New York Post Composite 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,” Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, NYC dermatologist and president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, told the New York 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.
“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,” Dr. 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.
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.
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.
For a quick glance at all the best sunscreens, check out the comparison chart at the bottom of the article.
Amazon 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.
Shari Sperling, MD, 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 2,000 rave reviews on Amazon, has an impressive 4.7-star rating, and is also a favorite of our Commerce Streaming Reporter Angela Tricarico (as a longtime fan of Supergoop!’s facial sunscreens, she was excited to finally give the brand’s Play lotion sunscreen a try!)
“I put it to the test during a recent trip to Florida and am happy to say I returned home sunburn-free after three days of non-stop activity!” Tricarico shared. “It’s a lightweight lotion that goes on smooth (not sticky at all!), absorbs quickly and lacks the classic sunscreen scent that can be a bit overwhelming.”
She can be super picky about sunscreens because of the oily sheen most lotions tend to leave, but this one genuinely just felt like putting body lotion on. “I’ll definitely continue using it as spring turns to summer,” she noted.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Amazon Pros: Leaves your skin glowing Non-sticky Luxurious to use, with ample SPF protection Cons: Price point may be unreachable to some I recently brought the Kopari Sunglaze Body Gel Cream Sunscreen SPF 50+ on a trip to Aruba, and it completely redefined what I expect from body sunscreen.
From the very first application, it felt incredibly lightweight, more like a silky skincare product than a traditional SPF. The gel-cream texture melted into my skin almost instantly, leaving zero white cast and none of that sticky, heavy residue you usually have to tolerate. It absorbed so quickly that I could get dressed right after applying, which made it perfect for busy beach mornings.
Oh, and it was *so* luxurious to the touch. It’s infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, so instead of just protecting your skin, it actively leaves it looking smoother, more radiant, and healthy. The finish is what I can only describe as a natural glow — not glittery or greasy. With this, you achieve that effortless “sun-kissed” sheen that looks amazing in vacation photos. Plus, the subtle coconut milk scent made the whole experience feel like a mini tropical escape every time I reapplied.
After using it daily under the intense Aruba sun, I can confidently say this is the best body sunscreen for achieving a natural glow without compromising on protection. It kept my skin hydrated, comfortable, and luminous the entire trip, all while delivering reliable broad-spectrum SPF 50+ coverage. If you’re someone who hates the typical feel of sunscreen but still wants that healthy, radiant finish, this one is an absolute standout. It’s skincare, sun protection and vacation glow bottled into one.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
Okay, I have to spill— the CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 is officially my new obsession. I mean, I’ve tried a ton of mineral sunscreens that either left me looking like Casper’s less glamorous cousin or felt like I was smearing glue all over myself. However, this one felt like butter — if butter could actually protect you from the sun.
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide do their superhero thing, bouncing those UV rays right off me, while ceramides and hyaluronic acid sneak in some serious hydration. My skin feels happy, my shoulders feel protected and I don’t even mind slathering it on. It’s gentle, fragrance-free and oil-free, which basically makes it the chill, reliable friend I didn’t know my skin needed.
And here’s the best part: it actually stays wearable. There isn’t an off-putting chalky finish, and it’s luckily cost-effective.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
If you have dry skin, finding a body sunscreen that actually feels good can feel like chasing a mirage, but this one nails it.
The Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is specifically designed to do double duty: deliver serious broad-spectrum protection while acting like a deeply nourishing moisturizer. Thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid and humectants, it helps replenish your skin’s moisture and keep it hydrated for hours, instead of leaving you tight, chalky or desperate for lotion later.
When testing, I noticed its standout feature is how it manages to be rich without being greasy — something most high-SPF body sunscreens struggle to balance.
I put this to the ultimate test on vacation in Aruba (where the sun does not play around, may I add)and it absolutely delivered. My skin stayed comfortable, protected and incredibly moisturized all day long, even after hours in the heat. It has that “your skin but better” feel:smooth, hydrated and never suffocated under a heavy layer. It’s the rare sunscreen that makes you want to reapply, and for dry skin especially, it’s basically sunshine-proof hydration in a bottle.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
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 Marisa Garshick, MD, board-certified dermatologist 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 SPF 50 broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant up to 80 minutes.”
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.
“It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a good option for all skin types and won’t rub off when sweating,” Dr. Garshick added.
Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, Octisalate
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 said.
“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
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.
Plus, it offers broad-spectrum coverage, is BPA-free and biodegradable and is free of oxybenzone. “I love that it is available in a 6-ounce tube, ensuring enough for application and reapplication if you are out for the day,” she added.
When it comes to sunscreen spray for the body, Amy Newburger, MD, board-certified dermatologist, likes this non-greasy sunscreen for the body pick made by Neutrogena. It’s also a go-to of Commerce Streaming Reporter Angela Tricarico, as well as Commerce Senior Strategist, Audience Optimization & Discovery Meaghan Seward.
“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, Seward 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
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. I regularly use it to protect me from the sun.
The Native Unscented Sunscreen is a dream for my sensitive skin, and it doesn’t leave a white cast. The best part? It doesn’t burn whenever I use it and it absorbs seamlessly into my skin..
I love 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.”
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, Dr. 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 two 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
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
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
The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion is an ultra-strong, SPF 60 formula by a Japanese-based skincare line. It’s recommended to reapply this sunscreen every two hours.
“This sunscreen is lightweight, blendable, and hydrating,” Abraham said, 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
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 Sun Bum 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 Reporter 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 Sun Bum 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
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
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
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.
“I never skip my ears, my entire nose, the back of my neck, tops of my feet, backs of my hands, underarms, behind my knees or thin areas of my scalp,” Hannah Kopelman, MD, board-certified dermatologist, told The Post. “These are also areas that are common for skin cancers!”I
Dr. Kopelman also also recommend using a lip sunscreen because we can also get sun damage around the lips.
“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.”
“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.”
This article was written by Victoria McDonnell, New York Post Commerce Journalist & Content Strategist, who has spent countless hours researching, testing hundreds of products and comparing the latest makeup, skincare, hair and beauty items and trends to determine what’s truly worth your hard-earned cash. She evaluates formulas, textures, ingredients and more, in addition to consulting medical and industry experts. Some of Victoria’s latest conquests include testing the best sheet masks on the market, and a rinse-and-repeat review of the best shampoos for all hair types and budgets. Victoria, who received a beauty industry essentials certification from the Fashion Institute of Technology, has been creating shopping guides for the New York Post since 2021 and previously held positions at Insider Reviews and CNN Underscored.
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