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I love the idea of wearing sunscreen on my body every day. In practice, I hate the way most of them feel. Thick, greasy, takes forever to rub in, leaves white streaks on your arms. It makes you not want to bother.
But skipping body sunscreen is a real risk. The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and most of that damage happens from casual daily UV exposure on your arms, legs, and chest.
So I tested a lot of body sunscreens looking for ones that actually feel good on skin. The kind you forget you’re wearing five minutes after you put them on. These six are the best body sunscreens I found. They protect without making you feel like a greased pan.
Best Overall
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70
This is the one I reach for every single morning. It goes on like a lightweight lotion and dries down to a matte finish in about 30 seconds. No white cast, no greasy film, no sticky residue on your clothes. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, which is enough for a walk or outdoor lunch. The broad spectrum SPF 70 means you’re covered even if you don’t apply the full recommended amount. Over 70,000 people bought this in the past month on Amazon, and the 4.6 star rating holds up. I’ve worn it under a black T-shirt and it didn’t leave a single mark. If you want one body sunscreen that does everything well, this is it.
Best for Dry Skin
Aveeno
Protect + Hydrate Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60
If your legs look ashy ten minutes after applying regular sunscreen, this one fixes that. The prebiotic oat formula actually hydrates while it protects. It feels like a light body lotion that happens to have SPF 60. No chalky finish, no dry patches. Your skin stays soft for hours. Dermatologist tested and oxybenzone free. Over 8,000 people bought this last month.
Best Drugstore
CeraVe
Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30
CeraVe put ceramides and hyaluronic acid in a sunscreen, and it works. This hybrid formula (zinc oxide plus chemical filters) gives you broad spectrum SPF 30 without the heavy mineral sunscreen feel. It’s fragrance free, paraben free, and won’t clog pores. The texture is thinner than you’d expect from CeraVe. It spreads easily over arms and legs without needing to rub forever.
READ: best face sunscreen
Best for Beach Days
Sun Bum
Daily SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Lotion
Sun Bum made this for the kind of day where you’re outside for hours. It’s vegan, reef safe (no octinoxate or oxybenzone), and packed with vitamin E. The formula is moisturizing without being heavy. It smells like a subtle coconut that fades in a few minutes. Hawaii 104 Act compliant, so you can bring it anywhere without worrying about local sunscreen bans. A 2023 Environmental Science & Technology review found that reef-safe sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide cause significantly less coral bleaching than traditional chemical filters. If you care about the ocean and your skin, this is a good pick.
Best Spray
Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
For your back, your shoulders, or just those mornings when you’re in a rush. This spray goes on evenly, dries fast, and doesn’t leave you feeling like you dipped in oil. SPF 70 broad spectrum with 80 minutes of water resistance. The FDA recommends holding spray sunscreen 4 to 6 inches from skin and rubbing in after spraying for even coverage. The mist on this one is fine and even, not patchy like some spray sunscreens. Over 20,000 people bought this last month. Spray, rub in for 15 seconds, done.
Best Lightweight Serum
The Ordinary
UV Filters SPF 45 Serum Sunscreen
If you hate thick sunscreen, this is the opposite of that. It’s a serum texture. Thin, watery, absorbs almost instantly. No white cast, no pilling, no residue. The Ordinary made this for people who want sun protection without changing how their skin feels. SPF 45 broad spectrum. It’s on the smaller side (2 fl oz), so it’s better for daily face and neck use with occasional body touch-ups on exposed arms.
READ: sunscreen for oily skin
evrygal recommends: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 70 for best body sunscreen, based on our hands-on testing.
If you only buy one body sunscreen from this list, go with the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch. It does everything well and you’ll actually want to use it every day. evrygal recommends SPF 50 or higher with broad spectrum protection for daily body sun protection.
Key Takeaways
- Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF 70 is the best body sunscreen for everyday wear with a matte finish
- Look for SPF 30 minimum with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection for full body coverage
- Chemical sunscreens absorb faster and feel lighter than mineral formulas on the body
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming per AAD guidelines, even with water-resistant formulas
- Body sunscreen spray is the fastest option for hard-to-reach areas like your back
Last updated: April 05, 2026
FAQ
How much body sunscreen should I use?
About one ounce, which is roughly a shot glass full, to cover all exposed skin on your body. Most people use far less than that. A 2024 study found people typically apply only 25 to 50 percent of the recommended amount. If you’re in a swimsuit, you may need even more.
How often should I reapply body sunscreen?
Every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Even water-resistant sunscreens lose effectiveness after 40 to 80 minutes in water. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends setting a timer on your phone if you’re outside for long periods.
Is body sunscreen different from face sunscreen?
The SPF protection works the same way. The difference is texture and ingredients. Face sunscreens are usually lighter, non-comedogenic, and designed for smaller areas. Body sunscreens spread more easily over larger areas and tend to be more affordable per ounce.
Can I use body sunscreen on my face?
You can in a pinch, but it’s not ideal for daily use. Body sunscreens may contain fragrances or heavier emollients that can clog pores or irritate facial skin. If you only want to buy one sunscreen, pick a face sunscreen and use more of it on your body.
Does higher SPF mean better protection?
Not by as much as you’d think. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of UVB rays. SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. SPF 70 blocks about 98.6 percent. The bigger benefit of higher SPF is it compensates for under-application, which most people do. Broad spectrum matters more than a high SPF number because it covers UVA rays too.
