Are body lotions with SPF effective?

Body lotions with SPF are effective. Make sure you use enough to fully cover the skin, about the size of a full shot glass.

Is SPF 15 enough for your body?

SPF 15 will protect you somewhat from the sun’s rays, but more SPF is better. Choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will provide more protection from the sun and prevent burning.

Should I use body sunscreen daily?

If you are exposed to the sun every day, you should use body sunscreen daily. If you wear clothing that covers your body, you do not necessarily need to wear sunscreen on your body. Always wear sunscreen on your face, however.

The 14 Best Body Lotions With SPF of 2023

A body lotion containing SPF is the ideal below-the-neck skincare solution. We're not talking about sunscreen per se—though a hydrating formula certainly does the trick—but rather an everyday moisturizer that also happens to protect from the sun's damaging rays.

"Using a body lotion with SPF hydrates your skin and provides sun protection in one simple step," says board-certified dermatologist Marie Hayag, MD. We're all for multi-step skincare routines, but when it comes to the body, one-and-done products are the way to go.

To get the most out of this hybrid product, Dr. Hayag says, "The higher the SPF, the better." And since you need a substantial amount to cover your entire body (roughly a shot glass full), generously sized containers are ideal.

We conducted hours of research to find the best body lotions with SPF on the market, evaluating high-rated options based on their sun-blocking ingredients and how efficiently they hydrated the skin. After considering dozens of options and consulting a dermatologist, we landed on these picks.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30 at Amazon

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Best Drugstore:

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion at Amazon

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Best Luxury:

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Mineral SPF at Amazon

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Runner-Up, Best Luxury :

Aesop Avail SPF 50 Body Lotion at Nordstrom

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Best Sheer:

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum at Amazon

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Best for Mature Skin:

Supergoop! Body Butter SPF 40 at Amazon

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Best for Sensitive Skin:

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Body Lotion at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

Unsun Cosmetics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 at Amazon

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Best Smell:

Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Lotion at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What To Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie

Sephora

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Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion Is the Ultimate Daily SPF

What We Like

No white cast
Water-resistant
Suitable for face and body

What We Don’t Like

Contains fragrance

Supergoop Play earns a 5 out of 5 overall score from us for its non-comedogenic formula that doesn't leave a white cast. This exceptionally versatile SPF 50 sunscreen comes in various sizes. The smaller options are popular for face protection, but when it comes to whole-body care, the 18-ounce pump bottle is the way to go.

OK, it's more like a jug than a bottle, but if you're serious about your SPF game, you'll be glad to have a hefty supply on hand. The milky lotion goes on smooth, absorbs quickly, and moisturizes your skin without making it feel greasy—it's even water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. While the mineral-free formula takes about 15 minutes to activate, the active ingredients are all reef-safe.

Price at time of publish: $68 for 18 oz

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 18 ounces | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Absorbs quickly
Lasting moisture

What We Don't Like

Takes 15 minutes to activate

If you're on a budget, go with Eucerin. This fast-absorbing daily moisturizing cream offers SPF 30 protection from the sun's harmful rays and promises hydrated, supple skin for a full 24 hours.

Price at time of publish: $8

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Dry, sensitive, balanced | Size: 8 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion SPF 15

Amazon

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Alba Botanica's Emollient Daily Shade Lotion Is My New Go-To for Everyday Wear

What We Like

Pump bottle
Lasting moisture
Creamy texture

What We Don't Like

Low SPF

Alba makes some of the best drugstore body care products, and this two-in-one moisturizer is no exception. Though it only offers SPF 15 protection, the super-emollient formula and fruity-botanical scent are tough to beat. Plus, the 32-ounce pump bottle will go a long way.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Balanced, dry | Size: 32 ounces | SPF: 15 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Daily Shade Lotion SPF 15 — Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

Josie Maran Whipped Argan Oil Mineral SPF 45 Body Butter

Amazon

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What We Like

Creamy texture
Lasting moisture
Reef-safe

What We Don't Like

Not water resistant

This premium body butter from Josie Maran calls on the brand's signature organic argan oil to nourish and hydrate your skin from the neck down. You'll also get immediate SPF 45 mineral protection from the sun.

