We’ll continue to shout this until we’re blue in the face: sunscreen is arguably the most valuable product in your beauty bag. It’s the most important skin-care product you’ll own and use, both on your face and body. Wearing sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, which prevents skin cancer and ageing, and also helps to minimise other facial skin concerns including hyperpigmentation, rosacea, sun spots, and fine lines. As the weather gets warmer, it’s especially important to stock up on some decent sun cream formulas for the body that you’ll actually use — and even enjoy using.
We know the road to finding the perfect SPF is often filled with trial and error, which can be daunting, expensive, and, at times, greasy. But that’s why we’re here to help.
How to Find the Best Sunscreen
There are a few things to consider when finding the right SPF to slather all over your body this summer. First, which application method do you prefer? Spray, bottle, or stick? Next, what’s important when it comes to formula? Water-resistant, transparent colour, or something non-greasy? Do you want a mineral or chemical sunscreen formula? Those with skin conditions like rosacea tend to do better with a mineral sunscreen as they cause less irritation, but those with darker skin tones will often find that mineral formulas leave a white cast. And finally, what factor do you want?
What SPF Should I Use?
SPF extends your natural skin’s defence against the sun’s harmful rays. So, SPF 15 provides about 15 times more protection against the sun than your skin alone. Meanwhile, SPF 50 would provide 50 times the protection.
Keep reading to shop the 12 sunscreens for the body that we keep going back to year after year.
Best Moisturising Sunscreen
Nivea Protect and Moisture Sunscreen Lotion ($14)
This sunscreen provides one of the highest sunburn protection ratings on the market. What makes it stand out though is its moisturising formula with vitamin E. It’s dermatologically tested and has a four-hour water-resistancy.
Best Body Sun Cream for Sensitive Skin
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ ($14.95)
If you find that your skin is super sensitive with sunscreen, the Bondi Sands sun cream could be for you. This fragrance-free formula is friendlier to sensitive skin and those who experience prickly heat. It’s not greasy or sticky, but it is super moisturising thanks to the added Vitamin E. The SPF 50 lotion offers UVA and UVB protection, alongside antioxidant protection, which defends the skin against environmental factors such as pollution. It’s also water-resistant for up to 4 hours.
Best Sustainable Body Sunscreen
Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray ($23.99)
Aside from being an easy-to-use formula with a non-greasy or sticky finish, the Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray smells incredible. Think tropical holiday with a piña colada in hand. Being the most sustainable body sun cream on our list, this sun cream is made without sulphates, parabens, oxybenzone or octinoxate in the ingredients – which also makes it completely reef-friendly. You can relax knowing this product is completely vegan, cruelty-free, and even gluten-free. It’s a must for any eco-friendly packing list.
Best Body Sun Stick
Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ ($70)
If you prefer a solid formula to give you the skin protection that you need out in the sun, the Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ is an ideal candidate for leaving zero residue or cast after use. It can also be used on the skin under or over makeup, as most foundation don’t protect against the sun. Although it’s a stick formula, it is lightweight and also water and sweat-resistant. We’ll meet you by the sea!
Best Vitamin E Body Sun Cream
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen ($23.75)
We love that K-beauty has taken the world by storm, and leading the way is COSRX with its Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen. Enriched with Vitamin E – which protects delicate skin with its antioxicant properties, is extremely hydrating, and has even been shown to relieve eczema in some cases – this body sun cream helps to reduce free radicals and visible signs of ageing and skin damage in the skin. This product is suitable for all skin types, being lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-greasy, without leaving a white cast. If you struggle with oily skin, this sun cream doesn’t clog pores either, as it contains Silica which controls oil and sebum.
Best Shimmer Body Sun Cream
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion ($16.99)
While we appreciate a good SPF formula, we love a bit of sparkle, too. So, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion is right up our street. This subtle shimmering body suncream, which contains a light-reflecting mica mineral to make the skin sparkle in the sun, is the only sun protection with stunning swirls of hydration throughout, which boasts silk protein and glycerin, to keep your skin feeling soft for 12 hours. The sunscreen feels lightweight, ultra nourishing, and smells divine with its coconut fragrance, as well as providing protection against UVA and UVB. It also gives your skin that golden-hour sun-kissed glow.
Most Hydrating Body Sun Cream
Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+ ($35)
A new addition to our summer beauty arsenal, the Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+ is one of the most elegant sunscreens out there right now, not to mention its dreamy formula. It’s super lightweight, fast absorbing, and sweat-resistant. It also contains aloe vera, vitamin E, and pentavitin (an ultra-hydrating ingredient), which all work to soothe and moisturise the skin. The formula also contains a subtle shimmer, which adds an extra glow during the sunny months.
