 100

A bottle of sunscreen with a SPF 100
Amazon

Pros:

  • Highest SPF protection in a lightweight and non-greasy formula

  • Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or heavy residue
  • Antioxidant-rich to help protect skin from free radicals caused by UV exposure
  • Oxybenzone-free, and water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Cons:

  • One of the pricier sunscreens on the market – especially for daily use.

  • Can be more difficult to find than other brands

If you’re searching for a body sunscreen with a high SPF, it doesn’t get much better than La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk. Its SPF is 100, and it can also be worn on the face without worry of clogging pores. Wertz is a fan of it, especially for humid days when the last thing anyone wants is something heavy on their face.

“What I love about the Melt-In Milk sunscreen is that it provides SPF 100 broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection but feels lightweight enough to wear every day — even on hot, humid summer days that don’t involve the beach,” he explained.

“La Roche-Posay is a dermatologist favorite and once you use this to replace your daily lotion when the summer days hit, you’ll see – no, feel – why.”

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone; Homosalate; Octisalate; Octocrylene


Best Sheer: Sunbum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray

A can of SunBum SPF50 Sunscreen
Amazon

Pros:

  • Offers both UVA and UVB protection
  • Paraben-free
  • Water and sweat-resistant

Cons:

  • Not reef safe

It’s okay to be a beach bum, as long as you’re wearing SunBum Original SPF 50. The chemical-based sunscreen dries fast without leaving a sticky residue, plus has nourishing vitamin E. Whether you’re taking a jog or splashing in the pool, you’ll be able to enjoy its protection for 80 minutes before needing to reapply.

Commerce Writer Emma Sutton-Williams uses it whenever she’s heading outside and highly recommends it to others.

“As a burn victim, I’m very protective of my skin,” she said. “Before going on a run or running errands, I spray my exposed skin with SunBum with SPF 50 or higher, usually higher, but occasionally, I want a golden tan like the next girl (don’t tell me, doctor) so I dial down my SPF strength…I love an easy spray with natural compression over an aerosol spray, which this bottle has. It gets the job done and smells like summer with a hint of dreamy coconut.”

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best Hydrating: Sol de Janerio Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50

A can of Rio Radiance Sol de Janeiro SPF 50.
Amazon

Pros:

  • Contains niacinamide and the antioxidant pongamia seed extract
  • Hydrates parched skin with coconut water
  • Waterproof
  • Smells amazing like everything else from the brand!

Cons:

  • Shorter water-resistant time

Like everyone these days, we’re obsessed with the products from Sol de Janerio. And when we’re not spritzing ourselves in the brand’s hair and Cheirose Hair & Body Mist, we’re reaching for a can of its SPF. It has skincare heavy-hitter niacinamide to brighten, plus coconut water to keep skin hydrated. Commerce Writer Miska Salemann owns a bottle and prefers the smell of the sunscreen to other popular brands.


“I love a convenient spray sunscreen,” she said. “It makes application so much easier, and I feel like I don’t miss a spot. The Rio Radiance smells so good (in line with Sol De Janeiro signature smells like summer scents!) and it leaves a nice glowy mist.”

She did note that some sweeter smelling sunscreens attract bugs, but she hasn’t experienced that with this product, making it a double winner in our book.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone,Octisalate, Octocrylene


Best Pregnancy-Safe: Paula’s Choice Calm Barrier Protect Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

A tube of mineral sunscreen from the brand Paula's Choice
Paula' Choice

Pros:

  • Good for all skin types
  • Gel-based
  • Budget-friendly

Cons:

  • Those with oily skin may find that the sunscreen feels greasy after a few hours of wear

Finding the right sunscreen is important no matter who you are, but especially if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. While some chemical sunscreens may not have octinoxate or other non-reef-conscious ingredients, it’s difficult to find one without something worth avoiding while pregnant or nursing. We like this mineral sunscreen option from Paula’s Choice. From its Calm collection, its gel-based formula is quick to dry, offers a SPF of 30, and has some soothing ingredients, like allantoin. Although labeled as good for all skin types, we do find this to be better for those with non-oily skin.

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc Oxide


Best Korean Sunscreen: innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

A bottle of Korean sunscreen
Amazon

Pros:

  • Non-greasy feel
  • Absorbs well and doesn’t leave a white cast, regardless of skin tone

Cons:

  • May not be suitable for those with oily skin

This is one of our favorite Korean sunscreens. Along with being budget-friendly, it’s loaded with ingredients that are soothing to the skin. Sunflower oil seed provides moisture, while cica delivers relief from itchiness and rediness. Vegan and cruelty free, it’s sure to become a favorite in your skin protection arsenal. Best of all, this best Korean sunscreen for the body comes in two different sizes, and can be used on the face too!

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate


Best Stick: CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick for Face and Body SPF 50

A sunscreen stick from CeraVe and one it its packaging.
Amazon

Pros:

  • Zinc oxide is made micro fine, so that the mineral sunscreen goes on clear
  • Contains three essential ceramides to strengthen skin barrier
  • Water-resistant

Cons:

  • Several sunscreens on our list offer water-resistance for 80 minutes, while this one only offers 40 minutes

You don’t have to be a germaphobe to see the benefit of a sunscreen that doesn’t require your hands to apply. Although this pick from CeraVe will only give 40 minutes of water-resistant wear, it does have a high SPF and goes on without leaving a white residue. Best of all, it also has hyaluronic acids, as well as essential ceramides to keep the skin barrier hydrated and strong.

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Titanium dioxide 


Best Spray: Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Body Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50

A bottle of Soleil Toujours
Sephora

Pros:

  • Made with 70% organic ingredients
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
  • Non-greasy

Cons:

  • Not reef-safe

Some of us prefer an SPF spray to a lotion, which is why we’re recommending this mist from Soleil Toujours. It’s similar to Abraham’s pick, but also contains vitamin C, an antioxidant that brightens skin and fights free radicals. Commerce Updates Editor Holly J Coley keeps a bottle on her work desk and never steps outside without spritzing herself with it.

“I love this stuff,” she said. “I prefer a spray for reapplications, so I don’t ruin my makeup, but I also make sure to spray my neck and hands. Frankly, if any piece of my skin is showing, you best believe it’s getting coated in this SPF. It’s not sticky and absorbs fast!”

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate


FAQ

How much sunscreen do I need to apply and how often?

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends you apply only one ounce of sunscreen (about the size of a shot glass) to your face and body about 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.

Why do I need to wear sunscreen even when it’s cloudy?

“We need to bust the myth that you only need sunscreen when you’re spending a day at the beach or out hiking,” said Sarnoff. “Wearing sunscreen should be a daily habit, like brushing your teeth.”

“The sun’s rays are reaching your skin even on overcast days, and the majority of UV rays can penetrate windows. Sun damage is cumulative, so even incidental exposure (like the kind that occurs while commuting to work or running errands) can increase your risk of skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen every day, in addition to covering up with clothing and seeking shade, can help keep your skin safe.”

Sunscreens compared

Brand + Product NamePriceSPF
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 with Sunflower Extract$22+50
Biossance Squalane + Zinc Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 PA +++$4630
Vanicream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50$1650
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+$10+50
EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion$3050
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50$42+50
Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40$20+40
Thinksport Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+$1750
Alastin Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen$5630
Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 70$970
Banana Boat Kid Sports Spray SPF 50$1450
Soleil Toujours Mineral Ally Daily Defense Sunscreen$4230
Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30 Sunscreen$2330
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion$9060
Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray$1730

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