Price at time of publish: $42

Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: 45 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstorm

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What We Like

Water-resistant
Broad spectrum protection
Moisturizing formula

What We Don't Like

Small amount

Another luxury pick is this lotion with sunscreen from Aesop. If you're someone that likes everything on your vanity to look very clean and stylish (or you're already an Aesop fanatic), this lotion has sleek packaging and offers SPF 50 protection to keep you protected all day long. It's also formulated with vitamin E and jojoba oil to moisturize the skin.

Price at time of publish: $43

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.1 ounces | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.7

Target

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What We Like

No white cast
Lasting moisture
Reef-safe

What We Don’t Like

Takes 15 minutes to activate

This reef-safe chemical sunscreen is designed to absorb easily without leaving a white cast. The sheer formula also offers deep, lasting moisturization and can be used on your face without worrying about breakouts.

Price at time of publish: $16

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.2

Supergoop! Body Butter with Sea Buckthorn

Amazon

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Supergoop! Forever Young Body Butter SPF 40 Review

What We Like

Creamy texture
Lasting moisture
Tightening effect

What We Don't Like

Takes 15 minutes to activate

Some people say sunscreen is the best wrinkle cream you can buy, as it prevents photoaging from occurring in the first place. But Supergoop's Body Butter takes it a step further. The delectable formula nourishes and plumps with a blend of skin-loving plant oils, while vitamin C and rice bran extract boost radiance and tighten.

Price at time of publish: $38

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 5.7 ounces | SPF: 40 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Supergoop! Forever Young Body Butter — Byrdie / Joline Buscemi

Amazon

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What We Like

Pump bottle
Non-irritating
Budget-friendly

What We Don’t Like

Takes 15 minutes to activate

Sensitive skin? Go with Aveeno. In addition to offering SPF 60 protection from sunburn and free radicals—one of the highest you'll find—the brand leans on its signature oat extract to keep irritation at bay.

Price at time of publish: $26

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oat extract | Skin Type: Sensitive | Size: 12 ounces | SPF: 60 | Cruelty-Free: No

Unsun Cosmetics Full Coverage Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Amazon

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What We Like

Lasting moisture
Boosts radiance
Water-resistant

What We Don't Like

Small amount

Flaunting a blend of plant oils, aloe vera, and prickly pear juice, this body lotion promises to quench thirsty skin while safeguarding it from the sun's harmful rays. While it's untinted, the citrus-infused formula delivers a subtle glow.

Price at time of publish: $32

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 3 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Lotion SPF 30

Amazon

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What We Like

Pump bottle
Lasting moisture
Water-resistant

What We Don't Like

Contains PEGs

Hempz is a standby for deeply moisturizing body lotions with juicy, invigorating scents. Infused with the extracts of starfruit and yuzu (a sort of orange-lemon hybrid), this one smells citrusy and fresh but not too overpowering. The SPF 30 protection is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Price at time of publish: $22

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: Dry | Size: 8.5 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Sport SPF 50

Amazon

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What We Like

Budget-friendly
Water-resistant
Vegan

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

If you're looking for something that holds up against sweating and splashing, Bare Republic is your best bet. This body lotion provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with up to 80 minutes of water resistance. And since it's a mineral formula, you don't have to wait 15 minutes for it to activate.

Price at time of publish: $14

Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | Skin Type: All | Size: 5 ounces | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Water-resistant
Smells amazing

What We Don’t Like

Takes 15 minutes to activate

As its name suggests, Vacation Classic Lotion is ideal for trips away from home. Not only is the 3.4-ounce tube TSA-approved for carry-on luggage, but this moisturizing cream absorbs super quickly, offers 80 minutes of water resistance, and smells like paradise.

Price at time of publish: $18

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Everyday Humans Oh My Bod! SPF 50 Body Sunscreen

Amazon

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What We Like

Absorbs quickly
Water-resistant
No white cast

What We Don’t Like

Contains PEGs

Looking to preserve the color of your tattoos? Everyday Humans has you covered. This SPF 50 lotion goes on smooth, absorbs quickly without a white cast, and holds up for 80 minutes against sweating and splashing. Even if you're not inked, it's an all-around great sunscreen for the body.

Price at time of publish: $18

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: 50 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Bask

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What We Like

Reef-friendly
Easy to re-apply
No white cast

What We Don't Like

Contains fragrance

Not all sunscreens are created equal—as in some are water-resistant for a certain period of time, and some shouldn't be worn in the water at all. If you're headed to the beach or the pool, pick up this sunscreen lotion from Bask. It's water-resistant for 80 minutes, and it has a fast-absorbing, water-free formula so reapplication is easy and quick. We also love that it's reef-friendly, so it's completely safe to wear in the ocean.

Price at time of publish: $24

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Skin Type: All | Size: 3.4 ounces | SPF: 30 | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion is hands down the best body lotion with SPF. The versatile formula absorbs quickly, feels comfortable on your skin, and won't leave a white cast. If you're looking for a slightly more affordable option, we recommend Eucerin Daily Hydration Cream SPF 30, which promises to keep your skin moisturized for a full 24 hours.

Meet the Expert

Marie Hayag, MD, is a New York-based board-certified dermatologist and assistant clinical professor at Mount Sinai Hospital.

What to Look For in a Body Lotion With SPF

Ample sun protection

If you’re planning to use an SPF body lotion as your actual sunscreen, Dr. Hayag recommends opting for products that offer at least SPF 30 sun protection. “Look for UVA/UVB broad-spectrum mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and/or chemical ingredients like ecamsule (Mexoryl) or La Roche-Posay’s Cell-Ox Shield,” she adds.

Some products on our list offer less than SPF 30 (like the Alba Botanica Very Emollient Body Lotion SPF 15) and are still great options for daily wear; just be sure to reapply them consistently, especially if you’ll be outdoors—and reach for a stronger product if you plan to hit the beach.

Lightweight texture

We all love to pamper ourselves with body butter from time to time, but when it comes to SPF body lotions that we’ll be wearing daily, Dr. Hayag recommends looking for a product that’s more lightweight in texture. “No one wants to feel sticky all day long,” she says. We sure don’t! We love the Eucerin Daily Hydration Body Cream with SPF 30 for its weightless feel and quick absorbency.

Beneficial ingredients

Make the most out of your body lotion by choosing a product that offers more than just light hydration and sun protection. Dr. Hayag suggests reaching for lotions that are packed with antioxidants or nourishing, barrier-protecting ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and shea butter. For example, the Hempz Yuzu & Starfruit Daily Herbal Lotion SPF 30 is formulated with shea biutter and jojoba oil for soft, hydrated skin. Looking to boost dull skin? Opt for a product with a gentle chemical exfoliant like an AHA.

FAQ

Are body lotions with SPF effective?

Body lotions with SPF are effective. Make sure you use enough to fully cover the skin, about the size of a full shot glass.
Is SPF 15 enough for your body?

SPF 15 will protect you somewhat from the sun’s rays, but more SPF is better. Choosing a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher will provide more protection from the sun and prevent burning.
Should I use body sunscreen daily?

If you are exposed to the sun every day, you should use body sunscreen daily. If you wear clothing that covers your body, you do not necessarily need to wear sunscreen on your body. Always wear sunscreen on your face, however.

Why Trust Byrdie

Theresa Holland is a commerce writer specializing in beauty, lifestyle, and wellness. With expert insight from a board-certified dermatologist in mind, she looked at several formulas reviewed by our home testers and considered dozens more from various brands and retailers before narrowing down the winners. As a dedicated SPF-wearer, she has used many items on this list, including Supergoop, Eucerin, Alba, Everyday Humans, Vacation, Hempz, and Aveeno. Theresa covers skincare, makeup, and fitness equipment at Byrdie.

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